MF 1840M Thoughts

[CaptPat]

Looking for a new tractor to replace my Kubota B7800, something in the 40HP range and with a cab. Have considered a Kubota L4060, JD 3039, Boomer 40/50, and MF 1840M and at this point, the MF 1840M is the leader in the clubhouse. It comes well-equipped and is considerably less expensive than the offerings from Kubota or JD, the New Hollands have some weird design choices to my eye, they come nicely outfitted as well. I'm interested in hearing from 1840M owners on their experiences, plusses, and minuses before committing to a final decision.

I've stuck with brands that have dealers that are reasonably close.

 

[Tractorable]

I’m not an MF owner. However I’ve researched the 1840M extensively and test drove one. GREAT tractor! It compares most closely to the L3560 and Kioti DK series having the same weight, wheelbase, and PTO horsepower. Perfect for a small plot with enough weight to do real work yet maneuverable enough to get into tight places. The new 1800M series are 100% made by Iseki in Japan and have a very good reputation. I believe the loaders are made in China. There was one user on this forum who had issues with his loader but don’t know if that was a result of abuse or a manufacturing flaw.

The 1840M compares most closely to the L3560 having the same wheelbase and PTO horsepower. These Massey’s have somewhat lower PTO hp than other tractors because they have larger hydraulic pumps and significantly more gpm hydraulic flow. Nothing is free. They’re turbocharged so presumably they have good low end torque. There’s a video on YouTube of a Rhino batwing mower being run by a 1840M shuttle, impressive.

One thing I really like is the ergonomics of the cab with the rear hydraulic levers mounted side by side in a convenient location. It also has a fully electronic HST that’s adjustable for sensitivity and max speed. Cruise control too.

I believe the Kioti DK SE series is a somewhat stronger tractor and they go all they way up to 60hp in that frame size. However, they have a less sophisticated mechanical hydrostatic transmission. I do wish MF would offer more HP in this frame size. The tractor has enough weight to run 6ft implements but it’s 28 PTO hp is a hair on the low side for running a 6ft bush hog through thick material.

I’d say get a quote on the 1840M and the L3560LE and see how they compare price wise. The Kubota has the outstanding HST+ and excellent resale value so that’s something to consider.

 

[RjCorazza]

Those are all nice machines. I don't have any experience with Massey, but I do like my L4060. The 3 range HST with Hi/Lo is incredibly useful. I've got about 750 trouble free hours on it.

 

[IH3444]

Massey Ferguson 1760M

60hp 532 hours Power Shuttle Transmission 12F/12R (3 ranges, 4 speeds) DL135 Quick attach loader Skid Steer Quick Attach 4 in 1 Bradco bucket 72” Titan finish mower Loaded rear tires 3rd Function hydraulics 1 rear hydraulic remote Heat/AC cab with radio Soft start PTO Front and Rear...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[Paystar]

I don't own one, but I have tried the former 1700 series 35 horse cab and to me it was the most comfortable cab I have ever been in. Even the seat. It was far better than any seat Kubota offers.

 

[CaptPat]

On the advice of @Tractorable I checked out the Kubota L3560, the dealer price was comparable to the MF 1840M and they are very close in terms of specs. Unfortunately the dealer also has a couple L4060 for just a bit more which my wife likes more, probably a bit much for my current needs, but who complains about too much tractor? It‘s nice to have options.

 

[Paystar]

Can't go wrong with any of those 3.

 

[Tractorable]

On the advice of @Tractorable I checked out the Kubota L3560, the dealer price was comparable to the MF 1840M and they are very close in terms of specs. Unfortunately the dealer also has a couple L4060 for just a bit more which my wife likes more, probably a bit much for my current needs, but who complains about too much tractor? It‘s nice to have options.

Happy to help. I got a quote on a 1840M ROPS not long ago here in Virginia and while the price on the tractor itself seemed reasonable the extras really add up.

Was quoted $33.5K for the tractor then an additional $4500 for three rear remotes, third function, 8hrs shop labor, and tire ballast. Add taxes and prep and you’re at $40K before implements. Gets pricey real quick. So I don’t know that MF costs any less than Kubota these days and the Kubota Grand L still has the better HST+ transmission.

 

[CaptPat]

The 1840M and L3560 have nearly identical price quotes for nearly identical configurations, one rear remote, 3rd function, FEL and cab. The 1840M has a radio, air ride seat, and the dealer includes ballasting in the price. OTOH the Kubota will likely have better resale, non-turbo engine, HST+, and the dealer is 20 minutes away, while the MF dealer is 75 minutes away. I was able to sit in the Kubota(s) and cab is very roomy. Since I have to wear a lower leg prosthesis for an Achilles problem getting in and out of the cab and roominess is a big deal (that issue took the NH Boomers out of consideration). Unfortunately there is no 1840M with a cab in the vicinity so I’m a bit leery of committing to MF without having a chance to try the cab on for size. The dealer estimates 6-8 weeks to get one in, the Kubota is on the lot.

My wife (yes I take her tractor shopping she notices things I don’t and an extra set of eyes is helpful) really likes the L4060 (also on the lot), the up charge is not bad for a gain of 7 HP. Size wise the 4060 is a few inches longer, the other dimensions are larger on the order of one inch or so, it has wider tires which should reduce ground pressure off setting the modest increase weight.

Whatever I end up with I’ll probably go with 2 remotes, I just priced them with 1 to keep it apples to apples in price comparison. I’m also considering holding off on ballasting, the cab will add some weight, I can always add ballast later if that becomes necessary.

