Test Drive Massey Ferguson GC1723E/GC1725M

[polarred21]

Here is recent review for these models. Somewhat long and may not be useful to anyone but a non owner like me.

Looks like the biggest complaint was steering and control levers are tight for a big man's comfort.

So for the GC owners, what are your complaints with your units....

Thanks

 

[Jimc295]

I purchased a GC1705 Hydrostatic drive after using a Kubota B7100 Hydro for 4 years. What I didn't realize it the MF does not have a clutch like my Kubota. I also bought a rotary mower when I engage the PTO for the mower it severely shocks the drive train, not good. So I purchased a universal clutch for the mower to stop breaking shear bolts. I wish I'd given it more thought but I got a great deal so I jumped on it.

 

[cglaser104]

I'm 5' 11" and 280lbs and I don't really find the operator platform of my GC1710 that cramped. Everything the 1723E/1725M offers in terms of changes I think it for the better based on my use of the prior platform. Especially tilt steering and the moved joystick for loader work. If there is one thing I personally wish it has it would be position control on the 3pt. That said JD 1series is the only tractor in that class to offer it so it's really indicative of the subcompact tractors in the marketplace to not have that.

I would buy another MF GC tractor in a heartbeat!

 

[polarred21]

Thanks for the feedback. So you're saying since is it HST and not gear there is no internal clutch to release when you engage the PTO correct? So you installed an external slip clutch on your rotarty mower/bush hog?
So did this help with the issue?

 

[Nacademus]

From a functional standpoint, the lack of 3PT position control is by far my greatest issue with the 2018 GC1720 I purchased new.

When I was looking at all the tractors and trying to decide, I didn't even think about it. I just assumed that all tractors had settings for 3PT position-every tractor I've ever come across did. Since I figured it was a given, I failed to pay close attention to it. That really bit me in the *** when I was trying to, brush hog, till, and grade an acre of my property. It was next to impossible to repeat lift are heights that gave me the best results-and 3PT float doesn't exist, either. Some operators will say to just hold the 3PT lever down a few seconds with the flow gate all the way open but that doesn't work, at least not for me. I had to make something to hold the lever down or I had to keep my hand pressing down on it to float.

Also, I feel kind of silly when sitting on my tractor. I feel like I'm really high up riding a tiny little tractor like some sort of clown. I get that the reason for this is visibility and our of necessity for the dual position seat to spin around to the backhoe...but knowing that doesn't help me feel like I'm "plugged in" with the machine. Also, the early used model GC I sat on while checking them out had a steering wheel that was a whole inch shorter than the one I received. So complaints about the reach must be framed on the year.

I sat on the newer GC models since the facelift and controls change-up. Personally, I don't think its worth the increase in cost. I actually like that the loader control lever is up and away from me on my older version. Having it close to me like they do now makes me feel stupid...like I'm some sort of jockey or driving a rat rod with some ridiculous shifter. That is my preference.

The tilt wheel doesn't really move much and I found that its normal position was most comfortable for me anyways. This would be nice for a smaller operator, certainly.

The extra storage box and charging port are gimmicks to me. They're just something to rip the wiring off or blow a fuse on when they ground out due to moisture or when washing. Most anyone who gets a tractor for the love of it will modify them to some degree. I think that's natural.

The headlights suck on the earlier generations-absolutely. After a while of use, I noticed one of my bulbs were rattling loosely in the housing so I decided re-install it using this as an opportunity to check the wattage rating on the bulbs because something had to be wrong since they were so useless, otherwise. While trying to take a look, I noticed the bulb retaining ridge that holds the socket into the headlamp housing must have sheared. It just kept spinning in the housing when I tried to remove it. That was frustrating.

I ended up replacing the bulbs with LEDs that were shared on this forum and I honestly couldn't hope for better stock headlights. They are so great, I was able to work past dusk on a field I was grading and tilling with NO other lighting required.

The flat platform is nice. I do find the one on my 2018 model needing to be modified to better suit me. My plan is to cut some stall mats to make it more uniform. I could scallop the mat where the hump goes and have my own flat platform. Its not really a big deal at all.

