1538 or 2538- which is better?

[tjklein]

Hello Looking at a couple of used tractors-All Cabs - One is a 2015 1538 HST comes with mid PTO and 72 inch mowing deck around 90 hrs- Another is a 2017 2538 HST with around 100 hrs and comes with Meteor snow blower and forks-
Mostly using it to mow about 15 acres of hilly fields- Both around $22K
Also saw a 2015 TYM 45 Hp Cab shuttle shift with around 120 hrs for the same price- Not sure about shuttle for mowing fields
All thoughts are appreciated- thks TY

 

[RNeumann]

15xx is a Mitsubishi machine with a Mahindra engine. That model has been a good machine for most. The 25xx is a TYM machine. The TYM seems to have more issues.

Mahindra advertises the 15xx as the premium model in that hp range.

The mid mower will be an interesting one. It’s a bit more in the “finish” category. You will either love it or hate it. The 3 pt brush hog is the more common way to mow 15 acres. I guess I wouldn’t use the belly mower as the tie breaker between the two.

Lastly- check out the TYM forum here. From there decide for yourself with regards to TYM.

 

[GrumpyJoe]

I see more post on here talking about trouble they are having with the 2538. Hardly ever seen anyone complain about the 1533/1538. The 15 series is a really solid tractor. Love my 1533.

 

[Andy1969]

I have a 1538 Shuttle with just under 100 hrs on it. It has given me zero problems. I really have no complaints about it whatsoever. It’s done everything I’ve asked of it and all things work well and smoothly. Ask me again in 20 years and I’ll give you a long term review :laughing: but I do think that all of the Mitsubishi built tractors have a really good track record. Also I have no complaints about the Mahindra engine either. Very torquey. For the size and weight of the tractor I’m never looking for more power for pulling. It also handles my Woods Brush Bull 600 better than my old Ford 300 did from a weight standpoint. So my 2 cents.

 

[screamin400]

I am a landscaper that made a living with the 2538. I loved the tractor. 300 hours in the first year and not one single issue. I beat the snot out of it and it asked for more. I traded for a 2655 this spring. Love that one too

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I have 130 hours on my 2538. There were two issues that the dealer took care of: (1), it leaked hydraulic oil, turned out it was screwed up from the factory and (2), the gauges went cafluey. The dealer promptly fixed them and didn稚 charge me for pickup or drop off either time. You won稚 get that kind of service from John Deere...

 

[TractorNH]

1538 and 2538 are both very popular tractors. Not sure you can really go wrong with either one.