I really wanted to check out JD offerings, but was told that they are in model changeover. The dealer I visited had nothing (series 3 or 4) on the lot or in 35 other locations. Further he couldn’t even price a new one as pricing and features have not been made available yet, it’s not expected til Sept/Oct if I ordered then he thought delivery might occur before the end of the year.

 

[Tractorable]

Speaking of model change overs you gotta wonder when Kubota is going to update the Grand L’s? The standard L’s all now have LED headlights and R14’s. The Grand L’s are ten years and running with no updates, they gotta be next.

 

[Yander]

We have a Massey 1750m on the farm and I have plenty of room in it. I'm 6'4" 360. The Grammar seat is very comfortable. Does the 1840m come with the Iseki or the Shibaura turbo. It is a great tractor.

Ours has the Shibaura and it is a great engine. Same one they used to put in the New Hollands. Iseki makes a great engine too. I personally believe the Shibaura and Iseki engines are as good as the Kubota.

 

[Tractorable]

Massey switched to 100% Iseki engine and tractor a few years back with the start of the 1800M series.

 

[CaptPat]

We have a Massey 1750m on the farm and I have plenty of room in it. I'm 6'4" 360. The Grammar seat is very comfortable. Does the 1840m come with the Iseki or the Shibaura turbo. It is a great tractor.

Ours has the Shibaura and it is a great engine. Same one they used to put in the New Hollands. Iseki makes a great engine too. I personally believe the Shibaura and Iseki engines are as good as the Kubota.

The boomers were "roomy" but I found that the pedal configuration made it difficult to maneuver my leg on entry and exit when sitting in them. Thus, not crazy about committing to a $45K purchase without sitting in an 1840 or 1835 cab first. It comes with an Iseki engine.

 

[CaptPat]

Found a dealer that had an 1835M in the cab version, I found the cab roomy enough and well laid out. He said he can get an 1840M from another dealer. Looks like I'll be converting to red.

 

[Tractorable]

I really like the layout of the 1835/1840M as well, especially the levers for the rear remotes being side by side instead of down near the seat pan or in some other odd configuration. The Yanmar YT3 also has a nice layout for the rear remotes. You have to post pics when you get the new Massey. Super nice tractor. Congrats!!!

 

[Whitbread]

I have a 2019 1740m and absolutely love it. Its exactly the same as the 1840m, just a shibaura engine instead if the iseki. The cab is incredibly comfortable and quiet. I added two remotes, wr long 3rd function, and mid pto for a front blower over two days of wrenching.

I just crossed 1k hours with it and only minimal repairs have been needed (front axle pivot seals) that weren't the result of the previous owner's or my own actions. My only regret is not buying a 1760m (same as current 2860m) as its basically the same tractor with a 4 cyl engine and a heavier duty rear end. More is always better right?!

 

[Tractorable]

Nice ride! Are those the Nokian Tri-2 tires? If so, how do you like them?

 

[Whitbread]

Nice ride! Are those the Nokian Tri-2 tires? If so, how do you like them?

They're Yokomaha alliance 550, very similar to the nokians. Going from r4 to these was night and day! You couldn't pay me to switch back. I really don't get why they aren't a major option like the r14 are becoming now. Granted, I will never plow a field or enter a mud bog competition so I can't comment there, but for my uses they are perfect. The traction on snow is good enough that I don't need chains anymore either. My old new holland on turfs with a front blower couldn't drive uphill on my driveway snow blowing without front chains.

 

[CaptPat]

Yeah we looked at a 2860M, just too much tractor for us, it was nicely set up tho.

 

[coldinyellowstone]

I have a fairly new 1840m with cab. i got it new (2022 model)just before xmas last year and have about 115 hours on it. I live in extreme snow and cold country(west yellowstone). So I really like this tractor, its quiet, comfortable and roomy. I mistakenly got the standard cab instead of the deluxe cab, all do to being 2 hours from dealer and doing 95% of discussions by phone/email. I mow 4 times a year(incredibly short summers here, I saw snow just this week) it seems to do fine running a Titan 72" rear finish mower, now for the snow...I chose to go with a rear pull type MK Martin 68" snowblower(72" was on backorder and they had no idea when it would be available) I like this setup but it does have its limitations. I had the front (54")snowblower on a cabbed 1025r, and it was nice, but driveshaft bearings on mounting bracket kept going bad and I didnt want to repeat this on the MF. Plus with a front snowblower you have to take the loader off, which may not be a big deal to some, but here, where its cold as hell for 7 months of the year, changing implements sucks. I have had at least 4 regens(115 hours), Im not sure if the colder air makes it burn less clean therefore triggering a dpf burn, dunno? Now when doing a regen while snowblowing, it does have noticeably less power, especially when rotating chute, it will bog down. Ive noticed running it in low range seems to free up a little power when snowblowing and regen. Now my biggest problem is the glow plugs......brochure says glowplugs for sure fire starting in frigid temps...my ass. this thing struggles to start around 35 degrees or lower. here 35 degrees is a nice day. dealer came and picked it up and said they would install some part to make plugs cycle longer...didnt change a thing. without being plugged in this wont hardly start in winter. now 2nd complaint is the AC(Ha! only needed for maybe 2 months of the year), it seems to be nice and cold, but at 2500 rpm and mowing, it seems to get warmer after a bit, not sure whats going on there. The heater is ****, gets nice and warm fairly quickly. Overall this is a nice tractor and I would recommend it, its starts great when its above 45, so maybe a warmer place is ideal for this MF 1840m. The loader operates fast, slightly jerky but practice will help