New Holland 54D vs Massey 1758

[JeffD11N]

Guys I have been looking at a new compact and am at a draw between the NH 54D cvt and an MF 1758 hst.

I fit better in the NH cab and visibility is the best, but all the stories I have read about the cvt's make me shy. I've run it and never had any of the jumping and hopping issues I have read. Put the thing into situations on purpose for just those complaints. Must have fixed the issues.

Massey is much more mechanical and simpler but I hit my head on the headliner everytime I look out the back window at the drawbar. I have heard horror strories on these about the dpf.

Let me hear it both ways I want the truth.

 

[jimmysisson]

Here's the simplest version: don't buy something you don't fit into.
Jim

 

[onceacop]

My 1758 best machine I have owned. Had 9 different makes models. One was a 55A Case IH. That is the same thing as the Ford Workmaster which are made in India. Would never go Korean or India again after running Iseki Japan quality. Lots of 1758 reviews here search them. Particulate filter has been a non issue for me at 200 hours on my Mitsubishi engine. I'm 6'3" and #225 and fit in my Massey fine. The seats adjust way down for headroom if you require more. Mine is midway up.

 

[ovrszd]

Welcome to TBN.

I agree with Jim. If in just a couple minutes in the cab you are already stressed that you hit your head, how's that gonna play out in a year??

 

[JeffD11N]

I like both of them alot, that's why the question. I'm a little taller than you so that might have made some difference. Truth is I'm getting more stress by trying to figure out wich one I really want to buy. I understand your India/Korea comment. The 46D and 54D are made by New Holland in Mexico not LS in Korea like the rest of the Boomers. If they were all LS I would have already bought the MF.

Maybe I should just buy them both and let the bank have the one I don't like! LOL

 

[onceacop]

Hopefully you can sit in them and drive em around some before buying. I'd invest time in both that way no surprises. Play with the seats, operate everything with a function. Levers, lights, heat, cruise control, check the oil. Wear heavy clothes when entering and exiting the cab. See if you snag on anything. Dealers serious in selling will give you all the time you need.

 

[TSO]

Which loader is outfitted on the 54d?

 

[JeffD11N]

Onceacop,

You are correct in how to go about looking at them. One real nice thing for me is the dealer sells both of them. he doesn't care which one I buy.

I went a few weeks back on a 6 degree morning so I could see how they cold start. The NH started but nothing worse than expected. The MF would not start. Once we figured out the thieves had been there with a siphon hose I got busy with the primer pump and we got it running. Really like the location of that item.

My wife and I drove both of them around for half an hour switching at least 3 times. She drove one while I drove the other. We both left saying we had no better idea than when we started. Like them both.

TSO the 54D has the 250TLA and the 1758 is a 135.

 

[TSO]

What will your main tasks be for this machine? I would expect that each transmission choice will offer better functionality for you, depending on your intended uses.

Regarding the loader... From memory, i believe that the 250TL is considerably less capable than the DL135. Something like 25% difference. That may or may not be important to you, just depends on your uses and requirements. Another thing about those loaders, the DL loader frame leaves less bulky framing on the tractor when the loader is removed than the 250TL. That may never even come into play for you, or it could be something worth considering.

Another functional item to consider... Will you need rear hydraulics that function in detent mode? The MF remotes have detent built in, but many other manufacturers don't, or require additional attention.

 

[plowhog]

I have a Massey 1758 on order, and will take delivery this month. It seems at first you felt the cab might not be comfortable, but after actual driving experience at the dealership I didn't see that repeated?

I compared the 1758 to a Kubota L6060. I was determined to buy the Kubota, but found the Kubota buying process poor, and the Massey cab more suitable for me. I gave two MF dealers a full printout of my Kubota quote, and both responded the same way after looking at the quote. The Massey had all sorts of items as standard equipment, whereas lots of little items were add-on special order for a Kubota. So a single line item on a MF quote required many line item add-ons with a Kubota. Not the same comparison you are making, but it is the same observation above about the remotes have detent built in, but many others don't.

The only direct experience is I purchased a Massey GC1710 in December 2015, and I have 60 hours on it. That's my entire tractor operating experience. The fit and finish on the Massey is excellent, and the little SCUT is an absolute workhorse. It's done everything I've wanted. I had one repair done (bad cylinder seal right at first) and this was handled johnny-on-the-spot.

For your sake, I hope you get the best tractor for you. Whatever that is. But as an about-to-be Massey 1758 owner, I hope its a MF.