GC2310 review

[61flattop]

Ok guys.... I got my little GC delivered friday night, I was already had about a six pack down plus I was kicking the wifes butt on the dart board in the garage so work officially commenced Saturday morning. I put right at about 12-13 hrs on the GC this weekend so I will give you guys, as well as anyone who maybe looking for tractors in this class my impression. I have also worked on large excavating equipment from D-9's,articulating loaders to a sheepsfoot compactor. I am not a professional by any means but I am no stranger to moving dirt around. I also have played a little with the Kubota's, NH, and the equivilant Deere for what its worth. Below you will find my impressions on each catagory I feel to be important.

1. Aesthetics, Fit / finish and ergonomics. In my opinion;while the massey is a good looking unit...itis not the most attractive one of the bunch. However... the fit and finish on the tractor is very nice. paint is nice, powdercoating is nice, chassis and drivetrain components fit and finish is nice. All fasteners are of quality grade with quality finish. Again they are not the prettiest tractors and no chrome hood ornaments but looking at it, it looks like a well thought out engineered piece of equipment.... The cup holder is the bomb. Who ever designed that thing drinks bottled beer in neoprene koozes. My kind of guy! Also, appearantly, the new GC's automatically come with the hydraualic filter guard. The tach and fuel gauges are wonderful and easy to read and the instrumentation is easy on the eyes. With the exception of the park brake lock, all of the controls are easy to get to and easy to operate. The seat is actually relatively comfortable to! The hood opens fully to easily service the engine and all service points are easy to access.

2. Backhoe, The first thing I did on Sat morning was start on a 20" diameter stump that has been in the way for the last year and a half. Obviously a 20" diameter stump is not the easiest thing to get out of the ground but after about 15-20 minutes of working with it. It came out of the ground. The backhoe's power was actually quite surpising comsidering the weight and size of the unit. After I got it out I trenched from the back of the house down the hill to the creek for some drainage tile I was putting in. Trench was roughly 100 ft long and about 3ft-4 ft in depth. My soil composition back there is a unique blend of everything from rock, fragipan, heavy clay to descent soil. It is caused from the position of the house on the side of a hill with a walk out basement. I did not have any issues digging, even running the motor at about 2000 RPM, She had plenty of muscle. In fact I only had to idle up on a few occasions. The little tractor even feels nice and stable once you get it up on the outriggers. All in all........ I give it a 9. It would be a 10 if the seat had a little more height when in BH position. But I am sure that is a catch 22 so I would much rather it be positioned where it is for normal operation.

FEL ;
Again, like the BH... plenty of power even at lower RPM. This is where I am sure you can tell a significant difference in the engine displacement. I did have my bucket control get a little sticky a couple times but it was no deal... and keep in mind that in two days I logged over 12hrs on the meter. I also do not feel any negative issues with bucket speed at all. With the RPMs up you can literally shake the clay right out of the bucket. The rotate/dump could be a smidge faster but it is by far from considering it even an issue. I used the piss out of the loader on Saturday moving alot of dirt down the hill and putting my back yard on grade.

Driving / Handling /Power
One of the first things the dealer told me was to not under estimate the power and size of this little dude. Obviously from working with larger equipment in the past I could not but help "draw the line" on what I thought it could do. Plenty of power, with filled AG tires, in 4wd and the diff locked in, I could easily run past the traction threshhold. I also want to comment on how easy this thing is to drive. It is simply a joy! The control layout is excellent, forward reverse is smooth and easy to operate. I was also surprised at the stability. It simply did everything I asked. I absolutely love this little dude and I am very happy with my selection. This tractor loves to work!

 

[dragula]

Thanks for write-up!

I had pretty much decided on the Kubota BX24 until I just read your write-up. The BX24, I can buy "Out The Door" for less than $15k. I haven't gotten a price on the MF yet nor have I seen it in person. My closest dealer is 40 miles away.

I also looked at the JD 2305 TLB but the best local price that I've gotten was $16,700 OTD.

I was shying away from the MF because I don't have a dealer very close but there are several JD and Kubota dealers close by. But, thanks to your write-up, I think I'll reconsider the MF.

 

[bill177]

It took me a long time to decide which color tractor to get. In the end I bought the GC2300 - driving past a green dealer, an orange dealer, and a blue dealer - along the way.

I felt the MF was far smoother operating than the herky jerky HST pedal on the orange, it seemed easier to operate (more intuitive) than the JD with its two HST pedals, and the blue dealer's sales staff were worthless - they didn't know their product.

