1500, 2500,3500 series

[dickfoster]

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

So now we know.
I wonder why they didn't go with KMW for the hoe like the 1500's. It seems odd to split the loader and backhoe between different makes for the same machine.
The KMW hoe has a spin around seat how about the Bradco, is the seat fixed or does it have a single spin around seat too? Sometimes the spinner can be aggravating but I image it does helps to keep the overall length shorter which is good for maneuverability.

 

[duffer]

I too, was looking at the 1500 series. But the dealer told me I could get a 2538 HST for the same money due to factory incentives. That pushed me over the hump. Sure glad I got the 2538. My buddy has a 34 hp Kubota, and my bucket on the FEL is 30% larger than his, with double the lifting power. I believe the FEL is rated at 1600# on the 2538.

I'm building a new house on 10 acres, and I've only had my 2538 for about 4 months, and have put it to the test many times. Red clay, gravel, wet sand, bulldozing trees....No problems whatsoever. Got 100 hours on it already. Dealer put a riser on the seat frame for my long legs, and I had him install a hidden kill switch to make it tougher to steal.

If there is a big price difference on the 1500 vs 2500, then only you can decide. But even for 10% more $$, I'd take the 2538 any day. But I'm only 1 opinion.

good luck with your search.

 

[Neversosure]

Ok..... I went and did it...... I bought the 2538. Grapple, box blade, finish mower and rotary cutter.........

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions and ideas!

Now..... do I get them to load the rear tires with rim guard? Its my choice, no charge. When I test drove the 2538, I hit the dirt pile with the loader in 2wd and it spun a little bit. But when you put it in 4wd it went right into the pile. My max 24 does not have the tires loaded and it would spin but dig in (two totally different machines).

I do a lot of mowing and I am not sure if the loaded tires would hamper me with leaving ruts.

Throw some input my way please...... they are prepping the new tractor now.

pics soon too follow!


Matty

 

[tracydj]

My tires are not loaded on my 2538 and I have not had any issues digging hard soil and piles of dirt. However, when I dump the backhoe off the back a full bucket of dirt or rock is a little much for the machine. I would highly recommend building or buying a rear counterweight if to get maximum efficiency.

 

[Neversosure]

That backhoe was your counterweight, I am thinking I should get the rim guard, only because I don't want to be charlie browning around when using the loader..... even with a box scraper on the back I think I could use the added weight. Maybe just don't mow when the ground is soft, I have read on here that people do ok when the ground is dry.

 

[Neversosure]

I am getting ready to fly out of this office to get home!!! I am excited!!!!! New toy!!!!!!

 

[tracydj]

That backhoe was your counterweight, I am thinking I should get the rim guard, only because I don't want to be charlie browning around when using the loader..... even with a box scraper on the back I think I could use the added weight. Maybe just don't mow when the ground is soft, I have read on here that people do ok when the ground is dry.

The backhoe is a 1200 lb counterweight. I don't think a box scraper wouldn't be enough weight to maximize the loader. The machine does great on wet and muddy ground due to the tires being a little wider than a typical tractor its size.

 

[RNeumann]

You want the rim guard. With or without the backhoe you will appreciate the extra weight- especially since it's low to the ground.

 

[Sysop]

My tractor ended up over 6000lbs after filling the rear tires. I keep my tire pressures low so I have a nice big contact patch with the ground. I mow with it fine and doesn't leave noticeable tracks. If you inspect the paths, it does leave a little compaction at the lugs of the tread. But you have to get down on the ground and feel around under the grass to find it. Before it is ready to mow again, you cannot find the tracks from the previous mowing, especially if it has rained. Knowing I have a heavy beast, I also alternate my mowing patterns to help prevent any major sod damage.

 

[Neversosure]

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.

Awesome advice on the test drive/make believe, it helped make my decision. Thanks again!