MinnesotaEric
Super Member
If TSO's MF suggestion is too expensive, do you have a Kioti or LS dealer in your neck of the woods?
South Koreans make good tractors as well.
Comparison Massey or Kubota
- Thread starter oth
- Start date
- Views: 23297
If TSO's MF suggestion is too expensive, do you have a Kioti or LS dealer in your neck of the woods?
South Koreans make good tractors as well.
OP
oth
New member
have seen Kioti in farming magazines, but unaware of anyone within cooee -
never heard of LS until I started researching here - must be a US only seller?
In any case there's a problem in getting parts for most of the other brands.
never heard of LS until I started researching here - must be a US only seller?
In any case there's a problem in getting parts for most of the other brands.
ksluy
Bronze Member
I am really liking what I have read on the Massey tractors but its hard, to hard for me to go with the India tractor over the Japanese made Kubota. It sounds like you want to keep this tractor for many years so I would have to go Kubota.
DK35vince
Super Member
What problem getting parts ???
News to me..
TomSeller
Super Member
You might have problems in New South Wales, Australia which is where he lives.
biodegraded
Silver Member
Or the US for that matter. There are recent posts on trying to find float valves for CK series. Apparently they used to exist as there are pics of an install of one, but they maybe dried up?
TSO
Elite Member
Oth... it looks like the Massey 2615 is your modern day equivalent to the 148. I'm not sure if you have the 8x2 standard trans, or the 12x4 Multi-power... but the 2615 comes with an 8x8 synchro shuttle. You'll clutch from F-to-R, but the speed changes within a range will be clutchless.
With that said, I have read different things on the 26xx series. I've read that there are/were actually 2 build locations. The 26xx series are/were made in India, and the HD26xx series are/were made in Brazil. Some of the reading suggested that the Brazil builds were better, other reading suggested that the Brazil builds were stopped for quality control issues. The reading also suggested that most or all of the problems related to the 26xx tractors were sorted out. The problems seemed to pertain to leaks/seals. But more recent posts suggest the 2600's are good, basic, utility tractors. It appears that the engines in the 26xx tractors are made by "Simpson" ... who appears to be an Indian company that builds "Perkins" engines under contract. So, essentially, the engine appears to be an Indian built Perkins.
Bottom line regarding the 26xx tractors --- if you're comfortable with that size, and you have a good MF dealer (in case any warranty issues come up) then I wouldn't have any problem going with the 26xx (though I'd go with the 2615 to have the same power as your 148).
I think that the MX5100 is also a nice tractor, and it will probably be a bit more nimble than the 26xx or your 148, because it's a smaller tractor. It will also have a friendlier transmission.
But again, it's a smaller tractor. If you're considering the MX5100, then see if your MF dealer has any Massey 1500's, 1600's, or 1700's. 1500's were replaced by 1600's, and 1700's replaced the 1600's. My Massey 1648 specs almost identically to your 148 in weight, power, etc. It is about 6" shorter in wheelbase, so it will be more nimble. It will be MUCH more comfortable than your 148 or the 26xx, as it is more of a premium tractor. It comes in 4 transmission options: 8x8 synchro shuttle, 12x12 Powershuttle (if you're not familiar, you can change F-to-R with a clutchless lever on the column, as well as synchronized clutchless speed changes), a 12x12 DynaQps Powershuttle (same as 12x12, but it offers push-button speed changes), and finally, Hydrostatic (which I have). To be honest, the Hydrostatic might be worth a try for you, since your are using this tractor as a "travel" machine to do chores, and not a "ground-engaging" machine to plow. The Hydrostatic has built in braking when you return the pedals to "neutral" while in gear. Meaning, the drivetrain only moves when you move it, or when you put it into neutral. Anyhow, the 1600's are numbered 1648, 1652, 1655, 1660. The 1660 has 59hp and has the DynaQps Power-shuttle. It's a darn nice tractor. I can't have it because I need Hydrostatic for my uses (landscape company). But that's the tractor I'd have if I could have a more "standard" transmission. (here is a good video explaining the different trans options: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyKt6oXlFHU )
Anyhow, these tractors are Iseki built in Japan, and are bullet-proof. They are badged as either an AGCO tractor, Massey Ferguson, Challenger (Cat), or Iseki. I believe you have Iseki in your market? They are blue there I think. If you find an Iseki TG5470, that is actually a MF 1547. Same as my tractor, but the previous generation (same drivetrain though, only changes were a slightly adjusted operators area and plastics).
From my personal experience, Iseki-made-MF's offer better reliability than Kubota machines.
With that said, I have read different things on the 26xx series. I've read that there are/were actually 2 build locations. The 26xx series are/were made in India, and the HD26xx series are/were made in Brazil. Some of the reading suggested that the Brazil builds were better, other reading suggested that the Brazil builds were stopped for quality control issues. The reading also suggested that most or all of the problems related to the 26xx tractors were sorted out. The problems seemed to pertain to leaks/seals. But more recent posts suggest the 2600's are good, basic, utility tractors. It appears that the engines in the 26xx tractors are made by "Simpson" ... who appears to be an Indian company that builds "Perkins" engines under contract. So, essentially, the engine appears to be an Indian built Perkins.
