The New Massey Ferguson 1500 Series
Massey Ferguson Offers Seven Models from 23-52 Horsepower
June 22, 2005

As the field of under-50 horsepower compact tractors continues to grow and expand, one of the oldest names in tractors, Massey Ferguson, recently expanded their 1500 series line of tractors.

First announced in the fall of 2004, the 1500 series now offers buyers seven models ranging in horsepower from 23 to 52. The new 1500 Series includes the 1533 (33 hp) and 1540 (40 hp) compact tractors introduced last fall, and the new 1547 (47 hp) and 1552 (52 hp) large chassis models. A small chassis model, the 1523 (23 hp) and two medium chassis models, the 1528 (28 hp) and 1531 (33 hp) round out the full line.

"This new line of compact tractors is designed to offer buyers a full range of work capabilities packaged in a sleek, efficient power unit," says Stephen Barcuch, Massey Ferguson compact tractor general marketing manager. "Acreage owners, contractors, landscapers, nurseries, specialty farmers and golf course superintendents will find these new tractors powerful enough to get the jobs done, and economical enough to run every day when necessary."

Designed for Comfort

Like most compact tractors of today, the new 1500 series was designed with operator comfort in mind. In a tractor market where cup holders, comfort seats, automotive-style controls and hydrostatic transmissions are the barrier to entry, Massey Ferguson knew they had to offer a comfortable tractor.

"Comfortable operator platforms was a major objective in the design of these new compacts," says Jeffrey Ratliff, sales engineer for Massey Ferguson. Speed, transmission and implement controls are all designed for handy access and operation. Massey Ferguson says that the wider operator platform, tilt steering wheel and adjustable, isolation-mounted seat make the 1500 Series tractors as comfortable as full-size tractors. "We even designed a new molded thick rubber floor mat for better foot comfort when working long days," says Ratliff.

In addition to a comfortable operator platform, buyers will find a new automotive-style dash on all 1500 Series compact tractors. Large chassis cab models (1547 and 1552) have a digital display instrument panel that lets the operator check gear selection, ground speed and fluid levels with the glance of an eye. The digital instrument panel includes a diagnostic message center that alerts the operator to potential problems.

What's Under the Hood

While it's nice to have a comfortable tractor to work on, it's also important to have a powerful and reliable drive train under you to work productively.

The 1500 Series tractors are built around new design 3 and 4-cylinder diesel engines that meet Tier II EPA emissions standards. A new rib-support cast iron block design provides longer engine life and quieter operation. Graphite coated pistons operate smoother and burn fuel more efficiently, along with reducing engine noise on the 1533 and 1540.

The new Massey Ferguson compact tractors offer several transmission options, depending on the type of work the owner needs to get done. The small chassis 1523 is available with an economical 6x2 constant mesh transmission, or an infinite speed hydrostatic transmission (HST) that offers two speed ranges with foot pedal control of forward and reverse speeds. This option is ideal for jobs that require frequent changes from forward to reverse. All 1500 Series hydrostatic transmissions come with cruise control for maintaining constant speed for jobs like mowing, towing a wagon, fertilizer spreader, sprayer or other implement.

The 1528 offers the choice of a 9x3 constant mesh transmission or a 3-range HST transmission with convenient hand throttle control. The 1531 comes with a 3-range HST transmission as standard. Larger chassis 1500 Series tractors offer a choice of transmissions, including an 8x8 SynchroShuttle transmission that is ideal for loader work, a 12x12 SynchroShuttle transmission that includes 4 creeper gears under 1 mph speed, or the 3-range HST transmission with hand throttle control and auto acceleration feature. This feature increases engine rpm and speed as the forward or reverse pedals are depressed.

The 1547 and 1552 cab models also offer Massey Ferguson's exclusive DynaQPS™ (Quad Power Shift) transmission, with buttons on the shift lever for shifting up or down through four speeds in each range. Three ranges provide 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds, with a shuttle lever on the left side of the steering column that shifts from forward to reverse without clutching.

A Variety of Implements

The new 1500 Series compact tractors offer excellent versatility with a line-up of implements and accessories designed to match these new tractors. Every model can be equipped with a hydraulically operated loader and/or backhoe. Loaders mount quickly without tools; backhoes mount to a sub-frame that provides quick-attach capabilities. The same system accommodates attachment for rotary cutters, rotary tillers, landscape rake, rear-mount blades, a posthole digger, disc harrow, finish mower and a box blade.

All 1500 Series tractors come with a Category 1 3-point hitch for mounted implements. An independent 540-rpm PTO is standard, and an optional mid-mount PTO can be installed for operating front or mid-mounted implements such as a snow blower or mid-mount mower. Hitch controls and PTO controls are readily accessible on the operator platform. The new compact tractors make full use of hydraulics for attached equipment and hitch operation, plus remote outlets for hook-up to accessory equipment. Standard 4WD on all models delivers added traction for digging, loading and work in muddy conditions.

Easier Servicing

"The new 1500 Series tractors are easier to service," says Ratliff. "The hood lifts easily and the side panels can be removed quickly, but you don't have to do either to refuel or check engine oil. A flip-up door in the hood provides easy access to the fuel filler cap, and a cut-out in the side panel provides access to the oil dipstick." The new diesel engines come with a removable radiator screen that keeps out larger chaff and debris. The screen is easily removed for cleaning. A site glass on the left rear final drive housing provides convenient checking of hydraulic fluid.

The new Massey Ferguson compact tractors come with plenty of options, enabling buyers to configure their tractors to best fit their tasks. Besides transmission options, tire options range from farm-type treads to extra-wide turf tires for low impact on golf course fairways. Large chassis models have adjustable tread settings for rear tires and the 1547 and 1552 can be ordered with 2WD. A hydraulic joystick is available that makes loader control even easier. The joystick attaches to the pedestal mount, so it is available for other functions when the loader is dismounted.

Safety features include retractable seatbelts, ASAE certified ROPS plus an optional sunshade canopy that fits the ROPS structure, tilt steering wheel for more comfortable steering and easier entry/exit from the operator platform. The suspension seat adjusts fore and aft and spring tension adjusts for operator weight.

"The new 1500 Series compact tractors are designed to give owners maximum versatility for all types of work applications," says Barcuch, "By selecting the options to best fit the job, these tractors offer a wide range of 'full-size' tractor functions, yet still provide the maneuverability and low clearance profiles to work in tight quarters."

Improvements Found on 1500 Series Tractors

Compared to the models they replaced, you will find the following improvements in the 1500 series tractors:

• Increased hydraulic flow on models 33HP and higher
• Redesigned operator platform (larger and more ergonomically designed)
• Quieter engines on models 33HP and higher
• Tilt hoods all models
• Increased lift capacities on front-end loaders
• New style backhoe mount system for easier hook-up and removal
• Cab option on 33, 47 and 52HP models
• 2-Speed PTO engagement for implements that require softer engagement on models 33 HP and higher
• New Hydrostatic pedal engine acceleration feature on 33-47HP (acts like gas pedal on your car)
• New instrument panel as well as digital on 47 & 52HP cab (Diagnostic system on digital instrumentation)
• Heavier front axles to allow increased loader capacities
• Improved, more user-friendly transmission shift pattern
• 1528 gear shift moved from center of platform out to the side
• Larger fuel tanks with larger fuel filler opening
• Easier hydraulic fluid filler
• Fatory joystick on 33, 40, 47 & 52HP models (not previously available on any models except 33 & 40 HP)
• Improved roll-back and dump angles on front loader
• Optional skid steer mount on loader that fits 1533 - 1552 (model 1525 & 1530 loader)
• Increased lift height on loaders

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