New guy looking at a 2610 TLB

[rtm038]

Hello everyone,
Although I've been a member for quite awhile, just don't post much- I do a lot of searching and reading though.

Anyway, I've always wanted a small FEL/BH for my yard projects, clearing snow from the driveway, etc. and now that I can afford one, I'm seriously starting to look at a few models. I never really considered a MF in the past, but after reading about the 2610s, I've since added it to my list. From what I've read, they're seem to be a nice and capable machine, but I still have a few questions.

1. From the media pictures, especially the one of the front page of this site, it looks like the operator really sits high on the machine. Is this true or I'm just "seeing" things? Does it feel as though you're riding on top of the machine?

2. I know the 2610s are "sub-compact" machines and hence they are smaller than other compact machine, but do they feel "tipsy" or unstable when driving around?

Any input would be great.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[spb1971]

The operator does not sit high. Not sure what image you are looking at but I suspect it is just how the picture looks. The GC2610 is a sub-compact, which are lower profile to the ground. I would not consider them to be top heavy or unstable.

 

[spb1971]

If you are looking at a backhoe action shot, the seat does raise when using the backhoe. This is to give you good visibility when digging with the backhoe. But when you turn the seat around it lowers back into place so you can drive the unit. Maybe that is what you were referring to.

 

[tx2310]

When I first used my 2310 I had spots that required 4wd and the diff. lock. I was a little worried about it being tipsy also but it wasn't. Since I have filled the places that required the diff. lock and a little practice it does not feel tipsy. I still have spots that I have to climb or ascend and not go across the hill but I would do that with any tractor. Any tractor can turn over so be careful.

Doug

 

[rtm038]

The operator does not sit high. Not sure what image you are looking at but I suspect it is just how the picture looks. The GC2610 is a sub-compact, which are lower profile to the ground. I would not consider them to be top heavy or unstable.

Thanks for the input everyone. This is the picture I'm talking about. Maybe it's just the angle of the shot that's making it look funny to me.

 

[tx2310]

It looks normal. They are not large tractors. But that is the nice thing in tight places. I go places with mine I could never get to with a 30 Ferguson with nothing on it.

Doug

 

[Ductape]

Look at how long his legs are....... thats one tall dude !

 

[Ray2310]

I thought the same thing. "My knees are not that high when I'm on mine"

 

[tx2310]

That is why I said it looks normal. I'm 6'4"

Doug

 

[keerym]

I disagree. I sat on a 2610 and a 2400 this past weekend. The seat is higher on the TLB model, but not by much. What I don't like about the Massey is the steering wheel and the loader lever are much lower than the Kubota or Deere. You may not be sitting higher, but you have to reach further for controls. This was not comfortable to me. This might make it look like your sitting higher. The rest of the tractor looks great!

 

[jaybrad]

Don't know about the 2610, because I've never seen one. But I'm 6' tall and the 2310 doesn't seem too small or too tippy to me.

Like others, I can get this into places where a little larger tractor would never fit.

My only minor issue is that sometimes it is a PITA to have to move the seat around to do a little backhoe work. In fact - and don't tell this to the safety police - I often just swivel myself, but not the seat, if I just need to do something quick with the backhoe.

I've had a couple times where I could tell I was on the stability edge, but it wasn't to a point where I thought my life was in danger.

Overall, I am *very* pleased with my first month of 2310 ownership.

Jay

 

[tx2310]

After I worked on my seat on my 2310, I stopped by my dealer with it and his mouth about hit the ground when I spun the seat around and latched it in one movement. A little grinding on the pin, latch and removing the hold down latch and the seat works like a dream.

Doug

 

[jaybrad]

After I worked on my seat on my 2310, I stopped by my dealer with it and his mouth about hit the ground when I spun the seat around and latched it in one movement. A little grinding on the pin, latch and removing the hold down latch and the seat works like a dream.

Can you provide some more details about what you did?

I have to release the catch, then spin it around and lift it while trying to hit the pin, then drop it into place. It's awkward, but not awful; however, if there is a way to make it any better, I'm very interested!

Thanks,
Jay

 

[tx2310]

The first thing to do is take off the latch that you release to start the process. I have found it is not needed. Now turn the seat and look where the pin lines up with the hole. Mine was off about 1/3 of the hole. Take a grinder to the pin to give it a better ramp for the hole. Now look at the latch to hold the seat in the turned position. The end of the latch is square. Grind the sides to give a ramp to go into the hole easier. Also look at the latch and see if there is a nipple where the latch engages the hole holding it from fully engaging the hole. I had the problem of the seat dropping because of that nipple. I can turn my seat in a couple seconds. with out wiggling to make it go. I also lowered the crossbar on the back of the frame to allow the seat to move instead of sitting hard on the rear bar. Look and see if the seat bottom has a spot worn from the back latch.

Doug
250 hr service today
82 hr on this mod

 

[jaybrad]

Doug,

Thanks for the extra info. I'll be taking a look at this tomorrow to get a better idea about what you're describing.

Getting it to swivel in a couple of seconds would be fantastic.

Thanks again,
Jay

 

[ray66v]

The first thing to do is take off the latch that you release to start the process. I have found it is not needed. Now turn the seat and look where the pin lines up with the hole. Mine was off about 1/3 of the hole. Take a grinder to the pin to give it a better ramp for the hole. Now look at the latch to hold the seat in the turned position. The end of the latch is square. Grind the sides to give a ramp to go into the hole easier. Also look at the latch and see if there is a nipple where the latch engages the hole holding it from fully engaging the hole. I had the problem of the seat dropping because of that nipple. I can turn my seat in a couple seconds. with out wiggling to make it go. I also lowered the crossbar on the back of the frame to allow the seat to move instead of sitting hard on the rear bar. Look and see if the seat bottom has a spot worn from the back latch.

Doug
250 hr service today
82 hr on this mod

The seat should only require an occasional twist with a large pry bar from the opened position.
Look at the seat just before it closes and find out which side of the hole the pin is off toward.
Open the seat, put a bar through the supports, and twist slightly in the opposite direction.
Then recheck the alignment. repeat this until the pin and the hole are aligned, and the seat will work perfectly.
If you don't run in excessively dusty conditions, apply spray lube to the moving parts.

 

[tx2310]

I timed the change to BH position with my mod. Standing beside the tractor change to the BH position then release the latch and change back averaged 8 sec. Timed butt in the seat in the forward position to butt in the BH position 11 sec. and the same time again back to the forward position.

Doug
8 hr. today on the tractor

 

[half]

I have a new 2610 on the way, took advantage of the trade up offer. The little things that I didn't like about my 2310 have been taken care of on the new one. They are not tipsy and if you have any concerns just have the tires loaded, actually that's a good idea anyhow. I think you'll be happy if you get one. Go to Lemon's Farm Equip. in Parkersburg , W.Va. and they will treat you like a good next door neighbor. Ask for Marilyn and she will treat you right. Good luck!