Help on buying a 1440

[Wolfman]

Hi Guys,

I thought that I had a grasp on the standard features of each version of the 1440, but now I'm looking at a 1440 that is not a value tractor that does not have a foldable ROPS. I thought fixed ROPS was only on the 1433v and 1440v. I thought all levels above were folding.

This has gotten me to thinking that I might be mistaken on what is included in each level. Can someone point out the specific differences between the 1440v and 1440 versions. Is it worth $1000 for the difference? The only thing that I know of that is different is 8 gears (on the non V tractors, is it Creep, Crawl, 1 and 2 that make up the 4 ranges?), an upgraded seat, I thought a folding ROPS and... is there anything else?

I'm looking at a 1440 with 50 hours on it that is equipped with a 1480 backhoe. The tractor has a new engine because the previous owner ran it low on oil. The dealer is giving me $3500 off the price for a total of $24,400.

The tractor looks like it has been through a rough 50 hours of use, it has some dents and scratches, the lower bar on the grill guard has been bent considerably and the right side front tire has almost a 1/4" chunk taken out if it the size of a dime. There is a quick detach bucket that has a lot of play in it (is this normal for quick detach?). The backhoe looks like it was used a fair amount also. There seems to be some extra play in it when swung from side to side (when compared to a new 1470 loader that I demo'd last week). Also when I pump the brakes, I hear a whistling noise - what kind of problem do you think that might be?

It seems like a great deal that I might just pass up for either a 1440v or a New Holland TC40 with a 16LA loader (my Massey dealer is such a great dealer - I am having a real tough time taking my business somewhere else - even though I have a preference for the TC40).

Although the backhoe seemed to work pretty good on regular soil, there are a lot of large rocks on my land that it can't handle - and I would end up needing to rent a bigger backhoe any way. When the going gets tough, this backhoe seems to quit (although I must admit I am not a very experienced backhoe operator - I'm sure with more experience I would learn to finesse things a little more).

What do you guys think, should I take this tractor and backhoe for $24,400 - is it a deal that I shouldn't pass up, or should I just get into a 1440v for $19900 (the dealer, Northwood Power Equipment is throwing in other incentives like extended warranty (4 years total), free lifetime pickup delivery, $300 off an implement, free first service - on both of these, so the prices are actually lower if you take those into account).

Basically, this deal means that I am getting the tractor level upgrade (still not sure exactly whats in the upgrade), the backhoe, and some wear and tear for $4500. Is this worth doing? Is this going to be something that I will be sorry I turned away from when I look back at this deal?

Thanks for your ideas and input...

 

[Wolfman]

Forgot to ask (and I keep forgetting that I can edit my posts instead of adding a new one like I just did!):

Does the quick attach for the bucket on the 1466 loader accept skid steer attachments?? I wasn't sure if all quick attaches were standard or if this one is Massey Ferguson only.

It doesn't seem like Massey Ferguson make many attachments for the 1466, are there any other sources for attachments for the quick attach?

Thanks again.

 

[JerryG]

If the tractor is a Non-V then the ROPS should fold. If it has been treated that rough, maybe the dealer had to replace the ROPS for some reason. The folding one is cheaper. I'll try to make out a list of what is different tomorrow.

 

[Wolfman]

Hi Jerry,

I take it you meant that the Folding ROPS is cheaper in construction, not price, right?

 

[JerryG]

I meant that if the dealer had replaced it, it would have been cheaper on him to put on the one piece than the folding ROPS.

 

[JerryG]

The quick attach is one that uses pins. It only needs a attachment that has the standard pins in the right place. There is no need to have a special plate or anything special. The QA will connect to any thing that has the right size of pin and if they have the right spacing.

 

[JerryG]

MF does off a few attachment for the 1466, but anything that has the right pin size and distance will work.

 

[Tonester]

For what it's worth...
I just purchased a new MF1433 from those folks and would recommend them to anyone. I do not think you can go wrong there...I checked 'em out pretty good. They gave me a very good package price on my deal, and a rental deal on excavators so I didn't opt for the backhoe. I don't think a Compact Tractor is very useful as a real backhoe except for fairly light work. As I have said here before, you can rent a 10,000lb excavator alot of times before you even come close to the price of a CUT backhoe, especially at Northwood Power! Just my opinion, I've used both and the real deal is much faster and ALOT more ballsy. But if you will use it alot for lighter work it would be OK.

Since the new 1440 is around $20,900 with loader (give or take) spend the other 4,000 on goodies, work up a rental deal and get a nice new shiny tractor!!! And don't forget about the "freebies" the boys offer!

Don't mind me I'm still all excited about my tractor /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Tonester]

Sorry, just read the other thread again and I'm repeating myself /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Jerry, you have a backhoe for your beauty, how is it for you?? 'Specially on rocks? Our hoe work is pretty hefty drainage and trenching...Maybe Wolfman would be OK?

