which one, JD 1025R or MF GC1720 or MF 1526 with woods backhoe or NH25s

[bfloyd4445]

I have had no problems working on my engine at all, pretty easy actually compared to other things I have worked on.

OP, if you have a need for a backhoe and the GC fits your needs then I say go for it otherwise the 1526 would be my choice, with that in mind I'm sure John Deere has an answer for the 1526, might want to compare, I like the paint, fit and finish of the Deere's better than any tractor honestly, check the prices because the 1526 is not cheap and I'm sure Deere has something close. The other thing is you need to sit on them, the one thing I don't like about the GC is the seat height, it's higher and it gives you a better look when using the loader but I didn't have a problem sitting on the JD2305 with a lower seat and the I liked the loader control on the fender rather than up on the dash..

Does the loader control impact getting on and off of the tractor? Thanks for the suggestion. I'll go to the JD dealer tomorrow and check that model out.

 

[bfloyd4445]

Yes, I know jd offers a backhoe for the 1025. I'm studying the situation to see if I think I really want/need one. It sells separate from the tractor, just as you buy any implement from a dealer.

the 1025R is a TLB. The 1025 can be purchased without the backhoe but that is the one thing i like about the jd1025. For 2018 they added a second seat cause customers didnt like playing flip the seat around to operate the BH like on the earlier 1025R

 

[atsah]

Does the loader control impact getting on and off of the tractor? Thanks for the suggestion. I'll go to the JD dealer tomorrow and check that model out.

It didn't hinder me at all although I normally enter and exit from the other side but I don't think it will be an issue, it's tucked in pretty good, the loader control on the Deere is in a more comfortable place for your arm in my opinion. check it out..

 

[atsah]

This was my 2305 with a Woods backhoe..

 

[bfloyd4445]

This was my 2305 with a Woods backhoe..

Looks nice. Thanks for the pix, nice tractor shed. Is the woods better than the JD backhoe?....or maybe JD didn't make a back hoe for this model?

And you ofted it because of problems right?

 

[atsah]

I Think I bought it in 08, JD didn't make a hoe for it yet, I think they started the TLB with a 263 hoe or something like that a year or two later.

I sold it because I did what I needed to do at my new property and didn't feel the need for a small TLB in my future. I think I put 65 hours on it and sold it to a lawyer for close to what I paid for it. No problems that I can remember, the hydro hoses along the floor board and the hydro filter pointed to the ground with no plate to protect it was my only dislikes.

 

[bfloyd4445]

I Think I bought it in 08, JD didn't make a hoe for it yet, I think they started the TLB with a 263 hoe or something like that a year or two later.

I sold it because I did what I needed to do at my new property and didn't feel the need for a small TLB in my future. I think I put 65 hours on it and sold it to a lawyer for close to what I paid for it. No problems that I can remember, the hydro hoses along the floor board and the hydro filter pointed to the ground with no plate to protect it was my only dislikes.

Thanks. I'm getting more and more confused the more research i do. So many similar models with subtle differences. Next week I will spend a good part of it kicking tires and hope to have signed on the dotted line by the end of the week. Is there any need for more than two ranges with a hydro-static tranny? I have never owned one except on my lawn mower. I'm manual tranny raised. I'm old and hate shifting.
You, and many others, have given me lots of great info to help but this dummy still can't decide.

I wish to thank everyone for there sincere constructive valuable help.

These little guys are not all that expensive but a big investment for something i won't use all that often. JD's are easy to sell because, nothing runs like a Deere<smile>.....chuckle. Next week its drive em all and make a final decision

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Look forward to hearing your impressions after you drive a few tractors for real. Good luck!

 

[bfloyd4445]

Look forward to hearing your impressions after you drive a few tractors for real. Good luck!
...I've been to many dealers more than one of each kind and have looked under over every inch but i still missed things. Pretty ruled them all out except for the JD 1025,2025 ands the MF gc1720, 1526 and another i cant remember the number of. I still think the MF is the most bang for the buck but i do like the jd BH with its own seat. That said a 1526 with a woods backhoe more money but it is more real tractor like and less lawnmower like than the others. The one i vote as being most like a LM is the JD1025....but JD does have extreme popularity.
Next week will should do it.

 

[plowhog]

If it helps, I can't remember the last time I used my GC1710 in high gear. Maybe if I was going a long distance I would use it, but for the work and chores I do I am always in low and that is plenty.

If you want a backhoe with a MF SCUT, buy it now as a TLB from the start. The frames for non-backhoe models are different so it isn't something you want to try to add later.

Regarding the swiveling seat, I learned something not readily apparent until you actually work the tractor and dig trenches. The backhoes are strong and quickly dig out what you need. Then you need to move the tractor forward, which is necessary to dig the next section, and this involves: a) raising the bucket, b) raising the stabilizer arms, c) releasing the parking brake, d) shifting into gear, and e) pressing on the foot pedal. If you dig much of a trench you are CONSTANTLY needing to move the tractor forward. I have heard of others who don't use the brakes, etc, sit rear-facing, and just turn around and use a cane to push on the foot pedal to move. I am not comfortable doing that. What I found that works is I leave the seat facing forward, I kneel on it and operate the backhoe levers, and when done digging I turn around, quickly make the adjustment to move forward, then do it all over again. This is not something you would probably encounter or learn until after having much more experience than driving it around on a dealer lot. I don't think having two seats would make it much better but I admit I have not tried that.

Digging a long trench through their parking lot for experience would probably be frowned upon!!!