Feedback after 56 hrs on my GC1710

Jonohio · Jul 11, 2016

Hey folks, just letting everyone know that I have put my new 1710 though some winter, spring, and simmer paces and
couldn't be happier. I recently performed the 50hr service (at 54hrs) and things went very smoothly with minimal shavings in the trans filter.

All in all I changed the engine oil (agco 10w40), front axle fluid (permatran), hydraulic fluid/trans (permatran), and will change mid-mount mower gear fluid (amsoil EP 80w90) at the end of august.

I have run into a few issues though:

1. I used the 3pt hitch for the first time a couple weekends ago to clear out an area for my son's new swingset. I borrowed a Land pride 60" box blade from a friend and it worked quite well although I caught a 3" root (low gear mid speed) and the right 3pt arm snapped at the welds. I picked up a warranty replacement from my dealer but the replacement arm is not the same as my original, i'll upload pictures when I take the backhoe off.

On the replacement arm the sway bracket is welded on the opposite side as the other arm. I'm unsure if this is a manufacturing defect or arm from a different tractor. Has anyone experienced part failures under warranty on their GC series?

2. My gear position switch is getting sloppy, even though it is in neutral the tractor still stalls if the selector isn't perfectly centered. I looked at the switch and selector but don't see any way to adjust things. It looks like I may need a replacement position switch.

3. My mid mower adjustment knob is really frustrating as it sticks and is an annoying design. I also just noticed that the left side of the deck lowers more than the
right side on lower height settings.

Has anyone had issues with this adjustment knob or had problems like this?

Although overall I'm quite impressed with this little tractor.

- Jonathon

Clipse3GT · Jul 11, 2016

Jonohio said:
Hey folks, just letting everyone know that I have put my new 1710 though some winter, spring, and simmer paces and
couldn't be happier. I recently performed the 50hr service (at 54hrs) and things went very smoothly with minimal shavings in the trans filter.

All in all I changed the engine oil (agco 10w40), front axle fluid (permatran), hydraulic fluid/trans (permatran), and will change mid-mount mower gear fluid (amsoil EP 80w90) at the end of august.

I have run into a few issues though:

1. I used the 3pt hitch for the first time a couple weekends ago to clear out an area for my son's new swingset. I borrowed a Land pride 60" box blade from a friend and it worked quite well although I caught a 3" root (low gear mid speed) and the right 3pt arm snapped at the welds. I picked up a warranty replacement from my dealer but the replacement arm is not the same as my original, i'll upload pictures when I take the backhoe off.

On the replacement arm the sway bracket is welded on the opposite side as the other arm. I'm unsure if this is a manufacturing defect or arm from a different tractor. Has anyone experienced part failures under warranty on their GC series?

2. My gear position switch is getting sloppy, even though it is in neutral the tractor still stalls if the selector isn't perfectly centered. I looked at the switch and selector but don't see any way to adjust things. It looks like I may need a replacement position switch.

3. My mid mower adjustment knob is really frustrating as it sticks and is an annoying design. I also just noticed that the left side of the deck lowers more than the
right side on lower height settings.

Has anyone had issues with this adjustment knob or had problems like this?

Although overall I'm quite impressed with this little tractor.

- Jonathon

I have over 115 hours on my GC1720 currently. I did my oil changes as well. My fluid were clean overall just some shavings and such. I replaced mine with PT 821XL as well. Run T6 in the engine no issues with M1-103 filter.

I only had two items fixed under warranty. The deck locking feature with the 3 pt. down. And one leaky hose connector at the BH.

I have used my with a 54" EA BB and had 0 issues even on some larger roots. I would make sure they sent you the correct P/N regarding that part you got as a replacement. Key is with this machine is not let the rippers dig too deep.

I did not have any issues with the electrical thus far. All my switches work perfect. I would check that the switched is tightened in position and not moving when you use the range selector.

Make sure you 3 point arms are setup as if you would be hooking up a 3 pt. attachment when you operate the mower but nothing is connected. I also leveled mine out with a level and adjusted all the spots that needed adjustment. No issues with my mower deck otherwise. There is adjustment on the L side by the fuel filter. You can adjust how the arms lower the deck. Ideally a small level to check all the adjustment and keep things square. After about 100 hours the mower adjustment knob smooths out with use I noticed. Some dry graphite and teflon spray help with some of the sticking. Grease and oil attract too much dirt and cause more issues on some moving parts.

irvingj · Jul 14, 2016

Ditto Clipse-- follow the owner's manual for MMM set-up and check the adjustments for the two lowering arms. That should take care of it.

SteveM70 · Jul 14, 2016

I have just over 115 hours on mine now. No issues so far but it's still only a few months old. I think I will switch to synthetic motor oil before winter though to aid in cold weather starting.