Ready to buy 1648 or 1652

[gharms]

Finally I am ready to pull the trigger on buying a MF tractor. I have seen enough of this winter to know that a snow blower is needed, as the neighbor had major problems keeping my driveway free, not knowing where to put the snow. In short, he failed at that, leaving us with a major snow drift. Poor guy felt really bad, but I did not need to go to work that day anyways.

Originally I was looking into the MF 1643, but converted to either the 1648 or 1652 to get higher PTO hp. I got quotes on both of them, with the following:

DL 130 loader
2 rear remotes
engine block heater
Ag tires
open station
12x12 power shuttle

Prices are: MF 1648 = 29250; MF 1652 = 30450

These are for paying cash. The option of "0%" 72 months financing is 4000 US$ more expensive. Do you guys think the prices are ok? I would like to pull the trigger soon, as the wait for one of those is apparently 3 months.

Thanks,

Gerda

 

[MIKE R]

The 1652 is a great tractor. I just came in from rescuing a friend who got drifted in by 2foot high drifts. The 1652 with a 7foot blower is unstoppable. The prices seem bang on. For a extra $8000 you can have a cab and clear snow in comfort.

 

[gharms]

Good to hear the prices seem fair! I already went pricier than originally anticipated because I decided that a FEL would be very useful to have right away. And by opting for the bigger tractor instead of the MF 1643. But I will save on not going with the mid PTO, as we are opting for a rear 3pt snow blower. Cab is not an option as the tractor would not fit in the garage then.

 

[rhardy6f26]

I just purchased the 1648 with cab and FEL. I must say the cab is pretty sweet especially when the wind is howling and the snow is blowing. Nothing quite like getting snow blown into your face trying to clear 3/4 mile of private road.
The 1648 has plenty of power for anything i have done so far. Hydraulics are great. The 1648 and 52 both have the same lift capacities. Only difference would be the hp for running the pto.
Buy now if you can. I heard the 16 series will be replaced by a 17 series this year to meet the new tier iv emmisions. Prices will be going up.

 

[gharms]

I will probably go this Saturday to buy the tractor.

 

[MIKE R]

I will probably go this Saturday to buy the tractor.

Good luck, don't forget to post pictures.

I must say the cab is pretty sweet especially when the wind is howling and the snow is blowing.

The cabs are nice, you could clear snow in your underwear and still be comfortable and warm...

 

[jymbee]

It's an either/or thing w/ the cab, right? That is, you have to buy the model with the cab as you can't retrofit the cabless models after purchase?

The 1652 is a great tractor. I just came in from rescuing a friend who got drifted in by 2foot high drifts. The 1652 with a 7foot blower is unstoppable. The prices seem bang on. For a extra $8000 you can have a cab and clear snow in comfort.

 

[MIKE R]

It's an either/or thing w/ the cab, right? That is, you have to buy the model with the cab as you can't retrofit the cabless models after purchase?

Its a cab or no cab.

You can probably get a aftermarket soft cab for it. I never looked to see if there was one available.

 

[WilliamBos]

Its a cab or no cab.

You can probably get a aftermarket soft cab for it. I never looked to see if there was one available.

For the cost, get the oem cab. You will be better off, as it won't cost much more.

When you buy a cab model 1600, you get one set of rearremotes standard, you do not with the open station.

 

[gharms]

I decided to go with the MF 1648, but did not sign yet as the owner of the store was not there yesterday, only the sales person. And only the owner can decide on how far they can go down in price for me. Tomorrow I will know more. Will be the open station. If I wanted the cab, I would definitely go OEM as well.

 

[jymbee]

I'm at the same point decision-wise. Was looking at the 1643 last fall. After checking out the somewhat larger 1648 decided the step up was the way to go. Quote I got was:

1648HL 4WD Comnpact Tractor-Loader Package with Hydro Transmission, R4 Industrial Tires and Massey Ferguson DL130 Front-End Loader Package with 72" Heavy Duty Skid_Attach Bucker and Grill Guard. With "Cash Discounts" the Package Sale Price is $25,500.

They also were able to find at another dealer the same basic package with the Power Shuttle for $26,750.

Almost bought last fall but targeting March this year to buy now.

Problem w/ the cab for me is that for probably 90% of the time, it would be more of a hindrance than an asset. Manuevering through woods, hopping on and off attaching cables/chains moving rocks, etc. I did look at a Massey with an aftermarket soft cab last year. Yes, pretty cheese compared to the OEM option, but seems like it would give me more flexibility for my purposes.

