New Massey 1835M owner

Scott 728 · Feb 7, 2021

Good evening all!

So I have been a long time lurker here and this is my first post and I'm happy to be here!

As the title says, I just took delivery of a new MF 1835M Power Shuttle. I haven't even got to work the machine yet, just setting it up and getting ready. I traded in my 2005 1540 which was a fantastic Tractor. In 16 years of ownership I only replaced the water pump and a bevel gear seal on the front axle twice. It had almost exactly1200 hours on it.

The reason for my post is the new Tractor has the dreaded DPF and regen and I'm hoping someone here can give me some advice and talk me out of worrying so much about it. My old one was of course pre emissions, and I'm now worried about the vast possibility of issues. I know its too late now and I should have thought harder about it before hand. However, the whole reason for trading was I wanted the QA system that the 2005 didn't have being a pin on bucket. I wanted third function and grapple as well as pallet forks. I could have retrofitted the old 1540, but it would have been to the tune of $4000 grand or more once all was said and done with the attachments, third function, and loader adapters and such. This didn't seem to make as much sense as trading in after all was said and done left me with everything needed/wanted plus a brand new machine for $15k total. Plus, the 1835 is heavier, much better hydraulic flow and loader capabilities to boot which should help me out.

I know the new Tractor will have to be worked and ran hard to keep it and the emissions junk happy. I also am familiar with how things work and the importance of proper maintenance. If anyone has any advice I'd sure love to hear it. I love the Tractor and I'm probably being overboard with the worry I'm sure. I just hope this machine will be as reliable and worry free as the one it replaced and just trying to make myself feel better about it!

Thanks,

Scott

MoKelly · Feb 7, 2021

Welcome from Missouri. Congrats on the new tractor.

MoKelly

JWR · Feb 8, 2021

Scott 728 -- with 1200 hrs in 16 years you are, like me, not one of the heavy industrial users of tractors yet that is a good healthy usage on a tractor that will probably last you "forever." That puts many things in perspective including your dreaded DPF. There is strength in numbers' and many thousands of owners quite similar to yourself coping with the plague of DPF. It probably isn't too bad as the mfr has a huge vested interest in making it as painless as they possibly can within the government BS that has been heaped on them. At your usage rate the DPF cycles are not likely to be so often as to bother you all that much. I hope you have a good, cooperative dealer which is a major asset no matter what the topic is on your machine.
I think you will really enjoy the QA loader feature because it opens up the vast world of skid-steer stuff for future toys. I use a 4-in-1 pinch bucket, a grapple, and a Lane Shark front cutter all enabled by the skid-steer compatible QA on the loader.

BrkMstr · Feb 8, 2021

I have not had any issues with the DPF, every 25 or 30 hrs. the light will come on, you can tell prior as I notice an odor and the engine sounds a little different, light comes on it goes in to auto regenerate, if I'm working it i just continue keeping the rpm over 1800, if I'm stoping I put the parking brake on leave it idle at 1800 and it continues on it's own when it gets close it rev's up a bit - the light goes out and it's done till the next time - no issues - simple operation - like you said keep the maintenance up - the first couple of times you will most likely worry about doing everything right etc, but it will do it without issue, I'm sure you will be pleased - enjoy the tractor....

Scott 728 · Feb 8, 2021

Thanks all!

I really like the tractor or I would have never taken the leap. Plus, I feel as though I got a really good deal on a new machine with 3rd function, pallet forks, and grapple bucket that I know will all come in handy and open new worlds of possibilities. I am probably also still suffering from letting that machine go that has served me so well and overall trouble free for so long. What can I say, I'm a sentimental guy. I did do my homework before hand and came to realize that this EPA mandated BS is now just part of the game we all must play by now. Thanks you all for the comment's and I'm looking forward to being a part of this community here!

kenmbz · Feb 9, 2021

Congrats on the new Tractor and welcome to TBN!

Doug62 · Feb 13, 2021

I have an 1835M cab version. I bought in in August. I'm at 60 hours or so and the REGEN thing hasn't even been noticable other than a yellow light flashing on occassionally. I took the advice of my dealer's tech and keep the RPMs up most of the time, regardless of what I'm doing and it has run like a champ.

My buddy right next door has a 1726e and it has no emissions equipment. I needed more power so I stepped it up a notch and am happy I did. Though I may be even more happy that I went with a cab version. lol

Scott 728 · Feb 14, 2021

I'm certainly glad to hear that Doug62. I'd of loved a cab, but for our use the added cost just couldn't be justified no matter how much I tried. I'm in West Central GA and ever since I purchased it the weather has been god awful, so not much use yet to even try it out good. I'm hopeful my experience will be just like yours. I'm still waiting on the 3rd function kit to come in and get it back over for install anyways. I hope it doesn't wind up like lots of parts availability right now and weeks before it gets here as I'm most excited about trying out the new grapple!

