New MF GC1723E owner. What next?

[thbarrons]

Hi All. I just purchased a GC1723E with front mounted snow blower SBX1270. I live in Northern MI, don't really have snow yet this year but that's the anticipated use. I am totally new to owning a tractor but I'm excited to have this tool and want to be informed and willing to take advice. I've read the manual front to back and when I take delivery this week I will be instructed on the basics of doing what I need to operate it in a general sense and to handle the snow blowing.

This forum has been a great resource during the purchase phase. So now my question is kind of an open ended what next?
Is there any "gotta have" implement I should be looking at?
Is there any mod or addition to the tractor to mechanically make it better etc?
Any tool I should always have on board just in case?
Any online resources other than this forum I should know about to keep me informed?

In general what would any of you experienced Massey Ferguson owners tell a newbie like me? Anything goes. Thanks in advance.

 

[Peter 315]

I would get a extra set of filters.....Maybe a shop manual.... Good luck with the new tractor..

 

[RjCorazza]

Welcome to TBN, and congrats on the new machine.
I would recommend getting together some warm clothing and gear. Snowblowing on an open station tractor is a whole new level of cold. I used a heated motorcycle suit, goggles, and a firefighting helmet... Looked goofy, but it was warm!
Enjoy your tractor!

 

[thbarrons]

I would recommend getting together some warm clothing and gear. Snowblowing on an open station tractor is a whole new level of cold. I used a heated motorcycle suit, goggles, and a firefighting helmet... Looked goofy, but it was warm!

Check on that. I'm an ice fisherman also. Not afraid to sit on a bucket on the open ice on a windy day just to jig up a couple blue gill. Clothed appropriately of course. I have everything I need. Except the firefighting helmet.

 

[hube2]

...
Is there any mod or addition to the tractor to mechanically make it better etc?
Any tool I should always have on board just in case?
....

Just some suggestions...
I would recommend getting the skid plate, left step and grab handle from RetailREMS Massey Ferguson GC Accessories
In your other post you said you have some hills on your driveway, I would recommend getting a good set of chains for the rear 26-12-12 Tire Chains. The diamond pattern chains give a smoother ride. Get the studded ones if you'll be dealing with a lot of ice.
If you're going to put on chains you should think about adding as set of wheel spacers because there isn't a lot of clearance for the chains without them Bro-Tek
And for carrying tools a nice tool box ROPS Mounted Tool Box
You can find discussions about all of these things on the forums

 

[jeff9366]

Buy implements only when you need them for a specific task.

https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/e/6/6/e/e66ed13be4f5a5216aa214276e14dacb/pub2917tractorimplements1.pdf

 

[Dmacleo]

keep spare fuel filters on hand. simple fix that may save you.

 

[hube2]

Make sure you have spare shear pins for that blower on hand, you don't want to be out of business over a part that is likely less than $1

 

[irvingj]

Ditto what hube said -- I have what was a box that sneakers came in; in that I have shear pins for both the auger and the impeller, a 7/16" ratchet/socket & box end wrench, and this is important -- a small hammer and a tapered drift punch. It fits right behind the seat on my 2310.

Many times a broken shear pin will fall out, but occasionally a piece will get stuck inside the shaft. The hammer & drift punch will get it out, and the punch can be used to locate the hole if (when) the shaft has rotated.

Also, note that the torque on those shear pins is pretty minimal -- I just tighten until the lock washer gets mostly flat -- and then stop. If you tighten them too much, they'll actually break more easily/faster.

 

[hube2]

Don't by the shear pins from the dealer, you can probably get 50 of them from your local hardware store for what the dealer will charge you for 1

 

[irvingj]

Right -- unless your dealer is very close and handy -- MF parts are $$. I get mine (also for a lower price) from the "local" Kubota dealer -- same pins, as the same company manufactures those blowers (Rad Engineering, Ltd in Canada) for several brands. (Kubota's pins are even the same gold & silver colors....)

