MF 481 w/ Loader

HobbleCreek · Nov 8, 2005

After I had narrowed down my choices between a Kubota L5030 and a JD 4720, I give the local classified ads one more look. There I see an MF 481 w/ loader listed for $28K OBO. That's a substantial upgrade in HP over the other two models, for about the same money.

Does it sound like a good deal to you folks? I don't know Massey pricing, but it doesn't seem to bad to me. 16.5 hours on it according to the ad.

-- Grant

JerryG · Nov 8, 2005

I don't know how prices are on that tractor, but I will say that the horsepower is a lot more. It is a full size heavy duty utility tractor not a compact like the other two mentioned..

HobbleCreek · Nov 8, 2005

That's right. The 481 has 80 hp, while the largest of the other two -- the 4720 -- has 58 hp. I'm told that because the JD is turbocharged I won't lose hp at altitude (I'm at about 6000 feet), but even assuming an 18% loss of hp from sea level, the MF is still packing around 65 hp.

I assume that the loader would also have a greater lift capacity.

A major difference would be in the transmissions. The MF is going to be manual, while the JD is hydro.

I think the small size would be an advantage to me for most of my applications, but it's hard to pass up on that extra horsepower for the same price.

Birdhunter1 · Nov 9, 2005

I'd go for the MF, the trans will may be manual but it will still be working when the hydro craps out.
Whether lifting capacity on the loader will be greater or not you can bet that the tractor that is haevier will carry and handle the load more stable and securely than the smaller one.

zjohnson · Nov 9, 2005

I paid $35 k for a new cab/4wd/ 1060 loader with bucket&spear/ 491 to give you some reference. Love the tractor and loader.

SouthernMan · Nov 9, 2005

Sir,

If that 481 is a 2-wheel drive, then I would say that's too high at 28k. My 471 - with 4wd, shuttle shift, combining valve, front-end loader w/ bucket, spear, and forks - came in at just under 30k...
Of course, different regions of the country must play a part in determining cost.. but perhaps this gives you another point of reference.
SM

HobbleCreek · Nov 9, 2005

Thanks for the input.

This tractor is 4WD, it has the shuttle transmission (8fx8r). I think I mentioned before that it has the FEL. don't know if it has any rear remote/valves.

-- Grant

SouthernMan · Nov 9, 2005

In that case, that is a very good price!

Just in case you are unaware, the shuttle operates a bit differently than some, in that you must press the clutch to engage/disengage. I actually prefer this, as I believe (and perhaps some of you more technically inclined could elaborate) that this setup is much more robust than, say, a hydrostatic.

almost forgot...the 481 will have 2 remotes, and if it is a 2005, it should also have the combining valve installed...
SM

HobbleCreek · Nov 9, 2005

Thanks, SM.

Is that two remotes total, or two on the rear in addition to the two that operate the loader?

-- Grant

SouthernMan · Nov 14, 2005

Sir,

There are two remotes on the rear of the tractor; they can be operated as single or dual stage remotes. The lines for the FEL are not using either of these remotes...but, pressure and fluid are shared as you would expect.

The combining valve - if installed - routes all fluid to the remotes, and in so doing, to the FEL as well (the 3-pt is out of commision when the valve is on, since the fluid flow is redirected from thence).

Hope this makes sense. I'm not so sure I understand it all myself.

SM