[sarcsurfer]

I looked at both of them and the price difference to go from a 2516HST to a 2816Gear was about $1200. The 2816HST was almost $2000 more, but no special financing at 0%.

The new 2816 tractor is the same model as the old 2615 series. It appears the 2516 and 2816 share the same size motor, but the somehow squeeze more horsepower out of the 2816 version. 2816 is about 5 inches wider and 6 inches longer. The BIGGEST difference that may sway you is the 2516 takes a 48" loader only... The 2816 utilizes a 60" loader. Funny enough, the 2415 tractor is wider than it's loader. It could be a challenge to move snow if that is something you will be doing. I have a seperate snowblower for that, so no biggie to me...

The general consensous on this site and others is buy more tractor than you think you need... I needed the small frame and size to handle my personal property and navagate trees and such... Not an issue at my farm because have a case front loader for the really big tasks.

Hope this helps! Good luck!