231s

[Anonymous Poster]

this question is for the folks who have owned a 231s. what was your opinion of this model ? i am on a tight budget and am looking at this compared to a farmtrac 45 or mahindra 4500. what are your thoughts? i use a tractor about 100 hours a year.

 

[TBone]

I had a 231S for about a year and traded it in on a M4700 Kubota. The Massey was tough as nails and did everything I asked of it and did it well. The Perkins engine (THOUGH LOUD) started instantly, had plenty of power and was very easy on fuel.

Having said all of that I am almost ashamed to say: I didn't like this tractor and I'm not completely sure why. The best way I can describe it is that it just didn't feel comfortable to me. It wasn't legroom - I'm only about 5' 10". The seat was roomy and adjustable for weight.

As you know it is a pretty basic tractor. It has dry brakes, which are a little hard on your right leg when having to stop and go on slopes. It has a two stage clutch, which kinda works on your left leg if you are having to constantly use it. The transmission operates flawlessly but always seemed a little stiff and awkward if you had to shift in a hurry or change directions. Also the transmission hump comes up kinda high between your legs, making it a pain to get off and on if you have to do it real often.

I guess the older I get the more importance I put on "creature comforts". Thirty years ago I wouldn't have noticed these things that bothered me so much.

The Kubota's shuttle shift, wet brakes, single stage clutch (easy to push), and even the armrests add a lot to the enjoyment of using a tractor to me.

Before I bought I would take a good look at the Mahindras, Kiotis, Longtracs and any other of the smaller players in the tractor world. I think any of these would meet your needs and last a lifetime with 100 hours per year of use. We have a new Mahindra dealer just down the road and I was very impressed with what I saw when they had their open house.

After trying them all on for size, if you still like the 231S I don't think you will go wrong, especially if you think you might want to trade or sell it later on. The 231S is a lot of tractor for the money and the Massey Ferguson emblem gives you some resale leverage that you might not get with some of the others.

Good luck in you quest!

TBone

 

[Redstone]

A few recommendations:
1. Drive the 231S. Most of my customers either love the tractor or hate it. As stated previously, it is a plain-jane unit but it is a hard unit to beat. Try the foot pedals to see how you like them. Most people that have been on a tractor find them awkward. But, as with any tractor, they are easy to learn and to work with.

2. MF is at the present time revamping the brakes and the pedals on the 231S. If you're not in as hurry, wait and look at the new specs coming out in a couple of months.

3. Most importantly, no matter what you buy, I strongly urge you to BUY LOCAL! A tractor is only as good as the dealership standing behind it. Find a dealer near you that you trust and that you can work with. Driving 200 miles to save a few bucks is not worth it if you don't have a local service area. Yes, your local dealer by law does have to do warranty work, but don't expect your tractor to be a #1 priority in their shop if you didn't buy from them. Again, trust and integrity from a dealer should go a long way in helping to make a decision.

4. Look strongly at resale. If you are looking at trading in, selling or trading up in the future, then the name on the tractor becomes more significant. However, as stated by the previous gentleman, there are a lot of great lines out there that can give you the years of dependable work that you are looking for and still keep you to you budget.