GC2400 vs. BX2360, JD1026r

[chelydra]

I'm planning to downsize from a CUT to a subcompact. Major landscaping is done, and instead of a BH, I now need a snowblower and loader that can move in tight spaces. No mowing or other types of work needed (yet).

Major contenders were Kubota BX2360 (great machine, but I don't like the HST pedal arrangement) or the new JD 1026r (looks good all around, but very pricey.) Browsing the MF forums shows a lot of positive feelings about the brand. Any thoughts on how their SCUTs compare with others? Prices seems competitive. One issue for me is that nearest dealer is 40 miles away, vs. others much closer - could get expensive if tractor has to go back to the shop. Also, MF's backhoe apparently can't be added later, and don't have the spare $$ (or real need) to justify the 2410 up front.

Also, general opinion on these forums seems to be that the extra 1 hp at PTO isn't worth the extra price of the 2600. I've been getting by just fine with the smallest Kioti, so main reasons to size up would be to enhance resale value or for blowing very wet snow.

Thanks for you ideas-

chelydra

 

[cdaigle430]

I'm planning to downsize from a CUT to a subcompact. Major landscaping is done, and instead of a BH, I now need a snowblower and loader that can move in tight spaces. No mowing or other types of work needed (yet).

Major contenders were Kubota BX2360 (great machine, but I don't like the HST pedal arrangement) or the new JD 1026r (looks good all around, but very pricey.) Browsing the MF forums shows a lot of positive feelings about the brand. Any thoughts on how their SCUTs compare with others? Prices seems competitive. One issue for me is that nearest dealer is 40 miles away, vs. others much closer - could get expensive if tractor has to go back to the shop. Also, MF's backhoe apparently can't be added later, and don't have the spare $$ (or real need) to justify the 2410 up front.

Also, general opinion on these forums seems to be that the extra 1 hp at PTO isn't worth the extra price of the 2600. I've been getting by just fine with the smallest Kioti, so main reasons to size up would be to enhance resale value or for blowing very wet snow.

Thanks for you ideas-

chelydra

They are all great tractors, The MF sits up higher allowing the operator to see more and is very easy to maintain. I just did my 50 hour service and couldnt believe how simple it was. I would also test drive each one of these machines. I test drove all of them, my heart was set on the CASE sub compact but they stopped selling them several years back. Also the dealership can make up for the distance so see how acomodating they are when picking up the tractory for warranty work.

 

[bp fick]

LS also makes the J series. Might want to check them out and see if the hub bub about low prices is as attractive as many say. Mitsu engine is likely similar or the same as the GC.

 

[hizoot]

I sat on the new JD 1026 at the county fair last week....I would've sworn the seating/hood height was the same as my 2520 :confused3:

 

[Wacky]

What pretty much sold me was the quietness of the MF hyraulics, and able to use them at an idle. Where-as the Kubota was noisy and you had to bump up the throttle to use the hydraulics. Although Kubota is a proven tractor, I liked the MF better. I do like that the hydro fan is more easily changed, on the MF, if I should happen to break it too. Which is highly possible where I drive!
I have not seen the new JD, but (for what it's worth) I would wait till they have been around for a bit to get the bugs worked out.
Oh.....I don't like my parking brake.

 

[cdaigle430]

What pretty much sold me was the quietness of the MF hyraulics, and able to use them at an idle. Where-as the Kubota was noisy and you had to bump up the throttle to use the hydraulics. Although Kubota is a proven tractor, I liked the MF better. I do like that the hydro fan is more easily changed, on the MF, if I should happen to break it too. Which is highly possible where I drive!
I have not seen the new JD, but (for what it's worth) I would wait till they have been around for a bit to get the bugs worked out.
Oh.....I don't like my parking brake.

Wacky.

 

[Kal130]

I looked around at all last fall before I even knew Massey was an option. I was very hesitant to buy anything because I just didn't like too many things about every tractor. (features,price, etc...). Once I found the GC I bought one within a couple of weeks. That's just how long it took me to sweet talk the wife.

 

[Don87]

My wife made the decision on ours. She didn't like the JD, the Kubota, or the Cub/Yanmar, as much as the Massey.

Seperate forward and reverse pedals, along with the left side brake, and the seat adjustment is what made the decision here.

Choose the one that fits you best.:thumbsup:

 

[SGM97B]

I haven't tried the others but I am very happy with my GC2400. The loader is limited in weight but it lifts as much as a tractor its size is safe to lift. I did a lot of digging with the FEL this summer and it worked better than I had even hoped. The control joy stick took a little getting used to, I was accustomed to separate controls for lift and bucket control. It is very maneuverable, the foot controls are ideal since they are exactly the same as my JD 325 mower. Word of caution; the tractor is light so think about some rear weight if you are going to do FEL work on a slope. I almost pitched forward a couple of times going down hill and when braking.

 

[cdaigle430]

I haven't tried the others but I am very happy with my GC2400. The loader is limited in weight but it lifts as much as a tractor its size is safe to lift. I did a lot of digging with the FEL this summer and it worked better than I had even hoped. The control joy stick took a little getting used to, I was accustomed to separate controls for lift and bucket control. It is very maneuverable, the foot controls are ideal since they are exactly the same as my JD 325 mower. Word of caution; the tractor is light so think about some rear weight if you are going to do FEL work on a slope. I almost pitched forward a couple of times going down hill and when braking.

I agree, I had my BB on and it was enough to counter a full bucket load.