TAFE tractors

[Barleycorn]

I'm considering a TAFE Massey lookalike tractor for the scraper. I have looked at old threads on here (and there!), which are enlightening, but I was wondering what people who have actually have them think of them re reliability etc?

 

[flyonthewall]

Not sure about TAFE's, I believe AGCO have some ownership of the company. We bought an MTL(Pakistan) MF240 8 years ago, and use it mainly on scrapping. We had a problem with the hydraulic pump, but this may have been our fault, and a couple of the wires had to be replaced to the alternator. Have to say it has probably been the best £6k we spent on a tractor, much better than buying a worn out 135. Gather that TAFEs are considerably more expensive than this. Pound for pound these machines are much better than some of the crap coming out of Beauvais (France) in my opinion - I speak from bitter experience on this! Our's was imported by a farm that replaced 2 of their 135s and they sold the other two.

In the future may replace this with the bigger 375 as it would run the baler and be a good back-up tractor for harvesting! http://www.millatgroup.net/

 

[Ducati899]

Main tafe dealer is near me,I've had a couple when my 135 has been in for repairs,don't seem bad tractors really,simple and do the job on a scraper just fine

 

[smcapstick]

A Solis 50 would be a good way to go. There are a couple working at a very, very big dairy unit in Lancashire and I hear they are going well. Pretty unbeatable price, too... £11,995 + VAT for a 4wd and £9,995 + VAT for a 2wd. A cab on either is £2,000 + VAT.

BUT don't forget your TFF discount

I'd be happy to quote you

 

[Sebastian]

From the name I assume that's 50 hp? @smcapstick

 

[smcapstick]

From the name I assume that's 50 hp? @smcapstick

Yep. Zetor engine, FIAT-derived back end. Wet brakes, power steering as standard, 12 month's warranty. They are well put together tractors.

 

[Sebastian]

It's a good price. I would also consider a second hand John Deere 5055e, like this:

http://www.agriaffaires.co.uk/used/farm-tractor/1/4039/john-deere/5055e.html

 

[AlfM]

Brand new JD 5055E 4wd is less than £14 k so I wouldn't bother with the 2nd hand and use the 0%.

 

[smcapstick]

Brand new JD 5055E 4wd is less than £14 k so I wouldn't bother with the 2nd hand and use the 0%.

Where? That sounds cheap for a green one, even if it is the same as the Tafe and Solis.

 

[Sebastian]

I think it's closer to £17k ex VAT for a 4wd 5055e, if I remember correctly.

 

[smcapstick]

I think it's closer to £17k ex VAT for a 4wd 5055e, if I remember correctly.

That sounds more like it.

 

[AlfM]

I bought one. I know what I paid and there was no trade in to confuse the issue.

 

[JP1]

A Solis 50 would be a good way to go. There are a couple working at a very, very big dairy unit in Lancashire and I hear they are going well. Pretty unbeatable price, too... £11,995 + VAT for a 4wd and £9,995 + VAT for a 2wd. A cab on either is £2,000 + VAT.

BUT don't forget your TFF discount

I'd be happy to quote you
View attachment 295706

If you had one of these would you go down the front end loader route or a rear loading arm? My IH784 can lift haylage bales but not wet silage

 

[smcapstick]

If you had one of these would you go down the front end loader route or a rear loading arm? My IH784 can lift haylage bales but not wet silage

A rear loader is always going to be kinder to the tractor but isn't as versatile as a front end job.

Current, Solis 50s get fitted with Sigma 4 Chrome F/M10 and Hydrametal AT 5 Plus loaders. Both have a capacity of 800KG with a max tearout force of 1000KG (1300KG for the Sigma). Hydrametal do the AT 10 for the 50, too - this has a capacity of 1200KG with a higher tearout force, although if you wanted to regularly move this weight, you should buy a bigger tractor.

Obviously, you need to use a decent linkage weight behind the tractor for stability.

 

[JP1]

A rear loader is always going to be kinder to the tractor but isn't as versatile as a front end job.

Current, Solis 50s get fitted with Sigma 4 Chrome F/M10 and Hydrametal AT 5 Plus loaders. Both have a capacity of 800KG with a max tearout force of 1000KG (1300KG for the Sigma). Hydrametal do the AT 10 for the 50, too - this has a capacity of 1200KG with a higher tearout force, although if you wanted to regularly move this weight, you should buy a bigger tractor.

Obviously, you need to use a decent linkage weight behind the tractor for stability.

Thanks. I'm thinking 600kg would be ample and I have a good rear weight block on a quick hitch frame

 

[smcapstick]

Thanks. I'm thinking 600kg would be ample and I have a good rear weight block on a quick hitch frame

Do you want a cab, too?

The only other options (other than a loader) are trailer brakes, radial tyres and a PUH.

 

[JP1]

Do you want a cab, too?

The only other options (other than a loader) are trailer brakes, radial tyres and a PUH.

No cab, pickup hitch.



Save the quote for now, I'm thinking next year .....

 

[Simon Chiles]

Brand new JD 5055E 4wd is less than £14 k so I wouldn't bother with the 2nd hand and use the 0%.

That's what I was thinking.

 

[Barleycorn]

Interesting replies, thanks.
Just wondering where the JD is made? Seems to be a lot ofTurkish tractors about now. I was seriously considering Kubota, but their 40 HP tractors are very electronic.
The Solis sounds interesting, where is that made?
Just thinking that a basic Massey type tractor with wet brakes. may last 20 odd years without major expenditure? Not sure about copy zetor / Fiat combination for longevity?

 

[AlfM]

Think the JD is Indian but someone may know better. Simple as you can get, no electronics or funny fuel systems.