[craigbaill]

Howdy all,

We are currently in the information gathering stage of buying a tractor. As some of you may know we are attempting to sell our house and we will be looking for at LEAST an acre. The wife and I have decided long ago that a SCUT is best. Go big or go home. I have driven the Bx 2660 Kubota , John Deere 1023E and a Massey ferguson GC2400. I was also able to drive the BX and the massey at the same place yesterday. The Massey is MUCH quieter than the BX from the engine noise at half throttle and the HST whine from the ROPS. The BX2660 yesterday was supposedly new (forgot to check the hours) and it seemed much louder than the previous BX2660 I drove. I also noted that while some of the specs for the maseey indicate it is larger than the 'bota, the Massey looked smaller next to each other.

The wife gave me an assignment to ask all of you GC2400/GC2600 owners for your honest opinions on these machines. I will mainly be clearing snow, mowing at least an acre and tilling a 40x60 garden. I may be adding a snowblower later to keep the initial purchase price down. We will likely get the tractor with the 60"MMM and the loader. I was told that the dealer will rent a tiller if I only need it a few times a year.

Your thoughts......?


Thanks!!

 

[Gears_1]

I evaluated the very same list you did and got the GC2400 with a FEL, 60" Mid-mower and the snow blower. I am totally happy and have had zero regrets. With that said, nothing is perfect. Depending on where you live, you shouldn't have much of a problem finding a rental place where you can rent a 3PH tiller.

Looks like there is an offer of either a free mower or free snow blower until Dec 31st.

http://www.masseyferguson.us/sales_and_support/promotions/#subcompact

 

[TUDOR]

I went through this process several years ago. While I was biased towards the Masseys, I gave the JD2305 and Kubota BX2550 an honest look as far as ergonomics were concerned since I sit in the seat for several hours at a time when clearing snow. All 3 are very tough and well constructed and there isn't enough difference there to downcheck one over the other. The capabilities for the FEL and back hoe are only slightly in favour of the GC's.

As an individual, I gave higher marks to the GC for ergonomics that suit me, and that was the decision maker in conjunction with capabilities. If you are uncomfortable while operating a piece of equipment over an extended time frame, it won't matter to you how good the dealer support, price or the durability of the equipment is, you won't be happy whenever you are forced to use it. My intention was to keep this machine for a long time and many hours of service and I knew that whatever I bought is what I would have to keep. My pension will not stretch far enough to trade it in for another of the same capability.

I now have 500 hours on my GC2310 with a minimum of mechanical breakdowns, mostly hydraulic hoses and loose bolts from vibration. I wish that I had the guages and hood that are on the newer models and I'd like to try the side by side drive pedal arrangement. Other than that, I look forward to using this tractor at every opportunity that I can invent. I am very well satisfied with its performance.

 

[craigbaill]

Thanks for the input guys...I liked the other SCUTs but, as TUDOR stated, I felt more comfortable on the GC. The Massey and the Kubota were both equiped with a loader and neither felt bouncy with just the loader on. Both turned and manuevered(sp?)easily but the kubota was LOUD...and the HST whine would make me want to rip off my ears! The seat and controls were good too on both. I will have to see about driving the first BX2660 at the other dealer again since I swear that first one was quieter.

We have a house showing tomorrow at 11am so I hope, hope, HOPE they are interested and make an offer. The shopping part is alot of fun and the folks here on MTF have been patient and very helpful.

Keep the input coming!!!

 

[claastech]

i am very happy with my GC2400,i have the 60" mmm,will have a loader this spring,great little tractor,plenty of power,IMHO it would run a 72" mower no problem.

 

[drifter2518]

GC2400 for me. Has FEL and 60" mmm. Plus I found a used Woods back blade for $100. Used to mow my lawn with a CC 2518 48" deck that would take 2.5 hours to do.......now I do it in a hour. LOL:thThumbsU

 

[Dragon]

I have a GC2410 as I need the backhoe. But otherwise the same as the GC2400.

Love the 60" deck except that it weighs 300lbs.
I too found it to be less "whiney" as far as the HST.
Very maneuverable.
2410 has foldable ROPS - Be sure you have the clearance for non-folding as I believe the 2400 only comes with a fixed ROPS.
The snowblower is wonderful.

I find that I can carry a full load of stone in the bucket without a counter weight or backhoe mounted if I keep the bucket low to the ground. But it digs in better and travels better with some counter weight on the rear. If the bucket is full and at hood height or higher a quick release of the forward pedal will rock or even tip the tractor forward. (Have rocked but not tipped it and never want to either)

I coveted the Kubotas for many years until I found the Massey GC's. Would not want anything else. Well, except maybe a Massey 1500 series but I digress.

Look forward to seeing pics of whatever you decide on.

 

[craigbaill]

Thanks for all the good info. Have any of you had to order parts before? How is the availability for parts and filters, etc?

 

[Dragon]

I do not believe there are aftermarket filters for these tractors. You are going to be getting them through a Massey Dealer somewhere.