I have not regreted my choice. It fits me, fulfills my needs, and makes life easier. So far as service, unless something serious breaks, it will never see a dealer. I do all my own work - good way to get to know your tractor.

 

[archerynut]

Thanks for write-up!

I had pretty much decided on the Kubota BX24 until I just read your write-up. The BX24, I can buy "Out The Door" for less than $15k. I haven't gotten a price on the MF yet nor have I seen it in person. My closest dealer is 40 miles away.

I also looked at the JD 2305 TLB but the best local price that I've gotten was $16,700 OTD.

I was shying away from the MF because I don't have a dealer very close but there are several JD and Kubota dealers close by. But, thanks to your write-up, I think I'll reconsider the MF.

Dragula - take the time to look at the MF, I had been tractor shopping got the past 4 months and just bought the 2310 this morning. I poured over every detail and wound up with the MF. Can't wait for it to be delivered. Counting the days. Hopefully Friday. The GC2310 TLB was priced about 14,700 or so.


That was a great write up on the first weekends impressions. I can't wait to give my two cents.

 

[archerynut]

It took me a long time to decide which color tractor to get. In the end I bought the GC2300 - driving past a green dealer, an orange dealer, and a blue dealer - along the way.

On the way back from the dealer this morning I counted two green and one blue.

 

[61flattop]

Thanks for write-up!

I had pretty much decided on the Kubota BX24 until I just read your write-up. The BX24, I can buy "Out The Door" for less than $15k. I haven't gotten a price on the MF yet nor have I seen it in person. My closest dealer is 40 miles away.

I also looked at the JD 2305 TLB but the best local price that I've gotten was $16,700 OTD.

I was shying away from the MF because I don't have a dealer very close but there are several JD and Kubota dealers close by. But, thanks to your write-up, I think I'll reconsider the MF.

Drag,
I was in the same boat and I was squared away on the BX24. Then... I started doing a little research, compaing notes, and really taking a look at em. The Bota, in its hugger orange is a good looking little tractor and I do like them. After I played around on it, I guess it just felt "delicate". It also reminded me of the early GM diesels where it wanted to be up in the RPM range to make any kind of useable power. After doing some research I came across the MF's. The first thing that really turned me on was the larger displacement motor which turned much slower. To some ( especially salesmen) they will say that is because it is a "lazy"motor. To me it ment that it makes equal HP, and probably more torque at a lower RPM range which means there is not the same stresses involved. The load is being disspersed across a larger surface area. Therefore less stress is being applied to one givin area.... "theoretically" anyway. After I started really looking at the specs as well as the spreadsheet that Archery had put together, it really put it in blackand white. Overall... the MF comes out on top. You hear talk about "curved booms" on the loaders and BH's from the Kubota and other guys... well you have to stop and think about it, a curved boom really does nothing. The only thing that will effect operation is pin placement. It does not matter if they tie it into a pretzel. Your distance from hinge "A" to hinge "B" it what dictates how it operates and load path angles. The only benefit it may have would be if there is an obstruction in the way that limits arm movement. On the other hand the angled boom will hurt you in the opposite direction. A hydraulic cylinder is only foing to exhibit a specific given amount of movement and that will only change if you increase the motion ratio which would adverserly effect the load capacity. This afternoon, I was pulling around a 48" box blade essentially trying to level out all of my loader handywork and again... up the hill or down the hill it did not struggle and it performed flawlessly. Simply puy, if there is a weakspot on the Massey.... I have not found it yet other than the parking brake lock....and I have not an inkling of buyers remorse

On a side note... the Deere is a great little unit like the Kubota. My opinion was shot down when it A. fell short in just about every catagory compared to the MF and the fact that it was also reverse engineered to put a backhoe on to... it was not engineered for one. Couple those together with a larger price tag than the Massey and I am not a player. Also like yourself... I honestly have a descent Kubota dealership within 3 miles of my house... I have to drive 30-40 to the nearest MF dealership.

 

[61flattop]

Dragula - take the time to look at the MF, I had been tractor shopping got the past 4 months and just bought the 2310 this morning. I poured over every detail and wound up with the MF. Can't wait for it to be delivered. Counting the days. Hopefully Friday. The GC2310 TLB was priced about 14,700 or so.


That was a great write up on the first weekends impressions. I can't wait to give my two cents.

