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..

 

[1715Ben]

atsah, I noticed that. I must confess my ignorance. I have a VW TDI that is direct injected (older PD engine not the newer common rail). Is the Iseki engine carbureted? I've noticed it's not hard to start using glow plugs now while the temperature is in the 70s and 80s, but I have wondered about winter and lower temperatures. With the VW I never really needed the glow plugs for more than a couple seconds on the coldest (single digit) days. Would using something like Diesel Kleen be advised or make a difference with the GC? In general it seems as though the GC is using older technology--fuses and not CANBUS and incandescent lamps, etc. Somewhat old school, which is not entirely a negative to me.

 

[1715Ben]

I'll have to explore this concept. I'm fortunate to have a fabricator about 1.5 miles from my house. Not only do they have the steel, I'm certain they'll make the box (for a price) because I don't have any welding experience. Looks like the manufactured ballast boxes are $300-ish. I'm not certain what a sheet of cold rolled steel goes for these days. I bought a few pieces for a BBQ pit in the spring, but that was 3/8 3' x 4' stainless.

 

[GC1710]

Awesome tractor! Check out my threads to see everything I’ve done and it may give you some ideas. I do a lot of wood splitting with my three point splitter, and a lot of rock hauling with bucket. I added an old 125lb Oliver weight where the mowers deck would go.

 

[1715Ben]

GC1710, Thanks for jumping in and letting me know about your threads. Impressive fireplace you've built! And your log splitter is great. I'm not certain I could lift the rounds that high (bad back--which also precludes using a maul). I also have a generator on the wish list, you I'll have to read up on your experience with that. Thanks for sharing all that good information.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Don't let anyone tell you these small tractors can't do the job. Just in smaller bites. In my case, bigger was definitely not better due to my land, and my uses. I still bought UP a size, and I am *still* not sure I did the right thing.....

Enjoy your tractor! Even a small tractor is SO much better than no tractor.

 

[WranglerX]

Awesome tractor! Check out my threads to see everything I致e done and it may give you some ideas. I do a lot of wood splitting with my three point splitter, and a lot of rock hauling with bucket. I added an old 125lb Oliver weight where the mowers deck would go.

Wood splitter???.... 3PH????.... How did you do hydraulics.... A brochure for the 1700 series state there is a "power beyond" accessory but neither corporate or local dealer can seem to find/supply any information... When I do GOOGLE search with part number I get a John Deere setup that does not relate to the MF...

I suppose you are running it off back hoe hydraulics?

Dale

 

[jeepcj7]

Congratulations on the new toy. A block heater is a good option for cold weather starting. Direct injection vs Indirect Injection argument has been around for years - both have there advantages and for what you are doing it wont make a bit of difference. A really cheap 3 point weight can quickly be made with a 3/4" diameter solid bar purchased locally (steel scrap yards usually have lots of it) and cheap bar bell weights (Craigslist, garage sales, etc...). Do a search on TBN for homemade ballast and you will get all kinds of ideas. Have fun with it!!!

 

[Mattsy Fergy]

On the block heater, the oem one is about $180, but if you get part# 4269250m91 which is for the 2300 series (older version) it is only $130.
Same motor AFAIK. I have one and will be mounting it soon, I hope.
The difference is the bracket, which goes behind the muffler bracket, instead of in front of it.

 

[edgarrian]

Congrats on the purchase. The snow blower makes the tractor look small. Heck of a nice setup.

 

[atsah]

I have the 54 blower on mine as well, it blows heavy snow 30ft no problem at all..