231S vs. 451

[LabLuvR]

I checked out the 231S at my dealer today but he did not have the 451 on the lot. Anyone have any experience with the two? Curious about how much better one is over the other since there seems to be about a $2500 difference. I understand the horsepower difference etc, just curious as to handling, ease of use etc.etc. Thanks!

 

[JerryG]

The 451 is larger, more power, more room and has FWA available.

 

[MFMan]

Plus it has Independent PTO option, wet disc brakes, shuttle trans. option, etc. It has more standard features plus the ability to upgrade that the 231S does not.

 

[Poncho]

LabLuvR... supposedly the 231S is the current version of the old 135 which is a tried and true machine. Here in N FLA nobody has a 451 on the lot... all of them are in route. I've also been informed that the 231S is being phased out.. so if it meets your needs you may be able to get a deal on one.

 

[Woodbeef]

Go with the 451. Add the IPTO,and shuttle. You'll be much happier in the long run.

 

[TBone]

I don't have any experience with the 451 but I did own a 231S. It is a very basic tractor but strong and tough as a gorilla. I would definitely look at the 451 - it has many, many more features.

TBone

 

[AllforWork]

I would appreciate it if you would share your price for the 451
and what extras you got. 4wd, fel, shuttle shift ,ect.

Thanks

 

[tough451]

I chose the 451 it had more power and was a little easier to get on and off of. Both are what I would call real utility tractors. Small enough to do the smaller jobs on the farm or job but heavy enough and powerful enough for many larger jobs. I did not choose the mfd or shuttle as the budget is tight but I am very happy and can see the 451 being around a long time My dad has had a 135 gas for 20 years I can see this tractor in that mold.

 

[TBone]

Wise choice on the 451. Getting on and off the 231S gets to be a real pain after a while, especially when you get old and stiff like me. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

If you take care of it you'll still have a fine tractor in 20 years. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Congratulations!

TBone

 

[tough451]

Thank you. I hope it does last for 20 years. I looked at all the brands. But none of them made a real utility model in my opinon. They make what I call haymaker's tall stance good for making hay but too much ducking in the chicken house.
The 451 came standard with 14.924s Goodyears on the rear
JD,KUB,and NH,and CIH wanted to charge me extra. But with the Massey I got what I wanted.

 

[challengertn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The 451 is larger, more power, more room and has FWA available. )</font>
They might be more roomy but they are one of the most confined tractors I've ever sat on for their size. I'm not small by any means ( 6' 3" 275 lbs. ) but I made sure the seat was all the way back and it was still a whole lot more confining than our 135 Massey.

 

[tough451]

IM so pleased with mine overall that I forgot that we did take the seat up and move it back slightly but Im only 5ft9"tall so that may not help you as much.

 

[Jordanbear]

We've just done our first bit of hay with the 451 and I can't be more pleased! It's dealing with the hills, the weight, and even the soft parts of the field.

We were able to upgrade our mower from a sicklebar to a 6 disc Kuhn and it is so nice to not have to back up and unbind every 4 feet in thick grass.

My beef with the seat is opposite of yours - we're short, especially women in the family and the seat does not come far enough forward. But such has always been the case, so we just get out the old cushion.