New member here so please bear with me. Have seen lots of good info on all the discussion pages over the last two weeks. Need some help from the good guys. We have 100 acres, about 50 are hilly pasture in eastern OH which we need to mow. Started my search for a machine over the last few weeks. Stopped to look at a MF 1240 and 1250 in a dealer's lot and called. Told him about the type of property and he suggested a MF 243. He even invited me down to his house to test drive it this Saturday - sounds like a good start on his part. I'm leaning towards a 5 or 6 foot Woods brush hog and possibly a front loader. Also am considering the JD 990 and 4700 compacts, NH Boomer TC 45 and TN65. Also considering Kubota but not sure to go with L or M size. Need some guidance from you whether based on my short description of usage, mowing and moving some stuff around, if I'm looking at the right size and HP. Other bells and whistle suggestions will be appreciated. Want to pin down a machine then deal with price, but don't want to go to the poor house either. Your info has been helpful already on price ranges. Excuse the long winded message.
MF 243
- Thread starter BigErn
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Woodbeef
Veteran Member
Re: Also check out Valtra
For what you are looking to do I'd stay away from the compacts and get a real tractor. You just have too much acreage,and challenging terrain for the little guys. I'd also definately go with MFD on your hills,and a loader tractor is just not a real loader tractor with out it. Somewhere in the 50-60 pto hp range is where you should be looking. It's always better to have too much power and not need it then to be caught the other way around.
Do yourself a favor and look into the 100 series from Valtra (Valmet). I think you will be pleasently suprised by the tractors,and the price! They are an overbuilt dependable tractor from Finland. The option list is staggering and you have a choice of 10 colors,four of them being metallic. Valtra was the first tractor manufacturer to gain ISO certification. Check them out at http://www.valtra.com also check out this site http://www.kolumbus.fi/juha.metsapelto
What ever brands you check out,have the dealer send you a tractor to your property for a week or so demo. When it gets there do everything possible with it,that way you can really tell if you like the feel of it or not,and if it is comfortable for you(alot of times things do not come out till you've been in the seat for a couple of hours or more straight). Even if all you can do is drive the tractor around for hours on end do it,it will be time well spent down the road!! If you plan on keeping this tractor for awhile make sure you can live with it (do not get caught in color wars or Shinny-Metal-Syndrome)
Good Luck
For what you are looking to do I'd stay away from the compacts and get a real tractor. You just have too much acreage,and challenging terrain for the little guys. I'd also definately go with MFD on your hills,and a loader tractor is just not a real loader tractor with out it. Somewhere in the 50-60 pto hp range is where you should be looking. It's always better to have too much power and not need it then to be caught the other way around.
Do yourself a favor and look into the 100 series from Valtra (Valmet). I think you will be pleasently suprised by the tractors,and the price! They are an overbuilt dependable tractor from Finland. The option list is staggering and you have a choice of 10 colors,four of them being metallic. Valtra was the first tractor manufacturer to gain ISO certification. Check them out at http://www.valtra.com also check out this site http://www.kolumbus.fi/juha.metsapelto
What ever brands you check out,have the dealer send you a tractor to your property for a week or so demo. When it gets there do everything possible with it,that way you can really tell if you like the feel of it or not,and if it is comfortable for you(alot of times things do not come out till you've been in the seat for a couple of hours or more straight). Even if all you can do is drive the tractor around for hours on end do it,it will be time well spent down the road!! If you plan on keeping this tractor for awhile make sure you can live with it (do not get caught in color wars or Shinny-Metal-Syndrome)
Good Luck
TBone
Platinum Member
BigErn, I have a MF 231S. It has the same engine as the 243 but does not have the extras and options that the 243 has such as 4wd, hydrostatic power steering and others. I have 126 acres of land that I do a lot of brush hogging, disking etc on and the Massey does a good job. I have very little use for a fel so consequently do not have one. I agree that you would probably be better off with mfd if you get a fel. My land is level and high so I really didn't need four wheel drive either.
My advice is to take advantage of the dealer's offer to use his tractor and anybody else that offers. There is no substitue for seat time to determine which tractor suits you best.
In my part of the country Massey dealers are close by and their tractors are very easy to resell so I went with Massey. Kubotas are the next most popular around here. Fords used to be but the New Holland name has not caught on as well. It's just like automobiles - I don't drive anything but GM products but not everybody agrees.
