Buying Advice Thoughts on a used Massey 1547 or 1652

[hamdog]

I’m still in the market for a good used compact tractor 40-50 HP. A new tractor still is not in the budget. I’ve had a deal on a 1533 fall through, and most other tractors I have attempted to purchase sold before I had the time to look at them. So the search continues. I found a used 2011 Massey 1652 power shuttle open station with 231 hours that’s about 4hrs away in Canada. It looks to be in good shape except paint is fading, I assume by the pictures it was stored outside. Anyway the best they will do is $26,500CAD plus 13% GST tax, I’m not sure if I would get that tax money back. Currently CAD is worth $0.79 US exchange. If I got the 13%GST tax back this would be a decent deal.

I found a Massey 2009 1547 power shuttle with 521 hrs on it in the states close by and they are asking $19,000. Looking at the pictures this tractor has lived outside, red paint faded to pink and dark grey to light with some rust.

Both are about 3-4hr drive and both places say that the tractor is mechanically in great shape. What are your guys thoughts on these tractors? Are the Massey larger compacts good solid tractors? I really like the idea of the powershuttle vs HST, since I will be in the woods pulling some logs for fire wood.

I’ve been looking for a year now and it’s tough to find a good used compact. Deere and kubota are our to lunch on used, people are asking what a new tractor cost. Unfortunately a new tractor is not in the budget.

Thanks for the help!

 

[TSO]

Excellent machines. I owned a flawless 1648 HST and currently have a 1652 HST. I've put about 1200 hours on them combined. They are very strong, stone reliable, and perform above my expectations. I understand what you're saying about power-shuttle, but I've pulled and pulled with mine, HST, and can say that pulling logs out of the woods would be very easy work for these machines in HST. You'll find that the loaders and 3pt have great lift capacity and are quite rugged. I really can't complain about these machines.

Where are you located?

 

[hamdog]

Thanks TSO. On a friends farm they had a 1533 powershuttle that they have to date 800-900 hard hours on. The only issue they had with it was the dam safety switch on the seat.

I am located in Northern Vermont.

 

[hamdog]

Thoughts from anyone else?

Also what this tractor has an external cylinder on the 3pt hitch, is this an loft assist?

 

[Ivan1547]

Excellent tractor, never gave me a problem with the exception of the seat safety switch.

It does way more than it is rated for...

 

[TSO]

Thoughts from anyone else?

Also what this tractor has an external cylinder on the 3pt hitch, is this an loft assist?

There is both in internal traditional 3-point lift setup, and an outer external lift cylinder. The combination makes for the highest 3-point lift in the class.

How soon do you plan on making a decision?

There's an outside chance that I may be putting mine up for sale within the next few months. For my business, I need both a larger and smaller tractor than this 1652. My business is moving towards more industrial equipment and I may pick up a dozer and a larger Industrial Tractor like a Ford 545... And a smaller machine like the Massey 1726. I've already got too many machines in the shed as it is, and I might even add another skid steer as well. So I've got to make a decision here soon on what I'm going to do as my business moves forward.

And FYI, the price for my machine would be very reasonable compared to the prices you've already quoted us. I could also arrange delivery, as I have already sold two tractors to other members on this forum with delivery, and I delivered another tractor in New York for a fella on this forum that bought a new from a dealer near me.

Just wanted to throw that possibility out there...

 

[hamdog]

Thanks TSO. I’m looking for a open station non-HST transmission right now. I appreciated the offer. How will the smaller 1726 serve your needs better than the 1652?

 

[TSO]

Thanks TSO. I’m looking for a open station non-HST transmission right now. I appreciated the offer. How will the smaller 1726 serve your needs better than the 1652?

I need a smaller, lighter machine for certain jobs.... And also a bigger, industrial machine for certain other jobs. Not sure if i can afford to keep the "middle" machine too, in addition to all the other machines i have or will be acquiring.

 

[hamdog]

Well the 1547 was used hard and the actual condition makes me think the hour meter was not working correctly on it. The rear fenders crinkled and paint wore off. Granted they had all the service records since it was purchased but some of the items that were repaired were broken shifter bolt, loader bushes replaced, rang shift lever repaired, etc. I guess my journey continues