1529 for 12 acres?

[vtfx4]

I checked out the local dealer and have a good feeling about them. It was good to hear from another Vermonter with a good experience. They thought a 1529 with shuttle tranny would fit the bill nicely. They say 17,500 with loader, or about $240 a month. Ofcourse they also like the idea of the 1533, but that was a solid $100 a month more.

They also said they usually discourage home owners from buying a backhoe stating that I could rent a mini escavator for $300 a day. I relayed some of Richard's uses. They thought that I could probably get away with a hand shovel to bury fish and other small animals.

I was pretty set on getting a hydro transmission but they were pushing the shuttle. I have rented those in the past and couldn't get over how easy they are to use, especially with bucket work. I have used a standard gear drive a bunch and know I don't want that. How are these shuttle drives for bucket work, plowing and jobs there a fair amout of back and forth is involved?

 

[shutt40]

The syncro shuttle works great. You don't need to worry about coming to a complete stop, just clutch, shift and away you go. You get about the same speed in forward and reverse, a little slower in reverse. I do find that high range is a little fast, I normally only use the 4 low range gears. I guess if you were going a long distance over a smooth surface you would get more use out of the high range. Did you get to take one for a test drive when you were at the dealer?
Frank

 

[vtfx4]

I didn't test drive cause I had my two year old with me. They said I could drive it there or they would drop it off for a weekend demo. I assume they hope I would call and tell them not to pick it up, but it is great they do offer that.

I finally got approval from my wife too. I had my neighbor come by with his Deere 850 to tear up an old turn around, do some grading and spead soil we can plant grass. She was impressed with the work and agreed we have a huge amount of work to do on the yard. He has a backhoe, post hole digger, box grader and wood splitter I could use anytime so I won't need to buy many impliments. She will also be happy to save $100 a month on plowing in the winter too. Our deal is as follows:
1. I can never get a motorcyle. I guess she wants me alive.
2. We go on one big vacation a year with out me complaining about money.
3. She gets one small trip a year, with me or with her friends if I don't want to go.
4. I agree to finish the siding on the house before tearing up anything new with the tractor. She has heard that the rest of the house falls to crap when hubbies get a tractor.

I am looking to sign shortly before the 0 for 72 runs out. I think I may see what Kubota and Deere do for financing in May, but will likely stay red. I do worry a bit about ground clearence. It seems that the Kubota L2800 has about 4 inches more clearance and my woods are very rough.

 

[scott_vt]

I would think 1529 not big enough for 12 acers. Bigger, 1533 and up, more room for you and more power. The longer you have it the more you will do with it. It's easier to grow into a bigger tractor than wish you had one.

My vote is larger - 1533 or bigger.

I have 13+ acres with a long gravel driveway that I snow blow, grade, box blade etc. I also have moved tons of rocks, pulled small stumps, moved big stumps that were dug out by an excavator and allot of other landscape projects. My 1533 has been a very solid machine. I would not want a machine smaller in frame size or more importantly weight.

I purchased from the dealer you are going to see tomorrow and I've been pleased with their service . I had two warranty issues which they took care of promptly. Both times they picked up my machine and took care of the issues on time with no transportation charges. I didn't ask for, or expect free pickup service. They just did it.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide and post pics of whatever you decide to go with.

Good Mornin vtfx4,
Im in agreement with the guys above, I have an old MF 1040 FWD, 32hp and maintain 10 acres. 8 acres of open meadow and the rest woods, maybe a bit more than 8. If I had the money to upgrade my machine I would go with the MF 1540 JMHO. In my case I could upgrade to a 6 ft rotary along with a few other goodies.

Good luck in what ever you decide !

 

[HandyDanny]

I'm almost convinced to buy a 1529. Also looking at a Kubota L4400 - quite a bit more power. I'm afraid the 1529 will be at the end of its power with lifting a scoop of dirt, lifting 8' oak logs, and powering a 5' brush hog thru thick fescue. Have you had any problems or disappointments with getting a 1529?

 

[jgoehri1]

I also considered the L4400 and 1529. In the end, I bought the 1643. The thing is a beast. I think the 1529 will do what you've listed though and wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.