Massey 271 or Workmaster 55, Decisions, decisions...

Lanse · Oct 26, 2015

Hello there,

First off, a big THANK YOU to everyone who replied to my last post about the new tractor hunt, the modern Massey 2600 series is now firmly off the table as an option. That's majorly disappointing, MF used to be a GREAT name and those tractors looked perfect for me, at least on paper. But I'm grateful for all the headaches saved, so again, thank you.

I've found a late 90's MF 271 for sale a couple of hours away. It looks to be in excellent condition, has under 900 hours on it, 90%+ tires front and back and a loader, for $15.9k which I'm thinking about. Their price seems 1-2k high, per what I've seen on TractorHouse, but maybe they'd work on it some. Are these solid machines? Its ~15 years old, so hopefully these were made in the days when MF made a solid utility tractor? It's ~15HP stronger and looks much heavier in terms of weight than what I'm looking at new, plus its ~10k cheaper. I'm not scared of used equipment, I get my dollars worth out of my previously state owned, 200k mile F250 and 1970's CLAUSING lathe every day, but I am really scared of clunkers and problematic machines. This one looks like its almost out of a time capsule.

Also, if I do go with new equipment, its looking like it'll be Kubota (MX5200) vs a New Holland offering, probably the workmaster 45 or 55. For those who missed my last post, this is going to be a loader tractor used for a LOT of material handling at my business, plus later on hopefully some contracting work if/when I ever find time for it. Any experience with the Workmasters? I understand the 55 is literally just a 45 with a turbocharger, is this true? Does anyone know where they're made? Something out of the USA/Germany/Japan/UK is strongly preferred but in today's global marketplace I guess anything is possible...

Thanks in advance guys...

oldtanker · Oct 26, 2015

(quoted from post at 09:49:00 10/26/15) Hello there,

First off, a big THANK YOU to everyone who replied to my last post about the new tractor hunt, the modern Massey 2600 series is now firmly off the table as an option. That's majorly disappointing, MF used to be a GREAT name and those tractors looked perfect for me, at least on paper. But I'm grateful for all the headaches saved, so again, thank you.

I've found a late 90's MF 271 for sale a couple of hours away. It looks to be in excellent condition, has under 900 hours on it, 90%+ tires front and back and a loader, for $15.9k which I'm thinking about. Their price seems 1-2k high, per what I've seen on TractorHouse, but maybe they'd work on it some. Are these solid machines? Its ~15 years old, so hopefully these were made in the days when MF made a solid utility tractor? It's ~15HP stronger and looks much heavier in terms of weight than what I'm looking at new, plus its ~10k cheaper. I'm not scared of used equipment, I get my dollars worth out of my previously state owned, 200k mile F250 and 1970's CLAUSING lathe every day, but I am really scared of clunkers and problematic machines. This one looks like its almost out of a time capsule.

Also, if I do go with new equipment, its looking like it'll be Kubota (MX5200) vs a New Holland offering, probably the workmaster 45 or 55. For those who missed my last post, this is going to be a loader tractor used for a LOT of material handling at my business, plus later on hopefully some contracting work if/when I ever find time for it. Any experience with the Workmasters? I understand the 55 is literally just a 45 with a turbocharger, is this true? Does anyone know where they're made? Something out of the USA/Germany/Japan/UK is strongly preferred but in today's global marketplace I guess anything is possible...

Thanks in advance guys...

My only experiences with a newer compact tractor is with a 45 HP NH (operated it a couple of times) who's owner traded it in on a Kubota the same size (operated it a couple of times). He bought both new. The NH was traded because after 3 years of mowing a couple of acres and very darn little lite loader work it developed engine and transmission oil leaks. Not huge major leaks but it was starting to leave a drip or 2 on the floor each week. Only had a couple of hundred hours.

After operating both I like the Kubota a little better than the NH. IMO just a little nicer machine. Both are easy to operate and well laid out for controls. I'm going to tell you to see what the dealer support is like in your area before making a decision.

Rick

DoubleR · Oct 26, 2015

I debated a year ago between a New Massey or a new Workmaster utility tractor in the 50hp range.. I ended buying a 6 year old Kubota with 400 hours for about half the price. I haven't been sorry so far.

jwmfarms · Oct 26, 2015

The 271 is a good unit. I prefer it over the newer 271X and 271XE, but they weren't bad either. Newer tracors built on on old time tested and proven heady duty design. Change the oil regularly, keep the air filter clean, stay away form ether, and those Perkins long stroke engines will last for a LONG time.

You didn't say if it was 2 or 4 wheel drive. The 2wd will work ok for loader work, 4wd is better.

Lanse · Oct 26, 2015

Well, I spoke with the owner of the 271, and I dont think we're going to able to make a deal on it. The guy said he was a used tractor dealer, he just buys and sells them, and honestly he gave the proverbial "sleezy used car salesman" vibe. I talked to him about price, how it was higher than other comparable hour and condition units, and he refused to budge an inch on it, literally wont take a penny less than 15,900.

I also talked to a couple of salesman with two local new dealerships, and the 271 would only be about $6k less than a brand new tractor. Its just too much risk for not enough reward, ya know? If that 271 was coming off its original owners' farm and they would take $500 or $1k less for it, it would be one thing, but I'm going to pass on/avoid this one. Dealer support and a good warranty is worth something here, I don't have time to screw with a broken tractor, thats exactly why I'm shopping around right now in the first place.

Anyway, it looks like we're New Holland vs Kubota. Any thoughts on them?

Bonus points on NH, their salesman said their service department would "take care of me" if I bought a new machine from them and I had them fix my old international up, before selling it. I'll have to explore this further and get something in writing, but if they would deeply discount their ($95/hr) shop rate and if this thing is worth messing with, and the tractors are pretty comparable in price and capability, that might end up steering me to them.