I do think, however, when you compare horsepower, features, weight, price and resale that the Agco tractors are hard to beat. They are after all the best selling tractors in the world.
Good luck in your search and be safe.
My advice is to take advantage of the dealer's offer to use his tractor and anybody else that offers. There is no substitue for seat time to determine which tractor suits you best.
In my part of the country Massey dealers are close by and their tractors are very easy to resell so I went with Massey. Kubotas are the next most popular around here. Fords used to be but the New Holland name has not caught on as well. It's just like automobiles - I don't drive anything but GM products but not everybody agrees.
I do think, however, when you compare horsepower, features, weight, price and resale that the Agco tractors are hard to beat. They are after all the best selling tractors in the world.
Good luck in your search and be safe.
JerryG
Super Member
BigErn,
The 243 with 4 wheel drive would work fine. My pick would be a 263-4 with a turbo, more power in the same package.
The 243 with 4 wheel drive would work fine. My pick would be a 263-4 with a turbo, more power in the same package.
Re: Also check out Valtra
Woodbeef,
Thanks for the info on the Valtra. I did find the website and will look at it more closely after test drive #1 tomorrow with the MF. My concern is that in rural Coshocton County, service could be a problem with the Valtra. It's not a name I've heard in the area. Most of what you do see are JD and MF, but we do have the orange and the blue brand dealers in the area. The fun is just starting. We may have to negotiate over new furniture or a bigger tractor in our household. Since we are cutting some sections of pasture the good old fashioned way, with a DR Field Brush cutter I may have leverage with the wife. She gets out there with me using the DR so maybe she'll have sympathy. Heck we're getting our exercise at least. Stand by for news.
Thanks agaian
Woodbeef,
Thanks for the info on the Valtra. I did find the website and will look at it more closely after test drive #1 tomorrow with the MF. My concern is that in rural Coshocton County, service could be a problem with the Valtra. It's not a name I've heard in the area. Most of what you do see are JD and MF, but we do have the orange and the blue brand dealers in the area. The fun is just starting. We may have to negotiate over new furniture or a bigger tractor in our household. Since we are cutting some sections of pasture the good old fashioned way, with a DR Field Brush cutter I may have leverage with the wife. She gets out there with me using the DR so maybe she'll have sympathy. Heck we're getting our exercise at least. Stand by for news.
Thanks agaian
Anonymous Poster
Epic Contributor
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2005
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- 29,678
Look at the 263 as another poster said - if you're getting an fel, get 4wd. One suggestion - test drive a tractor with a mower and fel on it --- you're turning radius is increased markedly by the fel protruding out and if you're working around fences and lots of trees, you may want to hold off on the loader for a year until you get the brush whipped down.
Got the first test drive done. Spent about 20 minutes mostly on level ground then ventured into some pretty good ruts. Will try hills later. I was suprised how smooth it handled once I got over my initial nervousness. It had a mower on the back so I got a perspective of the length. Your point about the turning radius makes a lot of sense. The safe way is to get my tractor legs then move forward with the FEL. My biggest focus will be the mowing anyway in the first full year. Plus I can spread the $$$ out a little better. Back to the research.
Woodbeef
Veteran Member
BigErn,
Do not limit yourself and quickly dismiss the Valtra just because a dealer is not your next door neighbor. They are a very well engineered overbuilt tractor. Valtra was the 1st tractor manufacturer granted ISO certification. The same person builds an engine from start to finish,then puts their name on it!! Most of the Valtras sold in Scandinavia pull forestry duty during the winter,and they are more than tough enough for that. Once you drive one,you'll buy it!!
Do not limit yourself and quickly dismiss the Valtra just because a dealer is not your next door neighbor. They are a very well engineered overbuilt tractor. Valtra was the 1st tractor manufacturer granted ISO certification. The same person builds an engine from start to finish,then puts their name on it!! Most of the Valtras sold in Scandinavia pull forestry duty during the winter,and they are more than tough enough for that. Once you drive one,you'll buy it!!
Anonymous Poster
Epic Contributor
- Joined
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- Messages
- 29,678
Do you have a vested interest in Valtra tractors? If so, it should be disclosed.