Doug62 · Feb 16, 2021

Scott 728 said:
I'm certainly glad to hear that Doug62. I'd of loved a cab, but for our use the added cost just couldn't be justified no matter how much I tried. I'm in West Central GA and ever since I purchased it the weather has been god awful, so not much use yet to even try it out good. I'm hopeful my experience will be just like yours. I'm still waiting on the 3rd function kit to come in and get it back over for install anyways. I hope it doesn't wind up like lots of parts availability right now and weeks before it gets here as I'm most excited about trying out the new grapple!

My 3rd function kit should be installed now. I need to call the shop to see if it's done. The good thing about the cab is you can use it in pretty much any weather! It was more expensive for sure but this SC heat is brutal in July through most of October. Being on the coast, having an AC to cool down and pull the humidty out the air is worth it's weight in gold to me. lol

I ordered a Wicked 55 grapple from EA back mid January. I think there is about a 10 week lead time so I've still got a while but I wanted the tractor ready when it shows up! But working in the cab in the rain has been nice as well since it has rained more days than not this year already.

metalbender · Feb 17, 2021

Try to keep out of dry grass when the regen is going on, ex gets mighty hot. Keep the rpm up to reduce the soot buildup. Enjoy the new tractor.

Zakatak · Feb 23, 2021

In the process of ordering an 1835m with cab. Will be used primarily with a 6ft finish mower. Actually I am leaning toward the mid mower option.

Any opinion on if you think this is enough horsepower to run a 6ft finish mower with AC on and hydrostat transmission? It gets HOT down here in S. Louisiana!

I try to comfort my worries about the DPF by telling myself that I will be at sufficient RPM majority of the time to keep the PTO at 540 so it should be a non-issue.

JWR · Feb 23, 2021

Zakatak said:
In the process of ordering an 1835m with cab. Will be used primarily with a 6ft finish mower. Actually I am leaning toward the mid mower option.

Any opinion on if you think this is enough horsepower to run a 6ft finish mower with AC on and hydrostat transmission? It gets HOT down here in S. Louisiana!

I try to comfort my worries about the DPF by telling myself that I will be at sufficient RPM majority of the time to keep the PTO at 540 so it should be a non-issue.

Zakatak: I ran a JD4700 for years using a Landpride 6ft finish mower, 2672 I think, which I swear was more of a load than the 6ft MX6 bush hog. The 4700 was 48 horse and your 1835M I think is around 36 horse.

I think you will be fine most of the time and probably get loaded down some in very heavy grass. I made the mistake over the years trying to use the finish mower as a handy bush hog and I would NOT do that. Also, in my experience the finish mowers work best when the grass has not been let grow too high. I also run a couple of MMM on Kubotas and I feel the MMM do a better job than rear mounted finish mowers plus the maneuverability is WAY better.

Zakatak · Feb 23, 2021

JWR said:
Zakatak: I ran a JD4700 for years using a Landpride 6ft finish mower, 2672 I think, which I swear was more of a load than the 6ft MX6 bush hog. The 4700 was 48 horse and your 1835M I think is around 36 horse.

I think you will be fine most of the time and probably get loaded down some in very heavy grass. I made the mistake over the years trying to use the finish mower as a handy bush hog and I would NOT do that. Also, in my experience the finish mowers work best when the grass has not been let grow too high. I also run a couple of MMM on Kubotas and I feel the MMM do a better job than rear mounted finish mowers plus the maneuverability is WAY better.

JWR thank you for the information and quick response. We ran a 6ft woods RFM on an older Kubota L235 for years as our primary mower. It was underpowered but manageable as long as you could mow at least weekly. I just get a little nervous with power management on a smaller tractor with cab and AC, hydro, and the severe heat down here in the summer. My current mower is a cabbed jacobsen 5111 and it runs hot fairly easily in those conditions. Shame bc it is a great mower but having to stop for a cool down every 30min undermines its efficiencies.

It will be our first tractor with the hydro transmission but i think it is fit for purpose. As i stated its primary functions will be mowing, front loader work, and maintaining limestone driveways and parking lots.

JWR · Feb 23, 2021

I will say that my family has had issues on more than one Kubota running very hot (right near the red line) when using a 60" MMM on a 22 horse small BX2200. Outside air temp is a big factor. If it is over 90 degrees here in MD and you mow more than 20 minutes you will nearly redline the gauge every time. One of the BX2200s happened to be in Louisiana by the way and they had issues reported at 100 + degrees for sure. In my opinion the small Kubotas have plenty of radiator and plenty of fan with too small a water pump. [have been thru all the clean this and clean that advice...that is NOT the problem.] Have often wanted to see if a larger engine Kubota pump would fit.

