2516 vs 2816

[Nickthegrip]

Yet another comparison thread... but I'll purchase this week, so I need your help. I have almost four acres, wooded, long driveway, want to pull stumps, build stone walls, remove stones from the lawn, snow removal, etc. Mowing is not an issue. I have an eye to an eventual small business (small... tiny ).

Looking at what I have to do, backhoe is more important than FEL, but who knows what I'll find when I actually get the machine. HST for both, I want ease of use as I'm a noob.

Do you have some opinions for me on the two models? Any idea what the price difference is? My buddy and I have been going back and forth with the relative merits, he favors the 2516, while I favor the 2816, but I have no problem going smaller if I can get the same results.

The dealer told me they share the same engine... is that correct? Is the weight and size the major difference?

Thanks all, I really do appreciate this forum.

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

The 2516 has a few more creature comforts, quieter smoother hydro, roomier platform compared to size of the tractor, rubber mats on the floor and tighter turning radius. You are planning on using the tractor for ground enguaging tasks and that is where the 2816 weight and size come in handy, more stable, more traction, and more duability under heavy loads. You'll have to make the desision though.

[Nickthegrip]

Am I to understand that the 2516 is more geared to the consumer/homeowner? I don't really care about floormats . Are they built on the same frame or a different platform?

Any idea on a rough price difference between the two? 2K, 2500?

[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!

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

The 2816 will do the same job faster. Compare the weight of the tractor, as the heavier tractor will do more work faster than the lighter one.

[boxygen]

Nick,

I purchased my 2415 two months ago with the same tasks in mind, digging and moving stumps and rocks, firewood ect. Mowing was not on the list, however it may be someday. I will tell you that it has moved things that I never expected that size machine to be able to. With the backhoe mounted, you have a very stable machine with a lot of traction on relatively dry ground. There is a lot of power packed inside that relatively small chassis. I dont have much acerage, less than 2 acres but my task list is extensive. It was like clearing and grubbing a house lot to build a home, except the house has been there for 50 years. It is actually an old farm stead and I keep digging up piles of flat granite everywhere I dig. I am starting on prep for a new garage slab soon and next year I will be installing a new leach field and underground power to the house and garage. After that I will dig for a small addition. After putting 35 hours on the machine in less than two months, I can tell you, this thing is up to the task. After you spend some time in the seat, you will surprise yourself at how efficiently you can operate it and get tasks done. I thought a lot about the shuttle shift, but Im glad I bought the hydro because of its efficiency. I recently mounted my 5' rotary cutter to try out and I barely noticed it was on there (granted, the grass isnt very tall yet) and being able to back up and stop with the PTO still spinning is something I under estimated before using the rotary cutter. It would be nice to have a little larger bucket, however I understand why they dont put a larger one on it. Without the backhoe, a full bucket could make the machine unstable. If you are spreading any material, just have it delivered as close to where you need it as possible. I built an "insert" for my bucket out of scrap wood with a little engineering that sticks out the front with side boards to handle larger loads. You wont move gravel with it but the larger capacity for moving piles of leaves, sticks, firewood etc. is a huge timesaver. I got the 16" bucket on the backhoe and it works great-not too big to handle. From what you describe I think that the 2516 would be great for your tasks. Thats my 2 cents. I'll find some photos of the stumps I've moved as an example of what it can do. Goodluck and you will love whatever you choose.

[Nickthegrip]

Thanks for the input. I went with the 2816, should be here next Monday. I'll send some pics when I can