Review: Is the new Massey Ferguson 1840M worth the premium?

Massey Ferguson's refreshed 1840M lands in the busy 38-horsepower compact class, and on paper it reads like a value play with premium ambitions. We ran one for 40 hours across loader work, brush mowing, and a few hours on a box blade to see whether the higher sticker is justified.

The standout is refinement. The hydrostatic transmission is noticeably smoother off idle than the outgoing model, and the operator station feels a half-class larger thanks to a flatter platform and better-placed controls. Loader cycle times are competitive, and the machine holds a grade well once you settle into the pedals.

Where it gets harder to recommend is value. The 1840M now bumps right up against bigger-name rivals that throw in a loader and more standard equipment for similar money. If you value the dealer relationship and the cab feel, it earns its keep. Cross-shopping purely on spec sheets, it's a closer call than Massey would like.