Massey 1428 Hydro vs gear

FAL1 · Mar 7, 2005

I am just about ready to pull the trigger on buying a Massey Ferguson 1428. I live on a fairly large piece of property, a lot of which is wooded. I,ll be purchasing this machine with a front loader and a backhoe.
My question is whether I should get hydo or gear. A lot of what I'll be doing is going into the woods to bring out firewood. The woods as you can imagine are quite rocky and soft in spots. I originaly was lookig at gear but have been offered a hydro model for just slightly more. (500.00). Can anyone give me some insight?

JerryG · Mar 7, 2005

That is a loaded question. There has been more argument over gear vs hydro than any other question. If you are a typical owner that puts less than 100 hours a year on your tractor, it will make no difference. It then comes down to what YOU want.

Cactus · Mar 7, 2005

I personally would spend the extra $500 and get the hydro,I drag logs and do everything with my hydro. The hydro is very user friendly....you have infinite speed control with a hydro,it is a luxury and probably would help resale value.
With that said a geared tractor will do the job just the same and save you a few $$$$.

GaryS · Mar 8, 2005

I own a 1428v hydro and would recommend it. Unless you're sure you want gear, I'd go hydro. It's really a personal choice but for me it was a no brainer - I got the hydro

I'd do a search on "gear vs hydro" here at tractorbynet and you'll find a pile of info.

FAL1 · Mar 8, 2005

Thanks for your comments. Now, for a second question. The dealer has now offered me a 1431 for $500 more because it's been on his lot awhile. Is the extra horsepower worth the $500 based on my circumstances. I also have a friend that is trying to push me into looking at a Kubota B-7800. The Massey seems quite a bit heavier, is that a good thing? Thanks in advance for any help with these decisions. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

GaryS · Mar 8, 2005

Is the 1431 a hydro or gear? For me that would make or break the deal. If it's hydro, I'd certainly pay the extra $500 for the 1431 if it's hydro.

I looked at the b7800 too. I had looked at NH, Deere, Kubota, and Massey. The Deere & NH machines were much higher in price. I liked the b7800 but found the Massey to be a better fit (and I got a better price too). When I looked over the b7800, I found wires loose in the rear wheel well. I'm sure it was a minor issue or perhaps an indication that the dealer was rushed when assembling but that little thing swung me over to the Massey. I think I just "fit" better on the Massey.

I strongly suggest driving both and exploring both dealerships. Kubota has much more market share nationwide but the dealer you select 100% of your marketshare and it's important you like the dealer. Regardless of what tractor you buy, you've got to feel comfortable with the dealer because you'll certainly have to deal with them over the years.

28RedHorses · Mar 20, 2005

FAL1,

I personally perfer the geared version.

When I purchased my 1428v there was only talk of an MF hydro. I tried other brands with the hydro and I felt better with the geared version. So I agree with Jerry on the comment it is up to you.

As for the Kubota. I tried that out and did not like that as much as the MF.

What I have not read is how you feel about the service that the selling dealer has given you? This was the crowning point when I purchased my tractor. The other tractor dealers in my area were in my opinion below grade with service. They wanted you to do it their way and on their terms. I don't buy from people like that. As an example, I had a slight issue with my 1428v about six months ago. I could not throttle up to the appropriate RPMs for the finish mower. I called the dealer on a Saturday at 11:30AM. The owner showed up at my property at 2:30PM that same day to look at my problem. Turns out it was a loose nut on the throttle cable but it's that type of committment to service that makes a difference to me.

Hope this gives you some more insight.

My three cents,

28Red /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

CNY13 · May 2, 2005

I am currently looking at a 1428 Gear for $10,250 + tax.

The dealer told me the hydro is $1400 more - $11,650.

Sounds like the gear is a great deal, while the hydro is an ok deal.

The dealer is NOT a Massey Dealer. Apparently he got several non-current (03's or 04's).

What do you folks think???

JerryG · May 2, 2005

If he isn't a MF dealer and the tractors are new, I would bet that he bought them at a going out of business sell or something of the like. If he did, chances are you can get a better price because he did.

CNY13 · May 2, 2005

Jerry, I think you are right. He must have got them thru a "going out of business" sale. He only had 5 tractors and said two were sold.

I just came back from the dealer. He generally sells lawn mowers and ski-doos. He had one Gear & two Hydro's.

I think the hydro is "last" years model and the gear tractor appears older - did not have a rubber floor mat (if that matters). They did not look the same. He told me they were BOTH last years models. Isn't $1500 extra for the Hydro a bit much??

He told me the following for the hydro:

$11,500 for the tractor (quoted me $11,400 on the phone).

$3700 (quoted me $3,500 on the phone) for the FLE

$7000 plus (he couldn't give me an exact price) for the aftermarket (landspride or hardy ...not sure) small backhoe.

He said Masseys would be more, if he could even get one.

He said I could get 0% for 48 months for a $300 fee ...Not sure where he dreamed that up. I think its 0.9% for 36 months

He also said there was a $300 rebate. Isn't it $250 in the US?

He wanted freight and setup fees for the following: $250 for the tractor, $150 for the FLE and $150 for the BH.

...for a grand total of $22,750 plus tax (9.75%) & delivery if he could find a big enough trailer ..hahaha

Bottom Line ....I asked him for a "written" quote for the tractor. He said he couldn't today and suggesed that I "call" him tommorrow as he did not know the exact price for the Back Hoe or the Financing Fee.

I think I better keep looking. I guess the advertised price of $9,999 in the local paper was a little too good to be true.

I just noticed that he is listed as a Massey dealer on their site (13431 zip). He told me that it is almost impossile to get the tractors and implements from massey, but that parts only take a "couple" days.