Bottom line regarding the 26xx tractors --- if you're comfortable with that size, and you have a good MF dealer (in case any warranty issues come up) then I wouldn't have any problem going with the 26xx (though I'd go with the 2615 to have the same power as your 148).
I think that the MX5100 is also a nice tractor, and it will probably be a bit more nimble than the 26xx or your 148, because it's a smaller tractor. It will also have a friendlier transmission.
But again, it's a smaller tractor. If you're considering the MX5100, then see if your MF dealer has any Massey 1500's, 1600's, or 1700's. 1500's were replaced by 1600's, and 1700's replaced the 1600's. My Massey 1648 specs almost identically to your 148 in weight, power, etc. It is about 6" shorter in wheelbase, so it will be more nimble. It will be MUCH more comfortable than your 148 or the 26xx, as it is more of a premium tractor. It comes in 4 transmission options: 8x8 synchro shuttle, 12x12 Powershuttle (if you're not familiar, you can change F-to-R with a clutchless lever on the column, as well as synchronized clutchless speed changes), a 12x12 DynaQps Powershuttle (same as 12x12, but it offers push-button speed changes), and finally, Hydrostatic (which I have). To be honest, the Hydrostatic might be worth a try for you, since your are using this tractor as a "travel" machine to do chores, and not a "ground-engaging" machine to plow. The Hydrostatic has built in braking when you return the pedals to "neutral" while in gear. Meaning, the drivetrain only moves when you move it, or when you put it into neutral. Anyhow, the 1600's are numbered 1648, 1652, 1655, 1660. The 1660 has 59hp and has the DynaQps Power-shuttle. It's a darn nice tractor. I can't have it because I need Hydrostatic for my uses (landscape company). But that's the tractor I'd have if I could have a more "standard" transmission. (here is a good video explaining the different trans options: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyKt6oXlFHU )
Anyhow, these tractors are Iseki built in Japan, and are bullet-proof. They are badged as either an AGCO tractor, Massey Ferguson, Challenger (Cat), or Iseki. I believe you have Iseki in your market? They are blue there I think. If you find an Iseki TG5470, that is actually a MF 1547. Same as my tractor, but the previous generation (same drivetrain though, only changes were a slightly adjusted operators area and plastics).
From my personal experience, Iseki-made-MF's offer better reliability than Kubota machines.
DK35vince
Super Member
You mean the remote valve with the float feature that many didn't think/know even existed.
Rear remotes without the float feature are no problem getting.
Catchad81
Silver Member
I'm upgrading my MX5100 as we speak, basically. It is a very nice tractor and come with a piece of property I purchased a couple of years ago. Has more power than it has weight, so I little light for what I was doing with it, but it did get the job done. 2wd by the way.
However, wanted to comment to what two dealers told me when I was discussing my upgrade with them, take it for what it is worth.
1) Dealer salesman, actually a friend of mine, said MF owners get their feelings on value hurt when they want to look at trading. Honestly though, he would probably say this on anything not green.
2) I felt the Kubota salesman gave a more honesty response. After demoing both the deere and Kubota, told him I was going to look at the New Holland T4.75. He set there a minute (in person) and said, yeah, I can see that they make a good tractor...don't buy the MF however, we'll give top dollar on deere, Kubota, and New Holland, but MFs just don't get it. I did not bring MF into the conversation, just the New Holland dealer sells them as well and the Kubota dealer knew it.
That being said, I did sit in an MF, about the same size as the T4.75 but not sure of the model number. First thoughts was how well placed the control levers where and that I really liked. Loader frame looked weaker, but never looked at spec's. Didn't like the additional "bump out" of the rear of the cab. However, as I said, didn't do any research on them or even price it at that time.
However, wanted to comment to what two dealers told me when I was discussing my upgrade with them, take it for what it is worth.
1) Dealer salesman, actually a friend of mine, said MF owners get their feelings on value hurt when they want to look at trading. Honestly though, he would probably say this on anything not green.
2) I felt the Kubota salesman gave a more honesty response. After demoing both the deere and Kubota, told him I was going to look at the New Holland T4.75. He set there a minute (in person) and said, yeah, I can see that they make a good tractor...don't buy the MF however, we'll give top dollar on deere, Kubota, and New Holland, but MFs just don't get it. I did not bring MF into the conversation, just the New Holland dealer sells them as well and the Kubota dealer knew it.
That being said, I did sit in an MF, about the same size as the T4.75 but not sure of the model number. First thoughts was how well placed the control levers where and that I really liked. Loader frame looked weaker, but never looked at spec's. Didn't like the additional "bump out" of the rear of the cab. However, as I said, didn't do any research on them or even price it at that time.
TomSeller
Super Member
Interesting, I would have put MF in the same class as NH. Both are made by a 3rd party and lesser known. His comments on Deere and Kubota are what I expected, often you get back what you paid.
mjcountrybumpkin
Silver Member
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- Mar 4, 2012
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- 247
- Location
- SW VA.
