MF 1230 Purchase?

[imported_kuma]

I am considering purchasing a 1996 MF1230 with hydro trans, 4wd and FEL. Can anyone share with me experiences in terms of reliablity and obtaining parts.

Also, the tractor has turf tires and I need to change them to R4's or Ag's. From what I understand the rims will need to be changed also. Are these rims a common bolt pattern? Will other tractor brands fit this tractor and are they relatively easy to find? Any tire dealership recommendations are appreciated.

Lastly, the other tractor I am considering is a 1998 Kubota 2400. I am leaning toward the 1230 because it is heavier and larger? Can anyone compare the two for me?

Thanks!

 

[Nik]

Kuma
I had owned a Massey 1230 with bellymower for 2 years and presently have about 140 hrs on a Kubota B2410 w FEL. I had about the same hours on the Massey which I had to sell when I moved. I like both tractors. Both are well built and performed equally well. The iseki engine in the massey ran as good as the Kubota engine and was perahps quieter and slightly smoother. Given a choice between both tractors with equal hours I would pick the Masssey. The reasons include the larger (more HP) engine in the Massey, the 3-range hydrostatic transmisision, the better cruise control, and the heavier three point hitch and lifting capacity of the Massey. I could actually move about 12 - 13 mph in 3rd range with the Massey compared to the 8 mph top speed of the 2 range Kubota. The massey had no problem with a 5 foot brush hog whereas the kubota seemed somewhat too small for a 5 ft brushhog under the same conditions and I now have a 4 foot one for it. I had no problems getting parts for either tractor. The belly mower for the Massey was simply designed and fairly easy to take off and replace. It cut excellent and was very solid. There were no annoying cotter pins to remove to adjust or level the links for the mower like my father's Boomer 914 belly mower. The only minor complaint I have about the Massey was the small pedal forward tip for the HST control. On the newer ones this is now larger like the kubota. However this is only minor and the HST worked superbly. If only the paint is worn but otherwise there was little rust and the tractor was well-maintained, then I would go for the massey.

 

[HalStreeter]

I am the owner of a 1994 Massey 1230 compact diesel since new. It has 25 hp, 4whl drive, hydrostatic trans, turf tires and now has 800 hours. I store it inside when not in use. Attachments are a 5 ft finish mower on back, 5 ft loader, chipper, log splitter, York rake and a weight box for the winter. It mows my 1 acre lawn and scoops my 500 ft driveway of all snow plus more. I have four tire chains but have only used them once. They are unnecessary with the weight box. I do all servicing and has never left the property.

The tractor has been excellent. The engine and drive train are perfect. Metal under the seat and under the floor mats were thin. Salt from my street made them rust out. I braised in new ones. It is a strong tractor but needs care. Great machine.