Lots of options | Versatility makes this machine an unlikely source of help on the farm
BRANDON — Four wheel drive, three-point hitch, differential lock, rear and mid power take-off are all available on the Massey Ferguson GC sub-compact tractors.
With a maximum of only 25 horsepower and 19.6 p.t.o. h.p., the little tractor is not intended to do real farm work, but the long list of options for the p.t.o., open centre hydraulics and three-point hitch can turn the lawn mower into a versatile helper.
The hydraulic system delivers 6.8 g.p.m. total flow, with 4.8 g.p.m. at the remotes.
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The independent rear p.t.o. runs at 540 r.p.m. The independent mid-mounted p.t.o. runs at 2,000 r.p.m.
The Category One three-point hitch has a lift capacity of 1,190 pounds and controlled rate of drop.
Power comes from a 1.1 litre, three-cylinder, liquid cooled Perkins diesel. Cruise control and power steering are standard equipment.
Massey’s hydrostatic transmission has two speed ranges and functions like an automatic transmission with a simple two-pedal forward-reverse system. Set the engine r.p.m. and the further the pedal is pressed, the faster it goes. There is no gear changing during operation.
Despite the size of the GC series, the option list reads like it’s for a full sized tractor. The three-point hitch couples up to a finish mower, rotary tiller, box blade, grader blade, posthole auger and fertilizer spreader.
The two-stage snow blower runs off the mid p.t.o. Chute and deflector are either manual or optional electric control. Width is 50 inches and lift comes from the front hydraulic circuits.
The front end loader uses two cylinders rather than one on each arm, with control from a factory installed joystick.
Maximum lift is 73 inches. Lift capacity at the pivot pin is 678 lb.
The front dozer blade has hydraulic lift and is available in widths up to 60 inches.
The curved-boom backhoe has a bucket digging force of 1,950 lb. and maximum digging depth of 78 inches. Maximum reach is 102 inches.
All sub-compact tractors started out life as mowers. The GC series offers a 54-inch or 60-inch side discharge deck plus a 54-inch mulching deck.
List price without attachments and before taxes is $12,000.
