Questions on MF GS 1720 and 1725MB?

[lcgeek]

Howdy! First post. Looking to get a SCUT or CUT and tested out a MF GC1720 with backhoe. I wanted to love it based on specs and pricing. Upon my test ride at dealer a couple things I noticed. First, I'm an average sized person and the steering wheel seemed awkwardly low...like around my knees. Of course it wasn't but it felt like it.

Also, it took more effort than I would like to press both the forward and reverse pedals. If I drove it for 30 minutes my right leg would be worn out. :laughing:

Anyone else notice this on these MF's or otherwise have thoughts or feedback?

I see the new GC 1725MB, which is similar tractor has some design features that may change the steering wheel issue...tilt for one. The seat height is partically because it's double use with backhoe and it is spring loaded so sits higher than normal I guess?

 

[cglaser104]

The 1725MB is the evolution of the GC1720TLB. It's essentially the same motor and frame, same on tractor hydraulics and same power output. The changes are primarily a move asthetically toward what they call the global platform/appearance and a retooling/restyling of some the frustrations/feedback of GC1705/1710/1715/1720 owners.

New tractors are inherently stiff to operate at first but loosen up a bit with time and use and regular lubrication. Also, the 1720 and 1725 have cruise control levers if your on the machine traveling consistently such as mowing in space that could reduce fatigue.

Bottom line is if you had hangups on the 1720, look at a 1725 to see if it addresses them. You'll find people here overwhelming love their Iseki made Massey Ferguson GC tractors

 

[lcgeek]

The 1725MB is the evolution of the GC1720TLB. It's essentially the same motor and frame, same on tractor hydraulics and same power output. The changes are primarily a move asthetically toward what they call the global platform/appearance and a retooling/restyling of some the frustrations/feedback of GC1705/1710/1715/1720 owners.

New tractors are inherently stiff to operate at first but loosen up a bit with time and use and regular lubrication. Also, the 1720 and 1725 have cruise control levers if your on the machine traveling consistently such as mowing in space that could reduce fatigue.

Bottom line is if you had hangups on the 1720, look at a 1725 to see if it addresses them. You'll find people here overwhelming love their Iseki made Massey Ferguson GC tractors

Thanks for the reply. Dealer called and just got in a 1725 so going to check it out tomorrow. Also a Kubota bx23s and Mahindra Max 26xlt are on the schedule for tomorrow as well.

 

[cglaser104]

Thanks for the reply. Dealer called and just got in a 1725 so going to check it out tomorrow. Also a Kubota bx23s and Mahindra Max 26xlt are on the schedule for tomorrow as well.

I looked at both of those brands back in the day. A Kubota BX25D and Mahindra Max and eMax models at the time of purchase. I also checked out Yanmar, Kioti and John Deere 1 series subcompacts. I really didn't care for the fit and finish of Mahindra's...they seemed a bit less refined. Kubota, Massey (iseki made), and Yanmar are all nice quality Japanese origin machines. Kioti is Korean made and John Deere is global with Yanmar motors and other parts. The lifting power, PTO horsepower and price made Massey my #1 choice. I also have access to a great family of dealerships to support it that are close enough for me (40min drive). Best of luck finding the machine for you!

 

[Imold]

I looked at the 1725 and the biggest change is the tilt steering wheel, nice feature for sure, the little tool box on the right fender is nice and they relocated the FEL joystick next to your right so you don稚 have to really reach for it and a metal guard around the rear lights, overall it is not bad but I went with the 1705 just because they gave me a good deal on it, if they did not have the 1705 on the lot I would of went with the 1725.
On a side note if there would of been a 1526 on the lot that might of been going home with me but now I also have a understanding with the salesman/owners son that I will be trading in the 1705 in a couple years for probably a 1734e if they have all the issues worked out of the tier 4 system by then, I am sure they will.


Jim.

P.S
I might be trading sooner than later being I might be adding another 40 acres in 3-4 years.

 

[cglaser104]

I looked at the 1725 and the biggest change is the tilt steering wheel, nice feature for sure, the little tool box on the right fender is nice and they relocated the FEL joystick next to your right so you don稚 have to really reach for it and a metal guard around the rear lights, overall it is not bad but I went with the 1705 just because they gave me a good deal on it, if they did not have the 1705 on the lot I would of went with the 1725.
On a side note if there would of been a 1526 on the lot that might of been going home with me but now I also have a understanding with the salesman/owners son that I will be trading in the 1705 in a couple years for probably a 1734e if they have all the issues worked out of the tier 4 system by then, I am sure they will.


Jim.

P.S
I might be trading sooner than later being I might be adding another 40 acres in 3-4 years.

If the current day 1526 existed in 2015 when I got my GC1710TLB it would have been a tough call. I needed the backhoe at the time and the 1526 doesn't have one, but the position control 3pt system is something I would add to my GC in a heartbeat.

 

[lcgeek]

I looked at the 1725 and the biggest change is the tilt steering wheel, nice feature for sure, the little tool box on the right fender is nice and they relocated the FEL joystick next to your right so you don稚 have to really reach for it and a metal guard around the rear lights, overall it is not bad but I went with the 1705 just because they gave me a good deal on it, if they did not have the 1705 on the lot I would of went with the 1725.
On a side note if there would of been a 1526 on the lot that might of been going home with me but now I also have a understanding with the salesman/owners son that I will be trading in the 1705 in a couple years for probably a 1734e if they have all the issues worked out of the tier 4 system by then, I am sure they will.


