LBrown59
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2004
- Messages
- 16,831
- Tractor
- 2003 Kubota BX1500/2004 Kubota Bx23/2005 Kubota BX1500
I don't find that a problem with my BXs.
Help me buy my Massey GC2410
- Thread starter tsteahr
- Start date
- Views: 16367
OK, my 4-and-a-half cents' worth... I bought my 2310 just about 2 years ago.
The questions, and my responses, where I feel at least a little qualified to offer an answer (opinion):
The questions:
1) Would it be unreasonable to ask the dealer to weld chain hooks onto both buckets for just the cost of buying the hooks from him? Don't know about that; I did my own thing. I guess I would expect to pay for the extra sevice of welding/priming/painting.
2) Do I need a block heater here in CT? The unit will be stored in a unheated garage. I have a block heater, which isn't really necessary for starting, but it certainly does help in cold weather. I figure it saves wear & tear on both the starter and the battery. The main problem is warming up the hydraulic fluid, but if the engines starts (& idles smoothly) quickly, it means an easier time warming up the hydraulic fluid, I think.
3) I am thinking R4 tires since I don't plan to mow. Should this cost extra and if so how much is reasonable? I have turf tires, and they work very well, even on my steep gravel driveway, even when icy; concerning the "best" tires it's a never-ending debate, but I've never had to use the chains I bought with the tractor (I have a front-mount blower for snow). You should be able to specify tire type at no additional cost.
4) I would ask to purchase the service manuals as well. Is there one or multiple manuals (one for tractor and another for motor)? The "regulation" MF service manual covers the tractor and engine, but no implements/attachments. It was pricey through the dealer, but is pretty complete. I got one shortly after I bought the tractor. (I get one for every new vehicle our family purchases.)
5) The dealer said they fill the tires of every unit they sell. Is it fair to assume he will use something like RimGuard or should I ask? Go ahead & ask; I don't have any filling....
6) Is it fair for me to expect the machine to be leak tight or are oil drips on the garage floor a fact of life? Any hydraulic system will develop leaks, but other than a few drips --that I guess are "normal" for a new vehicle-- I haven't had much of a problem. I did tighten up a fitting on the BH controls, but it seems there will always be a bit of a leak from the FEL controls-- at least I haven't pinpointed it yet. I just stuff a paper towel under the control cover. (The 2410's controls are a bit different than the 2310's.)
7) Once I get the machine home I would like to install work lights on the ROPS. Any suggestions for quality lights and where to get them? Don't know.
8) Fuel treatment / stabilizer. Is there any advantage to using the high end brands like Red Line / Amsoil or should I get whatever is at walmart/autozone. Almost anything suitable for a diesel should be fine. I also use Power Service when/if I'm out of Stanadyne (for VW diesel).
The questions, and my responses, where I feel at least a little qualified to offer an answer (opinion):
The questions:
1) Would it be unreasonable to ask the dealer to weld chain hooks onto both buckets for just the cost of buying the hooks from him? Don't know about that; I did my own thing. I guess I would expect to pay for the extra sevice of welding/priming/painting.
2) Do I need a block heater here in CT? The unit will be stored in a unheated garage. I have a block heater, which isn't really necessary for starting, but it certainly does help in cold weather. I figure it saves wear & tear on both the starter and the battery. The main problem is warming up the hydraulic fluid, but if the engines starts (& idles smoothly) quickly, it means an easier time warming up the hydraulic fluid, I think.
3) I am thinking R4 tires since I don't plan to mow. Should this cost extra and if so how much is reasonable? I have turf tires, and they work very well, even on my steep gravel driveway, even when icy; concerning the "best" tires it's a never-ending debate, but I've never had to use the chains I bought with the tractor (I have a front-mount blower for snow). You should be able to specify tire type at no additional cost.
4) I would ask to purchase the service manuals as well. Is there one or multiple manuals (one for tractor and another for motor)? The "regulation" MF service manual covers the tractor and engine, but no implements/attachments. It was pricey through the dealer, but is pretty complete. I got one shortly after I bought the tractor. (I get one for every new vehicle our family purchases.)
5) The dealer said they fill the tires of every unit they sell. Is it fair to assume he will use something like RimGuard or should I ask? Go ahead & ask; I don't have any filling....
6) Is it fair for me to expect the machine to be leak tight or are oil drips on the garage floor a fact of life? Any hydraulic system will develop leaks, but other than a few drips --that I guess are "normal" for a new vehicle-- I haven't had much of a problem. I did tighten up a fitting on the BH controls, but it seems there will always be a bit of a leak from the FEL controls-- at least I haven't pinpointed it yet. I just stuff a paper towel under the control cover. (The 2410's controls are a bit different than the 2310's.)
