Massey GC2300 or 1428,1431,1433?

WINSTONSM · Sep 30, 2004

Thanks for all the replies on my previous post! I'm still trying to decide! I'm just wanting a tractor small enough with MMM for mowing 2- 1ac. lots and on ocasion may take this tractor to work with me to do seed and fertilize spreading, grader blade or box work, spike or overseeder, areator or packer on new construction and new landscape lawns. As far as a FEL it would not be needed since I use our skid steer loaders for major dirt moving. I need something small enough to mow but yet big enough to pull and do these things listed. Are the 1428, 1431, ect.. too big to use with MMM? I have to work close to houses and around some trees but not much. Also, my yard has a slope on one side of my house that a regular lawn mower likes to slip and slide! WEEEEE! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif But If you do it right, (hang off one side for traction)Hee!! Hee! It works out. Would the 1428 or others go on a slope as well as the GC? It's nothing dangerous but just enough to slide on wet grass! I'm sure 4wd would work great!Oh yeh, sometimes a tiller may be needed as well and would this starve the hydro for power on a slope? Also we have a 5ac. area we cut for hay now but will eventually build there and I get to mow it TOO!!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif YEAH! Unfortunally it can be mowed with no problem! just more work for me!! Which tractor would best fit my needs now that I told you everything?? RAMBLE! RAMBLE!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif What are the price ranges on the base 1400's? and on the MMM for them? I got a price of $9455.00 with MMM. on the GC2300. And yes I'm trying to decide on hydro or standard too!! Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

dbear · Sep 30, 2004

If primary use will be mowing, get the hydro. Based solely upon the size of the mowing property (1 acre lot x 2), I'd say the GC would be big enough. The GC, properly weighted, would also be able, though probably not as quickly, to handle box and grader blade work. With regard to tilling, I wouldn't think a hydro would have any problem, even going uphill, as the tractor is actually holding the tiller back from walking forward. I believe the GC also has the lowest ground clearance which should make it more stable on slopes. However, I'm not too familiar with your other needs. I would assume that the equipment manufacturers recommend a certain minimum size tractor to operate them. Do you already have these implements and are matching the tractor to them? If so, I'd go back to the respective manufacturers/dealers for advice.

Nasty135 · Sep 30, 2004

WINSTONSM, Still undecided eehh? Well depending on any other equipment you might have (skid steer etc.) you probably won't be needing the larger of the 3 tractors listed, One reason I would stay away from the 1433 is the ride height your hills are going to significantly increase pucker factor when traversing them because the 1433 is a narrow tall tractor.
Now for the rest of the bunch the 1431 seems to me to be a niche tractor for someone that requires a lot of PTO power but in a small package, The 1428 is a very capable unit with a lower Center of Gravity (CG)Hmmm! That looks familiar? You can also get a MMM on any of the above up to 6' ...
Now in reading your posts previous and this one 2-1acre lots and occassional trip to work??If your using it for landscaping or final grade type work I vote for the 1428 because of ground clearance issues. As far as the pricing goes you got the price of the GC,and my previous reply stated 1428v $10k add MMM approx.$2200. Another $12-1500 for Hydro, 1431 $12k+,1433v $13k+ ,I would go with the hydro /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
One more thing is with the 1428 you have to be careful with the PTO sheild getting caught with the 3PH when lifting if your sway chains are to loose ,Just ask anybody who owns one. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

WINSTONSM · Oct 4, 2004

Sorry it took so long for my reply, busy-busy-busy! Thanks for the info on these tractors! I'm going back to the dealer this week and look them over 1 more time!! I have been leaning towards the 1428 hydro w/MMM since the majority will be mowing! I didn't know that about the 1433 since I didn't get to see it on my last trip there because the dealer only had 1 GC2300 and a 1428 standard trans. Then everything got too big for my needs, but he did say that he would try to get one of the others in so I can see it! Well now I would like to ride on the 1428 Hydro. I hope he can get that one too /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif He may just try to talk me back to standard trans, since it's there! Anyway , I'll let ya'll know! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gifThanks again!

GaryS · Oct 4, 2004

the 1428 hydro would be an excellent choice. I know because i have one /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I didn't buy a MMM but the mid pto comes standard on the hydro. I plan to add one later. We have to build the house before I have a yard to cut. I just rough cut with the brush hog.

I did drive my 1428 all over my existing yard while putting down mulch. With the rear tires being filled, I did worry a bit about the grass but the 1428 didn't hurt the yard at all.

WINSTONSM · Oct 4, 2004

How well does your 1428 handle the 7' rear blade? What type of tires do you have and is it easy to manouver around tight spots as well? Sorry to throw all that to ya' at one time! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifJust curious!!!

GaryS · Oct 6, 2004

I've not yet used the 7' rear blade. I bought it mainly for snow removal but will also use it to groom the gravel driveway (once we have one /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ).

I got the r4 tires and had them filled.

The 1428 maneuvers easily but I cannot compare with other tractors -- this is the first tractor I've owned.

WINSTONSM · Oct 10, 2004

Did you try out a 1428 w/ standard transmission before you bought one with hydro? Also, does the brush hog seem to bog you down when you are under a load such as going up a hill? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gifThanks!

ekennebago · Oct 11, 2004

I tried both the 1428 Hydro and the Agco St32hydro (MF 1431)this afternoon. Big difference in the transmissions of the two machines. The St32 has a much larger pump for the transmission and it is MUCH more responsive and significantly quieter and smoother than the 1428 is. The dealer tests this by driving both loaders up to a brick wall. The St32 will sit there and spin the tires all day while the 28 stalls showing better power transfer to the wheels. I am surprised how much smoother the engine and transmission was on this unit compared with the JD 4310. I am told Allis/Massey will put this larger pump in the soon-to-be released 1500 series hydros due out later this year.