1500, 2500,3500 series

Neversosure · Mar 12, 2017

I am looking for a bigger tractor, I have a Max 24 and I finish mow, bush hog, clear mild lots, load my F350 dump. I am looking for more PTO HP and FEL lifting capacity. I went looking at the local dealer and got to see the 1500, 2500 and 3500 series tractors.

The 1500 series are nice I like the 1538 HST out of the bunch. The 2500 series are nice too... I test drove the 2538 HST and it is bigger then the 1500 series. I also seen the 2540 shuttle (which I really like the spec's (FEL capacity). I went back after hours to see the 2540 I looked at it and sat on it, but I have not test driven it yet. I am very familiar with the HST from my MAX 24. The Max 26 we have has the shuttle shift, its ok... but I am no fan of the shuttle on the Max 26, its uncomfortable to me when I operate it. But the 2540 shuttle shifter was located closer to the steering wheel on the 2540 which I liked, I will have to test drive it and see how I feel about it.

The 3540 power shuttle has a great rebate deal right now, but I feel it may be too much tractor for me. It has great FEL capabilities and plenty of HP to boot! My dealer has one at his other dealership, I have not seen it as of yet. I looked at the specs of it and it is a heavier, wider, longer tractor then the rest of bunch I was looking at.

My buddy has an older John Deere 4500, I compared the 3540 to the JD4500. I took a tape measure to the JD4500 and it is close in size to the 3540. I can live with that but not any bigger.

I just started out looking for a tractor w/fel to load my F350 dump better!

Now I am down to 1538, 2538, 2540 , 3540. I need a grapple w/WR long kit, 6' bush hog, 6' finishing mower.

After a week of back and forth to the dealer lot and hours of web searching and reading all the great information here on the site I am still no closer to what I want.

tracydj · Mar 12, 2017

I didn't research the 3500 series when I purchased my 2538. I felt like the 1500 series seat was quite a bit higher than the 2500 series which made it feel less stable on inclines. I have only found a couple of huge stumps that my 2538 had some issues with handling. I would go HST, the power shuttles get the job done but the HST can be feathered so much easier. I am quite happy with my 2538. Plenty of power. Good luck.

Neversosure · Mar 12, 2017

That 2540 has a huge increase in FEL capability.

RNeumann · Mar 12, 2017

I have the 1538 and also looked at the 2538. I liked Mitsubishi over the TYM because of layout and track record. I went round and round on HP so I know that's an issue- especially with the PTO. it's going to come down to the HP needs of your current or proposed implements. As I'm sure you are aware it comes down to Implement size.
The HST vs Shuttle. The shuttle shines when you are wanting to move at the same speed for long periods- like plowing or mowing multiple acres. HST shines in tighter spots and for a lot of back and forth. Obviously personal preference plays a roll.

Neversosure · Mar 12, 2017

RNeumann said:
I have the 1538 and also looked at the 2538. I liked Mitsubishi over the TYM because of layout and track record. I went round and round on HP so I know that's an issue- especially with the PTO. it's going to come down to the HP needs of your current or proposed implements. As I'm sure you are aware it comes down to Implement size.
The HST vs Shuttle. The shuttle shines when you are wanting to move at the same speed for long periods- like plowing or mowing multiple acres. HST shines in tighter spots and for a lot of back and forth. Obviously personal preference plays a roll.

True, I do both mow and use the heck out of the loader. I love the HST on the Max 24.

I will be getting a new 5' bush hog and 5' finish mower with the new tractor. I just like you like the Mitsubishi engine, smooth and reliable track record.

The 1538 would do my mowing work and load the F350 dump, the Max 24 just can't get the reach I need to load the truck or reach over the side of a 30 yard container. But the Max 24 did all the mowing I have ever asked from it, runs a 5' finishing mower and a Woods BBX48.
Still looking, for what I will be happy with, you can never have enough lifting power.

IH782 · Mar 12, 2017

The 2555 has the highest FEL capacity out of the 1500, 2500 and 3500 series.

Sysop · Mar 13, 2017

How high are the sides of the F350 you want to fill? Drive the truck to the dealer and "play make-believe" that you're dumping material into it with the various tractors. I know with my low profile dump trailer, I can reach over the side, but not far enough to load it centered. I have to load from both sides to keep the load on the trailer level. The trailer has much lower sides than my half ton pickup. Depending on your dump bed, you may need all the height you can get.

Neversosure · Mar 13, 2017

Sysop said:
How high are the sides of the F350 you want to fill? Drive the truck to the dealer and "play make-believe" that you're dumping material into it with the various tractors. I know with my low profile dump trailer, I can reach over the side, but not far enough to load it centered. I have to load from both sides to keep the load on the trailer level. The trailer has much lower sides than my half ton pickup. Depending on your dump bed, you may need all the height you can get.

I did that, the 2538 cleared it by miles. I can load with the Max 24 but I am very limited. the 1500, 2500 series are pretty much close in lift height, give or take a few inches and reach is close with them as well.

dickfoster · Mar 13, 2017

Neversosure said:
True, I do both mow and use the heck out of the loader. I love the HST on the Max 24.

I will be getting a new 5' bush hog and 5' finish mower with the new tractor. I just like you like the Mitsubishi engine, smooth and reliable track record.

The 1538 would do my mowing work and load the F350 dump, the Max 24 just can't get the reach I need to load the truck or reach over the side of a 30 yard container. But the Max 24 did all the mowing I have ever asked from it, runs a 5' finishing mower and a Woods BBX48.
Still looking, for what I will be happy with, you can never have enough lifting power.

The engine in the 1538 is a Mahindra engine made in India but the balance of the tractor save the loader and/or backhoe are Mitsu made. The loaders and backhoes are KMW made in the USA. The 2500 tractors also use the same Mahindra engines but the tractor, tranny etc. is Korean made. I do not know about the loaders and backhoes for that series.

IH782 · Mar 13, 2017

dickfoster said:
The engine in the 1538 is a Mahindra engine made in India but the balance of the tractor save the loader and/or backhoe are Mitsu made. The loaders and backhoes are KMW made in the USA. The 2500 tractors also use the same Mahindra engines but the tractor, tranny etc. is Korean made. I do not know about the loaders and backhoes for that series.

KMW makes the loaders for the 2500 series and Bradco makes the backhoe. The tractors are TYM with Mahindra engines.