Woodbeef,
I went back and looked a the website. Maybe I'm being dense here, but I only saw one guy in Tarboro NC as a contact in the US. That might make a test drive a little more difficult than originally planned. Can you shed some light on where there is a dealer in Ohio? If I missed the obvious, I welcome being corrected. Thanks
I went back and looked a the website. Maybe I'm being dense here, but I only saw one guy in Tarboro NC as a contact in the US. That might make a test drive a little more difficult than originally planned. Can you shed some light on where there is a dealer in Ohio? If I missed the obvious, I welcome being corrected. Thanks
Young Feller,
While you guys determine who the corporate executive is I have another question to pose to the group. Now that I am adjusting to sticker shock I also realize there could be opportunity for a machine that is "previously owned." I see a lot of ads for several brands. My question is in general how many hours are considered too many on these diesels? I have friend who bought a Yanmar with 1100 hours and he said that it is just getting broken in. I see ads for machines with 100 , 500, 2000 and up to 5000 and 6000 hours. What's a good rule of thumb? - kind of like a car at 100,000 miles may need some extra attention. Thanks
While you guys determine who the corporate executive is I have another question to pose to the group. Now that I am adjusting to sticker shock I also realize there could be opportunity for a machine that is "previously owned." I see a lot of ads for several brands. My question is in general how many hours are considered too many on these diesels? I have friend who bought a Yanmar with 1100 hours and he said that it is just getting broken in. I see ads for machines with 100 , 500, 2000 and up to 5000 and 6000 hours. What's a good rule of thumb? - kind of like a car at 100,000 miles may need some extra attention. Thanks
Bird
Rest in Peace
And like cars, much depends on who owned it, how it was used, and especially how it was maintained. The hour meter on the tractor, or odometer on a car, is just a starting point when you're considering buying a used one.
Bird
Bird
Woodbeef
Veteran Member
Valtra
First off: No, I have no vested intrest in Valtra. I do not work for them. I'm only trying to let you guys know that there are other tractors out there than the Majors( it helps if you open your eyes and look around some)!! Yes,they may not have a dealer on every corner across the country,but when you buy a well made tractor and take care of it,you'll find that you do not need that dealer security blanket next door.
Big Ern:
The guy on the contact page is the head honcho for the States. Send him an e-mail for the update on dealer locations. After a quick check I found these dealers in Ohio (there are probably more by now). Where in Ohio are you? There might be one in a bordering state close to you also.
Rhoades Ag&Trailer Center Glenford Ph#740-659-2376
Sutter Brothers Coldwater Ph# 419-942-1783
Reberland Equipment Apple Creek Ph# 330-698-5883
Amerocan Equipment Willmington Ph# 937-486-3101
Fecon Inc Cincinnatti Ph# 513-956-5700
As for the number of hours on a tractor,hhmmm..... that's a tough one with so many variables!! A tractor could get irreversable damge quickly (probably within a few hundred hours)that might not show for years,or could show sooner.The best thing I can say is look deeper than a shinny paint job!! Go with your gut feelings about the machine. Does something look out of place,weird,not sound right,does 2+2 keep adding up to 3? Age and codition must go hand in hand!!
I farm full time,so all I can afford are used tractors.
I bought a 1980 Steyr 8080a in 96 as my main tractor at that time. It had 2200 hrs with mfd and a loader. It has given me great service,and this with no Steyr dealers in N.A. since the mid 80s. Then on the other hand I have a CIH 1494 that has just over 4600 hrs now. It has needed in the last 600 hrs turbo,clutch,hydraulic pump drive. The Steyr could probably go another 5000 hrs or more without anything major,the CIH is wearing out in places. I know of Valmets with over 15000 hrs and nothing major,Fendts the same.But then again I know of other brands with 3000hrs or less needing engines,trans,rear ends etc....So I guess as with all things used it's a crap shoot!! Sometimes you win Sometimes you Loose!! If it was me I look for tractors in the 1500-3000 hr range.These are usually one owner machines that are being replaced for bigger or newer models. Remember age and condition must go hand in hand. I only use tractors of under 100 pto hp myself.
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Woodbeef on 08/22/01 08:22 AM (server time).</FONT></P>
First off: No, I have no vested intrest in Valtra. I do not work for them. I'm only trying to let you guys know that there are other tractors out there than the Majors( it helps if you open your eyes and look around some)!! Yes,they may not have a dealer on every corner across the country,but when you buy a well made tractor and take care of it,you'll find that you do not need that dealer security blanket next door.
Big Ern:
The guy on the contact page is the head honcho for the States. Send him an e-mail for the update on dealer locations. After a quick check I found these dealers in Ohio (there are probably more by now). Where in Ohio are you? There might be one in a bordering state close to you also.