JOCCO · Oct 26, 2015

LANCE THE WORKMASTER AND CASE FARMALL ARE BOTH MADE IN INDIA LIKE THE MASSEY. THEY ARE "BIRDS OF A FEATHER'

Billy NY · Oct 26, 2015

Lanse, what kind material handling will you be doing? Heavy work, 8 hrs per day ?

Just trying to get a feel for what you are doing. You may want to use care in your selection, sounds like industrial or commercial use, and although the NH and Kubota are popular, well regarded, I'd look into the front axles/loaders to make sure they are stout enough for the prolonged heavy work. I've seen the results on at least one of our tractors, which was used to unload tractor trailer loads of bagged shavings. It did not seem like bad practice at the time, but the front axle needed an overhaul without that many hours on the tractor, the work was just too heavy and there was too much of it over time. The tractor was replaced with a much larger one, and even at that, I'd be hesitant to use it commercially. The old one was about 33 HP, too small, and even the loader needed repairs by a competent welder, cripes I even found sheared off bolts on the frame of the tractor that needed to be replaced, definitely went too light when it was bought. It lasted just under 10 years, say 2000 hours max if I recall.

I don't know if there is such a beast as a tractor that will do all the ag or similar type chore work, 3 pt/pto implements, that also doubles as an industrial loader, maybe a Ford 445/545 or similar industrial model, M-F made industrials as did many others.

With torque converters you may be limited on drawbar work without one that locks, seems I've brought this up on the ford forum when I was making a decision on what to buy. I went with a general purposed model, knowing if some of the work I have planned pans out, I would have to get an industrial as well.

You might want to consider a small wheel loader.

Bill VA · Oct 26, 2015

Firstly, see my just posted thoughts on your other thread with the MF 2600 series.

The MF271 might be a bit bigger than you want in physical size, but probably a very good old MF design.

I looked at the NH Workmaster 55 prior to buying my JD and IMHO are decent tractors. I think the shuttle shift is standard too. There is a CaseIH version too, so you might save some $$$'s between the two.

Some things I didn't care for with the Workmaster 55 is the variety of parts origin. In other words, the engine is ISM - which I think is Shibaura? Not necessarily a negative.

It's been a while since I've looked at these, but for some reason I think the rear end/transmission is from another tractor and I just don't remember.

But what I'm saying is IMHO, the Workmaster is not necessarily a clean sheet design with New Holland engine, tranny, etc., but I think a lot of parts brought together to make a tractor. Again, not bad - just something to google. The Deere I bought was lower cost out the door, was a design that basically had been around since 1992ish. Parts and service were/are not a long term concern for the JD - IMHO.

Kubota - I think that is a company with their ducks in a row. I was very interested in a Kubota when I bought my JD, but didn't care for the dealer in my neck of the woods. If the Kubota is in good shape, priced right and meets your needs, I would put it at the top of the list.

Just some thoughts.

Good luck,
Bill

keh · Oct 26, 2015

Kubotas are good tractors with excellent resale value. They are in about the same position for tractors as Toyota is for cars. I have a Kubota with loader, a
M4000, which was badly used before I got it and needed front axle repair. However, I am impressed with the quality of construction and it does what I want it to
do, which is handling round bales and occasionally loading logs, also it has a post hole digger on the 3ph which stays on it.

Sounds like in your business you need a tractor capable of handling some heavy loads. When looking at Kubotas I would look only at the M series. The lighter L
series are homeowner type tractors, good for lawn mowing, make that great for lawn mowing, with a FEL good for planting bushes and moving mulch. I wouldn't feel
comfortable moving large round bales even it the lighter tractors would lift the bale.

KEH

jm. · Oct 26, 2015

Lanse I am going to be very bias... Because I have been with KUBOTA for 28 years... Now here is my argument on the Kubota vs NH ..The Kubota is an IN HOUSE tractor that is they produce their own engine, axels, transmissions ect. Now they do buy things like tires, radiator, seats ect. But when you go to the NH what you are getting is a tractor that is made by another company with component parts from all over. That may or may not be bad BUT from my experience parts support down the road say 5 years from now may be not so good . What happens they go to another supplier and loose the relationship they had with that supplier. I think if you look at the MX it offers value for you money spent. Just my too cents worth.

LAA · Oct 26, 2015

Have you checked out Brinkley auctions in Idabel Oklahoma? They hold a monthly 3 day auction and 1 day is tractors only, it is where a lot of the dealers buy the used tractors they sell in your area, you ought to be able to save some serious money on a good machine. The Massey 471 probably came from Idabel. My Son bought 2005 model low houred Massey 491 MFWD with 90% tires and a MF loader at Idabel in May of this year for $16,700.

Rick Kr · Oct 26, 2015

My opinion...

If its higher than Tractorhouse prices, its WAY too high. Every item I have ever seen on there has always been higher than local sales, craigslist, or auctions of similar tractors.

I hate to say no to an NH, being I own a 1998 NH3930. My 3930 is just about the same size/hp as the MX5200 you mention. All the newer NH seems to get changed up every couple years or so. They were Fiat tractors for a while.

I would stick to Kubota or Deere. Finally, if youre doing a lot of material handling, you really need a fork truck. Then get a tractor for your field contracting work.

Rick

Massey 271 or Workmaster 55, Decisions, decisions...

Lanse

Well-known Member

oldtanker

Well-known Member

DoubleR

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jwmfarms

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Lanse

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JOCCO

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Billy NY

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Bill VA

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keh

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jm.

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LAA

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Rick Kr

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