Mower Incompatible with Backhoe? - Massey GC17XX

[BurZ]

I am about to pull the trigger on a Massey, or so I thought-- but is it true that the mid mount mower cannot be used with the backhoe attached? I know the BX and Deere can.

I plan to use the backhoe as ballast for the loader and really don't know if I like the idea of taking it off every time I want to mow.
Ugh.

 

[Nacademus]

I can mow with my backhoe attached. You just need to be mindful of the lifting arms since they can move between the backhoe and tractor. I just removed my lifting linkage and lower arms and don't need to worry about and issues.


Yes. You can mow with a backhoe on. But, it's an extra 600+lbs. I prefer not having to worry about banging it on things. And it makes quite a racket as the cylinders leak down a little, get sloppy, and rest/chatter onto the transport pins.

 

[Nacademus]

If you're careful with how your tuck your lift arms away between the backhoe and tractor, you really don't need to worry about it. Just disconnect the link where it connects to the lower lift arms.

 

[Nacademus]

Just unpin it here and tuck them up and away. Make sure the actual lift linkage isn't going to impinge on anything is they move a little.

The belly mower uses a shared lift reference and they move together but can move independent.

 

[BurZ]

Wow, thanks so much for the quick response and helpful info. I think I can live with doing it that way. The mower will be for a straight, flat field, so no worries at all on the backhoe getting in the way.

By the way, greetings from a fellow Ohioan. I am up by Lake Erie and considering buying my Massey from Ohio Ag Equipment-- do you have any experience with them? I guess they're scattered across Ohio.

 

[Nacademus]

I am in the same area. I went to Ohio Ag (North Central Ag NCA, back then) and they didn't want to deal with me on the Massey.

I ended up going to Maibach Tractor. It's a little ways away in Creston, Ohio but Dave (one of the owners) was willing to hear me, deal with me, and I left feeling that I got a really fair deal. They also had no problem mailing parts directly to me under warranty. This was a godsend when my fan decided to chew a twig. I could have taken it in on trailer but like to do my own work. They also sent me a tie rod that I needed.

I was about 3k lower than NCA (now Ohio Ag). I'm not sure if the new ownership does much for the sales, but definitely do yourself the service of seeing what other dealers can do for you. Get a few quotes before pulling the trigger.

Sometimes they will include a Woods Red Implements rebate with a new purchase. It was $400 for me but I never used it. Kicked myself for it. Definitely ask about it.

I only use Ohio Ag for parts, now since they're closer than Creston.

Keep in mind that the loader and backhoe do not share the warranty that they tell you the tractor has. I got burned a little by this. If you have any questions, let me know.

Definitely call around. Maibach will deliver the tractor to you if needed.

 

[Nacademus]

There is also a Kioti dealer through Wellington Implement, I believe. And Rural King sells TYM tractors with their own badging. There are a few RKs around. One in Norwalk and another in Elyria. Definitely check every tractor out that you can.

For me, JD was the most expensive, then Kubota, MF, LS, Kioti, RK. I went with the cheapest but best financing rate. Massey won me out. They have pretty good specs, too. Plus, I like how they look.

 

[BurZ]

I will have to check out Maibach; thanks for the tip!
The Deere is indeed about $3k more if I want the mower. I believe the BX is maybe a little closer in price, but has less HP and loader capacity. (Watched a few startling videos by Tractor Tim that showed the disparity.) I guess the Massey is more in line with the Deere capacity.

Any regrets on your end with the GC1720? Sounds like you have put it to good work.

 

[Nacademus]

Honestly, no regrets apart from wishing I had a larger tractor and a larger place to store it in. The scut fits fine in my detached garage.

It's done everything I asked it to. I did have a small issue with my backhoe lever that was a really easy fix. Only thing I really don't like is the way the seat needs turned around to use the backhoe. It's pretty hokey and you can easily pinch your fingers if you're not careful. And it's easy to not hook the front of the seat plate into the detent if you're not careful with how you position it.

As with anything, there are small things that annoy you. Odds are you will be getting the lastest model and that seems to have addressed a couple things. I wish they had an angle-able rops hinge. Maybe then I wouldn't have destroyed the header if my garage. It's my fault, but that's still annoying. I took the overhead hoop off entirely. My yard is as flat as they come.

 

[BurZ]

Great to hear. I'm on 5 flat acres, 1 of yard, 2 of field, 2 of woods, and have been scraping by with borrowed equipment so I think it's time. I know the Masseys are supposedly not the best on ergonomics. But it probably beats a borrowed 1950s Farmall.

I watched a video of the seat switching and it looked a bit strange. I figured it would be a simple swivel but I guess it needs more height facing backwards.

On that note-- is it possible to scoot the tractor forward with the backhoe while trenching, or does it require constant seat switching?

You mentioned getting burned on the warranty?