Mitsubishi or Iseki

[JFahey]

Is one of these engines more desirable than the other. Massey went from the Iseki to the Mitsubishi when the new 1700 series came out. Anyone know the pros and cons of either of these power plants? Thanks, Joe

 

[Phillip w]

I got a little 3 cylinder iseki engine in my mf 1531. As far as dependable and reliable it seem to be ok. It is nearly impossible to start in cold wrather say 15 degrees Fahrenheit and colder. Don't know what is going on their, been that way since I owNed it. That little engine is no power house. Seems like you got to have it screaming (2200-2500 rpms) to get anything out of it. The engine tends to power out pretty easy. Maybe I'm just use to the big 6 cylinder diesel engines in the larger tractors. Can't say anything about the Mitsubishi engine. I am not familiar with it and have not been around them. Hope this helps.

 

[plowhog]

I have the Mitsubishi in my MF1758 and Iseki in my MF 1710. Both perform as expected-- no problems. With each of them, like many tractors, I have to periodically clean the radiator screen when bush hogging. But that's a generic issue with dry fields and bush hogging-- lots of debris in the air.

 

[frugalangler]

To me, it wasn't engine brand, it was all the rest of the package plus the dealer.

 

[JFahey]

The iseki is a four-cylinder engine while the Mitsubishi is a three cylinder engine. I’m more interested in longevity and dependability than anything else. I definitely like that the Iseki is pre-emission compared to the new Mitsubishi.

 

[DieselBound]

Sounds like Iseki wasn't able to meet emissions standards and Massey had to switch to the Mitsubishi. I have a 2013 Polaris Brutus with a 3cyl Yanmar in it; Polaris went with Kholer in 2014: the Yanmar is louder than all-get-out, but, well, other than the leaking rear main seal (thank goodness it's an HST machine), it's a pretty solid engine.

I believe that most all diesel engines are sound. Yes, newer stuff, new emissions stuff, is something to be wary of, especially in the early years of any new design (this is pretty much true of any engine/equipment).

Kubota engines are still my favorite (though don't tell my Kioti that! - only have 230 hrs on my NX5510, so no real long-term data yet, but it works great AND it's very quiet [and not stinky]).

 

[Snobdds]

I have a Mitsubishi in my Cat and an iseki in my Massey. I have had no engine problems with either of them. The Iseki is a bit more cold blooded and likes to smoke at start up, but once the air catches up to the fuel, it cleans up nicely. I like the design of the Iseki more with how they laid out the radiator.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I have been impressed with both.

 

[JFahey]

I found a 5 year old Massey 1643 with the Iseki in it. Less than 700 hrs and in nice clean shape. The brand new Massey is about 10k more and has the Mitsubishi engine in it. Or I can find a new Korean made tractor of the same size for about the price of the used Massey. Decisions decisions decisions

 

[Phillip w]

I found a 5 year old Massey 1643 with the Iseki in it. Less than 700 hrs and in nice clean shape. The brand new Massey is about 10k more and has the Mitsubishi engine in it. Or I can find a new Korean made tractor of the same size for about the price of the used Massey. Decisions decisions decisions

I dont want to sound negative, but I have had lots of trouble out of my little mf 1531. Grant you the engine and hydrostatic drive have held up well. At about 800-900 hours the tractor started falling apart and is basically a basket case. Every time I turn around, i got problems with it. Front axle, pto, 3 pt arms/hitch, etc. I have spent a bundle on repairs and rebuilds. Engine wants to run hot in the summer time. I take side panels off in the summer so it runs cooler. Some say I got a lemon, others say I bash agco /mf. I say it is what it is and don't want anyone to fall into a tractor money pit I fell in. I will not ever buy another agco product.

 

[Snobdds]

I dont want to sound negative, but I have had lots of trouble out of my little mf 1531. Grant you the engine and hydrostatic drive have held up well. At about 800-900 hours the tractor started falling apart and is basically a basket case. Every time I turn around, i got problems with it. Front axle, pto, 3 pt arms/hitch, etc. I have spent a bundle on repairs and rebuilds. Engine wants to run hot in the summer time. I take side panels off in the summer so it runs cooler. Some say I got a lemon, others say I bash agco /mf. I say it is what it is and don't want anyone to fall into a tractor money pit I fell in. I will not ever buy another agco product.

You should understand that your situation is unique. It seems only you have had problems that are specific, to you alone. I think you tried to use a compact tractor in place of a large ag tractor and you paid the price for it. Abuse should not be viewed as operating a tractor within it's limits.