1635 Massey Ferguson reliability? Comparison to 1835M?

Ishkatan · Aug 29, 2021

I think I put in a (low) bid on a Massey Ferguson 1635 Hyrostatic with cab at an auction. About 770 hours. Bidding only based on pictures and a short video of it running on their lot. (Yikes) Based on looking at reviews and Youtube videos it seems to me the 1635 has all the functions of the 1835M.

- Besides the fender PTO button, is there anything on the 1835M that is much better than the 1635? I am bidding under $17K for the 1635 (+ Buyers Premium ($500 + 2%) + tax 6%). Considering going to $20K. How much are 1835Ms with cab going for?

- What is the reliability of the 1635?

- If by some miracle I buy this, what do I check for right off the bat? (Besides changing all the filters and fluids.)

BTW, I am also looking at New Holland/LS and RK37. The cab on the RK37 does not have side windows that open, just the big doors, so not as nice as the Massey or New Holland. Kubota and JD are much more expensive - $29,500 for a Kubota 3901 and $26K for a JD 2038R, with loaders and open station - no cab.

crreed67 · Aug 30, 2021

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/204968473/massey-ferguson-1635

Believe you're a little low.....
And Hydrostatics bring a little bit more......

Far as reliability...... I have about 850 hours on mine after 8 years and so far solid as a rock.

WilliamBos · Aug 30, 2021

You bid far too low on that 1635.

Check the front axle portal seals, and check wiring harnessthat runs along left side of engine to battery.

we have 1,100 hours on Dad's 1635 12x12 Powershuttle, did both portal seals and a block heater.

Doug62 · Aug 30, 2021

Ishkatan said:
I think I put in a (low) bid on a Massey Ferguson 1635 Hyrostatic with cab at an auction. About 770 hours. Bidding only based on pictures and a short video of it running on their lot. (Yikes) Based on looking at reviews and Youtube videos it seems to me the 1635 has all the functions of the 1835M.

- Besides the fender PTO button, is there anything on the 1835M that is much better than the 1635? I am bidding under $17K for the 1635 (+ Buyers Premium ($500 + 2%) + tax 6%). Considering going to $20K. How much are 1835Ms with cab going for?

- What is the reliability of the 1635?

- If by some miracle I buy this, what do I check for right off the bat? (Besides changing all the filters and fluids.)

BTW, I am also looking at New Holland/LS and RK37. The cab on the RK37 does not have side windows that open, just the big doors, so not as nice as the Massey or New Holland. Kubota and JD are much more expensive - $29,500 for a Kubota 3901 and $26K for a JD 2038R, with loaders and open station - no cab.

I paid 33 for my 1835M cab version last year. Love it. It's a step up and 7 years newer so I'm not sure if that helps. The 1835M was zero percent financing and has a 5 year warranty. It is also an Iseki motor now to match the rest of the drive train. I've only put about 80 hours on it thus far and never operated a 1635 so I can't give you a comparison. I can answer your 1835M questions though.

I finally did get to spend 4-5 hours in it yesterday using my new EA grapple. That was worth the wait...

Ishkatan · Aug 31, 2021

I have a feeling I am low on this bid and may go up to $20K. However, it is hard to justify going much higher since an RK37HC retails for $29,000. I like the Massey because the dealer is nearer and the cab has rear pop open windows. I drove a 1835E and it was OK but a bit bare bones and I did not like the location of the loader lever, though the ability to simultaneously lift and curl the bucket was really nice.
Well, I'll know soon.
Thanks for the advice on things to check.

Nope... it went for $23K