MF compact model changes

BER · Dec 20, 2004

I am new to the tractor world and I was wondering, is it normal for Massey Ferguson to make major model changes to their compact tractors as often as they have the last few years? I can see this creating problems with parts and service. I purchased my MF1235 in 2001 and have had some problems with parts mix-up, and since 2001 they have made 1400 series and are now are making the 1500 series. I really don't see the market changing that much to warrant model changes every 2-4 years, but I'm not in the tractor business, I'm employed in the auto manufacturing industry. I'm just concerned about parts and the quality of sevice owners of the older compacts will receive. Is this an issue of concern to anyone but me?

Syncro · Dec 20, 2004

BER- I have a 1240 and am thinking the very same thing. Mine is very low hours and I don't need any parts, yet, but what about down the road when I do? I agree that change for the sake of change makes no sense and sure would feel more comfortable with a 10 year model run.

JerryG · Dec 20, 2004

If you are having problems with parts for any MF 1200 series, the problem is with your dealer not Massey.

BER · Dec 20, 2004

That's where the root of the problem is. What concerns me: Is Massey Ferguson giving the dealers the support needed to keep up with the changes in sevice problems and proceedures for all the different models being used and the new ones too? Is Massey Ferguson capable of doing it? I'm aware there are changes continuously taking place in tractor technolgy and manufacturing processes. I know first hand, some changes are good and some are not.

JerryG · Dec 20, 2004

Is Massey Ferguson giving the dealers the support needed to keep up with the changes in sevice problems and proceedures for all the different models being used and the new ones too? Is Massey Ferguson capable of doing it? 
Yes, they are. The only problem is that some dealers don't want to keep up. That is difference between a good dealer and a bad one.

BER · Dec 20, 2004

What is Massey Ferguson doing to ensure their dealers are keeping up? Do they check the dealerships facilities routinely? Do they send tech reps to the dealerships to train and familiarize the dealership's team with new products and procedures. Do they send out follow-up questionaires to customers asking for suggestions on how to improve their company's products and services? I see the dealership as a direct represenative and reflection of the company whose name is on the sign out front by the road. Poor service can make even the best product less desirable, even the Japanese auto companies are figuring this out.

JerryG · Dec 20, 2004

Yes, they do everything that you asked. They also have regional training class, except I don't know how they track each type of training.

Glenn9643 · Dec 20, 2004

Jerry,

Is the 1500 series at the dealer's yet? I've not been around to see. Also, do you know if they are being built by Iseki as the 1400 series was, or anything about the mechanical changes? Thanks.

JerryG · Dec 20, 2004

Glenn,
I usually keep up to date on most MF things, but have not even tried to find anything out about the 1500. It does appear to be a Iseki, but have I seen one.

JerryG · Dec 20, 2004

They are on the MF site now.

JerryG · Dec 20, 2004

The 1500 has 18% more hydraulic flow, but has a dry clutch. I'll keep my 1440, unless there are more spec for more models comming.

BER · Dec 20, 2004

Has MF been selling compact tractors for a long time? I remember seeing MF ag tractors a lot when I was young. Around here in SW IN, I remember seeing many Ford 9's, and then NH,JD, and Kubota the last 15 years or so. The MF 1400's do offer more variety in size, power and accessories than the 1200's did. Will Massey continue to make the 1400's after launching the 1500's? Or will the 1400's be fazed out as the 1500's choices increase? I wonder how long the 400 series will be available? They look like a good tractor, but the broshure doesn't give the ground speeds for the different gears and trannys.

JerryG · Dec 21, 2004

Has MF been selling compact tractors for a long time? 
Seems in the 1970's or there about.

The MF 1400's do offer more variety in size, power and accessories than the 1200's did. Will Massey continue to make the 1400's after launching the 1500's? Or will the 1400's be fazed out as the 1500's choices increase? 
The 1200's started in the 20 hp range and went up to 40 hp, then the 1100 were larger. I haven't seen anything about when the 1400's will be removed from production.
The 1400s start at 16.6 hp for the MF 1417 and go up to 55 hp for the MF 1455. Then there is the GC2300s.

I wonder how long the 400 series will be available? They look like a good tractor, but the broshure doesn't give the ground speeds for the different gears and trannys. 
I would say that the 400s are going to be here for a while. They are a good tractor, although not really what you would call high tech. They will sell good world wide.

tractorracer17 · Dec 23, 2004

1400 series is completely being phased out and replaced by the 1500 series. The transition should be complete by the end of 05. The 1417 is being eliminated and the 1455 is being retained at this point. They are adding a 1547 and a 1552. The 1533, 1547, and 1552 will be available with cabs.

tractorracer17 · Dec 23, 2004

The 1540 power shuttle should have a wet multi disc clutch, just like the 1440 ps. The specs that are out now are for the 1540 syncroshuttle, which is like the 1440V.

BER · Dec 23, 2004

Does anyone know if the 1500's will be an a better tractor? I'm thinking I read that the engines are Mitsubishi, does this mean Iseki won't be manufacturing the tractors. I hope MF can build a tractor that fits the market they're after and make it last. I'm looking for something larger right now, but my definition of larger is more power and more weight, not size.

tractorracer17 · Dec 28, 2004

The tractors and the engine are still built by Iseki

JerryG · Dec 28, 2004

I'm looking for something larger right now, but my definition of larger is more power and more weight, not size. 
If that is what you want, you need to look at the MF 3400s. They are not any larger, but weigh allot more and have a lot more hp.