MF 1643 and 1648 model, any problems?

[Gary Fowler]

I am looking at purchasing either a 1643 or 1648 CAB model with QPS transmission. Does anyone have any info on problems etc with these models.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Also, any issues with the new models on the QPS transmission. I had read here last year where someone had posted that the QPS transmission has problems the first year they came out. Hope they have fixed what ever the problem was (if it was a problem)

 

[jlsmith]

Im a MF dealer in TX and have sold alot of the 1500 and 1600 compact tractors. So far no prob. with the trans. Great tractor.Dont for get MF is offering a free loader with that tractor for now, or 72 months @ 0%:thumbsup:

 

[roger 4400]

Hi ! My tractor is a 1643 but HST. Cannot talk about the QPS transmission but concerning all the other components, I love mine. The 1643 and 1648 have the same engine but the 1648 has a lot more power on the FEL. See your needs of fel power and also 3 pts . You can,t go wrong with one or the other. Good luck. Roger

 

[Ivan1547]

I have the 1547 with hydro and have had no problems in 2 years and 250 hours. Still love it.

The 1648 is the same tractor, but a little fancier.

Ivan

 

[Gary Fowler]

Thanks guys for the input. I really like the amenities of the MF QPS system which is the main reason for selecting the MF, that and the platform layout seems to be the better combination on the market. I currently have a Yanmar Powershift and love it. I wanted to stay away from the HP robbing (3-4 HP loss) hydrostatic drives even with their infinited speed control I think I prefer to stay with the gear drive. I have never found a gear drive tractor that I couldnt get the speed match that I needed with the throttle and gear selector. I have always driven farm tractors with the gear drive and hi /lo powershift for each gear and found them adequate for all instances. I also use the brakes almost everytime I turn to assist in shorter turning and it helps keep the front wheels from tearing up the pasture sod a bit by using the brakes in a turn. I find that all the hydrostatic tractors have some cumbersome pedal arrangements that dont seem conducive to proper operation of a tractor.

 

[RogerMc]

I have been reading up on the 1600 series line and I really like what I see. I haven't gone and looked at the dealer yet. So may be some of you can confirm if I understand these new tranmissions. The last one I owned was an old Massey that if I remember correct was a 3 speed with reverse and a high low range selector. Keep this up and I am going to give my age away.

Hydrostatic
You get 3 range speeds with single brake pedal on the left.
A foward and a reverse pedal on the right.
With a speed control lever on the column and cruise control.

12X12 Power Shuttle
12 forward and 12 reverse, I guess this is a 4 speed transmission with 3 speed ranges? Push in clutch select gear and range?
Plus an on the column foward and reverse selector so you can change direction with out using the clutch.
Clutch pedal on left with 2 brake pedals on the right with gas pedal on right side plus speed control lever on the column.

12X12 Dyna OPS
Same as the 12X12 Power Shuttle with added shift contol on the speed control lever on column that allows you to shift between the 4 speeds, up and down, with out using the clutch.

The reason for this long winded post is I am thinking about a 1660 and they don't offer the hydrostatic on it. I guess what I am trying to figure out is the OPS worth the added cost.


Thanks for any feed back you can give.

Roger

 

[jlsmith]

Yes the added cost is worth it. I dont like the hydrostatic, less over all power and twice the maintnance

 

[roger 4400]

I have been reading up on the 1600 series line and I really like what I see. I haven't gone and looked at the dealer yet. So may be some of you can confirm if I understand these new tranmissions. The last one I owned was an old Massey that if I remember correct was a 3 speed with reverse and a high low range selector. Keep this up and I am going to give my age away.

Hydrostatic
You get 3 range speeds with single brake pedal on the left.
A foward and a reverse pedal on the right.
With a speed control lever on the column and cruise control.

12X12 Power Shuttle
12 forward and 12 reverse, I guess this is a 4 speed transmission with 3 speed ranges? Push in clutch select gear and range?
Plus an on the column foward and reverse selector so you can change direction with out using the clutch.
Clutch pedal on left with 2 brake pedals on the right with gas pedal on right side plus speed control lever on the column.

12X12 Dyna OPS
Same as the 12X12 Power Shuttle with added shift contol on the speed control lever on column that allows you to shift between the 4 speeds, up and down, with out using the clutch.

The reason for this long winded post is I am thinking about a 1660 and they don't offer the hydrostatic on it. I guess what I am trying to figure out is the OPS worth the added cost.


Thanks for any feed back you can give.