I have purchased all my parts through two different dealers. If you are going to service it yourself then you will want to lay in a supply to have on hand for common stuff. (my nearest dealer is over an hour and a half drive away)

As an example: I planned ahead and ordered some spare shear bolts for the snow blower to have on hand and was glad I did. I ordered over the phone and had them UPS'd direct to me and I think that it took over a week because they had to order them from Massey as they did not have them on the shelf. That is like a zillion years in the winter with snow coming down and a blower out of commission. Very happy I planned ahead and did not have to wait.

So the stuff is available but depending on what it is you may have to wait a little. Not to mention that while we consider these expensive machines the dealers work with farmers running machines worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and at certain times of the year (planting & harvest) we will be placed on the back burner while they take care of their HIGH dollar customer. Nothing wrong with that, just good to have it in mind when they tell you you are going to have to wait.

 

[Heavy Hitch]

I love my GC2400 and it produces peak horsepower and torque at a lower RPM then many of the other brands out there!:thThumbsU

 

[tomboy]

Went threw the same thing a few years ago and choose the GC2400. I had both the JD2305 and GC2400 for a weekend, still dreaming about it. I found the hydrolics worked nicer for the fel on the massey and a lot less tipsy without any counter weight also. Both of these little devils worked great and everything was where it should be for the hand controls. Reasons why I choose the massey, The seat was more comfortable, financing was cheaper, and it did a awsome job. Reasons why I choose the GC2400 over the GC2600, Everything is basicly the same between the 2 except a few hp, and to get that all they do is let the engine rev a little higher. I have found that I usually run out of traction before I run out of hp. The only benifit would be pto driven accesories. I have a 60'' mmm and a 52'' rear mounted snowblower and both work great. I also have a single furrow plow, 4.5ft cultivator and 4ft boxblade and with those if set to deep will run out of traction before hp. I also have my rear tires loaded. Hope this helps you out.

 

[Gears_1]

Went threw the same thing a few years ago and choose the GC2400. I had both the JD2305 and GC2400 for a weekend, still dreaming about it. I found the hydrolics worked nicer for the fel on the massey and a lot less tipsy without any counter weight also. Both of these little devils worked great and everything was where it should be for the hand controls. Reasons why I choose the massey, The seat was more comfortable, financing was cheaper, and it did a awsome job. Reasons why I choose the GC2400 over the GC2600, Everything is basicly the same between the 2 except a few hp, and to get that all they do is let the engine rev a little higher. I have found that I usually run out of traction before I run out of hp. The only benifit would be pto driven accesories. I have a 60'' mmm and a 52'' rear mounted snowblower and both work great. I also have a single furrow plow, 4.5ft cultivator and 4ft boxblade and with those if set to deep will run out of traction before hp. I also have my rear tires loaded. Hope this helps you out.

I have heard the only difference between the 2400 and 2600 was the horsepower difference resulting from a different rev limiter setting. While I don't doubt the rev limiter setting difference, but I'm not so sure it's the only difference.

According to the operator manual the 2400 spec is 2532 rpm to get a rear PTO rpm of 540. The 2600 spec is 2829 rpm for a rear PTO rpm of 540.

That would tell me there are gearing differences too. I have read in other places (gasp!) that people think that they'll get a 2600 by simply getting the dealer to adjust the rev limiter. Personally, I think they'll end up with a broken tractor at some point, but that's just my opinion.

 

[UrbanTractor]

I have heard the only difference between the 2400 and 2600 was the horsepower difference resulting from a different rev limiter setting. While I don't doubt the rev limiter setting difference, but I'm not so sure it's the only difference.

According to the operator manual the 2400 spec is 2532 rpm to get a rear PTO rpm of 540. The 2600 spec is 2829 rpm for a rear PTO rpm of 540.

That would tell me there are gearing differences too. I have read in other places (gasp!) that people think that they'll get a 2600 by simply getting the dealer to adjust the rev limiter. Personally, I think they'll end up with a broken tractor at some point, but that's just my opinion.

I believe you are correct about this. It is the same engine, but with a different governor and transmission "gearing". Otherwise the pto speeds would be off.

Craigbaill, I'm pretty sure you would lose any noise/db advantage if you bumped up to the 2600/2610, because that engine will be spinning a fair bit faster to get the higher hp at pto rpm. (Meaning, you can't just keep the extra rpm/hp in reserve, you actually have to use it to get the correct pto speed.) So if the noise is a big factor, I would suggest you stick with the 2400.

MF can get away with that lower rpm rating in these engines because they have a fair bit more displacement with which they generate the hp/torque. That's nice to have, but usually will result in higher fuel consumption, in case that is an issue for you. In other words, you'll be refilling more often. With a 2600/2610, you'd be refilling even more often and probably have comparable noise level to the Kubota.

The Kubota and Yanmar engines are used everywhere and are really easy to get parts for.

 

[HellBender]

I also believe the gearing has to be different. I did not know this until I seen the specs in the manual. If I did I might have stayed with a GC2400 instead of going with a GC2600. They get the extra power by turning up the injector pump on the same engine.

