which one, JD 1025R or MF GC1720 or MF 1526 with woods backhoe or NH25s

[atsah]

I’m pretty much always in low range as well, I have used high range driving down the road, I had no problem with the single seat on my tlb, I don’t like two seats, I would imagine they put a three range on the 1526 due to it being a bigger heavier tractor with 25hp, the low range on that tractor is really low and you would probably use mid range a lot with it.

 

[bfloyd4445]

If it helps, I can't remember the last time I used my GC1710 in high gear. Maybe if I was going a long distance I would use it, but for the work and chores I do I am always in low and that is plenty.

If you want a backhoe with a MF SCUT, buy it now as a TLB from the start. The frames for non-backhoe models are different so it isn't something you want to try to add later.

Regarding the swiveling seat, I learned something not readily apparent until you actually work the tractor and dig trenches. The backhoes are strong and quickly dig out what you need. Then you need to move the tractor forward, which is necessary to dig the next section, and this involves: a) raising the bucket, b) raising the stabilizer arms, c) releasing the parking brake, d) shifting into gear, and e) pressing on the foot pedal. If you dig much of a trench you are CONSTANTLY needing to move the tractor forward. I have heard of others who don't use the brakes, etc, sit rear-facing, and just turn around and use a cane to push on the foot pedal to move. I am not comfortable doing that. What I found that works is I leave the seat facing forward, I kneel on it and operate the backhoe levers, and when done digging I turn around, quickly make the adjustment to move forward, then do it all over again. This is not something you would probably encounter or learn until after having much more experience than driving it around on a dealer lot. I don't think having two seats would make it much better but I admit I have not tried that.

Digging a long trench through their parking lot for experience would probably be frowned upon!!!

:thumbsup:.....I've been wondering about this and now i know. Thank you. Playing get on and off seat flipping didn't appeal to me at all but it appears you have solved that issue for me. For trenching 2inch drip irrigation pipes I won't be in any one spot long before having to move. If I buy a two seater I won't be able to reach the controls over the second seat so maybe the single flip around seat is the best system. One more thing: With all my tractors I spend lots of time in the lowest gears when i need power and precise control and i have been worried that the hydrostat will not get me low enough even in low range

 

[plowhog]

I've read your posts and comments, and believe you will be very satisfied and proud to own a MF SCUT. But while you are in shopping mode, enjoy the ride, kick all the tires, and find what fits you best!

 

[zski128]

:thumbsup:.....I've been wondering about this and now i know. Thank you. Playing get on and off seat flipping didn't appeal to me at all but it appears you have solved that issue for me. For trenching 2inch drip irrigation pipes I won't be in any one spot long before having to move. If I buy a two seater I won't be able to reach the controls over the second seat so maybe the single flip around seat is the best system. One more thing: With all my tractors I spend lots of time in the lowest gears when i need power and precise control and i have been worried that the hydrostat will not get me low enough even in low range

I always flip the seat and it takes some practice to get the hang of it. I would suggest to wear gloves when you do. As long as I am using the backhoe on a level area I never use the parking break and just lift the wheels of the ground a bit. If I need to reposition I lift the bucket and stabilizers and use the backhoe to push/pull me in the direction I need to go usually only a few feet at a time when digging a trench.

The backhoe on the MF is the strongest of the SCUTS that I looked at and can easily drag the machine around even with the fel bucket and stabilizers down and it takes a bit of practice to keep yourself in one spot while digging. My property is extremely rocky which is very challenging.

 

[atsah]

My 2305 TLB backhoe could drag the tractor around the yard with the bucket lifting the front end and with the stabilizers down, my place is hard clay and very rocky, not a good place for a SCUT TLB although it did a good job preparing my driveway for payment because it had been ripped up a few years earlier..

I will say with certainty that my GC1705 with less HP had a tad more power all around than my Deere, the hydro pump in the GC is pretty stout..

 

[Phillip w]

My 2305 TLB backhoe could drag the tractor around the yard with the bucket lifting the front end and with the stabilizers down, my place is hard clay and very rocky, not a good place for a SCUT TLB although it did a good job preparing my driveway for payment because it had been ripped up a few years earlier..

I will say with certainty that my GC1705 with less HP had a tad more power all around than my Deere, the hydro pump in the GC is pretty stout..

My dad's little John Deere is a two speed hydrostatic drive. As bad as I dislike mf, I will still defend what is defendable. My mf had a 3 speed hydrostatic drive. I really liked it and the hydrostatic drive held up well. I used to " road" this tractor quite a bit. I had 240 acre where I lived and a property 2 1/2 miles away and a property 4 miles away. Mf seems to have a good hydrostatic drive and I really liked the 3 speed feature.

 

[bfloyd4445]

I’m pretty much always in low range as well, I have used high range driving down the road, I had no problem with the single seat on my tlb, I don’t like two seats, I would imagine they put a three range on the 1526 due to it being a bigger heavier tractor with 25hp, the low range on that tractor is really low and you would probably use mid range a lot with it.

I like that. Rather than go back twice I like to creep along allowing tiller or hog more time to chop things up fine. I'll have to drive one to decide.

 

[bfloyd4445]

My 2305 TLB backhoe could drag the tractor around the yard with the bucket lifting the front end and with the stabilizers down, my place is hard clay and very rocky, not a good place for a SCUT TLB although it did a good job preparing my driveway for payment because it had been ripped up a few years earlier..

I will say with certainty that my GC1705 with less HP had a tad more power all around than my Deere, the hydro pump in the GC is pretty stout..

That kinda confirms what i thought would be the case from examining the different tractors. The GC gives the appearance of being built stronger than all the rest including the deere

 

[bfloyd4445]

My dad's little John Deere is a two speed hydrostatic drive. As bad as I dislike mf, I will still defend what is defendable. My mf had a 3 speed hydrostatic drive. I really liked it and the hydrostatic drive held up well. I used to " road" this tractor quite a bit. I had 240 acre where I lived and a property 2 1/2 miles away and a property 4 miles away. Mf seems to have a good hydrostatic drive and I really liked the 3 speed feature.

Yep, you also have confirmed what I thought regarding the three range tranny. Thanks

 

[atsah]

Have no fear of Iseki engines, they are as reliable as any Yanmar or Kubota engine, they have been making them for many years, I think they may have started out in Bolens tractors a while back..