 

[JerryG]

Yes, I have a MF 1475 hoe. As bad as it sounds, I have never used it. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I just traded in a MF 1217 hoe. It was amazing what it would dig through. One time, I dug 4200 ft of trenches at a site, the contractors couldn't believe that I was digging through the rock layer that I was. I have some work lined up for the new hoe, but it will have to wait in line with my chicken farm. The have to do's on the farm comes first.

 

[Wolfman]

Thanks for all of the information. I have decided to skip the backhoe and opt for renting since we probably won't have much use for it after we are finished with immediate needs.

Can anyone give me some opinions on the 1455V ? I was all set and ready to go with a New Holland TC40D after I decided to skip the 1440/Backhoe combo. The reason I was thinking of going that route was stronger loader (2000 lbs lift, 3500 lbs breakout vs. 1200 lbs lift, 1800 lbs. breakout), more weight (about 400 lbs more for TC40D), wider wheelbase (only a little), higher displacement engine, and hydrostatic all for about $1000 more than the 1440s.

I really liked the Massey dealer and I was bummed out that my wife and I were heavily leaning towards the TC40D. When I called the Massey dealer to say that I had decided to go with the New Holland, they made me an offer on a demo 1455V with 15 hours on it for about $1000 more than the TC40D. Now I'm confused and my wife is a little upset (she was in love with the hydrostatic tranny).

The 1455 kills the TC40D on all specs except for visibility and hydrostatic tranny. The one thing I didn't understand was that the lift capacity on the 1050 loader is 3200 lbs. while the breakout force was only listed as 2500 lbs. It's the only loader I have seen where lift capacity is greater than breakout capacity. Why would this be? What type of work would breakout capacity really help with. Is there anything a loader with 2000 lb. lift/3500 lb. breakout could do better than a loader with 3200 lb. lift/2500. lb breakout ?

Also, any drawbacks to having the muffler sticking out of the hood vs. having tucked under the hood (besides visibility)?

Thanks for your assistance. I have a tough decision ahead of me now. Hydrostatic will be a big loss for my wife, but I don't know if I could live with myself turning down a deal on a much more powerful tractor.

 

[Glenn9643]

"Can anyone give me some opinions on the 1455V?"
I've had mine for about two months and have put 85 hours on it. I like the R4's on it. Watch for nuts/bolts loosening. Bolts holding the ROPS to the axle assy loosened on mine. I was a little concerned about smelling hydraulic fluid at times when using the loader, but apparently that was from the agitation of the fluid and coming from the vent underneath the seat. Several others responded that they had the same smell. Right now I'm not happy with my power steering. I often start to turn the wheels before moving forward or back, especially working in tight places. I've noticed that at times the steering will refuse to turn until I begin to move forward or backward. Then it turns easily as it should. I tried bumping up the throttle a little to see if it might be starving for pressure, but that hasn't helped. I don't think it's operating just as it should and I'm sure the dealer will take care of any problem. I just need to break down and get it back to them and get it checked. It may just be the nature of the beast, but I hope not. Your observation about the lack of visibility is right on track. The 3ph arms are shorter on this tractor than my last and with the fuel tank right behind the seat I can't see when trying to hook to implements. You cannot reach from the back of the tractor to adjust your 3ph lift to hook up either becahse of the fuel tank. Because of this I had them install the joystick controller for my dual remotes at the rear of the tractor where I can reach it from the seat or from the ground if trying to connect to an implement. Other than that I've been very satisfied with my 1455v.

'lift capacity on the 1050 loader is 3200 lbs. while the breakout force was only listed as 2500 lbs.'
Everything I've seen indicates the 1040 loader is the only MF loader used on the 1455v. That's what I have on mine. I would bet the 2500 lbs figure on the 1050 is a typo error. The 1040 breakout is 3400 lbs with 3000 lbs lift capacity. There is a dealer modification required when installing the loader wherein they weld some "shims" underneath the side loader supports. If this is not done you will have some terrible rattling when moving across rough ground. Mine has been fixed and I no longer have the rattles. I went with the 72" HD bucket in hopes of preventing bending and twisting the bucket down the road. A toothbar is highly recommended if you intend to dig. The quick-attach system is fairly cheap and allows you to change the bucket out in minutes. Very worthwhile if you think you might ever need pallet forks or a bale spear.

'any drawbacks to having the muffler sticking out of the hood'
When I'm in an area dense enough to worry about a limb or something hitting my muffler I raise the FEL to protect it. That also helps keep it off me.

I don't recall if you mentioned what you would use it for. In my opinion it's too big to mowing, but it handles a 286 Bushhog fine. You should go to the dealer and drive it around the lot for a while and see how it feels to you. There are a few drawbacks, but I've found drawbacks in the others too. The mechanical shuttle works fine for me, but I'm used to geared tractors. Like your wife, mine prefers the hydro like we have on the JD 455 we use to cut grass. Good luck with your decision and let me know if I can be of assistance.