gc1705 guidance please

[masseygreg]

New 1705, mmm, dl95 loader, ag tires fluid filled. replaced aging and worn ventrac with the massey. operating on significant slope for mowing, it feels stable but considering 2" wheel spacers to widen the stance slightly, input? Also has anyone found the missing 2.5 hp of the 1715? I'm happy with the power but know the same engine has more in the "deluxe" model. TIA, expect me to ask many more ?'s as time goes.

 

[edgarrian]

I think u will really like the machine. I have one as well. Ive had it for a little over a year and I have over 100hrs on it. I take joy in drinking a beer while getting things accomplished.

 

[masseygreg]

I mostly love it so far with a couple of exceptions, I can't find a float position on the loader joystick? The manual shows one? Also the grass deflector won't fold up more than 45 degrees, makes it tough to load and store with 6' door and trailer.

 

[edgarrian]

I have not found float either.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

I had a GC2400 (previous model to GC1705) for 3 years and traded up to a GC1720 about a year and a half ago. The difference in power isn't that noticeable. Its just a hair snappier not eh hydraulics with a half gallon more flow, but again, no big deal. You can always just over run the RPMs a bit on the 1705 if you want. But I really see no reason to do so.

To put the loader in float, you need to give the joystick a hard snap up. Play around, you'll find it. Based in reports, seems some valves are harder than others to get into float. I don't seem to have any issues.

For wheel spacers, max width depends on the mower deck you have. Just measure between the rear tires and the rear anti scalp wheels not he mower deck to make sure there won't be any interference.

 

[masseygreg]

I have not found float either.

Update: It takes significant force to access the float position, I forced it once I realized it existed. I'm sure it will loosen up with use.

 

[not2old]

I have a GC2610TLB and rarely use the RPM that is needed to produce the extra power.I use 2000RPM for the hoe and while plowing snow, only revving higher if I need the extra power for digging or lifting something that it won't do.

 

[Bremse]

I had trouble finding float at first as well. As others have said, you have to overcome a very strong detent which takes some force. If the bucket is low already you have to push hard on the lever quickly, otherwise the bucket will be on the ground with hydraulic force before you get to the float position. I was worried at first I'd break off the lever but once you know it's easy to make it happen and it's a great feature. Very useful for smoothing out material by backdragging the slightly angled bucket over loose gravel or dirt.

 

[AxleHub]

The key to using the float is to understand once you have engaged it you can still adjust the curl/tilt while the float is engaged as long as you don't adjust the up and down.

Engaging the float is an angular upward movement (1:30 or 2:00 angle direction). (not 12:00 or 3:00 o'clock angles) .

I have the gc1715 model and I like to extra 2.5 HP and have used it several times in summer and several times in winter.

 

[irvingj]

"...the grass deflector won't fold up more than 45 degrees, makes it tough to load and store with 6' door and trailer." (Assuming you're talking about the MMM) Solution: just take it off. I also have a narrow space to park the tractor, and it wouldn't fit with the deflector on so I took it off. No problems: it shoots clippings out far enough that they disperse well.