You may have no such issue with the Massey (??) I'm betting you won't.

rich21 · Feb 24, 2021

Just bought a 2860m , only got about 20 hrs on it I don’t think the occasional regen will be a big deal,we’ll have to wait and see,
Planning on mainly loader work and some hay production

Scott 728 · Feb 28, 2021

Zakatak said:
In the process of ordering an 1835m with cab. Will be used primarily with a 6ft finish mower. Actually I am leaning toward the mid mower option.

Any opinion on if you think this is enough horsepower to run a 6ft finish mower with AC on and hydrostat transmission? It gets HOT down here in S. Louisiana!

I try to comfort my worries about the DPF by telling myself that I will be at sufficient RPM majority of the time to keep the PTO at 540 so it should be a non-issue.

Well I can say that so far I absolutely love my 1835M. I'm at 14+- hours no and no regeneration so far, but I do keep it idled up and try to let it heat up good. I haven't ran a mower behind it yet, so can't comment on PTO power just yet, but springs just around the corner!
But I must ask, with your stated usage which is almost identical to mine, ( mowing, grapple, and maintaining driveways) why not go Power Shuttle? It'll gain you a few more horses at the PTO as well as save a little money to boot? Mine is the PS and it's very smooth!

Zakatak · Mar 1, 2021

Scott 728 said:
Well I can say that so far I absolutely love my 1835M. I'm at 14+- hours no and no regeneration so far, but I do keep it idled up and try to let it heat up good. I haven't ran a mower behind it yet, so can't comment on PTO power just yet, but springs just around the corner!
But I must ask, with your stated usage which is almost identical to mine, ( mowing, grapple, and maintaining driveways) why not go Power Shuttle? It'll gain you a few more horses at the PTO as well as save a little money to boot? Mine is the PS and it's very smooth!

Scott,

Glad to hear you are enjoying your machine! I finally locked in my order and am hoping to be in the tractor sometime in April. Went with turf tires and MMM.

I did test drive a shuttle and its a nice system. We have one on our 95hp Kubota and that is actually the main reason I didn't go with a shuttle. We have that larger tractor for any ground engaging or heavy work. I opted for the hydrostat on this one for ease of mowing and loader work. Not to mention easier for my wife to drive if needed.

Do you notice the foot throttle to be in a bad position on the shuttle tractor? Too far to the right in my opinion. I am sure I would get used to it but my knee was hitting the bottom of the loader control trying to reach the pedal on the test drive.

I did debate on going with the 1840M for more power but couldn't justify the price difference for such marginal gains. (25.7hp to 27.9hp wasnt enough pto hp difference in my opinion)

Cat385B · Mar 1, 2021

The lack of photos in this thread is disappointing.

Scott 728 · Mar 1, 2021

Zakatak said:
Scott,

Glad to hear you are enjoying your machine! I finally locked in my order and am hoping to be in the tractor sometime in April. Went with turf tires and MMM.

I did test drive a shuttle and its a nice system. We have one on our 95hp Kubota and that is actually the main reason I didn't go with a shuttle. We have that larger tractor for any ground engaging or heavy work. I opted for the hydrostat on this one for ease of mowing and loader work. Not to mention easier for my wife to drive if needed.

Do you notice the foot throttle to be in a bad position on the shuttle tractor? Too far to the right in my opinion. I am sure I would get used to it but my knee was hitting the bottom of the loader control trying to reach the pedal on the test drive.

I did debate on going with the 1840M for more power but couldn't justify the price difference for such marginal gains. (25.7hp to 27.9hp wasnt enough pto hp difference in my opinion)

Absolutely on the foot throttle. I came out of a 2005 MF 1540 and the foot throttle on it was much better. As you said, its too far back on this one which I also believe is due to the fender mounted loader control. And I too was in the same situation on the 1840. My dealer doesn't even stock them due to the almost $3k difference for the exact same machine just with different ECM programming. I don't think I will miss the 2 more horses for what I do. The overall size and weight of the 1835 in quite a bit more than the 1540 also which should make it more stable and better at putting the power to the ground. I only run a 5ft rotary mower and 6ft finishing mower which it should handle just fine. I already widened the wheelbase front and rear to add to the stability due to having purchased a grapple and 3rd function (which I figure I saved on the 35hp vs. the 40hp). I hope you will be as pleased with yours as I am mine (so far anyway)!
And FWIW my BIL bought at the exact same time as I did and the exact same Tractor except he got the hydro open station also. And so far he loved his too. The hydro with the speed and sensitivity levels with 3 ranges is awful smooth and fun to operate. I hope I don't kick myself in the rear later on not going with it myself. My 1540 was a synchro shuttle and I've always had clutched tractors and just stuck with what I know. But it was a tough decision!