MF1540 or MF431

[spb1971]

The valve kit for the 431 (without remotes) and 1040 loader is # 7112512. This combination will provide you with what I am talking about.

 

[stump54]

Will this work if the remotes are already installed? If so, should I have them order a different tractor or take the one with remotes installed for future use?

 

[JerryG]

stump54,
spb1971 has it right on all counts. If you get the valve kit and the loader that he spec. you will have a good combination.

 

[stump54]

All,
Thanks again for the help. I'll be taking this info to the dealer today.

Gary

 

[spb1971]

If your tractor already has (factory) remotes, they can order 7112509M and it will leave your remotes free for other uses.

 

[stump54]

All,
You've educated a couple on NC Massey dealers. As a matter of fact one of them has subscribed to this site.

I'm still torn on which way to go (1540 or 431) but I still have a couple of weeks to decide. I really like the 1540 but wish it had more HP (larger models out of my price range). I'm sure it will do everything I need it to today, but I can't help thinking I'd run out of tractor if I start getting more serious about my own haying later. Maybe I should get the 1540 now and buy a used 50+hp if and when it's needed. Anyone else had to make this type of choice? Has anyone had hydraulic remotes installed on this series? Is it possible?

Gary

 

[spb1971]

The 1540 can come equipped with a factory joystick to operate the loader and you can also have rear remotes added as a dealer installed option. The remote kits are from the factory so there is no fear of them not looking as if the tractor came that way to begin with. They make a nice package. To be honest, if you decided later down the road you wanted to upsize, these tractors hold their value extremely well. Your call.

 

[SouthernMan]

Sir,

It has been my limited experience, that if I settle on something that might be "a little too little" for now, I hate it later. for example - I bought a 471 over a year ago - and my needs were for a 50 pto hp, fel, etc.....I added roughly 20% to what I thought I needed, and bought the 471 (60+ pto hp). and I'm really glad I did - otherwise, it wouldn't pull the 4X5 round baler..

simply put, buy more than you need. In my case, I always figure what i need (whatever it be), then add 10-20% to the capability. Usually, that gets me there.. Another example...If you need a medium-duty 5 ft bushog, I'd recommend buying a 6 ft....or a 5ft heavy-duty...

ain't nothing better than "new tractor arrival day" though, whatever you decide.

SM

 

[stump54]

I too, usually, buy up, but in this case there's a conflict between what I need now and what I may need in the future. Today I move 4X5' round bales, cut a 6 acre hay field (no one's haying it yet), and level corrals and small paddocks. The 1540 is even a little large for the level work but the min to be able to lift the bales (stack with loader). My hope is to get hay from my field but with only 6 acres I'm not sure it would be worth my doing all myself (buying baler). I would, however, like to at least do my own cutting/raking. That being the case do I really need 50+ HP? Can I perform those chores with the 1540 w/loader and remotes? Loader work will be light but we have a lot of deep sand; will I regret not having 4WD? I don't have any experience to fall back on so everything seems important. It's as if I need a tractor to fill 5 roles and anyone I look at will only do 3...

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> will I regret not having 4WD? </font>
Quite frankly, If you get 2wd you will be just spinning your wheels. Compact tractors are to light to do much without 4wd.