- Tractor
- John Deere 5083e, Ford 4610, Ford 3000 (this ones family)
New holland and Massey Ferguson lesser known ? What country do you live in Tom Seller ?
TomSeller
Super Member
I live in USA, the OP lives in New South Wales, Australia. I don't know of any country where MF and NH are better known for their resale value on CUTs. Certainly not in the USA and from what I read, not in Australia. Which countries do MF and NH exceed Deere and Kubota in resale on CUTs?
As far as CUT tractors go in general, NH and MF and nowhere near as well known as Kubota, Deere or even Koiti in my opinion in the USA. Maybe in big ag, but not CUTs.
onceacop
Silver Member
Owned two India made tractors, A Case IH 55a. Had so many issues with Neutral Safety Switches that I carried 2 in my tool box. If you dismount a tractor often the 55a is a terrible choice. Need the emergency brake set, the range and trans both in N. There is also a NSS on the PTO and a pressure switch on the seat. I hate all this crap. Tractor was split at 40 hours for a main seal leak that was caused by a burr in the casting. Had a hydraulic leak also. All covered by warranty but my time to deal with this stuff the most costly.
Bought a 2615. Made in India. Tractor has corrosion on it from the barge trip to the USA, fit and finish not good, hood issue, and a back light broke in half when I lowered the ROPS down and let it drop the last 12" against a rubber stopper. Components are cheap IMO. I love the looks and the size (robust) weighs close to #5600 if I remember right. Also like the fact that it is simple and has only one NSS on the F-R shuttle and of course the PTO. If the shuttle is in Neutral you can dismount and you also can stand up while in motion to stretch the back. At 20 hours the starter went and was replaced by a service call to my property (brand new starter). I had a fuel leak off the injectors and tightened most of the fuel fittings which were not tight. I went and put a wrench on other random fasteners and found some finger tight. When the starter would not engage on another occasion It ran the battery dead before I could get a wrench on the battery terminal. The tractor is a poor starter below 30F and should always be plugged in. The case IH started way better even in temps in the teens without being plugged in. I liked the Perkins engine in the Massey and the 540 rated PTO at a low 1790 RPM but I have no faith in the India build anymore. Will give this one more shot with a Iseki built Massey. Hopefully I am not disappointed. Reliability is number one in my book. I am very remote and if my tractor doesn't start or if it quits because of a NSS failure I am walking a lot of miles and swatting mosquito's. Unacceptable
Bought a 2615. Made in India. Tractor has corrosion on it from the barge trip to the USA, fit and finish not good, hood issue, and a back light broke in half when I lowered the ROPS down and let it drop the last 12" against a rubber stopper. Components are cheap IMO. I love the looks and the size (robust) weighs close to #5600 if I remember right. Also like the fact that it is simple and has only one NSS on the F-R shuttle and of course the PTO. If the shuttle is in Neutral you can dismount and you also can stand up while in motion to stretch the back. At 20 hours the starter went and was replaced by a service call to my property (brand new starter). I had a fuel leak off the injectors and tightened most of the fuel fittings which were not tight. I went and put a wrench on other random fasteners and found some finger tight. When the starter would not engage on another occasion It ran the battery dead before I could get a wrench on the battery terminal. The tractor is a poor starter below 30F and should always be plugged in. The case IH started way better even in temps in the teens without being plugged in. I liked the Perkins engine in the Massey and the 540 rated PTO at a low 1790 RPM but I have no faith in the India build anymore. Will give this one more shot with a Iseki built Massey. Hopefully I am not disappointed. Reliability is number one in my book. I am very remote and if my tractor doesn't start or if it quits because of a NSS failure I am walking a lot of miles and swatting mosquito's. Unacceptable
TomSeller
Super Member
I thought those Massey 2615s had a Simpson engine
TractorData.com Massey Ferguson 2615 tractor engine information
biodegraded
Silver Member
Like the OP, I am down to choosing Kubota or Massey in half a year or so. I am probably not the only one looking forward to reports of your new Iseki-built tractor, onceacop. TSO seems well pleased with his, and he's working it hard.
onceacop
Silver Member
It is a Simpson I just call it a Perkins since it was built from the prints and tooling of the Perkins from my understanding. Excellent engine in the Olivers, Whites, and Masseys back in the day
onceacop
Silver Member
Yes indeed, I read many of his (TSO) posts and he has helped steer my decision. I almost went JD.
jimmysisson
Veteran Member
- Joined
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- 1993 NH 2120 (the best), 1974 MF 135 (sold, but solid), 1947 Farmall A (bought, sold, bought back, sold again), 1956 MH50 lbt (sold, in 1980, darn it)
That is sharp. With no loader fitted, what is the tall lever that would fall at your right hand?
Jim
Jim
onceacop
Silver Member
The gear shifter, it's rather long and clunky but is synchronized and you can smoothly shift up and down using the clutch in motion. When cold this lever is quite stiff
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