I would have LOVED to have seen a ROPS improvement for the TLB. Maybe angle lock setup?? Something like that? How about welding some threaded nuts onto the ROPS so we can add our own lighting or accoutrements? Even some THROUGH-HOLES would have been nice-so owners aren't afraid of voiding their warranties because they want to SEE AT NIGHT.

Another improvement would have been to the hydraulics to the backhoe. Why can't there be SOLID QC ports and manifold on the back so we aren't slinging our **** lines up an in some tight service loop that can move and get sliced the heck off when I use my 3PT????


Don't fall for these "improvements". They missed the fricken mark, in my mind. Sure. You might have the $0.50 added power charging port and your jockey handle-but what about more functionality based improvements? Aesthetics is nice, it really is... but why am I still shearing the fins off my HST fan while simply brush hogging new growth??

 

[Jimc295]

Thanks for the feedback. So you're saying since is it HST and not gear there is no internal clutch to release when you engage the PTO correct? So you installed an external slip clutch on your rotarty mower/bush hog?
So did this help with the issue?

Correct there is no clutch on the hydro. Honestly I have not installed the external clutch but it can not help but to be better. I really like my 1705 and even though I'd call the PTO thing an issue you can live with it. I also have a post hole auger and I do not get the harsh engagement with that piece of equipment.

 

[cglaser104]

Its recommended that you engage your PTO at low engine RPM's and then raise the throttle once engaged to reduce/minimize system shock & #/stress vs engaging with the engine throttle up high.

 

[Nacademus]

I haven't hard very harsh engagement on my Hardee 52LT when the slip clutch was seized solid, either. When I added a new slipper and adjusted it, it engages smooth as silk. I barely feel it on the tractor before throttling up.

There is a clutch. There is a central engagement for supplying power and independent engagements that control either PTO output separately.

 

[cdaigle430]

My only complaint on the GC series is the 3 point control lever, while they made a little improvement to its position on the newer models its still very cumbersome especially when using a rear mount snowblower.

I would also like to see more aftermarket available mods and attachments like the Kubota has with bxexpander.

 

[Imold]

So far my 1705 has done everything I have wanted it to do without issues and what I thought it could not do it has done after all it is a SCUT and not a 3500 - 5500 pound machine, i am new to tractors and the HST is somewhat different then my HST on my Husqvarna lawnmower, it took me awhile to figure out how to really use the HST on the Massey because I thought it was a push and go type drive, the harder or farther you pushed the pedal down the harder it worked but nope there is a system to using the HST type drive on a tractor and now that I have it figured out I am happy with the little guy, it is a go getter in my book.

So now my biggest complaint is like a few other complaints, I really do not like the position on the pto adjustment lever now that I am doing more with the 3 point hitch I find myself grabbing the speed selector rather then the pto adjustment lever when I don稚 look over at it, so there is my biggest problem, now if I could only feed it so it would grow up a bit I would be even happier and the pto adjustment lever would not be a issue with me.

So far I have mowed 5-6 acres several times, moved 12 yards of class 5 gravel with the FEL, also put a Piranha bar on it and cleared a 35 foot by 47 foot area of heavy sumac with no problems for the shop I will be building and I have also pulled a box blade, back blade and a Land Rake with it to groom my 300 foot driveway and clear/level the area for my shop and it has handled them just fine, I also have some bucket mounted forks and moved some pallets around loaded with scrap wood and junk and it handle that just fine, I need to build a rear ballast box for it.

It has a 60 MMM which does a real good job but I now kinda wish I would of went with a finishing 3pt mower and that has more to do with my disability then anything else but then going with a 3pt mower leaves the underside of the tractor open for fan trouble and as of now I am looking for a shield so I can leave the mower off and go back to mowing with my zero turn.

I am satisfied with my 1705 until I get more property then I will upgrade to another Massey if this one keeps on working ok.

 

[Jimc295]

Its recommended that you engage your PTO at low engine RPM's and then raise the throttle once engaged to reduce/minimize system shock & #/stress vs engaging with the engine throttle up high.

The idle on my tractor is 1100 RPM factory setting. That was way to harsh, I dropped it to 800 and it is still slamming into gear. I've owned several tractors and have been driving farm tractors most of my life so I'm aware of the need to use a low RPM to engage. I'm guessing it is just the mass of the blades and the gearbox because the post hole auger does not do it. After it sheared a bolt doing that I purchased the clutch for the mower.

