New GC1705 owner

[07keo02]

I do a ton of research, so finding this site came quickly in my search.

I will have to decide if adding remotes and an aftermarket backhoe is more cost effective than trading in at some point.

I really need a grapple and box blade at the moment, and including those, a gc1710/gc1720 didn't fit the budget.

Really interesting power difference MF chose in the various models, and in a way advantages to each. For example, only .2hp less at the PTO in the lower power models (@540rpm) but lower engine rpm. The extra 2.5 engine hp at full rpm surely comes in handy, but I haven't ran out of power yet, only traction/hydraulics. Would have been great to have the better seat and light guards though. I have had a few issues running out of hydrostatic power in reverse (low range) when sloped down hill in soft conditions, and I wonder if the higher rpm and relative lower gearing would have made a difference. All in all, though, it is performing well and I am happy with the machine.

Anyways, here she is, in all her muddy, missouri rain glory.

 

[SteveM70]

There is probably a stop (adjustable threaded bolt IIRC) under your reverse pedal preventing it from going all the way down. I had the same problem when my tractor was new and that turned out to be the culprit. Just a cheap way to regulate reverse speed from the factory I suppose.

 

[2ndhalf]

Welcome fellow Massey owner! Good choice of tractor... make sure you have rear ballast when doing your grapple work.

 

[MAN IN BLACK]

Welcoe to the forum....and GREAT choice of tractor !
You wont be disapointed...very capable little machine.
The only negative I have on it...is low ground clearance for working in the woods....but I have other options !

 

[AxleHub]

O7keo02,

It's easier to rent a small backhoe than it is a grapple and any one of mytractortools. COM grapple choices is much lesscost than an add on backhoe.

Judging by your picture. . . You have trees/woods too lol.

You will find many uses for your new GC. By the way. . . It looks like you were already playing in the dust and mud

 

[07keo02]

O7keo02,

It's easier to rent a small backhoe than it is a grapple and any one of mytractortools. COM grapple choices is much lesscost than an add on backhoe.

Judging by your picture. . . You have trees/woods too lol.

You will find many uses for your new GC. By the way. . . It looks like you were already playing in the dust and mud

That is a good point. I still have some trees on the ground from when I rented a min i excavator. Very difficult to try and move around with bucket only.

Yes it needs a bath already. Lots of rain here and I tried to play in the woods. It hit some soft ground and was buried bad. I had to dig myself out with the FEL. Really want it to dry out here. Amazing what you can come up with to get done with a new tractor/FEL.

 

[07keo02]

There is probably a stop (adjustable threaded bolt IIRC) under your reverse pedal preventing it from going all the way down. I had the same problem when my tractor was new and that turned out to be the culprit. Just a cheap way to regulate reverse speed from the factory I suppose.

I adjusted the stop yesterday and did some work with the tractor today. It seemed much better, thanks.

I have that bolt ran all the way in with the jam nut in between. It is still contacting the bolt before the linkage has stress on it (and has to stop it). Anyone know if there is harm in using its full range? I wouldn't see why but.....

 

[07keo02]

Finally drying out here a bit so I washed it up and made sure the transmission fins/and cooling fan were clean.

In the other picture is my honda 5518 4wd AWS. It was supposed to be the tractor that was to do the job of the MF, but parts were too rare and expensive. I hate to sell it but may need to. It is still a beast.

 

[SteveM70]

I adjusted the stop yesterday and did some work with the tractor today. It seemed much better, thanks.

I have that bolt ran all the way in with the jam nut in between. It is still contacting the bolt before the linkage has stress on it (and has to stop it). Anyone know if there is harm in using its full range? I wouldn't see why but.....

I'm relatively certain the bolt and jam nut is nothing more than a cheap but effective reverse speed limited. I have put over 230 hours on my GC since doing exactly as you did (I checked to verify after my first post) and it's doing great but if on the off chance it could lead to harm to the tractor then I'm in trouble because I couldn't get around on my steep hillsides the way it came to me.

BTW, that's a neat looking Honda. I've seen some Honda mowers but nothing as capable looking as that one.

 

[07keo02]

I took the bolt all the way out to see how much reverse travel there is and something else stops it. I assume you don't want to mash it down and strain the linkage, so I made sure it does contact the bolt. It still makes contact ran all the way in. I'm leaving it, as you said, I had poor performance in reverse and it's much better now. I was actually concerned, before I had to use the loader to help me back up in a few steep places. Now it will spin the tires if it gets to that point.

Yeah the honda is a unique machine. 18hp, has 4wd, aws, diff lock. It has an 8 speed manual trans high/low. It will go anywhere. In fact, it ran circles around the MF in soft conditions, and would have had to pull it out of the mud of it wasn't for the FEL. It has Ag tires though so expected. Hydraulic lift on the front and snow plow/dozer blade. Unfortunately, mine lacks rear lift and a 3 point. They even made a loader for it, but as I said, parts are just too rare.