Which engine would you choose?

[mark.r]

We had some rounds delivered last night from a cutting just down the road so I had a chance to talk to the guy about his equipment as I saw last week when I past the field he was cutting. He was running a '82 JD 4440 and a Kubota M8500 (?) both bought used. Seemed to be happy with them. I told him that I was really leaning towards a used MF and he said that he would have been happy with a comparable MF as well. In fact color really made no difference to him as these newer machines are so similar that it makes little difference. I would really like to keep my DK for stall work and for my employees to drive since it is easy as buy to use and then pick up a couple of lower hour MF's. I am really attracted to the 3645 power wise. I am just not sure of the over all weight/demensions as it seems a bit on the small side.

 

[Trac-Tech]

Slowzuki, the 4200's you mention were not bad machines, the 12x12 trans had a tendencey to break the spring inside the camm that selects the ranges. That was probably their worst aspect. This same thing applies to 300 series as well. If they do break, fit two springs when they replace it and it will last 3 to 4 times longer. How long do they last to start with? Well thats like asking "how long is a piece of string"? Depends on the work they do and the operator.
Mark R, the 3645 wasn't a bad tractor, but did have some diff and gear hardening issues, all the new gears purchased for replacement from spares have the latest hardening process which has proven to be excellent. If the gearbox is original and the hours moderate for the tractors age, you can probably guess that it hasn't done too much heavy draft work. Dynashift version is the pick of the transmissions with few problems if any and also if possible get one with Auto II control. Its a lot more flexible than the old Auto I version. If either of them fails, its a change out to Auto III now with adaptor harness etc. Once again more flexible from programming and servicability etc. These rules apply to all 3600 series although the larger ones wore out faster due to more power running through them. Good luck

 

[mark.r]

Can you clarify. For example, if I was to buy an '06 -'08 3645 can I expect to have to replace the gears with the new harden units or is that something the factory is doing now on all models?

 

[Trac-Tech]

Sorry Mark
I must have you confused with an older model? The 3600 series I am refering too was produced in the late eighties until the mid nineties and ranged in eng hp from I think around the 120 - 190 hp. The 3645 I was refering too was powered by a Perkins 1000.6t series engine. Earlier versions had a speed shift trans and later had the dynashift trans. Both had 40k option (25mph). The Speed shift version was changed by turning planetary gears around in the speedshift unit and the dynashift was done electronically. It did this by locking out C & D speeds when 30k (20mph) was reached.
I,ve just done a quick search and now I see what you are talking about, sorry about that, it was definitely my mistake. This is what I was on about.
Once again sorry. Also cant tell you too much about the new one that you are looking at? I can find out for you if you like, I have a friend working for Agco in the UK.

 

[mark.r]

Sorry Mark
I must have you confused with an older model? The 3600 series I am refering too was produced in the late eighties until the mid nineties and ranged in eng hp from I think around the 120 - 190 hp. The 3645 I was refering too was powered by a Perkins 1000.6t series engine. Earlier versions had a speed shift trans and later had the dynashift trans. Both had 40k option (25mph). The Speed shift version was changed by turning planetary gears around in the speedshift unit and the dynashift was done electronically. It did this by locking out C & D speeds when 30k (20mph) was reached.
I,ve just done a quick search and now I see what you are talking about, sorry about that, it was definitely my mistake. This is what I was on about.
Once again sorry. Also cant tell you too much about the new one that you are looking at? I can find out for you if you like, I have a friend working for Agco in the UK.

No problem. Yeah, I was talking about the newer 3645 as seen below:

 

[mark.r]

Sorry Mark
I must have you confused with an older model? The 3600 series I am refering too was produced in the late eighties until the mid nineties and ranged in eng hp from I think around the 120 - 190 hp. The 3645 I was refering too was powered by a Perkins 1000.6t series engine. Earlier versions had a speed shift trans and later had the dynashift trans. Both had 40k option (25mph). The Speed shift version was changed by turning planetary gears around in the speedshift unit and the dynashift was done electronically. It did this by locking out C & D speeds when 30k (20mph) was reached.
I,ve just done a quick search and now I see what you are talking about, sorry about that, it was definitely my mistake. This is what I was on about.
Once again sorry. Also cant tell you too much about the new one that you are looking at? I can find out for you if you like, I have a friend working for Agco in the UK.

