Your thoughts...?

Soon2BFarming · Jul 2, 2006

I'm in the process of researching various tractors / models to determine the best tractor for my needs at the best price. I have 160 acres that I'll be farming and running some cattle on starting next year. I feel that I need the MFWD and a front loader along with 100 hp to 125 hp to pull the implements I'll be using. I've looked at numerous tractors and the MFs look awesome in capabilities and price but I've had a lot of JD owners tell me the MFs aren't as good... Please give me your thoughts on the capabilities and value of an MF tractor. Also, any recommendations on model and specs for me?

JerryG · Jul 2, 2006

Soon2B,
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]No matter whom you talk to their tractor is going to be the best. There are three different models of Masseys that are in your target horsepower range. They differ in weight, type of engine (Perkins or Sisu), cab layout as well as transmission. A powershift is a very nice transmission, but the best offered is the Dyna-step. It is a version of the Fendt Vario CVT. I am sure whatever your needs or requirements that one of the three versions can be set up in a way that you would like. They are some of the best tractors made with the durability of the Perkins and Sisu diesels. AGCO owns MF, Fendt and Sisu.[/FONT]

Soon2BFarming · Jul 2, 2006

Thanks for your insight Jerry, I appreciate it. You seem to be very knowledgeable about the MFs so can you say when is the best time of the year to actually "deal" on a new tractor?

JerryG · Jul 2, 2006

Soon2BFarming said:
Thanks for your insight Jerry, I appreciate it. You seem to be very knowledgeable about the MFs so can you say when is the best time of the year to actually "deal" on a new tractor?

If a dealer has the tractor that you want in stock, you have a better chance of purchasing it for less money during the winter. You can also get better deals on a build to order in the early winter, just not quite as good as the on the lot model. Or that is the way it has always been in my area.

Soon2BFarming · Jul 2, 2006

That's kinda what I had thought but wasn't certain if that was actually the case. Thanks again for your helpful insight.

EquipmentUser · Jul 24, 2006

The Massey's are as good if not better than most any tractor on the market at a good price. For your application I would recommend a 5460 with the new dyna 4 transmission. It is 90 pto horsepower with a turbocharged 4 cylinder perkins engine that is powerful and is one of the most fuel efficient engines on the market.

The dyna 4 transmission is a new transmission that was just released recently. So new that you wont find any mention of it on their website. Its a 16x16 that has 4 ranges with 4 gears in each range. It is a full powershift transmission that means you don't have to clutch to shift gears or ranges. It also has an autodrive feature that allows you to set the transmission the shift through the gears automatically depending on engine and driveline load in both a field and a transport and allows you to chose the engine speed at which it shifts. This is a very nice tranmission that is well worth the additional cost over the 16 speed spedshift transmission. The dyna 4 also has a clutchless forward/reverse power shuttle meaning you can also change direction without clutching. This is the tractor I would recommend. The 400 series isn't nearly as nice and the 6400/7400 series would be overkill for you. The 5400 series is nice mid range series with lots of nice features and options.

Egon · Jul 25, 2006

Does this have to be a new tractor?

Birdhunter1 · Jul 26, 2006

Egon is right, an older 4020 John Deere will do about anythign you want to do on a 160 acre farm, then try to find a machine in the 50-60hp range with a loader and MFWD if you really truly need it. The cost on these two may be cheaper or dead on to the price of a newer 90-100hp machine.