Roger

Hi ! I have a 1643 Hst and the Massey Hst pedal is also connected to the trottle device, the more you push your Hst pedal ( forward and another to reverse) it will increase the engine rpm like a car. Also you wrote a single brake pedal, the pedal is a split pedal brake left or right and like the other tractor you can lock them ( 2 brake pedals ). I personnaly love Hst. As you wrotte there is a trottle lever on the column to set your rpm for pto or other equipment requirement. I put a photo of mine you will see how it is . Good luck Roger.

 

[dieselfreak]

I have been reading up on the 1600 series line and I really like what I see. I haven't gone and looked at the dealer yet. So may be some of you can confirm if I understand these new tranmissions. The last one I owned was an old Massey that if I remember correct was a 3 speed with reverse and a high low range selector. Keep this up and I am going to give my age away.

Hydrostatic
You get 3 range speeds with single brake pedal on the left.
A foward and a reverse pedal on the right.
With a speed control lever on the column and cruise control.

12X12 Power Shuttle
12 forward and 12 reverse, I guess this is a 4 speed transmission with 3 speed ranges? Push in clutch select gear and range?
Plus an on the column foward and reverse selector so you can change direction with out using the clutch.
Clutch pedal on left with 2 brake pedals on the right with gas pedal on right side plus speed control lever on the column.

12X12 Dyna OPS
Same as the 12X12 Power Shuttle with added shift contol on the speed control lever on column that allows you to shift between the 4 speeds, up and down, with out using the clutch.

The reason for this long winded post is I am thinking about a 1660 and they don't offer the hydrostatic on it. I guess what I am trying to figure out is the OPS worth the added cost.


Thanks for any feed back you can give.

Roger

Well worth it!! The HST is not even comparable to the QPS!! I say go for it.

df.

 

[RogerMc]

Thanks for the replys guys.

Roger your picture really clears up the brake. Looking at the pictures on their web site it looks like one pedal.

Roger

 

[ovrszd]

Roger4400,

Does your tractor have a cloth seat?? I've never saw one on an open platform tractor. I always shed my machine and would appreciate a cloth seat.

 

[roger 4400]

Roger4400,

Does your tractor have a cloth seat?? I've never saw one on an open platform tractor. I always shed my machine and would appreciate a cloth seat.

No ! It is an old ** ventilated cloth seat ** that I bought many years ago in a canadian tire store. I put it on my new Massey`s seat to protect it from me ( grease etc..) Warm in wintwer, cool in summer. See you.Roger

 

[Gary Fowler]

I just got my quote back from my local Hot Springs area Ark dealer. on the 1643 and 1648 both with Cab with radio, 1 set of rear remotes and QPS transmission and FEL. The 1643 is $28,053 and the 1648 is $29,483. I think that is a good price compared to what I see posted on Tractorhouse.
Anyone else got some prices for comparable tractors that they would like to share.

 

[roger 4400]

Hi Gary !The price between the 1643 and 1648 is low ( my opinion) . Look at their specs very well. If and only IF you need a stronger/heavier tractor, the 1648 loader (dl130) will lift at pivot pin 2527 lbs compared to 1643 at 1900.
The 3 pt will lift 3483 lbs compared to 2800 for the 1643.. The 1648 will weight 4068 lbs compared to 3737 for the 1643. The 1648 is 10 in. longer
They have THE SAME ENGINE except the 1648 is set to rev. more.
So it is up to you , see your needs , have nice dreams. Roger

 

[Gary Fowler]

I think the MF website specs have some erroneous info.AGCO Compare at a 131? cu in engine and the 1648 at 180 CI. THe 1648, 1652 and 1660 all have the same engine according to the section where you can compare specs for different MF brands and NH Case and JD. ON this section they give the 180CI engine but the spec sheet in another section list it the same as the 1643. HP is same in both places. Maybe they made an error or maybe they made a change. I will have to check it out when I go to the dealer again. Either way, the 1648 is the model I am looking at because I can get the QPS transmission in it and it doesnt list it as available in the 1643 even though the dealer quoted it with QPS Powershift. I have a Yanmar now with Powershift which I believe is similar to the MF in function and I love the 4 gear shifting without the clutch. Just being able to downshift in heavy loading or even into neutral when bushhogging is great, then shift back up without touching clutch or pedals at all is my kind of tractor. The real reason for the new tractor is just to get a larger platform and the Cab with AC. The Yannie works well for me, but it is cramped in the seat and my knees hit the front panel, no ROPS, no telescoping 3PH links, no tilt wheel and it is 26 years old. Other than that I like it.