Sub compact new vs used advice

[rScotty]

My first step would be to use the search function on the upper right hand of this TBN home page.
Search for that particular model and read what other owners have said.
BTW, I didn't have any luck until I searched under the full model name: GC1720eb
rScotty

Here is a similar model today. New price with Warranty. $18.9K
The similar size Kubota is quite a bit more expensive, but is a model that has been in production now for a decade or two. The JD1025 is even more money and has also been around a while.

 

[Rookie22]

Thank you for your input

 

[lsgreg]

I have nothing to add regarding your choice other than what has been provided by others more experienced than me.

But, I will ask - are you sure a sub-compact will meet your needs?

 

[Rookie22]

Appreciate your reply. I think sub compact meets my needs. Newly acquired 3.5 acres w/ approximately 1.5 acres already sodded. Remaining 2 acres has been cleared w/ majority of pine tree stumps removed. Plan to use tractor / backhoe to clean up, rake, grade, and seed the remaining 2 acres. Also plan to establish small garden, fence, and shed foundation. Already have ex mark zero turn for established yard so thinking the used gc 1720 could be valuable. Please let me know your thoughts? Also considering a box blade to help clean up the cleared 2 acres but not sure if it’s the correct implement / approach bc of numerous sub surface and semi exposed roots. Thinking box blade could help level the ruts? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks you!

 

[rScotty]

I have nothing to add regarding your choice other than what has been provided by others more experienced than me.

But, I will ask - are you sure a sub-compact will meet your needs?

I'm glad you brought that up. Subcompacts are best on smooth or improved ground. They just don't have much ground clearance, and both loader and hoe are secondary to use as a mowing machine.
Of course even the subcompact will outdig, carry, and outlast several big men working at full speed. .

Moving up slightly in size from a subcompact to the smallest compact tractor gets a sturdierr frame and a lot more ground clearance on a tractor where mowing is not the primary use. It also weighs another thousand lbs. The downside is more expense for a large jump in capability.

An excellent resource for the novice is comparing models using TractorData.com.
search on: "Massey Ferguson GC1720eb data"

Once there, go over to "attachments" and you will see that the 1720eb came with either of two different loaders ond/or backhoes and how they differ in their specs.

TractorData.com Massey Ferguson GC1720 backhoe-loader tractor attachments information

www.tractordata.com

 

[Rookie22]

Wow. Really appreciate your advice thank you.

 

[jyoutz]

I'm glad you brought that up. Subcompacts are best on smooth or improved ground. They just don't have much ground clearance, and both loader and hoe are secondary to use as a mowing machine.
Of course even the subcompact will outdig, carry, and outlast several big men working at full speed. .

Moving up slightly in size from a subcompact to the smallest compact tractor gets a sturdierr frame and a lot more ground clearance on a tractor where mowing is not the primary use. It also weighs another thousand lbs. The downside is more expense for a large jump in capability.

An excellent resource for the novice is comparing models using TractorData.com.
search on: "Massey Ferguson GC1720eb data"

Once there, go over to "attachments" and you will see that the 1720eb came with either of two different loaders ond/or backhoes and how they differ in their specs.

TractorData.com Massey Ferguson GC1720 backhoe-loader tractor attachments information

www.tractordata.com

I agree that the OP should consider a small compact for the land cleaning and other chores he mentioned. Especially since he has a zero turn for mowing.

 

[Rookie22]

Rsc

I'm glad you brought that up. Subcompacts are best on smooth or improved ground. They just don't have much ground clearance, and both loader and hoe are secondary to use as a mowing machine.
Of course even the subcompact will outdig, carry, and outlast several big men working at full speed. .

Moving up slightly in size from a subcompact to the smallest compact tractor gets a sturdierr frame and a lot more ground clearance on a tractor where mowing is not the primary use. It also weighs another thousand lbs. The downside is more expense for a large jump in capability.

An excellent resource for the novice is comparing models using TractorData.com.
search on: "Massey Ferguson GC1720eb data"

Once there, go over to "attachments" and you will see that the 1720eb came with either of two different loaders ond/or backhoes and how they differ in their specs.

TractorData.com Massey Ferguson GC1720 backhoe-loader tractor attachments information

www.tractordata.com

good call on the different loader capacities. The unit I’m considering has the higher rated DL 95 loader w/ the higher load capacity. As much research as I’ve done, I never realized that. Thank you

 

[Rookie22]

I agree that the OP should consider a small compact for the land cleaning and other chores he mentioned. Especially since he has a zero turn for mowing.

Thank you for your input much appreciated

 

[airbiscuit]

I usually think bigger is better, but 42% of your 3.5 acres is already domesticated, and it doesn't sound like the rest is all that bad. I think a SCUT would fill the bill for you. Here is a good video of the capability of a SCUT.

That Massey Ferguson looks like a good deal, and I don't see new being worth all the extra $$. At that price, you would probably get your money out of it if you decide to change horses later.

Finally, do you really need a backhoe? I know others will differ on this point.