Rhoades Ag&Trailer Center Glenford Ph#740-659-2376
Sutter Brothers Coldwater Ph# 419-942-1783
Reberland Equipment Apple Creek Ph# 330-698-5883
Amerocan Equipment Willmington Ph# 937-486-3101
Fecon Inc Cincinnatti Ph# 513-956-5700
As for the number of hours on a tractor,hhmmm..... that's a tough one with so many variables!! A tractor could get irreversable damge quickly (probably within a few hundred hours)that might not show for years,or could show sooner.The best thing I can say is look deeper than a shinny paint job!! Go with your gut feelings about the machine. Does something look out of place,weird,not sound right,does 2+2 keep adding up to 3? Age and codition must go hand in hand!!
I farm full time,so all I can afford are used tractors.
I bought a 1980 Steyr 8080a in 96 as my main tractor at that time. It had 2200 hrs with mfd and a loader. It has given me great service,and this with no Steyr dealers in N.A. since the mid 80s. Then on the other hand I have a CIH 1494 that has just over 4600 hrs now. It has needed in the last 600 hrs turbo,clutch,hydraulic pump drive. The Steyr could probably go another 5000 hrs or more without anything major,the CIH is wearing out in places. I know of Valmets with over 15000 hrs and nothing major,Fendts the same.But then again I know of other brands with 3000hrs or less needing engines,trans,rear ends etc....So I guess as with all things used it's a crap shoot!! Sometimes you win Sometimes you Loose!! If it was me I look for tractors in the 1500-3000 hr range.These are usually one owner machines that are being replaced for bigger or newer models. Remember age and condition must go hand in hand. I only use tractors of under 100 pto hp myself.
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Woodbeef on 08/22/01 08:22 AM (server time).</FONT></P>
Woodbeef
Veteran Member
Re: Valtra
Big Ern,
My info says that dealer is at 5963 Fountain Nook Dr.
Be sure and give them a good looking over!!
If you do get a new one,be sure and get a copy of the options brochure and go through it before you order one. Myself I'm partial to the metallic green color!!
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Woodbeef on 08/23/01 06:51 PM (server time).</FONT></P>
Big Ern,
My info says that dealer is at 5963 Fountain Nook Dr.
Be sure and give them a good looking over!!
If you do get a new one,be sure and get a copy of the options brochure and go through it before you order one. Myself I'm partial to the metallic green color!!
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Woodbeef on 08/23/01 06:51 PM (server time).</FONT></P>
Woodbeef
Veteran Member
Re: Valtra
Big Ern,
Been awhile since we heard from you. How's the tractor search going? Any interesting things to share with us?
Big Ern,
Been awhile since we heard from you. How's the tractor search going? Any interesting things to share with us?
Re: Valtra
Woodbeef,
Got distracted for a while with the new house. Then I had to go Turkey hunting. The Thanskgiving bird is in the freezer. On the tractor front I went to the Farm Science Review put on by Ohio State. Felt like I was at a car show, but it was the perfect place to see them all. Even saw the Valtra. Seem a little tight around the cockpit area for my 6'6" frame. Plus I finally heard from the national rep and there are now only 3 dealers in Ohio instead of the 5 we had thought. That raises concern. Anyway I am now focusing in on the MF 243 and the NH TC45 Boomer. Drove the TC45 today both with and without a FEL. Felt pretty good. Definitiely would go with the synchroshuttle tansmission since the foot shifting on the Hydrostatic with my long legs is a bit annoying as well as having more of a hump on the floor board in the center. Anyway I'm going to re-drive the MF 243 this week, and then go to another NH dealer right after that to get a good feel for comparison back to back. I figure it will also give me another NH dealer to compare prices.
Now for all the price savy sensitive folks out there I have a NH pricing question for you. I have seen you guys in action in some of the other discussion lines so I know I can count on interesting and honest feedback. I have a quote from the a NH dealer for a TC45 Boomer. Let me know if this looks like it is in the ballpark or are we way off base. I have it equipped as follows:
TC 45 Synchroshuttle, 4WD, Folding ROPS, Grill Guard, 16LA HD Loader (72" bucket). Ag Tires front and rear. The price I was quoted is $22,605.
Thanks in advance for the feedback.
