Comparison 1533 vs 1635

[kas2960]

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this forum and have been lurking reading all the excellent info about Massey tractors. I have around 50 acres of bush and pasture and have been fairly happy with my ATV for what I have been doing, but I have been thinking for a while that a tractor would be a welcome addition (bush hogging, making food plots and plowing long driveways). There is a dealer close to me and I am going in to see a 1533 and a 1635 series. Please correct me if I am wrong but I believe both are the same physical size? The 1635 and 1533 both have the same lift capacity. It would appear that the ergonomics of the platforms are fairly different. I am going to go a test both out but I was wondering about other folks opinion? Both are recently used and are in good condition. But it is only a test drive, which will highlight any glaring problems but usually you tend to overlook subtle issues. They usually appear with experience. That is why I'm posting here because many of you have the experience that I do not. Has there been anything that would have changed your mind and you wish you have bought a 1635 instead of the 1533 or other way around? Anything I should look at when I'm driving them? What have you folks found is the usual annual maintenance costs? Thanks.

 

[MAN IN BLACK]

I believe they're the same machine 1533 being an older version...I had a 1433 as my first trator, excellent compact machine.
The new 1700 serie is now out , the 1600 serie will probably be phased out.
My opinion.
BLACK.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The 1635 is the upgraded 1533. You will have better ergonomics on the 1635 as well as I believe the options were just a bit different. I would guess that as the 1500 series was-is faded out with the 1600 series, the 1500 series I'm guessing will be gone and the 1600 series will start the phase out with the introduction of the 1700 series. Nothing wrong with any of them, I would buy the one that you like the best. Are they HST or shuttle or power shuttle models? Be sure to double check the amount of gears if not HST. You could get an 8 speed or a 12 speed and it does make a difference.

Good luck

 

[kas2960]

Thanks. I am unsure of the type of transmission at this time. To be honest, it was something I wasn't to concerned with. I was unaware of the difference in gear range. I would guess that the 12 speed would be the better of the two? It does all boil down to getting my rear end into one and driving around. As well as the cost/comfort factor. There also is the warranty issue as well. New has coverage. Old does not.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Yes, 12 speeds would be better than 8. Take a really really good look at both of them. Operate both of them. Go over all the different options that you might have with both of them. Get all of this done to the best of your ability. After you have done all of this, then go and buy a 1736 or 1742 series and be happy the rest of your life. Nothing like a brand NEW TRACTOR. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[lobsterman1]

1635 also has better ground clearance

 

[kas2960]

Yes, 12 speeds would be better than 8. Take a really really good look at both of them. Operate both of them. Go over all the different options that you might have with both of them. Get all of this done to the best of your ability. After you have done all of this, then go and buy a 1736 or 1742 series and be happy the rest of your life. Nothing like a brand NEW TRACTOR. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

:laughing: Right on !

 

[kas2960]

1635 also has better ground clearance

Good point! that will definitely be something important as I plan to use it to haul wood out of the bush. Not that I will use it to go cross country as I have trails. But I want to improve the trails. Thanks.

 

[Mac2411]

Kas2960, either machine is a good one (I've at least sat in the operator's chair of both tractors you mention) but you should consider the better ergonomics and ground clearance of the 1600 and 1700 series tractors over the older 1500 series. Concerning transmissions, for ease of use you cannot go wrong with the hydrostatic transmission, but the 12X12 powershuttle is also a good transmission and pretty darn easy to use. Gear transmissions like the 12X12 also put slightly more power to the ground than a hydro in the same tractor model. The 8X8 Synchroshuttle is not as easy to use as either of those transmissions. It requires more usage of the clutch than the 12X12 powershuttle (there is no clutching at all required for the operator of a hydro equipped tractor) and offers fewer gear options which means fewer speed options. Just my two cents.

I'm in much the same boat as you are. I'm on the hunt for a tractor and the dealer I've chosen to work with is offering me pretty decent deals on both a 1532 he still has on the lot (brand new but as he admitted to me "no one wants" the 8X8 Synchroshuttle so it's been hard to sell). He has both hydrostatic and 12X12 Powershuttles in the 1736 on his lot and expects more 1700 series tractors in the near future. In my neck of the woods, new 1600 series tractors are for all intents and purposes gone from dealer lots. It says something that they still have some of the older 1500 series (most of the dealers in my area do) on the lot but no 1600 series. If any were readily available I'd buy a 1600 series tractor instead of the newer 1700 series because of the Iseki engines in the 1600s are more of known quantity-i.e., those engines are known to be good ones. The Mitsubishi enngines in the newer 1700 series are most likely going to be excellent engines as well (that company manufactures good engines for a lot of tractor manufacturers) but only time will tell for sure. I'm leaning toward a 1736 right now. Haven't 100% made up my mind on whether I want the Powershuttle or hydrostatic.

 

[Mike476]

Mac2411, If I were still looking for a tractor I would share your perspective. Luckily I found a new 1660 last Sept, if I hadn't I'd be looking at the new 1700 series as well.

My neighbour has a 1529 HST with loader. quite a nice tractor. I've used it to do some tilling. A powerful little tractor, no shortage of grunt and a nice balance of HP to weight. He recently purchased a set of Ag tires for it, now he has the R4s for summer use and Ags for winter snow removal, a totally different tractor. The ergonomics aren't quite as refined as the 1600 series but you still get a lot of tractor for the dollar.