Massey GC 1705 vs. Deere 1023E

[cpar]

I am a long time reader but this is my first post. I am looking to buy a tractor in the next week and have narrowed my decision down to a Massey GC1705 or a Deere 1023E. I have decided between these two because they are 2 of the wider sub-compacts (I heave pretty steep hills and some un-even parts to drive over).

So here's the deals

Deere 1023E with H120 Loader, Quick Hitch Cat 1, Loaded Tires and Ballast box: $14,333 (1.99% for 72 months)

Massey GC 1705 with loader and Ballast box: $12,075 (3.99% for 72 months)
Also the GC 1710 (loader and backhoe: $15500 (3.99% for 72 months) just in case

The one big thing is that the Deere dealer is 10 miles away and the Massey dealer is about 1.5 hours.
How important is it to have a dealer be close? Previously I have owned old tractors so i would do the work myself or drive it down the road to the mechanics. Also what do you think of the prices?

I am always open to thoughts on other tractors too, center of gravity is a concern but not a replacement for attacking hills and bumps correctly

Thanks for any help.

 

[RLstangs]

Warranty repairs only pay for parts and labor at the dealership. Hauling the tractor or the mechanics driving time to your place for repairs is your expense.

 

[murphy1244]

You have any other brands out there? Most tractors never go back to the dealer for warranty work.

 

[cpar]

I have a Mahindra/New Holland about 15 miles away and a Bobcat dealer about 10 miles away. Plus there is an old Massey Dealer about 5 miles away that has stopped selling tractors and now only sells implements.

 

[ajd187]

Honestly they are pretty comparable, I looked at both when shopping.

Pick a color, any color.

 

[ajd187]

Honestly they are pretty comparable, I looked at both when shopping.

Pick a color, any color.

 

[GManBart]

I'd take a look at a Kioti CK20S, LS J2020H, and maybe a Mahindra Max 22. They're all similar in power, size, weigh a bit more (except the Kioti which is more like 500lbs heavier), have more 3pt lift (although the Deere is right up there) and a lot more FEL lift capacity. For example, the LS loader is darned near twice the capacity of the MF, and 50% more than the Deere, in a similarly priced machine.

They're all good machines, but the differences can save you some time/effort if you pick one better suited to your needs. I wouldn't worry about dealer location, but I'd ask about transport for warranty issues if you don't have the means to move it yourself....just so there are no surprises. Most machines never see the dealer after they leave the lot.

 

[Tompet]

The prices on the Massey sound pretty good. So, if i read the quotes correctly, you can get a BH with the Massey for $1,200 more compared to the Deere w/o? To me thet would be an easy decision.
I had the predecessor to the MFGC1710 which was the GC2310 and for it's size it was pretty impressive ( both the BH & loader). Also with the MF you could leave the 3pt in place with the BH which was nice. Btw, it also had very good design of flip over "feet" on the outriggers for stability and street pads.

If your only concern is the dealer being an hour or so away, I wouldn't worry about it. Does the closer MF dealer still have a service dept?
Best of luck no matter your decision. Sounds like you have some other dealers/brands you can check out close by...enjoy your search!

 

[OrangeGuy]

Welcome to TBN. I will respect your statement that you have "narrowed" your search to the JD and MF tractors. Personally, I put a lot of stock in the dealer. Unless the JD has features that are incompatible with your tastes, I would purchase the local tractor. However, both are good tractors and should give you many years of enjoyment.

 

[cpar]

Thank you guys for the input. I will look at the Kioti since I have not yet so that I can get a fair comparison.

Tompet has great point about the BH on the Massey compared to the JD price- and of course that setup was my want rather than my need but with the outriggers/weight that may help in stability so i can reason the cost out.

Just FYI I cannot find an LS dealer in my area and I did drive the Mahindra Max 22: I found it to be sloppy. Difficult to shift to 4wd, I had to wait and feel for the differential because the lever was sloppy and the bucket is very small with no other options. I am not trying to insult Mahindra guys but that was my experience.

 

[cdaigle430]

I say test drive them all, then decide that's how I picked mine. All dealers are a PITA anyway so after the warranty is out you wont want anything to do with them.

 

[ronbourd]

I say test drive them all, then decide that's how I picked mine. All dealers are a PITA anyway so after the warranty is out you wont want anything to do with them.