7) Once I get the machine home I would like to install work lights on the ROPS. Any suggestions for quality lights and where to get them? Don't know.
8) Fuel treatment / stabilizer. Is there any advantage to using the high end brands like Red Line / Amsoil or should I get whatever is at walmart/autozone. Almost anything suitable for a diesel should be fine. I also use Power Service when/if I'm out of Stanadyne (for VW diesel).
ChuckinNH
Elite Member, R.I.P.
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2003
- Messages
- 3,081
- Location
- NH
- Tractor
- (B2620, had BX22) Simplicity Legacy w/48" mmm
I had a BX22 before moving up in size to the B2620 I have now. It was the BX that had the bar tires on it. The B with the R-4's will tear up the yard pretty well in a tight turn. In 4wd it is much worse of course. I had thought about giving the R-3 turf tires a try, but like Runner, my dealer said that was a $1000 plus option.... I think in the end that the R-4's on that size tractor are best for my all around use. It's hard to have one set up that is best for all occasions. The rubber compound in R-4's seems harder than that used in the bar, or R-1 tires, and I've found them to be lacking on packed snow, or ice for sure. I will have chains on there this winter.
Diamondpilot
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 16,316
- Location
- Daleville, IN
- Tractor
- Jinma 254/284 Ford 861 Powermaster at work
I have mowed all my life with tractors equipped with R1's. Both my tractors currently have R1's. Think of it this way. If you were to have a wet yard and drove a S-10 or a tractor equipped with R1's which would do less damage? Both will leave some minor rutting but the S-10 would probably get stuck and spin doing way more damage.
I do not have a pic of my yard but here are a few of some of with bits and pieces of it. Also a picture of a average snow in my area. I have a gravel drive and use my 7' blade to push the snow with my 28Hp 4x4 tractor.
Chris
Attachments
WilliamBos
Super Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2004
- Messages
- 5,267
- Location
- Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
- Tractor
- MF 1635 12x12 Powershuttle
That is a beautiful place you have there, especially the shop!!
Would you have pics of the inside??
Diamondpilot
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 16,316
- Location
- Daleville, IN
- Tractor
- Jinma 254/284 Ford 861 Powermaster at work
Thanks. No pics of the shop. Hard drive crashed and lost them all but I will take some and post.
Chris
Chris
jaybrad
Gold Member
In the FWIW department, I'll toss out my experience with my 2310 over the past 15+ months (< 100 hours).
My dealer mounted a single hook on my bucket at no charge as part of the deal. I have found it to be very handy. Not sure if 2 hooks would really be an advantage for my use.
I have the R4 tires and like them because they don't dig up the lawn. They worked fine last winter without chains and have been great in the woods. I would probably be just as happy with turf tires, but don't regret my decision. Then again, if I had the opportunity to pick up a deal on another set of turf tires and rims, i would probably do so.
My tires are not filled, and it hasn't been an issue. As small as these tires are, I think it adds < 200 # total, so I'm not sure how much of a performance issue that makes. I usually have either the BH or snow blower on the rear, so there is good balance.
Mine came with a block heater, which I have used a couple times. My tractor is in an insulated but unheated garage that is attached to our house. It gets pretty cold, but not like leaving it outdoors. OTOH, because the tractor is in the garage, my car stays outside (wife's car is in the other garage bay....). Remedy there is a 3 or 4 bay garage.
I don't have the service manual yet. It's on my list, and maybe I'll give the dealer a call tomorrow. I have the manuals for all our other vehicles and will get one for the tractor, too.
Every once and a while I see an oil/grease drip on the floor. Usually from the rear after I have changed implements. It's only been a couple of drops and nothing I worried about. It hasn't leaked any other fluids from any other places.
Auxiliary ROPS lights are a must. I put on 4 (2 front; 2 rear) before last winter. It was pretty easy to add another switch to the dash and wire in the lights - and they are wonderful. By comparison, the ones that come on the tractor are just a notch above useless. I got mine at Tractor Supply, which is also where I got the waterproof switch.
I was concerned that having an extra set of lights on the sides of the ROPS would be a recipe for disaster when I went into the woods - but so far, so good. Haven't broken them yet (and hope I don't regret making that comment).
Our property sounds much like yours - and I am very pleased with our decision to buy the Massey. My only regret is that between lousy weather and work, I haven't had more time to use it.
Good luck!