BigErn
Woodbeef,
Got distracted for a while with the new house. Then I had to go Turkey hunting. The Thanskgiving bird is in the freezer. On the tractor front I went to the Farm Science Review put on by Ohio State. Felt like I was at a car show, but it was the perfect place to see them all. Even saw the Valtra. Seem a little tight around the cockpit area for my 6'6" frame. Plus I finally heard from the national rep and there are now only 3 dealers in Ohio instead of the 5 we had thought. That raises concern. Anyway I am now focusing in on the MF 243 and the NH TC45 Boomer. Drove the TC45 today both with and without a FEL. Felt pretty good. Definitiely would go with the synchroshuttle tansmission since the foot shifting on the Hydrostatic with my long legs is a bit annoying as well as having more of a hump on the floor board in the center. Anyway I'm going to re-drive the MF 243 this week, and then go to another NH dealer right after that to get a good feel for comparison back to back. I figure it will also give me another NH dealer to compare prices.
Now for all the price savy sensitive folks out there I have a NH pricing question for you. I have seen you guys in action in some of the other discussion lines so I know I can count on interesting and honest feedback. I have a quote from the a NH dealer for a TC45 Boomer. Let me know if this looks like it is in the ballpark or are we way off base. I have it equipped as follows:
TC 45 Synchroshuttle, 4WD, Folding ROPS, Grill Guard, 16LA HD Loader (72" bucket). Ag Tires front and rear. The price I was quoted is $22,605.
Thanks in advance for the feedback.
BigErn
Woodbeef
Veteran Member
Ouch.....
Hey Ern,
I know where you're coming from on the room issue. I thought the same with the previous ones(65 series). It's really ashame that the Valtra does not feel comfortable to operate for you,because you'll find no better tractor for dependability!! As for the loss of dealers,are they still in business but selling other lines? Valtra is setting up a new head office in Chicago shortly.
Did you check out the NH TN series? It would be a more substantial choice over the boomer. With the amount of acreage that you have and the terrain of it,I'd say go with a real tractor,not a compact!! Remember it's always better to have more power and not need it then to need it and not have it.
Did you ever look into the Massey 4200 series? They are alot more advanced then the 200 series.
Enjoy the bird!!! There's no better eatin then one of them wild ones!!!
Hey Ern,
I know where you're coming from on the room issue. I thought the same with the previous ones(65 series). It's really ashame that the Valtra does not feel comfortable to operate for you,because you'll find no better tractor for dependability!! As for the loss of dealers,are they still in business but selling other lines? Valtra is setting up a new head office in Chicago shortly.
Did you check out the NH TN series? It would be a more substantial choice over the boomer. With the amount of acreage that you have and the terrain of it,I'd say go with a real tractor,not a compact!! Remember it's always better to have more power and not need it then to need it and not have it.
Did you ever look into the Massey 4200 series? They are alot more advanced then the 200 series.
Enjoy the bird!!! There's no better eatin then one of them wild ones!!!
PowerMax
Silver Member
Re: Ouch.....
Big Ern,
Did you check with Bluck's out in Plainfield, OH - just SE of Coshocton? Rich is a pretty good guy and will treat you right. I know he's got a couple new 1240's and 1250's for a reasonable price.
Jeff
Big Ern,
Did you check with Bluck's out in Plainfield, OH - just SE of Coshocton? Rich is a pretty good guy and will treat you right. I know he's got a couple new 1240's and 1250's for a reasonable price.
Jeff
Re: Ouch.....
Jeff,
Yep, That's where I did my first test drive on the MF 243. I had talked with Richard and actually drove it out at his farm. I'm going to Bakersvile tomorrow to check out the TC45 one more time and see if they have any TN's. I was already plannng on making another run over to Bluck's. This is harder than buying a car since I figure I only get one chance. Since duck hunting was a bust today and the weather is supposed to be clear again tomorrow I'll go chase tractors instead of ducks. I actually stopped and looked at an AGCO 5650 today up in Danville. Looks huge compared to the TC45.
Thanks for the heads up on Bluck's.
Big Ern
Jeff,
Yep, That's where I did my first test drive on the MF 243. I had talked with Richard and actually drove it out at his farm. I'm going to Bakersvile tomorrow to check out the TC45 one more time and see if they have any TN's. I was already plannng on making another run over to Bluck's. This is harder than buying a car since I figure I only get one chance. Since duck hunting was a bust today and the weather is supposed to be clear again tomorrow I'll go chase tractors instead of ducks. I actually stopped and looked at an AGCO 5650 today up in Danville. Looks huge compared to the TC45.
Thanks for the heads up on Bluck's.
Big Ern
