JerryG
Super Member
Chuck has it right.
MF1455, JD-5105 or TC-48
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Glenn9643
Veteran Member
I've had a little experience somewhat related to your questions. Several years ago I decided to buy a JD, primarily bacause of our experience with their 455 mower tractors and several friends that farm use nothing else. When the new JD was delivered I found that it didn't have the features that I had specified (syncro shuttle). I called the dealer to come get it and he didn't get another shot to sell me anything. He was trying to take advantage of my apparent ignorance to push something off on me that he had available.
I went to the local NH dealer that day and bought a TN65 2wd with better specs for less money than the JD. After using the NH for a couple of years I was at the local MF dealer looking for a 30" dirt scoop and saw the 1455v. Bought the dirt scoop but had to come back to look at the 1455v again. I wanted the FEL and 4wd but couldn't work a trade with the NH dealer that was satisfactory. Also liked the lighter weight of the 1455v (for my use) because I need to trailer it occasionally and am not ready to upgrade my truck and trailer. The quality of your dealer is just as important as the quality of the brand you choose.
As others have said, looks like you need to cut grass around the house with something else and use the tractor for heavier chores. The utility tractors are indeed heavier and that may be a plus for you. That weight isn't always just bulk iron. Look at the difference in the 3ph linkage and you'll see that the utilities are a lot stronger built than the CUT's in general.
I would advise that you look them all over and decide which you prefer, taking the dealership into account.
Whichever you buy, a FEL should be considered strongly. If you get the FEL, get a quick-attach setup for implements and a toothbar for the bucket.
Get dual rear remotes when you purchase and top & tilt for use with the boxblade. The controls for the rear remotes should be installed where you can reach them from the seat or from the ground behind the tractor. With some models you can't reach through between the seat and wheel because of fuel tanks, etc.
I went to the local NH dealer that day and bought a TN65 2wd with better specs for less money than the JD. After using the NH for a couple of years I was at the local MF dealer looking for a 30" dirt scoop and saw the 1455v. Bought the dirt scoop but had to come back to look at the 1455v again. I wanted the FEL and 4wd but couldn't work a trade with the NH dealer that was satisfactory. Also liked the lighter weight of the 1455v (for my use) because I need to trailer it occasionally and am not ready to upgrade my truck and trailer. The quality of your dealer is just as important as the quality of the brand you choose.
As others have said, looks like you need to cut grass around the house with something else and use the tractor for heavier chores. The utility tractors are indeed heavier and that may be a plus for you. That weight isn't always just bulk iron. Look at the difference in the 3ph linkage and you'll see that the utilities are a lot stronger built than the CUT's in general.
I would advise that you look them all over and decide which you prefer, taking the dealership into account.
Whichever you buy, a FEL should be considered strongly. If you get the FEL, get a quick-attach setup for implements and a toothbar for the bucket.
Get dual rear remotes when you purchase and top & tilt for use with the boxblade. The controls for the rear remotes should be installed where you can reach them from the seat or from the ground behind the tractor. With some models you can't reach through between the seat and wheel because of fuel tanks, etc.
Woodbeef
Veteran Member
They might try to tell you that........but the question is do you believe them????
Since you have owned two of the tractor's I am considering (MF1455 and TN-60/65), the MF1455 being a compact and the TN-60/65 being a utility, could you please tell me your experience with both of them. Is the only reason you got rid of the TN-65 and got the MF1455 is trailering? Were there any differiences in power, reliability, maintenance, usability or any other non-dealer experience that could help me make up my mind.
Thanks
Thanks
Glenn9643
Veteran Member
I got rid of the TN65 because it was 2wd and no FEL. At the time NH didn't have the TC-48 on the market and the 1455v seemed to fit my needs better than anything else I could find. The TN65 is a fine well designed tractor. Look at the way the swaybars are designed on the TN65 or other utility tractors from MF, etc., versus the 1455v and other CUT's. Read my review in the review section for a discussion of this on the 1455v. Generally the utility tractors are built for more abuse than the CUT will tolerate (my opinion). I felt that the 1455v at 3900 lbs plus about another 1000lbs for the FEL better suited my current needs because I occasionally need to trailer it 175 miles for work at another property.
I prefer the four cylinder but both seemed to have about the same power in the field. The TN65 probably has better traction due to weight, but I have 4wd with the MF. Seems that the 1455v uses a little more fuel, but that's minor for me.
The TN65 has position control and draft control if that is a concern. The 1455v has position control only. I miss the draft control occasionally. The TN65 has another handy feature... the switch on the right fender to raise the 3ph and then lower it to the previous height is great when turning at the end of a row with a bush-hog. There is also a noticeable difference in the steering amd handling of the two tractors. Not to say that one is better than the other, but you should operate both to see if one suits you better. I was used to the TN65 but quickly adapted to the MF. Some of this may have been due to the 4wd.
With the TN65 I had a few minor issues that were quickly resolved by a good dealer. I've also had some problems with the 1455v and those were also handled to my satisfaction by a good dealer.
You should try to consider all known factors in your decision and figure out which models will fit your needs. I can't recommend one "brand" over another because I think for the most part the major brands will provide you with good service and reliability if you pick the model that you need for your requirements and buy from a dealer with a good track record.
I prefer the four cylinder but both seemed to have about the same power in the field. The TN65 probably has better traction due to weight, but I have 4wd with the MF. Seems that the 1455v uses a little more fuel, but that's minor for me.
The TN65 has position control and draft control if that is a concern. The 1455v has position control only. I miss the draft control occasionally. The TN65 has another handy feature... the switch on the right fender to raise the 3ph and then lower it to the previous height is great when turning at the end of a row with a bush-hog. There is also a noticeable difference in the steering amd handling of the two tractors. Not to say that one is better than the other, but you should operate both to see if one suits you better. I was used to the TN65 but quickly adapted to the MF. Some of this may have been due to the 4wd.
With the TN65 I had a few minor issues that were quickly resolved by a good dealer. I've also had some problems with the 1455v and those were also handled to my satisfaction by a good dealer.
You should try to consider all known factors in your decision and figure out which models will fit your needs. I can't recommend one "brand" over another because I think for the most part the major brands will provide you with good service and reliability if you pick the model that you need for your requirements and buy from a dealer with a good track record.
AndyMA
Elite Member
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2000
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- Ford 2120 , Kubota MX5200 , Deere X748SE. 1956 Economy Tractor
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have been to 2 JD dealers and they tell me that JD are the standards in which all other tractor in the HP range I'm looking at are measured )</font>
What would you expect from a JD Dealer? We've fallen behind and are playing catchup?
I would expect every dealer to sell to the strengths of their line. My dealer NH/ Kubota will tell me at each size/price point what the pros/ cons are and he will also tell me that vrs Deere. He doesn't knock any line but will steer me in the direction where he feels I will be the most satisfied.
Andy
What would you expect from a JD Dealer? We've fallen behind and are playing catchup?
I would expect every dealer to sell to the strengths of their line. My dealer NH/ Kubota will tell me at each size/price point what the pros/ cons are and he will also tell me that vrs Deere. He doesn't knock any line but will steer me in the direction where he feels I will be the most satisfied.
Andy