From a functional standpoint, the lack of 3PT position control is by far my greatest issue with the 2018 GC1720 I purchased new.
When I was looking at all the tractors and trying to decide, I didn't even think about it. I just assumed that all tractors had settings for 3PT position-every tractor I've ever come across did. Since I figured it was a given, I failed to pay close attention to it. That really bit me in the *** when I was trying to, brush hog, till, and grade an acre of my property. It was next to impossible to repeat lift are heights that gave me the best results-and 3PT float doesn't exist, either. Some operators will say to just hold the 3PT lever down a few seconds with the flow gate all the way open but that doesn't work, at least not for me. I had to make something to hold the lever down or I had to keep my hand pressing down on it to float.
Also, I feel kind of silly when sitting on my tractor. I feel like I'm really high up riding a tiny little tractor like some sort of clown. I get that the reason for this is visibility and our of necessity for the dual position seat to spin around to the backhoe...but knowing that doesn't help me feel like I'm "plugged in" with the machine. Also, the early used model GC I sat on while checking them out had a steering wheel that was a whole inch shorter than the one I received. So complaints about the reach must be framed on the year.
I sat on the newer GC models since the facelift and controls change-up. Personally, I don't think its worth the increase in cost. I actually like that the loader control lever is up and away from me on my older version. Having it close to me like they do now makes me feel stupid...like I'm some sort of jockey or driving a rat rod with some ridiculous shifter. That is my preference.
The tilt wheel doesn't really move much and I found that its normal position was most comfortable for me anyways. This would be nice for a smaller operator, certainly.
The extra storage box and charging port are gimmicks to me. They're just something to rip the wiring off or blow a fuse on when they ground out due to moisture or when washing. Most anyone who gets a tractor for the love of it will modify them to some degree. I think that's natural.
The headlights suck on the earlier generations-absolutely. After a while of use, I noticed one of my bulbs were rattling loosely in the housing so I decided re-install it using this as an opportunity to check the wattage rating on the bulbs because something had to be wrong since they were so useless, otherwise. While trying to take a look, I noticed the bulb retaining ridge that holds the socket into the headlamp housing must have sheared. It just kept spinning in the housing when I tried to remove it. That was frustrating.
I ended up replacing the bulbs with LEDs that were shared on this forum and I honestly couldn't hope for better stock headlights. They are so great, I was able to work past dusk on a field I was grading and tilling with NO other lighting required.
The flat platform is nice. I do find the one on my 2018 model needing to be modified to better suit me. My plan is to cut some stall mats to make it more uniform. I could scallop the mat where the hump goes and have my own flat platform. Its not really a big deal at all.
I would have LOVED to have seen a ROPS improvement for the TLB. Maybe angle lock setup?? Something like that? How about welding some threaded nuts onto the ROPS so we can add our own lighting or accoutrements? Even some THROUGH-HOLES would have been nice-so owners aren't afraid of voiding their warranties because they want to SEE AT NIGHT.
Another improvement would have been to the hydraulics to the backhoe. Why can't there be SOLID QC ports and manifold on the back so we aren't slinging our **** lines up an in some tight service loop that can move and get sliced the heck off when I use my 3PT????
Don't fall for these "improvements". They missed the fricken mark, in my mind. Sure. You might have the $0.50 added power charging port and your jockey handle-but what about more functionality based improvements? Aesthetics is nice, it really is... but why am I still shearing the fins off my HST fan while simply brush hogging new growth??
