2600 series vs 2600 H series

LightningCamaroGuy · Jan 2, 2017

Thinking about buy one of these in the next few months and was wondering about some of the differences between them. For one what is the reason MF is still building the older 2600 series when they've introduced the newer 2600 H series? Is there a benefit to the larger 4 cylinder on the 2625/2635 compared to the 2606H/2607H's 3 cylinder? Even though they seem similar the newer H series looks to have an improved dash and maybe another few improvements. For the same price is the newer H series a better buy? I haven't gone to any dealers yet and plan to look at the local JD/MF/NH/KUBOTA/CASE IH dealers but right now from what I see on the web I'm liking the MF. I like how the look the most, they seem to have good weight to them, and they look to be the most similarly built modern tractor to an older Ford which were by far my favorite older utility tractors. I wouldn't mind an older Ford/NH 3930 or 4630 but they seem to hold their value a little more than I'd like to spend for a tractor of their age.

I grew up using tractors and when I was a kid they were probably my favorite thing. I use to fall asleep on them as a baby, and I even had a old Ford 861 run over my whole body from my feet to my head when I was 7. I've been away from them for years though but I'm almost 35 and my GF is telling me that she wants to get married and settle down so it's probably about time for that. My dad says he'll sell me a few acres on some of his land to build a house and his land butts up to a bunch of family land and I'm guessing 200+ acres when you count my dad uncle and grandma's property. My dad hay farms it and there is a bunch of steep hilly wood that they cut firewood in. Also it's all dirt roads so I'll need to maintain the ones leading to my future home and keep things cut around it. My cousin keeps up with most of that. I think he has an old Ford 2810 FWD. I'm just tell this to give you an idea of what this will be used for. Mainly upkeeping roads and bush hogging and pulling trees though the woods but I'm sure that my dad will be more than happy to use it to hay farm this piece of land when he's over here. I'd also like to use it to clear the land for my house and yard. It was recently logged and need to be cleaned up.

They only requirement I won't that I'm not used to is 4WD. Kind of wanting to see how it will pull things up a steep hill compared to the old 2WD tractors I grew up on. Also a FEL isn't absolutely necessary but I think I'd regret not getting one. IMO a FEL is great when you need one but when you're not using it you just wish it wasn't on the tractor. Also I'd like a 60+ HP tractor so I'm mainly looking at the 2625/2635 and 2606H/2607H. I'm also somewhat liking the Farmall 75A but I'll have to look at them all I guess.

Sorry if I got off topic. With this thread I main want to know about the differences, benefits, and opinions of the 2600 and 2600H series tractors.

Thanks,

Jesse

jeepcj7 · Mar 14, 2017

The 2600H is a more refined version of the 2600. The 2600H engine is Tier 4 Final compliant, the 2600 was not. I've ran both and can't say I have noticed any performance difference between the 3 cyl vs the 4 cyl engine of equal horsepower. Both are good tractors but they don't make the 2600 any more. Both are very fuel efficient. 4wd makes a huge difference when pulling loads and helps a lot with traction. When compared to 2wd it easily increases the pulling power by at least another plow bottom (if you are moldboard plowing). Be sure to get IPTO vs live PTO - it just makes for a nicer operating tractor.

LightningCamaroGuy · Mar 14, 2017

Thanks. So do you feel that overall both models are reliable and well built tractors? Obviously the 2600 H is pretty new and not as proven but in your experience with the tractor do you feel that the new 2.6L 3 cyclinder will be a good motor for someone looking to own for many years of use? I looked at a few examples already. I looked at a used 2014 2615 and didn't like it because of It's ergonomics. After that I got on a 2607H and was surprised just how improved the ergonomics are on it compared to the older 2615 the dealer had there, but they were wanting $5k-$6K more for the 2607H than what people are asking for them online. A week later I went to another dealer and I liked them and I test drove a 2606H. It's a nice tractor but IMO it's not worth its price when for just about $1200 more a 2607H gives you 9 more HP and bigger rear tires. Plus this tractor was a 2wd.

Overall I really like the 2600H series other than for two things. First I don't like how a lot of newer tractors only come with a left entrance. IMO the 2600 series of all modern tractors should come with a right side entrance because if your not running a FEL on this model of tractor then there's no FEL handle or anything else in the fender to make getting on or off the tractor on the right side any harder than it would be on the left side other than that there's no step or grab handle on the right side. I really think that Massey should add a grab handle and step to the right side of this tractor and that would make this a better machine as walking around the tractor every time get on or it is kind of an aggrovation. The second thing I wish the 2600H had is a power shuttle but that would add noticeable cost I'm sure. I've thought about looking more closely at a 5000E series JD as they fix these 2 issues I have with the 2600H, but it seems that JD has a lot of QC issues with that tractor.

Overall I really like the MF though and will likely be buying one in the next few months.

jeepcj7 · Apr 2, 2017

If powershuttle is important to you, you might want to look at the MF4707. Just a guess, but the reason no RH step is offered might be the exhaust is on the RH side - they likely don't want someone to accidentally grab the exhaust as a handhold to get on and off the tractor (of coarse you would only want to do that once). Good luck with your shopping.

LightningCamaroGuy · Apr 4, 2017

Holy cow. On paper the 4707 seems like twice as nice a tractor as a 2607 H for almost the same price and thats even the deluxe model. The 3 point hitch is much more capable and has controls for it on one of its rear fenders. A FEL that's also noticeably more capable. More weight, bigger tires, tilt steering wheel, 12x12 power shuttle, right side entry, suspension seat, 540/540E/1000 RPM pto, larger motor, etc, etc.

There's a brand new 4707 deluxe on tractor house with a FEL and Woods BB72X bush hog for $36K which seems close to the same you'd pay for a 2607 H with the FEL and same cutter.

MAN IN BLACK · Apr 11, 2017

I had the same dilemna in 2014 when I bought my 4608...VS a 2635.
Much more tractor for almost the same money !

FergieFriend · Jun 22, 2017

Hello guys

!

I only know the MF 2600H by internet, but I can say, they all are reliable tough tractors for a long time running. They are designed like good old small farm tractors, not like big lawn tractors, that's the difference. I can see so many tractors for smallholders and horse keepers with a separate frame and often too small engines with too high speeds. It's a wrong way the manufacturers go. A tractor must made for many decandes, but a small engine of today with a speed of 3,000 RPM doesn't stand it.

I grew up at the wheel of my father's MF 135 made in France. I can say, a tractor with such a layout is the best of all. And this layout is inherited by the MF 2600H series. Look at the gear pattern, it's the same!

I would trust the smaller MF 2605H, I think they are made for generations to work.

Greetings - Franz

WilliamBos · Jun 29, 2017

jeepcj7 said:
If powershuttle is important to you, you might want to look at the MF4707. Just a guess, but the reason no RH step is offered might be the exhaust is on the RH side - they likely don't want someone to accidentally grab the exhaust as a handhold to get on and off the tractor (of coarse you would only want to do that once). Good luck with your shopping.

How is the 4707? The 4708 and the shuttle look ideal.