Jay
My dealer mounted a single hook on my bucket at no charge as part of the deal. I have found it to be very handy. Not sure if 2 hooks would really be an advantage for my use.
I have the R4 tires and like them because they don't dig up the lawn. They worked fine last winter without chains and have been great in the woods. I would probably be just as happy with turf tires, but don't regret my decision. Then again, if I had the opportunity to pick up a deal on another set of turf tires and rims, i would probably do so.
My tires are not filled, and it hasn't been an issue. As small as these tires are, I think it adds < 200 # total, so I'm not sure how much of a performance issue that makes. I usually have either the BH or snow blower on the rear, so there is good balance.
Mine came with a block heater, which I have used a couple times. My tractor is in an insulated but unheated garage that is attached to our house. It gets pretty cold, but not like leaving it outdoors. OTOH, because the tractor is in the garage, my car stays outside (wife's car is in the other garage bay....). Remedy there is a 3 or 4 bay garage.
I don't have the service manual yet. It's on my list, and maybe I'll give the dealer a call tomorrow. I have the manuals for all our other vehicles and will get one for the tractor, too.
Every once and a while I see an oil/grease drip on the floor. Usually from the rear after I have changed implements. It's only been a couple of drops and nothing I worried about. It hasn't leaked any other fluids from any other places.
Auxiliary ROPS lights are a must. I put on 4 (2 front; 2 rear) before last winter. It was pretty easy to add another switch to the dash and wire in the lights - and they are wonderful. By comparison, the ones that come on the tractor are just a notch above useless. I got mine at Tractor Supply, which is also where I got the waterproof switch.
I was concerned that having an extra set of lights on the sides of the ROPS would be a recipe for disaster when I went into the woods - but so far, so good. Haven't broken them yet (and hope I don't regret making that comment).
Our property sounds much like yours - and I am very pleased with our decision to buy the Massey. My only regret is that between lousy weather and work, I haven't had more time to use it.
Good luck!
Jay
OP
tsteahr
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2008
- Messages
- 429
- Location
- CT shoreline
- Tractor
- Massey Ferguson GC2410tlb w/ R1 and Rimguard
Ok. From what I am being hearing, with a little common sense I should be able to get around the yard with the R1's (bar) without tearing the place up. I agree it would be foolish to go out on a soggy yard with any tire and expect no damage and it would not be something I would do anyway. I will ask for R1.
Thanks for all the input. It is very appreciated.
Finally, if anyone does have any suggestions or experience for lighting it would be appreciated. This dealer did not seem to interested in doing this when I mentioned it on my first visit.
Thanks for all the input. It is very appreciated.
Finally, if anyone does have any suggestions or experience for lighting it would be appreciated. This dealer did not seem to interested in doing this when I mentioned it on my first visit.
gc2310
Bronze Member
You won't go wrong with a GC2410. I use both R4's and turfs. R4's in the winter and never had a problem with snow and they're not loaded, makes them too heavy to change easily. Wheels and tires are very reasonable from the dealer. Complete original shop manual was about $100.00 including the fancy binder. 2 hooks on the bucket are a must and should be included. Block heater would be nice but probably unnecessary in your area. 4 work lights on the ROPS are another must. $8.00 each at Princess Auto on sale. Rubber case ones so they have a little give on branches. I put relays an them so they shut off with the ignition.
4 years and 850 hours and I'm still happy. ENJOY!!!!!!
4 years and 850 hours and I'm still happy. ENJOY!!!!!!
DMW
Platinum Member
R1's are great for dirt work. It won't always be nice and dry. If you can walk on your grass without you feet "squishing" the R1s shouldn't have a problem. You will be sweeping a lot of dried mud out of your garage no matter what style you choose. The odd oil drip on the floor will become less of a concern.
I've found a center mounted hook bolted to a plate on top the bucket to be adequate for my needs. Using an edge mounted hook singly it seemed to get tippy.
Try a boxblade with scarifiers for your grading projects. Using the FEL alone is very hard on it, and can get very frustrating.
Stored in an unheated garage, watch for water in the hydraulic fluid. It will get a milky appearance in the sight glass when your operating the tractor. Water will cause most of your hydraulic problems in the winter.
I've found a center mounted hook bolted to a plate on top the bucket to be adequate for my needs. Using an edge mounted hook singly it seemed to get tippy.
Try a boxblade with scarifiers for your grading projects. Using the FEL alone is very hard on it, and can get very frustrating.
Stored in an unheated garage, watch for water in the hydraulic fluid. It will get a milky appearance in the sight glass when your operating the tractor. Water will cause most of your hydraulic problems in the winter.
