1500 Series

[rvaitor]

I am interested in one of these. Looking at the 1533, 1540 or the 4 cylinder 1548/1552.

Would be interested in experiences with the 1400 series as well.

Primarily want to keep edges of fields clean, cleaning out an over grown orchard, moving junk and scrap, maintaining fence rows.

Want loader, box blade, medium duty bush hog(how much difference does medium duty make - noticed they usually have slip clutches), rear remotes(seems to be an expensive option - how important is this? Would love a cab but can't handle the expense -

Thanks in advance.

 

[GaryS]

I bought a 1428v last spring and have not had any troubles with it. I only have around 45 hours on the tractor so I'm not on it everyday. But it starts everytime, the FEL is strong, it runs a brush hog effortlessly, ... it just works for me.

 

[JerryG]

I have had a MF 1440 for about 1 1/2 years. No problems. Fine tractor. Remotes are good for a number of things such as top and tilt, angling rear blade, dumping a hydraulic dump trailer etc. If there is anything that you think that you might want them for in the future, get them when you get the tractor. A med duty BH will last longer if you are cutting anything that is very heavy.

 

[Glenn9643]

I've looked at a few of the 1500 models and noticed a few changes for the better, but haven't compared them in detail to the 1400 series.
Just looking at specs it seems that the 1552 is a bit lighter than the 1455.
I've had my share of problems with the 1455v but all were covered by the warranty and the dealership has been super. However good that is, I still had some down-time waiting on a new pressure plate that was an updated part in the system.
One thing I'm glad to see offered now is a cab option. I haven't seen one yet, and would like to look it over. While the cab might be a bother sometimes it would sure be nice during the summer heat clipping pasture.
When you are selecting your box blade look for a stoutly built one. These things are always in a bind and if not well built they'll come apart on you if you work them hard. You can sometimes find one used and save a few bucks but generally you get what you pay for.
Bush-hog? Mine is a BushHog 286 which is what they call a medium duty cutter. I've cut about whatever I've been able to push over and it's still going strong. Had it about five years. Look one over at your implement dealer and compare it to their "Squealer" or whatever lighter duty model is now. If all you need is something to clip pasture the light duty will probably work, but if you're going to get into rough cutting you'll want something heavier. Again, the price is higher and you might find something used.
I would get at least two rear remotes and top&tilt cylinders for the 3ph when buying the tractor. The remotes will cost you less now than later, and if you ever decide to get rid of the tractor they'll increase its marketability.
I think I read that skidsteer QT is available on the 1500 series loaders as well as the pin type quick attach. I have the pin type and it's easy enough to change implements and didn't cost much. Whichever route to take for me would depend on the cost involved if I were starting fresh. Whichever, I would have some sort of quick attach for the loader.
Another "little" thing that I like is a step on both sides of the operator platform. On some that's standard, and on some an option.
After determining the options you want, make a list to be sure you're comparing prices on everything from different dealers equally. While we all generally try to hold our cost down when making a purchase like this we need to also get what we need when we purchase. If you "nickle and dime" yourself too much you'll leave off things that you'll be looking for down the road. (referring to rear remotes here I guess)

While you're shopping and trying to determine what you want look at the major brands comparable models. Sit on them, and operate those that you're interested in as much as you can. Then try to choose one that you feel most comfortable operating.

 

[JerryG]

When I get time, I am going to a comparison between the 1400s and the 1500s. I looked at a cab model a couple of days ago. It looked great. Very well designed and super layout.

 

[rvaitor]

Thanks for all the experience and info. I have seen the cab too and it is VERY nice. Clean fairly large and very well laid out.

Not sure of the cost but am thinking $5K +-.

The rear remotes is something apparently not easily obtained by dealers right now. Plus about $1200?

 

[Glenn9643]

$5k is about what I would expect on the cab.
I don't understand why the rear remotes would be a problem to get unless something unique to the 1500 series that's not available... and I don't remember the exact price on the remotes. That was on the list when I told the salesman what I wanted, and after that we talked bottom line rather than detail what each item amounted to. I would suspect that's about right.
It always seemed to me that if I discussed prices on every little thing there always ended up with a higher price than if I made a detailed list of what I wanted and just got a bottom line price on that. I have had the feeling that working on the big picture they were more inclined to shave on the add-ons to make the sale, but if they worked at it piece-meal there was more "justification" for a higher price... Just my "take" on that; I may be as crazy as a goose hit with a wet cob!

 

[rvaitor]

I have a couple of question on your attachments. How's the tootbar work on this unit? Top-N-tilt - how does this work and what is the advantage? Dual remotes?

I do think the new loaders have quick attach.

Thanks again,

 

[Glenn9643]

Trying to dig without a toothbar you have a 6' wide cutting edge to force into the soil and it doesn't do very well. The "teeth" on the toothbar penetrate easier than the solid cutting edge. In addition to improving your ability to dig, the teeth are great for grubbing out roots and getting a bite underneath the rootball of small trees and popping them out. The toothbar wasn't an expensive item, and can be easily removed if you want, but mine stays on all the time. The only time I've found it to be a disadvantage is trying to backdrag and smooth an area out with the FEL bucket.
Top-N-Tilt refers to hydraulic cylinders on your 3pt hitch... "top" is a cylinder that replaces your top link and you can make adjustments on the fly with the cylinder instead of stopping and screwing the top link in our out. "Tilt" is a cylinder that replaces your tilt linkage adjustment, normally on the right side when looking at the tractor from the rear. This can also be adjusted on the fly instead of stopping, getting off the tractor, and making manual adjustment to level up or get the correct angle with your implement. These options get their most use probably from box blading, which requires changes to the adjustments periodically, but are handy in many situations. In addition to that, they make it mighty easy to hook up to attachments. I had my dual remotes set up with a joy-stick control mounted where the fender meets the fuel tank to the right behind the operators area, and I can reach it from the ground behind the tractor to make minor adjustments to help in attaching implements, etc.
Dual remotes... is two sets of remote hydraulic outlets. My primary use right now is one for the top link cylinder and one for the tilt cylinder. There are many attachments that can use the remotes... some disks require hydraulics to lower/raise the travel wheels; some box blades have hydraulic activated scarifiers, etc.
As far as the quick attach on the new loaders, I believe that skid steer type is available now, which hasn't been with the 1400 series. As I said previously, I'm using the pin type quick attach and it satisfies me. Another thing in its favor is the price. I don't believe quick attach is standard on the loaders, but it might be.

 

[DMF]

By all means get the rear remotes! If you check this forum you'll see a thread I started (rear hydraulics) because I'm in the process of adding them to my 1433V. It isn't cheap and it isn't easy!

I saw one of the cab models myself a month or so ago and fell in love with it. It has to be the best cab design I've ever seen. It's well laid out and there really wasn't any blind spots that I noticed.