MF 481 w/ Loader

[HobbleCreek]

After I had narrowed down my choices between a Kubota L5030 and a JD 4720, I give the local classified ads one more look. There I see an MF 481 w/ loader listed for $28K OBO. That's a substantial upgrade in HP over the other two models, for about the same money.

Does it sound like a good deal to you folks? I don't know Massey pricing, but it doesn't seem to bad to me. 16.5 hours on it according to the ad.

-- Grant

 

[JerryG]

I don't know how prices are on that tractor, but I will say that the horsepower is a lot more. It is a full size heavy duty utility tractor not a compact like the other two mentioned..

 

[HobbleCreek]

That's right. The 481 has 80 hp, while the largest of the other two -- the 4720 -- has 58 hp. I'm told that because the JD is turbocharged I won't lose hp at altitude (I'm at about 6000 feet), but even assuming an 18% loss of hp from sea level, the MF is still packing around 65 hp.

I assume that the loader would also have a greater lift capacity.

A major difference would be in the transmissions. The MF is going to be manual, while the JD is hydro.

I think the small size would be an advantage to me for most of my applications, but it's hard to pass up on that extra horsepower for the same price.

 

[Birdhunter1]

I'd go for the MF, the trans will may be manual but it will still be working when the hydro craps out.
Whether lifting capacity on the loader will be greater or not you can bet that the tractor that is haevier will carry and handle the load more stable and securely than the smaller one.

 

[zjohnson]

I paid $35 k for a new cab/4wd/ 1060 loader with bucket&spear/ 491 to give you some reference. Love the tractor and loader.

 

[SouthernMan]

Sir,

If that 481 is a 2-wheel drive, then I would say that's too high at 28k. My 471 - with 4wd, shuttle shift, combining valve, front-end loader w/ bucket, spear, and forks - came in at just under 30k...
Of course, different regions of the country must play a part in determining cost.. but perhaps this gives you another point of reference.
SM

 

[HobbleCreek]

Thanks for the input.

This tractor is 4WD, it has the shuttle transmission (8fx8r). I think I mentioned before that it has the FEL. don't know if it has any rear remote/valves.

-- Grant

 

[SouthernMan]

In that case, that is a very good price!

Just in case you are unaware, the shuttle operates a bit differently than some, in that you must press the clutch to engage/disengage. I actually prefer this, as I believe (and perhaps some of you more technically inclined could elaborate) that this setup is much more robust than, say, a hydrostatic.

almost forgot...the 481 will have 2 remotes, and if it is a 2005, it should also have the combining valve installed...
SM

 

[HobbleCreek]

Thanks, SM.

Is that two remotes total, or two on the rear in addition to the two that operate the loader?

-- Grant

 

[SouthernMan]

Sir,

There are two remotes on the rear of the tractor; they can be operated as single or dual stage remotes. The lines for the FEL are not using either of these remotes...but, pressure and fluid are shared as you would expect.

The combining valve - if installed - routes all fluid to the remotes, and in so doing, to the FEL as well (the 3-pt is out of commision when the valve is on, since the fluid flow is redirected from thence).

Hope this makes sense. I'm not so sure I understand it all myself.

SM

 

[foreman81]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(

I assume that the loader would also have a greater lift capacity.

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If you have the 1070 massey loader, you could lift the the 4720 easy. 4000lbs of breakout is serious power compared to compact loaders.

 

[HobbleCreek]

I went to look at the tractor last Thursday. It didn't have the MF loader, it was a third party manufacturer -- QuickE or something like that.

It was a pretty beefy loader -- like the tractor itself. Obviously much more heavy duty than the 4720. I think that if my work called for the larger tractor this would be a great buy. Unfortunately, I just don't see that it makes sense for me to buy a tractor that large. A lot of the work I have to do will be done in smaller areas. I think I'm going to pass on this 481. If somebody's in the market for that size tractor, I think it would be a good buy. The $28,000 sales price includes a pretty big box scraper as well.

-- Grant

 

[WilliamBos]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I went to look at the tractor last Thursday. It didn't have the MF loader, it was a third party manufacturer -- QuickE or something like that.

It was a pretty beefy loader -- like the tractor itself. Obviously much more heavy duty than the 4720. I think that if my work called for the larger tractor this would be a great buy. Unfortunately, I just don't see that it makes sense for me to buy a tractor that large. A lot of the work I have to do will be done in smaller areas. I think I'm going to pass on this 481. If somebody's in the market for that size tractor, I think it would be a good buy. The $28,000 sales price includes a pretty big box scraper as well.

-- Grant )</font>

ALO Quicke is one of the finest loader manufacturers in the world!!

Sounds like a sweet deal!!

Good luck with whatever you buy!!

Take care,

Will

 

[HobbleCreek]

Yeah, the loader was nice. I did some quick (pun intended) research on it and was pretty happy with what I found. If I wanted a tractor that size, I think I'd be all over that deal.

-- Grant