Massey 1531 or New Holland TC31DA

[Archy]

Hey folks. Been lurking around here for a few months researching my first (and hopefully last ) tractor purchase. Recently bought 10 acres I plan to build on, about 6-7 of it open with lots of scattered trees, the rest wooded. The land is fairly tamed now (had cows on it), just a lot of old downed trees and limbs to pick up, and a bit of brush cleanup along fence lines to do. A few slopes, but nothing bad. Attached are a couple of pics.

I'd say my primary use will be mowing with a rotary cutter, other uses will be front loader work for the standard stuff like moving dirt, spreading gravel, toting stuff, etc. I'll get a box blade for leveling out a few spots and maintaining a future driveway. Would like to eventually pick up a tiller, and possibly a post hole digger, but those will come later.

I've settled on hydrostatic and industrial tires, and have pretty much narrowed my options to the MF 1531 or NH TC31.

I've got the following prices from one dealer.
MF 1531 w/ loader $18,000 financed. (0% for 60mo.)
NH TC31 w/ loader $19,300 financed. (not sure the rate/terms)

Do these prices look reasonable? Which way should I go? Thanks.

 

[jbrumberg]

Archy:

Welcome to TBN , and nice pictures of your property! IMHO I think both tractors would be well matched to your property. I have a NH TC29DA which was "tweaked" to become the "31". I have had no problems with this tractor. The cost for the NH seems reasonable, but I live in MA . Jay

 

[rtdiggr]

i agree with Jay both tractors will suit you well. I have a MF 1433v that i am very happy with.
So questions, which dealer is closer? who do you feel better dealing with? Service is important, my guys at the MF dealer a really good friendly and you can talk about anything.
Good luck nice looking property.

Shane

 

[jbrumberg]

I would sit on and drive both, and just as importantly dealer distance, dealer "feel" and dealer support should be part of the equation. A good dealer will save you money in the long run. Jay

 

[WilliamBos]

I would sit on and drive both, and just as importantly dealer distance, dealer "feel" and dealer support should be part of the equation. A good dealer will save you money in the long run. Jay

I agree. Sit on and drive both. A good dealer can make that tractor even better. I would buy the red one, but I love MF anyway. Nothing wrong with the blue one either.

Which ever one you are most comfortable with that counts.

Good Luck, keep us posted.

 

[Archy]

Thanks. The same dealer carries both lines, is close, and the guys have been very helpful so far. I'm sure both tractors would suit my needs equally, but the blue one has a few more luxuries like telescoping link arms, pivoting seat, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, the headlights look to provide better light, the 3point lift seems smoother. I can think of a few things I like better about the NH, but can't really say the opposite about the Massey, though I do like the Massey. The NH is a bit more for those extras, but it's not a whole lot more. Guess that should tell me to go with the NH if the two are so close, but I'm still debating.

 

[jbrumberg]

Archy:

After many years of not having telescoping lower link arms, now that I have them I find that it makes 3PH attachment hook up so much easier. I did not know what I was missing until I got them . Jay

 

[Archy]

Just to close out this thread, I'm going with the NH. Should have one within a week. I'll post an update in the NH forum once I've had a chance to try it out.