Archery.... Congradts man! You are gonna be happy ! Let me know when you get it. I tell ya man, If I could get a video of actually working this thing I would... That is how impressed with this thing I am. As hard as I have pushed it and the times I have hit the limit meter (so to speak ) this little tractor just wont quit and I know I have come no where close to hurting it. Even after sliding off in the ditch that I was straddling, using the outriggers to pull me back over center and using the backhoe to back fill it so I could drive it out...

 

[archerynut]

I think that the first thing I am going to do is just dig a big hole and then fill it in. Then repeat. Just can't wait.

 

[dragula]

Well, thanks for all of the replies to my post and I apologize to 61 for stealing your thread.

Well, I woke up this morning with the intent to just go ahead and call the Kubota dealer and tell him that I wanted the BX24 that I looked at yesterday. One thing that was really making me sway toward the Kubota was the "salesman" that I talked to you yesterday. Very outgoing/friendly, VERY knowledgable and willing to negotiate and help in any way. As it turned out as he gave me his business card on the way out, he was the OWNER of the company. It was nice to see the owner so enthusiastic about what is probably a relatively small sell in comparison to many of his sales.

Unlike another Kubota dealer that I stopped at where the salesman must work by the hour as he didn't seem to care if he sold me a tractor or not.

But then, I come here this morning and read some more in this thread. So, I just called the MF dealer about 40 miles from me and they have a 2310TLB in stock. They gave me a base price ($14,700) which they said was negotiable and certainly compares to the Kubota.

So, I'm off to check out the MF and I'll report back later.

Thanks again for everyone's help and info!

 

[61flattop]

Drag...... the dealer is a very important factor also... truth be known, if the Kubota dealer ( whom I had done business with in the past ) was a little friendlier, there would have been a Kubota in my barn because I would have bought it before I found the MF. At this point I am glad I did held out and talked with the MF guys. My MF dealer were great guys, went out of their way, offered to meet me after hours and on Sunday so that I could simply play with it. The Kubota dealership, however friendly they are... made me feel like "well,we are here when you are ready for it"..... Sorry for messing you up . On a side note of the bota, I had heard from my dealer here that the new 24's come with the fender support bracket installed.

 

[madhatter]

Thought I would add my 2 cents. I research things I buy to the point of being crazy! I can honestly say, I have never made a better decision. I looked at all models and when I weighed out all the options, details and specs of each the MF won out. This unit has so much power for the size it is amazing. The low RPM compared to the others with the same torque is nice. Makes the jobs more quiet and burns less fuel. I had a JD before, just a lawnmower ( 345 ) not the 2305, and was really wanting another JD because they DO make a good product. But in this case, the MF is simply a better machine when you compare the facts and specs. The look of it, the power, sevicability etc, is second to none. The only complaint and it is trivial, is the forward/reverse foot control, it works as it should, but prefer the JD system. Although I beleive JD has a patent on thiers which would explian why only they use it. It would also be nice if the hydraulic speed was a little faster ( for the loader and hoe ) but you have to remember that this is a compact not a full size AND out of all the subcompacts it seems to have the fastest hydraulics and most flow. I could go on bragging about this machine, but it really is a great unit, not saying the others are not good, just saying no one would go wrong getting of these units. If anyone wishes more info, feel free to PM me....

 

[dragula]

Well, I just got back from the MF dealer. Okay 61, where do I send the commission check?

I signed the papers on a new 2310 to be delivered first thing in the morning.

I'm glad now that I waited before purchasing the Kubota. Here was some of my deciding factors to go with the MF vs the Kubota after just an initial "test drive" on each:

The Kubota was nice but the MF just seems to be more of a "tractor". I don't know if that makes sense because when comparing their specs, they are very similar.

I liked the movement of the backhoe better especially at lower rpms.

The MF was considerably more comfortable to me. I have some back problems and the seating position is a pretty important factor to me.

I also liked the fact that the MF had twin cylinders on the FEL vs Kubota's single cylinder.

One thing that I did not like on the MF was the location of the hydraulic control hoses for the FEL. They stick up pretty high and don't seem to be very well protected. I could see these getting snagged in some heavy underbrush. The Kubotas FEL hoses were tucked inside the lift arms for the FEL which offered more protection.


Finally, probably one of my BIGGEST deciding factors was the dealer that I went to. It was just a "Mom and Pop" dealer but they had been in business at that location since 1958. I only counted four employees (two owners, parts guy and mechanic/serviceman). I like to support the small businessman (since I'm one myself ). The owner was VERY knowledgable about this particular tractor and didn't mind spending as much time with me as I wanted to help me decide. He had his mechanic come out and show me some of the operation of it and also answer any questions that I might have. They are about 40 miles from me but I think it'll be worthwhile to continue to do business with them.