A GC2400 will mow at a lower RPM and still have the same ground speed in low range. (Probably use less fuel also) To gain more ground speed you could run the RPM's a little above specs. I have no patience for 3 hrs of mowing so I run in High range with my GC2600. If I had a GC2400 I would probly mow in low at near 3000 RPM. I convinced myself that little extra power and gear gives me more torque at the wheels for pulling. And more Hydraulic pressure. I second guess my decision for weeks while I mowed after I got my CG2600. I do love the Massey . Test drive them both and see if you see a diff in ground speed

 

[HellBender]

I also believe the gearing has to be different.
A GC2400 will mow at a lower RPM and still have the same ground speed in low range. (Probably use less fuel also)

The final drive ratio to the wheels is different also. Everything is geared to run at it's optimum RPM range. Low range speed is 4.2mph and high range is 9mph at (2600 rpm -GC2400) and (3000 rpm -GC2600). It's only a 2 net hp difference between the two machines using the manuals spec chart. That's a 8% gain in Hp. And a 13% gearing difference. Which equates into +20% torque gain at the wheels in HellBender's theory of equations.

If mowing is your primary use you might want to stay with the GC2400. I find myself turning the RPMs down to around 2800 and mowing in high range to make up for the loss in ground speed. When my daughter mows I make her stay in low range and she complains it's to slow for her. I haven't seen anyone here complain about the capabilities of the GC2400. Ask the dealer about the differences in the two.

 

[fonz3482]

My understanding is that the gc2600 has more h.p. because of a different fuel pump, and a few minor tweaks to the engine. Kinda like putting a programmer on a gas or diesel car or truck to improve performance. I too was shopping and had my search narrowed down to the massey gc, kubota bx, and the j.d.. Well I have a gc2600, with fel, 60" mmm, and 54" agco blower. I researched ALOT before I bought a machine. Massey had better specs, was better fitting for me, and was all around the best deal I could find in my area. Also the dealer had the best customer service. Around my area all the j.d. dealers are owned by 1 big company. I couldn't get a fair trade value from my gt, I couldn't get good financing, and the customer service was terrible! Also j.d. was in between the 2305, and the new 1023/1026 change. I couldn't even look at the j.d. before I bought it because j.d. kept pushing back the release dates. So that narrowed it to kubota and Massey. Again the kubota dealers didn't want to deal. They gave me a crazy low trade value, or wouldn't even take my gt on trade. I almost signed the papers for a sweet deal on a b series tractor, but they wouldn't even take my trade. I tried selling my gt out right, but it wasn't the right season. Overall I am very happy with the gc2600. I have no complaints except for when I sit in the tractor seat I never wanna get off!! Have fun shopping, and I wish you luck selling your house! Let us know how you make out!

 

[adkpete]

i purchased a 2610 tlb about a year ago with a 54" MMM and front blade. I tried out a JD2305 at the same time and found the ergonomics of Massey were better for me.

 

[jthomley]

Sorry for not posting sooner, but been away from internet for a week or so.

I have a 2610 and love mine, but I got a really good price on mine so I did it. I did TONS of research here too, and same boat as you. I ended up between bota and MF.

BUT, without the good price I would have just gone with the 2410. I personally didnt think I would notice a difference in the two, and probably wouldnt. I have just over an acre too, small garden, and some back yard to play in.

I would go with the 60" mmm and not the 54" too. My dealer said his opinion of the 60" was a little beefier, but I like it comes to outside edge of the tires on both sides.

You might find the MMM can be annoying to install and remove, but there are some good ideas on this site to help with that.

Enjoy and good luck with the house!

 

[HellBender]

If your still on the fence between a BX or GC, my new neighbor just got a BX. I got a few minutes of seat time showing him how to use the loader. It seemed to lack the breakout force mine has when curling the bucket with only one hydro cylinder on the bucket. I just wanted to get back on my GC. We also had to remove his mower. I think my deck is actually easier to remove now that I modified the casters wheels to lock in at 90deg. The side by side Hydrostat pedals are easier to use. Everything is in the rt place. And Massey uses a real tach. The GC are brutes for thier size. One advantage I see the GC2600 might have over the 2400 would the extra hydraulic flow and pressure 3000 rpm produces.

 

[TUDOR]

.......One advantage I see the GC2600 might have over the 2400 would the extra hydraulic flow and pressure 3000 rpm produces.

At full throttle on the 2310, same on the 2400 and 2410 I believe, over controlling the FEL (and backhoe) can be a real headache. You may be able to sneak up on full throtle over a couple of hours of straight use, but you won't get on the tractor first thing in the morning (or afternoon, or evening, for that matter) and run it successfully wide open. If the 2600 has more hydraulic flow to go with the higher rpm, that problem will be compounded.

Pressure is a function of the work being done and is limited by the relief valve setting. Higher rpm will not change the relief pressure. It will, however, establish flow momentum a little better so that there is more of a 'hit' before the relief valve pops and dumps the flow. eg. The difference in stopping distance of a car going 27 mph, or 30 mph. Same braking force (pressure relief), just more momentum from higher speed taking a bit longer to stop.