No problem. Yeah, I was talking about the newer 3645 as seen below:

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=5278385&guid=200A77A38B4D4F8AA1360941D0DFCC59

 

[slowzuki]

To drag a topic back from the dead, I have had a heck of a time finding slant nose MF 4200's, 4300's and 5400's. It seems it is not popular with older farmers who like a big hood. I'm not going to have a smaller tractor again for a few years so I need good visibility to do loader work with the larger machine.

 

[Renze]

No problem. Yeah, I was talking about the newer 3645 as seen below:

Isnt that a Valtra A series ???

 

[slowzuki]

Could be. MF is sisters with Valtra and the 3500 series is all Sisu diesels.

They are darned expensive up here, the largest in the series is what 95 hp? The tag said 70,000$ plus add a loader. Just as expensive as a 5400 series.

 

[WilliamBos]

Could be. MF is sisters with Valtra and the 3500 series is all Sisu diesels.

They are darned expensive up here, the largest in the series is what 95 hp? The tag said 70,000$ plus add a loader. Just as expensive as a 5400 series.

Ouch!! That price is nuts!!

 

[slowzuki]

Yup, a bit crazy for the size of machine. To me its about like a JD5525 which is about 60,000 in 4wd cab loader trim, and I feel are also overpriced.

 

[Renze]

Could be. MF is sisters with Valtra and the 3500 series is all Sisu diesels.

They are darned expensive up here, the largest in the series is what 95 hp? The tag said 70,000$ plus add a loader. Just as expensive as a 5400 series.

It must be the exchange rate of Dollar and Euro thats hurting you... Over here, the predecessor of the Valtra A series used to be cheaper than an 85 hp Ursus from Poland !!

 

[slowzuki]

I went and looked at the Valtra and I think there may be some similarity but don't think its all the same tractor at the MF3600's.

 

[Renze]

I went and looked at the Valtra and I think there may be some similarity but don't think its all the same tractor at the MF3600's.

Aforementioned dealer had 2 of these M X00 series transmissions apart when i visited him last week... Heard these Valtra transaxles tend to get sloppy keyways on the halfshafts... Can anyone confirm or are these just incidents ?????????

 

[slowzuki]

Just bought a 2004 MF 5455, 4wd loader, wet clutch, reverser, 8x8 tranny plus dual speed. We'll find out how she like the 10 ft discbine this summer. I think the engine is pre electronics.

I've read the 40 k option is just the hi-low switched around so you get an overdrive on each gear instead of an underdrive. Must find out more.

The loader has softdrive but no third function, would like to add that.

The Michellin radials seem to wear like iron. Would like to add some duals to the rear sometime for getting onto my ground earlier.

Proving to be a tough thing to get home, weighs about 11,000 lb with the loader. My friends 14,000 lb trailer weighs almost 3000 lbs and he isn't happy about towing the tractor.

 

[mark.r]

Just bought a 2004 MF 5455, 4wd loader, wet clutch, reverser, 8x8 tranny plus dual speed. We'll find out how she like the 10 ft discbine this summer. I think the engine is pre electronics.

I've read the 40 k option is just the hi-low switched around so you get an overdrive on each gear instead of an underdrive. Must find out more.

The loader has softdrive but no third function, would like to add that.

The Michellin radials seem to wear like iron. Would like to add some duals to the rear sometime for getting onto my ground earlier.

Proving to be a tough thing to get home, weighs about 11,000 lb with the loader. My friends 14,000 lb trailer weighs almost 3000 lbs and he isn't happy about towing the tractor.

We'll need pictures . . .

 

[slowzuki]

I'll need to clean her up first. I offered 3000$ less than they were asking due to a lot of niggling things. She has a lot of hours but has been problem free the last 2 years. Her first two years she spent a while in the shop waiting on parts.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Congrats on the new tractor addition. I am sure you will appreciate the extra help during hay season.

 

[chh]

Congrats on the tractor Slowzuki. Pics when you get a chance.

 

[2640JD]

Coming off a Ford/new holland with the tried and true 4 cylinder being a proven engine. A Turbo is a wonderful thing!
Your question should answer itself.

The 4 cylinder should get you better fuel consumption numbers.
Other items to consider is how tractor will be used, do you need the extra weight and physical size of the 6cylinder tractor.
Good Luck