New Holland Workmaster 45 vs Massey 2605

[Verticaltrx]

Just wondering what everyones opinions are on the NH workmaster 45 and MF 2605? Both are in contention as my next tractor but looking for some in depth input from TBN.

The NH workmaster is obviously a nicer and slightly larger tractor, I'm looking at one with 4wd and single rear remote, $16.6K cash.

The MF 2605 is a bare bones tractor, mostly the same size and technology as my '53 Ford Jubilee. 4wd with single rear remote, $13.5K cash.

I've heard horrible things about the 2600 MF line (low quality, poor reliability, etc), but for a new 4wd tractor for only $13K it might be worth the risk, IDK. I did get to test drive the NH, it was a nice, simple, clean tractor that would definitely do the job, just a touch out of my budget at the moment. I haven't gotten to drive a 2605, but I did drive a 2615. The quality and fit/finish wasn't abhorrent, but not as refined as the NH either. One thing that struck me, every tractor in the dealers shop being worked on was red (same dealer sells both.)

Primary uses will be running a post driver (1100lbs), haying (sicklebar, side delivery rake, small square baler), bush hogging and grading. Thoughts from the almighty TBN?

 

[devildog1]

Verticaltrx,
Can't help you with the Massey because of the lack of Dealerships in up-state N.Y. where I live. On the other hand New Holland dealers here are quite common. They are reliable tractors as my neighbor and a friend both have them and I have not heard a bad thing about either one. Matter of fact my neighbor is a dairy farmer and his New Holland have never been under cover since day one. He also has large IH1066 & 1486's but the New Holland is one he uses everyday. Hope this helps?
DevilDog

 

[Verticaltrx]

Thanks for the input.

Looks like on the Massey they also have cash incentives that would make it $12500 + free rotary cutter, or $15,000 + free loader. I guess I need to locate a 2605 to test out and see what they are really like...

 

[PoorPlowboy]

I am a long time MF fan, and still have a couple. I would not buy a 2600 unless it was in the HD line. No Simpson diesels for me, please.

 

[dirtfergy]

I was considering a MF 2615 since I own a 1969 MF 135 but they are a lot more money, the closest dealer closed up shop, they don't have tier 3 motors, only tier 2 and 4 available.
Heard that the 2615 was being replaced by the 1700 series
I am leaning toward New Holland or Mahindra.
Good luck

 

[TSO]

I was considering a MF 2615 since I own a 1969 MF 135 but they are a lot more money, the closest dealer closed up shop, they don't have tier 3 motors, only tier 2 and 4 available.
Heard that the 2615 was being replaced by the 1700 series
I am leaning toward New Holland or Mahindra.
Good luck

1700 series is a completely different line of tractors... They are the premium CUT (compact utility) series.

A lot of problems reported on the 26xx models, though the reports I've read seem to suggest that the kinks have been worked out and new ones aren't nearly as problematic.

But $15k with a loader for a new utility tractor ain't too shabby either.

 

[ShowroomShine]

I sell the New Holland equivalent of that 45 at work (Case IH 45A). Its a nice tractor, we never have trouble with the ones we've sold. It seems to make most of its power at higher RPM's, so expect to run this tractor at a faster engine speed.

My biggest problem with the A line of tractors (ie: Workmaster) is the paint quality. It looks nice, but needs to be kept waxed in order for it to keep looking nice.