MF 431 vs. JD 5103 vs. ?

[CWP37]

In TX, I'm seeing package deals for these tractors with loader, 6' cutter, 6' box blade, and trailer for right around $20k.

Any opinions on these two tractors or any other brands in the 50 hp range for the same price?

 

[JerryG]

The only thing that I can say if that if I was looking at that size, I would get the next size larger than the MF 431. The only reason is that you will have more options available.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I read a lot of chatter about the 431s being less than desirable a while back. There were complaints of excessive vibration from the engine as being one of the main considerations.

I much prefer Masseys 1400 and 1500 series tractors. Check out the 1455 or the 1552. I think you'd be more satisfied with one of these.
John

 

[JerryG]

If you would tell me where you saw that I would like to see what they have to say, because the 431, 451 and 461 all use the same engine. I have never heard anything about any vibration problem.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Jerry, just because you haven't heard of one, doesn't make it not so now does it? It was all the 4X1s but the poster was asking about the 431 not the others.

I'm sure you would have a hard time telling me where you read something about 2-3 years in the past, and I'm no more able to tell you now than you would be.

I read everything I could about just about every model when I was looking for a new tractor, and saw comments about the vibration often.
John

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The 431 uses the same basic designed Perkins 3 cylinder that's been used on Masseys since the mid 1950's. It is about as smooth operating as any engine ever to grace a farm tractor. It is also (stood the test of time) probably the most reliable engine ever too. I'd dismiss the "vibration chatter" as just that, chatter.

There is a good reason why that engine has outsold everything going since the MF35 started using it way back when. There must be several millions of them in use to this day. I have one in a Massey 150. It flat DOES NOT vibrate any more than any other small diesel, and looks to me to vibrate LESS than most. I'm not repeating gossip, I'm telling you what I know from almost 30 years of USING a Perkins 153-3 on a daily basis.

Several of the 400 series use that same engine. Jerry had good reason to comment on "other 400 series tractors".

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> Jerry, just because you haven't heard of one, doesn't make it not so now does it? </font>
Testy aren't we. That is why I ask where you saw it so I could see what they were talking about. Can't you do that without getting mad?

 

[JerryG]

What you are saying is right.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I suspect that we're having a failure to communicate based on the typed word, not on my true attitude. I was not in the least angry, I was just making a point that what I've read, you may have missed.

I'm sorry I can't find the references, it was too long ago, but one of the offended parties was much more colorful in his description of the vibration problems he was having.

That's why I recommended the compact 1400s or 1500s, never read a bad thing about them.
John

 

[JerryG]

John,
I don't doubt that there was ONE that might have had a problem. There have been literally millions of this engines made and installed over the years. The way it came off was that it was an inherit problem. That it isn't.

It depends on what he wants to and how rugged the tractor needs to be as to whether he needs a 14 or 1500 series or a 400 series.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Well, I'm not going to argue the point. I never said there was only one. I merely referred to one being more colorful in his description, and as a matter of fact, it was about more than just the engine, but I won't go there for fear that you'll miscontrue what I'm saying once again.

I read several similar accounts, and yes, that doesn't mean the problem is inherent. But is swayed me enough to stay away from them even though I was looking at them at the time.

I think the poster should be able to look at them all and decide for himself.
John

 

[JerryG]

Like I said John there is no reason to get upset. You know that some people have actually used a lot of equipment and others have just read about them.

 

[JerryG]

CWP37,
If you have any specific questions feel free to let us know I am sure some of us can help out. It also comes down to how the tractor fits you and also make sure of the quality of the dealer.

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Like I said John there is no reason to get upset. You know that some people have actually used a lot of equipment and others have just read about them. )</font>
As always Jerry, you find a need to insult and demean anything I post, so have fun. Of course, you've used everything you post about and have read nothing.
John

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> Of course, you've used everything you post about </font>
That part is really close. If I haven't most of the time, I will say that I think or that it seems to be. I don't ever put it as a positive if I don't know it from experience.

 

[kossetx]

Enough with the soap opera, geez.

Chip,

I liked both and would have been happy with either. I liked the shifter location on the 5103 but didn't like the idea that I had to have the loader on all the time. The 431 seemed physically smaller, with more HP though, and the loader could come off. I think either one would be fine to have if they'd fit what you want to do. The price is the same as it is here also, which is good.

MP

 

[CWP37]

kossetx,

What tractor did you end up with? I think I saw it somewhere, but I don't remember.

My main problem with Massey is that the nearest dealer is 80 miles away.

As an aside, I've eaten at the Kosse Cafe. I have a grandmother that lives at Lake Limestone.

Does anyone else have any comparisons between the two?

 

[kossetx]

Chip, I ended up with a TC40A FWA with a 16LA loader because I wanted the shuttle trasmission for the loader, which I never had before. It's nice, but reverse is a little faster than forward. I feel it should be slightly slower. Because of that I think a hydro would have been a better choice for loader work. I mostly mow and plow so it may not be that big a deal. Try using either of the tractors your looking at with the loader and going between F/R. You'll see why I went with shuttle. I like both of them, but felt they were limited on that account. My tc 40 fwa with fel was 1850.00 more than the 5103 so I went with that.

When I was younger the Koral used to be more of a beer joint and served this big ol round steak about 1" thick and as big as the plate with a few fries on top for about 5.00. Man, that steak and a beer would put me to sleep for a week. Sadly, I haven't been in there for 15-20 years. I can't ever catch it open.

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> My main problem with Massey is that the nearest dealer is 80 miles away. </font>
That is a long way to a dealer. What other brands do you have closer?

 

[Fredex]

If there is a nearby Mahindra dealer, their 5500 model may be worth a look. Same hp range. They also have a 4500 which is the same basic tractor with a smaller engine, one size smaller tires and just 200 lb lighter. Still the "utility" tractor size/style/beef. Little lighter on the checkbook. HP should be OK for your 10 acres.