Jim.

P.S
I might be trading sooner than later being I might be adding another 40 acres in 3-4 years.

thanks for feedback. I was able to check out the 1725 this weekend. A few subtle changes indeed, ergonomically it felt better. What other tractors did you consider before going with the 1705?

 

[coldsteelva]

It also depends on the year for the GC1720 - my 2016 GC1720 has the low shallow wheel, but the 2017+ should have the taller, deep-dish wheel that allows for a more upright seating position for folks with shorter arms. You could always have the dealer swap it out as part of the purchase.

 

[Imold]

thanks for feedback. I was able to check out the 1725 this weekend. A few subtle changes indeed, ergonomically it felt better. What other tractors did you consider before going with the 1705?

I looked at all 4 of the 1700 series Massey had on the lot plus a 1734e I also looked at JD and Kabota, the main reason I went with Massey is because the salesman treated me like he wanted my business, he answered all my questions no matter how dumb and he also asked me questions about my property and what I was going to use it for.

I went back 3 different times for a total of 6 hours maybe and he never seemed to be impatient with me, the salesman at the Green dealership just asked what I wanted and gave me a price, he did not even go outside to help me look, I never went back, the salesman at the Orange dealership talked but never really asked me any questions, did not feel like I was important but he did give me a price.

Went back to the Massey dealership on a Saturday morning and the salesman treated me the same as the first time we meet except he greeted me with my first name. We signed papers.

Now I understand that all dealerships are not the same I am sure if there were other dealerships close to me I might of been treated totally different but as they say.. It is the first impressions that make or break a deal most of the time.



Jim.

 

[Diggin It]

Thanks for the reply. Dealer called and just got in a 1725 so going to check it out tomorrow. Also a Kubota bx23s and Mahindra Max 26xlt are on the schedule for tomorrow as well.

Anyone looking at that type of machine should also be looking at the LS MT125.

 

[Imold]

I worked the 1705 pretty hard again today with my 48 inch Box blade with 3 teeth and it moved right along with no issues, turtle-fwd-2300 rpm, still cleaning roots up from the Sumca, think I am going to try and go to town tomorrow and look at a 72 inch King Kutter Yard Rake which would help me out a lot along with the BB.


Jim.

 

[Imold]

Anyone looking at that type of machine should also be looking at the LS MT125.

I wish there was a bigger selection of dealers around my place but I am pretty much limited to the three I looked at within a hour drive of where I live, there is a Bobcat dealer that has some Kioti tractors but when I stopped by there twice it was like they were to busy for me which I can understand but neither one acknowledged me when I walked in.


Jim.

 

[lcgeek]

Anyone looking at that type of machine should also be looking at the LS MT125.

Indeed. I am also considering the LS MT125. I went to check one out last weekend but was arriving right about dealer closing time. I sat on it and started it (as well as the XJ2025)but not much more. The dealer's lot was not configured where it was easy to take any of them for a spin. That combined with closing time contributed to my short stay. Dealer didn't readily make offer to move some machines for a test drive. I probably need to go back for second look. I have taken a second look on several others. Interestingly the dealer that seems most interested in my business is Kubota. I like the BX23S (dealer gave me one for two days to demo at home). My only hesitancy is the loader capacity, since I have a long term project of moving 400-500 lb boulders for a retaining wall and that's pushing the BX to the limit. The LS MT 125 lists 1000 lb loader capacity, but that spec seems awfully high. Wonder what real world is?

 

[cglaser104]

Indeed. I am also considering the LS MT125. I went to check one out last weekend but was arriving right about dealer closing time. I sat on it and started it (as well as the XJ2025)but not much more. The dealer's lot was not configured where it was easy to take any of them for a spin. That combined with closing time contributed to my short stay. Dealer didn't readily make offer to move some machines for a test drive. I probably need to go back for second look. I have taken a second look on several others. Interestingly the dealer that seems most interested in my business is Kubota. I like the BX23S (dealer gave me one for two days to demo at home). My only hesitancy is the loader capacity, since I have a long term project of moving 400-500 lb boulders for a retaining wall and that's pushing the BX to the limit. The LS MT 125 lists 1000 lb loader capacity, but that spec seems awfully high. Wonder what real world is?

Keep an eye on the how they measure that. I've seen weight as a loader capacity and weight at pivot pin capacity which is measuring at 2 different points in the loader boom relative to each machine. The relative lift capacities of the Kubota and the treadle pedal which personally I detest were the 2 biggest reasons I opted for a different brand. The AGCO/Massey dealer close to me was more attentive than the Kubota dealer was as well. LS's weren't available in my area near enough to consider them and I wasn't going to pay the new Holland price for the nearby new Holland/Kioti dealership. They were awful to deal with besides

 

[stevenlmas]

FWIW, I think my GC1725M is really comfortable and easy to drive. I'm 5'10 and a few extra pounds

 

[airbiscuit]

Isn't the MF 1526 kinda dorky looking?

 

[cglaser104]

Isn't the MF 1526 kinda dorky looking?

View attachment 622266

No way! I love the look of it. In a D&D, Harry Potter, Calculus kinda way....

 

[atsah]

Isn't the MF 1526 kinda dorky looking?

View attachment 622266

Needs an update bad...

 

[cglaser104]

Needs an update bad...

That is the update lol

 

[Diggin It]

OK, so it's a different color, but the headlights and that thing out in front ....