Keep us posted as to your purchasing progress!

I decided to go with the MF 1648, but did not sign yet as the owner of the store was not there yesterday, only the sales person. And only the owner can decide on how far they can go down in price for me. Tomorrow I will know more. Will be the open station. If I wanted the cab, I would definitely go OEM as well.

 

[WilliamBos]

If you are doing a lot of heavy engaging work with it, like skidding logs, I suggest the powershuttle over the hst. Not difficult to use at all.

Get them to add a block heater, they are dealer installed.

Good luck.

I'm at the same point decision-wise. Was looking at the 1643 last fall. After checking out the somewhat larger 1648 decided the step up was the way to go. Quote I got was:

1648HL 4WD Comnpact Tractor-Loader Package with Hydro Transmission, R4 Industrial Tires and Massey Ferguson DL130 Front-End Loader Package with 72" Heavy Duty Skid_Attach Bucker and Grill Guard. With "Cash Discounts" the Package Sale Price is $25,500.

They also were able to find at another dealer the same basic package with the Power Shuttle for $26,750.

Almost bought last fall but targeting March this year to buy now.

Problem w/ the cab for me is that for probably 90% of the time, it would be more of a hindrance than an asset. Manuevering through woods, hopping on and off attaching cables/chains moving rocks, etc. I did look at a Massey with an aftermarket soft cab last year. Yes, pretty cheese compared to the OEM option, but seems like it would give me more flexibility for my purposes.

Keep us posted as to your purchasing progress!

 

[jymbee]

If you are doing a lot of heavtpy engaging work with it, like skidding logs, I suggest the powershuttle over the hst. Not difficult to use at all.

Get them to add a block heater, they are dealer installed.

Good luck.

Right-- I had told them I wanted the powershuttle but as they had the hydro in stock, they gave me that price as well. Seems like pretty good pricing compared to some others I've seen. Hope I don't live to regret not buying back then when I had the chance!

 

[gharms]

Wow, yumbee, you got some really good quotes on hand. I contacted three additional dealerships around here, and all came in very close to my original quote. Just notified my dealer to order the following:

MF 1648 open platform
12x12 powershuttle
engine block heater
1 rear remote (we were contemplating where we would be using 2 and could not think of any yet)
DL130 front end loader complete with 72" bucket

28400 cash

I guess I just ordered my tractor!

 

[MIKE R]

Wow, yumbee, you got some really good quotes on hand. I contacted three additional dealerships around here, and all came in very close to my original quote. Just notified my dealer to order the following:

MF 1648 open platform
12x12 powershuttle
engine block heater
1 rear remote (we were contemplating where we would be using 2 and could not think of any yet)
DL130 front end loader complete with 72" bucket

28400 cash

I guess I just ordered my tractor!

Congratulations. I am sure you will have lots of fun with it.

 

[jymbee]

Assuming a dealer doesn't have exactly what you want in stock, it seems the price quotes would depend in large part on what kind of deal then can make with fellow dealers within range. Probably some get along with each other better than others.

What kind of a wait are you looking at?

Wow, yumbee, you got some really good quotes on hand. I contacted three additional dealerships around here, and all came in very close to my original quote. Just notified my dealer to order the following:

MF 1648 open platform
12x12 powershuttle
engine block heater
1 rear remote (we were contemplating where we would be using 2 and could not think of any yet)
DL130 front end loader complete with 72" bucket

28400 cash

I guess I just ordered my tractor!

 

[gharms]

Earliest I can expect delivery is end of March. I hope to get it on time to be ready for first mowing tasks! I am excited! And I think you may be right, price depends on how much willing dealers are working together. However my tractor will be ordered directly from MF.

 

[gharms]

Little exciting update: It was ordered this morning from MF!!!

 

[jymbee]

Little exciting update: It was ordered this morning from MF!!!

Let the waiting begin... :thumbsup:

Around the March timeframe is when I'd like to get mine as well. Your situation has reminded me that there's no way to know whether local dealers will be able to come up with something in stock, so I need to start the purchasing ball rolling now or else March will come and go and I'll still be tractorless.

 

[gharms]

Unless your dealer has one or can get one from another dealer, you really have to get started. Two dealers told me this independent from each other. And yes I second another member's opinion here: Get the 12x12 PowerShuttle and not the HST! Will leave you with a little more PTO power, and it is definitely more fun!! I testdrove both versions and the HST just reminded me of my lawn mower; not very satisfying... I guess I grew up on a farm, hehe!