MF1540 or MF431

[stump54]

I still need help. I was just about set on the MF1540 for my small farm but can' help wonder if I'd be just as well off with a much less expensive MF431. I don't need a lot of extras; just something strong enough to lift round bales of hay, and small enough to work around the barn/house. My dealer talked me out of the 431 the first day telling me it was made overseas and had problems. The "problems" didn't sound as bad (weak brakes) after talking with his mechanic. Has anyone else compared the two? I can get the 431 and loader for a little more than the 1540 alone.

Gary

 

[gamble77]

Well all Massey's are made "overseas" and all tractors have "problems"!! I would go for the 1540 if I were you, I think the comfort it provides as compared to the 431 is the deciding factor.

 

[stump54]

No doubt about the comfort difference; I was just test driving again today. However, it's hard to get around a $3K price difference for a tractor I'll only use occasionally. It makes the choice even harder with the 431's additional horsepower, which is something that concerned me about the 1540. Of course to further confuse the issue I find out that adding a loader to the 431 is not as simple; something about the pump not being able to power both the FEL and the 3pt? Anyone have any experience with this setup? I may not have to carry two round bales at the same time, but I can see wanting a box blade attached at the same time as the loader.

Gary

 

[gamble77]

Yeah, thats a huge problem with the Massey utility tractors. There hydraulics work in such a way that when adding a loader you must use a "diverter" switch to change hydraulic flow from either the loader or to the 3-point hitch. If you really want a straight up utility tractor that can run a FEL and not have to switch a valve to do so then I would suggest either Mahindra or FarmTrac. I know me being a FarmTrac dealer it might sound a little bias but I think both Mahindra and FarmTrac offer some really honest-to-goodness farm tractors and that sounds like what you might be looking for.

Good luck and keep us posted whatever you do! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[spb1971]

The 431 comes standard with an engine mounted pump. This has nothing to do with your 3-point hitch. Your dealer can install a joystick valve and it will operated independent of the 3-point hitch. Older models acted as you have stated above (231, 231S).

 

[gamble77]

I stand corrected, sorry for the confusion. I don't know why but I had the 231S in my head...makes you wonder about his dealer though is his dealer didn't know the difference!! Just food for thought.

 

[stump54]

I've been to two MF dealers and they told be the same thing. If the "stock" 431 setup is used, then a "diverter" switch is needed and you can use the FEL or 3 pt, but not both. However, if auxiliary hydraulics w/ controls are added (which are on the one I've tried), then lines can run from the FEL back to the auxiliary connectors, and both front and rear can be used together.
Has anyone seen or tried that setup yet?

Gary

 

[spb1971]

If you get the loader mounted joystick (MF Brand loader and valve), the dealer can plumb it off the engine mounted pump. You will not need to add rear remotes. You can do as they are saying and add rear remotes off of a circuit that uses a diverter valve but it is not necessary.

 

[stump54]

When run off the "engine mounted pump" does everything work as it should? Will I get full capacity from my loader and hitch?
How is it that two separate dealers and their mechanics are unaware of the setup you've described?

Gary

 

[spb1971]

The systems are independent of each other. On older models that only had the internal 3-point belly pump, you could remove a cover and attach a diverter valve on the standpipe that comes out of the top of the pump. You could only operate one function since there was one supply of flow. The 431's come standard with the engine mounted pump less the plumbing for remotes. MF offers a loader valve package used with a 1040 loader that will plumb into this pump and you can operate the loader independent of the 3-point. Why the two dealers do not know this, good question?

 

[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.