One option I find very important on a tractor with a back-hoe , is having only one seat that turns instead of having to change seat when operating the back-hoe. Also the boom must swing 90 degrees each sides. Good luck .

 

[murphy1244]

One option I find very important on a tractor with a back-hoe , is having only one seat that turns instead of having to change seat when operating the back-hoe. Also the boom must swing 90 degrees each sides. Good luck .

Then you want a TLB.

 

[GManBart]

Just FYI I cannot find an LS dealer in my area and I did drive the Mahindra Max 22.

LS is definitely still building their dealer network....looks like their only NH dealer is in New Boston.

 

[cpar]

Thanks for all the help and advice. I decided to go with the Deere.

I did check out the LS (the dealer listed was a guy at his house selling out of his backyard) and I was leaning toward the Massey initially, until I went to the dealer and found that to match the Deere package the two were the same price but the Massey couldnt take a backhoe.

Delivery is Monday and I am praying it doesnt snow too much between now and then because I sold my snowblower!! It's kind of like a late christmas

 

[ChinaSailor]

I say test drive them all, then decide that's how I picked mine. All dealers are a PITA anyway so after the warranty is out you wont want anything to do with them.

Hi I... I am in the process of looking to replace my JD2210 which I really have liked as it has done the job and more for the past 11 years, but with only 834 hours the service calls (different issues here and there) by the local green service is costing a bundle and not really solving the problems. Also, I need new front tires, blah blah blah..

So I am now also looking at the MF 1705 machine w/ FEL, MMM, and front snow blade..

My question though is.. A few people here imply that for servicing these tractors you don't have to really count on the dealer with the implication that there are other 3rd party independent tractor mechanics/service centers out there.. I am here in Northern Virginia and I haven't found a single independent.. Can you enlighten me? I am always willing to learn something new, other than becoming a tractor mechanic.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Grandad4]

I think more often than not the comments you see reflect these two sentiments:
1. Other than normal maintenance, these tractors are reliable enough that they seldom need anything more than the most basic of repairs.
2. Being that many/most tractor owners possess a measure of mechanical skill, they can do most maintenance and repairs on their own.
If you can do your own oil changes, etc. on your car, it's not a big jump to do basic maintenance and repairs on a tractor. If your car goes to the dealer when a fuse or turn signal bulb needs replacing, having dealer support nearby for your tractor will mean a lot.

 

[AxleHub]

Hi I... I am in the process of looking to replace my JD2210 which I really have liked as it has done the job and more for the past 11 years, but with only 834 hours the service calls (different issues here and there) by the local green service is costing a bundle and not really solving the problems. Also, I need new front tires, blah blah blah..

So I am now also looking at the MF 1705 machine w/ FEL, MMM, and front snow blade..

My question though is.. A few people here imply that for servicing these tractors you don't have to really count on the dealer with the implication that there are other 3rd party independent tractor mechanics/service centers out there.. I am here in 0Northern Virginia and I haven't found a single independent.. Can you enlighten me? I am always willing to learn something new, other than becoming a tractor mechanic.

Thanks,

Mike

Mike, with the current incentives on the Massey GC1705 and GC1715 . . I think you're looking at a nice replacement unit. I know I've been impressed with my new unit. I looked at many . . liked some disliked some . . but the Gc1700 units are a combo hard to beat.

 

[jenkinsph]

I think more often than not the comments you see reflect these two sentiments:
1. Other than normal maintenance, these tractors are reliable enough that they seldom need anything more than the most basic of repairs.
2. Being that many/most tractor owners possess a measure of mechanical skill, they can do most maintenance and repairs on their own.
If you can do your own oil changes, etc. on your car, it's not a big jump to do basic maintenance and repairs on a tractor. If your car goes to the dealer when a fuse or turn signal bulb needs replacing, having dealer support nearby for your tractor will mean a lot.

I agree with the above ^^^^

ChinaSailor, you should compare the cost of fixing up your existing tractor to the cost of a replacement tractor with trade. Frequent trading will probably cost more than repairing what you already have no matter what brand you have. The MF 1705 is a good machine and comparable to your 2210 but how much will repairs be to fix it when it breaks?

I would think that buying new tires and a few repairs will cost a lot less than replacing the tractor. In your case if you don't want to play mechanic then shop the repair facilities at the back of the stores, if you can figure out who offers the best service that is the brand to buy. The tractors are likely to be more comparable to each other than the repair facilties.