Mahindra 4540 vs. Massey Ferguson 1742

[Summer9530]

Hi GManBart,
I'm on this site to learn so I don't think your comments are blunt. I want to hear things from another perspective so I appreciate your honesty and input. It's an expensive mistake if I bring home the wrong machine.

I previously thought about the shuttle shift. That's why I wanted to drive another machine. The rep at the Mahindra dealer kept steering me in the direction of the 4540 for some reason. I'll take another look at options.

thanks again. Jeannette

 

[motownbrowne]

It would be a mistake not to at least try a hydrostatic machine. For mowing, and for FEL use, the benefits are immense. Also, for beginner users, they are safer and easier to use. A hydro tractor remains stopped until you tell it otherwise. A gear tractor will go until you remember how to stop it.

 

[Ronnn]

MtnViewRanch, "the 1742 is one nice tractor. Plain and simple has it's place, just not so sure that it is with tractors anymore"

Why do you say this? We are considering the 1736.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

QUOTE=Ronnn;4262489]MtnViewRanch, "the 1742 is one nice tractor. Plain and simple has it's place, just not so sure that it is with tractors anymore"

Why do you say this? We are considering the 1736.[/QUOTE]

Std gear boxes, minimum seat comfort, poor ergonomics as an example. Why even produce such a machine? So a few $$ can be saved. :confused2: There obviously is a market for them, or they would not build them. But for the few $$$ more to be comfortable and much more productive, is it not really more beneficial in the long run to have a nicer equipped machine??? :confused3:

The 1736 is a very nice tractor, I'm confused, do you think that I was calling the 1742 a plain and simple machine?? The Massey 1700 series tractors have to be some of the nicest well equipped machines made IMO. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Far from plain and simple.

 

[paulfun9]

Hi Paulfun,
Yes, they were two totally different tractors and thought the 2540 wouldn't be able to move round bales so I thought about staying with the 4540. I also got information from GManBart (very good perspective) and will take another look at all of my options during the week.

Thanks again.
Jeannette

I am not against getting a straight gear tractor but clearly understand that most people who get them have long tem experience driving them and their intended use is for much more open duties. If you have any close quarter work you would be wise not to let the salesman direct you to what he wants to sell but rather what you want to buy.

I have gear, HST and power shuttle at my disposal and I most often opt for the shuttle shift unless I am going to do field work. HST is nice but they are starting to put too many bells and whistles on them for me to seriously consider getting an other one and the HST I have is basically because others here that are not good operators and not very skilled with clutch work need to be able to run it, as well it really doesn't see much distance compared to the others.

Don't be afraid of a shuttle shift but like many will point out depending on your work a straight clutch can be tiresome after a long day on the machine. Like most others on this board I would suggest power shuttle or HST for most users but a lot depends on the user and their planned jobs.

SO if a basic tractor is what you want then tell the dealer You want basic with a power shuttle similar to the 4540 or a HST similar to the 4540 and if he keeps taking you to the machines that are different like the 2555 or the like simply walk away and find an other salesman or go to a different dealer. Its your money and if you want simple and basic in a certain style package they need to conform to your wishes or not make the sale.


Have you shopped any other brand besides Mahindra? Sometimes its not just wanting basic or simple but rather how its worked into a machine so do take a look at other brands and learn everything you can about them all before making any final decision.

 

[ErikVann]

Hello Jeanette
I have a mf 1742 with the shuttle shift. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It accomplishes the tasks you mention with ease and comfort. The operator station is well designed and ergonomic. Having the loader joystick close at hand is a huge improvement over reaching for it on the loader frame. I find the loader hydraulics to be VERY responsive and fast. the loader takes a very soft hand to operate smoothly. If it were a longer reach smooth operation Might be more difficult or tiring.

I also echo what others have said about the HST and shuttle. My last tractor was a gear drive. At the time I didn't feel like I was missing anything, having operated my 1742 for about a hundred hours I can say I would never go back to straight gear, and once in a while I find myself wondering if I should have gone with HST. The only criticism I halve is the gas pedal is a bit of a reach and I find it is in an awkward spot, but I generally use the hand throttle.
Whichever tractor you choose enjoy it.

 

[BigBoyToys]

I've had stick shifts in cars/trucks all my life so a clutch and shifting is no big deal. HOWEVER when it comes to a tractor...HST is REALLY NICE!!! My buddy has a JD790 stick/clutch and that was the first tractor I've used. I had been looking for my own tractor for the last year and a half and knew I wanted to go HST. Finally found one and now that buddy Dave has driven it...he knows what he's been missing!