One thing I forgot above -- keep some paper towels or rags handy, too -- that blower auger shaft is full of grease and it can get pretty messy when changing shear pins.

 

[kenmbz]

Welcome to TBN, keep the tractor greased and have fun with it.

 

[Dmacleo]

all my snowblow stuff (I use rear mounted) is within 5 minutes tractor travel to my house. and I my 54" blizzard uses 2 shear bolts and I got approx 15 of each. small jar in shed holding ONLY shear bolts.

but the concept is the same, have a bunch of shear bolts on hand.

I looked closely at dealer cost for the 2 types of shear bolts I use versus buying same size Grade 1 (thats what the bolts are) and there was only (on average) 5 cents difference between buying actual bolt from dealer and a grade 1 at a hardware store. but your experience may not be tha same. just compare prices before buying, may be surprised.

again, mine is rear mounted and I have removable guards over the the 2 shear bolts. average time to swap is 3 minutes for me.

edit: made error stated 3 types of shear bolts, typo, only 2.

 

[hube2]

all my snowblow stuff (I use rear mounted) is within 5 minutes tractor travel to my house. and I my 54" blizzard uses 2 shear bolts and I got approx 15 of each. small jar in shed holding ONLY shear bolts.

but the concept is the same, have a bunch of shear bolts on hand.

I looked closely at dealer cost for the 3 types of shear bolts I use versus buying same size Grade 1 (thats what the bolts are) and there was only (on average) 5 cents difference between buying actual bolt from dealer and a grade 1 at a hardware store. but your experience may not be tha same. just compare prices before buying, may be surprised.

again, mine is rear mounted and I have removable guards over the the 2 shear bolts. average time to swap is 3 minutes for me.

I'm about the same, rear blower, 2 shear pins. I purchase 100 of each from Bolt Depot - Fastener Shopping Made Easy. I can always get back to the shed quick and the bolts are accessed easily under covers, takes under 5 minutes to change either.

 

[thbarrons]

Thanks for all the input folks. Like the lists a couple of you supplied. I'll be well prepared. Definitely see the recurring theme here on the shear pins. Going to find a good local supplier for those ASAP and always carry.

When I said I was a newbie, I mean even my first diesel anything I've owned. So one other question in my mind is will I need some kind of anti-gel fuel additive here in Northern MI? I see that talked about on here once in awhile. Is there a particular brand?

 

[dj1701]

Thanks for all the input folks. Like the lists a couple of you supplied. I'll be well prepared. Definitely see the recurring theme here on the shear pins. Going to find a good local supplier for those ASAP and always carry.

When I said I was a newbie, I mean even my first diesel anything I've owned. So one other question in my mind is will I need some kind of anti-gel fuel additive here in Northern MI? I see that talked about on here once in awhile. Is there a particular brand?

Mine gelled here in NY. I got some Power Service anti-gel additive and never had a problem since. It's been many years.

Dave

 

[Dmacleo]

I keep some Diesel 911 on hand ( in Maine, gets cold) but have never had to use it on the GC2400. but I do start mine often even if not gonna be used and let it get up to operating temp.

 

[dj1701]

Being your first diesel anything, you probably should get some yellow fuel cans. Nothing like draining the fuel because you put gas in there. Don't ask how I know.

Dave

 

[hube2]

When I said I was a newbie, I mean even my first diesel anything I've owned. So one other question in my mind is will I need some kind of anti-gel fuel additive here in Northern MI? I see that talked about on here once in awhile. Is there a particular brand?

If you are buying it now then you should be safe as you should be getting a winter blend at the moment.

I'm not going to give the most likely answer. I keep 4, 5 gallon cans. I get diesel when 2 are empty and I rotate them. I never know when I bought whatever fuel I'm using at the moment. For this reason I put Power Service in every can before I fill it up. This won't hurt anything and is fine to run all year.