New Guy New GC1715

[1715Ben]

After much deliberation I finally bit the bullet and purchased a MF GC1715. The decision was made partly on the tractor and partly on the dealer. Thanks to all who have posted here about your MF subcompact. It was helpful reading through posts to be more informed in making my decision. It's already been put to work moving a couple of yards of rip rap and moving a log pile in preparation for wood cutting and splitting.

I have a long paved driveway so I added the Woods 54" rear drive blower (opted for the ability to use the loader) as opposed to the more expensive front mount. I have the 60" deck, which will be a back up to the Simplicity Legacy XL that is generally dedicated to mowing. Future plans are for a Wallenstein PTO driven chipper. Added the tooth bar and hooks welded to the top of the bucket for pulling/lifting. Fluid in the rear tires for ballast. Lighting upgrades are in the future too.

This is my first tractor with an FEL and it has been impressive moving logs (24" x 48" up to about ~24" x 96"). The largest were at the limit of the loader and my comfort zone. It did great moving the rocks. Could have used a larger bucket, but that might have been pushing it from a weight perspective.

So far no complaints. It's not perfect, but it is very good for the tasks I have. :thumbsup:

 

[plowhog]

Looks like a workhorse! I've been very pleased with my Massey GC1710. Congratulations!

 

[WranglerX]

Review what is needed for FEL (rear) ballast in DL 95 loader documentation, don't think rear tires filled with any "juice" is really enough, contemplating at least 600 pound for rear ballast with my GC 1715...

Dale

 

[cdaigle430]

Welcome

 

[1715Ben]

Thanks, plowhog. Sure makes work tasks easier. I could have never moved those stones manually.

 

[1715Ben]

DL, I realize now how the correct amount of rear ballast would make the tractor more stable. I could tell it was a little light on the rear tires at times with the larger logs and a full bucket of stones. I am contemplating how to best add the weight. Hanging the blower on the back would be one way, but the one of the strengths of these smaller tractors is their ability to work in tight quarters and adding length would diminish some of that capability.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

DL, I realize now how the correct amount of rear ballast would make the tractor more stable. I could tell it was a little light on the rear tires at times with the larger logs and a full bucket of stones. I am contemplating how to best add the weight. Hanging the blower on the back would be one way, but the one of the strengths of these smaller tractors is their ability to work in tight quarters and adding length would diminish some of that capability.

You mean you don't already have filled tires? That's a necessity for heavy FEL work on a light tractor. A heavy rear implement too, especially if you work on slopes. If you don't want the extra length, you can buy or make rear ballast. Please don't go down any slopes until you've done this.

 

[1715Ben]

I do have the rear tires filled. I'm talking about adding some weight on the 3 pt. hitch to add a little more.

 

[WranglerX]

A simple 2x2x1 foot steel box box is 4 cubic feet, filled with concrete it would weigh in at about 600 pounds as concrete is about 150 pounds per cubic foot... It is about what I am contemplating as soon as I can get to a town (35 miles) that has steel supply ... And about 10, 60 pound bags of sacrete (about $30).. Done right only makes tractor a foot or so longer, good for tight places...

Dale

 

[atsah]

They are nice capable little tractors, the only thing I don't like is they are indirect injected, direct injected engines are easier to start and more efficient. Not sure why Iseki is still doing IDI, most others are DI..