 

[GeneV]

Here is recent review for these models. Somewhat long and may not be useful to anyone but a non owner like me.

Looks like the biggest complaint was steering and control levers are tight for a big man's comfort.

So for the GC owners, what are your complaints with your units....

Thanks

Can't comment on a big man's comfort level, I'm only 5"7'. I did try out the new GC1705 (or whatever they label that model now) w/o the backhoe. The tilt steering wheel and fender-mounted loader joystick is a big improvement, imho. But how does all that work on their new 1710 with the infamous high/wobbly seat, no clue, they didn't have it on the lot.

I end up with the GC1710, 2018 version, before the remodel. I have some of the same complaints about it as Nacademus, so don't wanna get all redundant here. It's a good tractor, I'm happy overall, but I do find myself having to modify this or that to make this tractor fit me better. I changed the seat on it, and currently working on getting the loader joystick closer to me.

And also certain things on it, I'm just like ehhh, they coulda done this better. For instance the backhoe transport pins. On a Kubota or LS, you could just lean over while still on the tractor and take those out, and put them in their storage racks. On the LS, the boom pin is really sweet, it's just a lever that locks/unlocks the boom. However on the Massey, you gotta get off the tractor to do all that. Not a biggie, but it is something, especially how the boom on my tractor drifts down fairly fast, so I either pin it up or have to remember to occasionally reach back to pull the boom up via lever. And then there are some other things, kinda along the same lines.


I got my tractor private sale, gently used, at a great price, and like I said I'm happy overall. But if I was in the market for a tractor right now, I'd take the 2+ hour trip to visit LS and RK dealers. I think those brands have some things to offer that MF doesn't, at similar price points.

 

[Snobdds]

The idle on my tractor is 1100 RPM factory setting. That was way to harsh, I dropped it to 800 and it is still slamming into gear. I've owned several tractors and have been driving farm tractors most of my life so I'm aware of the need to use a low RPM to engage. I'm guessing it is just the mass of the blades and the gearbox because the post hole auger does not do it. After it sheared a bolt doing that I purchased the clutch for the mower.

My mower does not give a harsh jolt. It's pretty smooth.

Something is shock loading your mower gear box.

 

[polarred21]

Great feedback, keep it coming.

I stopped by my local dealer yesterday just kicking the tires, mainly to look at a used 2018 GC1710 TLB he had for sale for $13,900 with 188 hours on consignment, pic attached.


Salesman and I talked before looking at the GC1725M's he had on the lot, basically discussing the same old adage where you see people selling a used one with most likely 0% equity and just under what new ones cost. I see units for sale all the time that are used for very high and near new prices, same old story right? That led us into a new one just being the best way to go..........

So we talked in depth about the new GC1725M's and the new GC1723E's and I got quoted a price for each and here a few notes:

The 2018 used base tractor above was built in Japan as I remember they were. The 2019 base tractor were built in Indonesia.
The loader and BH built in Georgia.

GC1723EB: $16,500 excluding tax. This unit was pushed as being the better deal. Standard FEL bucket attachment, not a quick release.

GC1725MB: $17,900 excluding tax. This unit is the same as above with the following extras standard:
1.5 more HP
400 more engine rpm
0.6 gpm more hydraulic flow
Arm rests
rear light guards
12V plug
Not sure if any or all of this is worth the extra cost and I asked why do they make these 2 models so close in HP and he stated it's what's everybody does, industry marketing standard I guess.

This video explains these differences same as well. They also point out a few things they didn't like, the seat was a big one.

 

[Nacademus]

Great feedback, keep it coming.

I stopped by my local dealer yesterday just kicking the tires, mainly to look at a used 2018 GC1710 TLB he had for sale for $13,900 with 188 hours on consignment, pic attached.
View attachment 624970

Salesman and I talked before looking at the GC1725M's he had on the lot, basically discussing the same old adage where you see people selling a used one with most likely 0% equity and just under what new ones cost. I see units for sale all the time that are used for very high and near new prices, same old story right? That led us into a new one just being the best way to go..........