This is a little off-topic but I'd like to tell one other thing that I noticed with this particular dealer that you don't see too often anymore; While he was working with me, I was his NUMBER ONE customer at the time. The phone rang several times while I was there and the people were obviously asking for the owner who I was working with; I noticed that whoever answered the phone always replied with "He's with a customer right now, can I take a message?". The same with people that came into the store asking for him. How many times have any of us been working with a salesman on a large purchase (such as a car) only to have the salesman be constantly distracted by others? Clearly, the attitude of the owners of this place is that the customer that the owner is with right now is the most important person and you'll be that person when your time comes. I LIKE that attitude!



The MF did end up costing me a little more than the Kubota but I think it'll be worth it in the end. I had been quoted about $14,800 "Out the door" on the Kubota and this MF costs me $15,200 "Out the door". $400 isn't much difference in the long run, I guess.


Anyway, I'm off my soapbox now and thanks again to everyone for your help! I'll post a review of my tractor after I put about 20 hours on it this weekend.

 

[61flattop]

Drag..... thats awesome man! Actually to be quite honest what makes me sick is in the world of todays most widely used marketing theory and techniques by todays "smartest" marketing people "Throw as much garbage as you can out there and see what sticks". It simply makes me ill at how much garbage is actually out and when I come across what I truly feel is a good product I want to tell people about it. The Massey falls in this catagory, it has impressed me from the minute I first turned the key. As confused as I was about purchasing a unit before I knew I could not be the only one and it seemed that nobody simply knew about the little tractors.....

 

[archerynut]

Finally, probably one of my BIGGEST deciding factors was the dealer that I went to. It was just a "Mom and Pop" dealer but they had been in business at that location since 1958. I only counted four employees (two owners, parts guy and mechanic/serviceman). I like to support the small businessman (since I'm one myself ). The owner was VERY knowledgable about this particular tractor and didn't mind spending as much time with me as I wanted to help me decide. He had his mechanic come out and show me some of the operation of it and also answer any questions that I might have. They are about 40 miles from me but I think it'll be worthwhile to continue to do business with them.

This was also a deciding factor for me. The MF dealer seemed to be very good. Although I had talked to him on the phone I wanted to meet him in person and take a look around. Small dealership but the owner and his son and wife were working there along with some service guys. The most impressive thing was the son (who I think deals with parts and repairs mostly) knew the answer to every question asked on the phone and in person and was actually following up with customers that were waiting on parts. You just don't see that very often anymore.

 

[archerynut]

Oh yeah, congrats Dragula on your new purchase. I hope to have mine here on Friday (first time I will be around to get it) and put some serious hours on it this weekend. The wife asked me to rip some shrubs out of the planting beds around the house, of course I said "GLADLY", but only if I can do it with the backhoe.

 

[61flattop]

"rip" and "shrubs" dont go together.......... atleast not when it comes to your MF that you will get on Firday.... in fact I think you may just boore it. I was after buckets full of broken concrete and taking it back up the hill to the proposed carport area for backfill today.

 

[archerynut]

How about 20 tons of reground asphault to redo the driveway? Does that sound like a task the MF would be interested in? The shrubs are going to be an appetizer!

 

[dragula]

LOL!!

This thing isn't even here yet and it's already costing me money because I took off today to play with it once it arrives. Self-employed = no worky/no payee.

I've been walking around the yard today looking for things to try it out on. I have a TON of things to do with it but I don't have all of the materials yet;

Drain lines to run - haven't bought the lines yet
Trees to plant - haven't bought the trees yet
Retaining wall to build - haven't ordered the gravel base yet
Flower gardens to dig out - no flowers yet
etc., etc., etc.,

I think I need to go shopping.

 

[dragula]

Ha, as a side note about this particular dealer; Yesterday, the dealer told me that they would call me at 8:10 this morning to get directions to my house. I thought that it was kind of an odd time to tell me they would call. Well, just as I finished typing the post above, the phone rang at exactly 8:10. I just hung up from giving him directions. I hope their customer service continues along this path.


Oh yea, btw Archerynut; I found your spreadsheet on one of the other posts which I used quite a bit. Thanks for putting that together.

 

[61flattop]

Archery........ the driveway sounds like a task.... with 40K pounds of material to spread.Heck, if you were closer I would even come help you out

Drag.... I was at rural King this last weekend and I bought 6" drainage tile for 39.00 per 100 ft which I did not think was hateful......