So we talked in depth about the new GC1725M's and the new GC1723E's and I got quoted a price for each and here a few notes:

The 2018 used base tractor above was built in Japan as I remember they were. The 2019 base tractor were built in Indonesia.
The loader and BH built in Georgia.

GC1723EB: $16,500 excluding tax. This unit was pushed as being the better deal. Standard FEL bucket attachment, not a quick release.

GC1725MB: $17,900 excluding tax. This unit is the same as above with the following extras standard:
1.5 more HP
400 more engine rpm
0.6 gpm more hydraulic flow
Arm rests
rear light guards
12V plug
Not sure if any or all of this is worth the extra cost and I asked why do they make these 2 models so close in HP and he stated it's what's everybody does, industry marketing standard I guess.

This video explains these differences same as well. They also point out a few things they didn't like, the seat was a big one.

Cheaper labor cost = higher profit margins.

1.5 more HP - Through fueling and gearing. 1:1 production costs are around the same.
400 more engine rpm - Through a simple governor adjustment and fuel pump shim.
0.6 gpm more hydraulic flow - Product of higher RPM.
Arm rests - Cheap to add and couldn't cost more than a couple bucks. I actually keep mine up since they annoy me.
rear light guards - Can't cost much to add. Its just a bent loop of flat stock. Nothing fancy at all. Should be standard if you're going to make your lights stick out like Dumbo. They don't really even protect much. A new light is almost $100. WHY? They BEG to be ripped off. The BX has them low in the fender.
12V plug - Another gimmick.

None of the upgrades seem worth the $1400 difference. Like you, I wonder why they even have two different options? Industry standard? Well its stupid.

 

[cglaser104]

Does the 1725MB have the quick tach loader? Are they equipped with the DL95 FEL or FL1805?

 

[GeneV]

GC1723EB: $16,500 excluding tax. This unit was pushed as being the better deal. Standard FEL bucket attachment, not a quick release.

Does NOT come with ssqa loader, the heck not? You'd think that be standard by now. Does the used one have the quick attach bucket?

Well look, you sat on (and I assume tried out) both. Is the new fender joystick and tilting steering wheel worth an extra $2600 for ya? If not, $13,900 ain't terrible for very gently used, but I'd work on the dude a little bit to get it down more, or at least toss in some goodies.

 

[polarred21]

Does the 1725MB have the quick tach loader? Are they equipped with the DL95 FEL or FL1805?

Does not have the quick attach loader bucket and none of them do at this dealer for the units in stock. It is a $400 option.

Looks like the FEL is a DL95 per the pic here, what are the differences?
https://www.boonetractor.com/inventory/?/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/47827473/2019-massey-ferguson-gc1725mb?dlr=1&pcid=3732977&domainid=0&crmid=0

 

[polarred21]

Does NOT come with ssqa loader, the heck not? You'd think that be standard by now. Does the used one have the quick attach bucket?

Well look, you sat on (and I assume tried out) both. Is the new fender joystick and tilting steering wheel worth an extra $2600 for ya? If not, $13,900 ain't terrible for very gently used, but I'd work on the dude a little bit to get it down more, or at least toss in some goodies.

Yea if you look around for these models on the link above they are a large chain dealer and maybe half of them have this quick attach FEL bucket, a $400 option.
As far as the used one it looked fine with some wear but would never consider it compared to the new one at these prices and not knowing what I would have mechanically. He didn't offer many options here including financing.

 

[cglaser104]

Does not have the quick attach loader bucket and none of them do at this dealer for the units in stock. It is a $400 option.

Looks like the FEL is a DL95 per the pic here, what are the differences?
https://www.boonetractor.com/inventory/?/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/47827473/2019-massey-ferguson-gc1725mb?dlr=1&pcid=3732977&domainid=0&crmid=0

The FL1805 has factory 3rd function availability and comes standard with a quick tach system & bucket. The FL1805 also has a bucket level indicator built into it. Lifting capacities are on par with one another.

Adding a quick tach to your DL95 isn't hard but converting your factory bucket to work with the system takes time, money and a good welder. I did this conversation to my own DL95 already and it's worth it for added versatility alone.