Before I find/buy a 1510d...

[Dobber30052]

First of all, thanks for all of the useful info from everyone here. After a bit of research, I think the model I would like to have is the 1510D. Here is my logic, please comment as appropriate.
I have about 5 acres, but would only cut about 2.5-3. Its pretty level, and only has a small strip that gets a little boggy at times. We (actually my wife - don't ask me how that happened, and no I won't trade her!) use a riding mower to cut now. We also have a 100x100 all purpose vegetable garden. I can also see where a loader might be useful, but probably not a huge determining factor.
I would also like to tote it to my hunting camp and create some food plots.
Thus, the likely implements to be immediately purchased would be a tiller and finish mower. (If I had done this a couple of months ago, a post hole digger would have been nice, but I already sunk about 50 4x4's and 100+ metal posts!) And again, perhaps a loader down the road.
Now, my logic: its seems that 4wd is a plus, although many say they get along just fine without, and I probably could too - no snow, not much bog etc, but still... And the "xx10" for the powershift - this seems to be a very desirable feature. So, my research tells me that a 1510D is the smallest (which based on my perceived needs is sufficient) with both 4wd & powershift. Comments on my thought process? Any other factors to consider?
Now, another "problem". There are not a lot of dealers around here that carry this machine, assuming that's what you guys tell me to get /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. At this point I believe it's worth it to travel a little or wait a while if needed to get the 1510d. Am I being too picky?

Thanks for all of your help!
Dob

 

[HILLBILLYMAN]

Dobber,

Another facet in my criteria when deciding on my 1610D was resale. If I decide I want a larger or different machine, the fwd, three cylinders, powershift and 20 hp engine (some say 22hp) will help in making the machine more attractive to potential buyers...especially the fwd. I think you are certainly on the right track with your choice.

HILLBILLYMAN

 

[pennwalk]

I have a 186D which is just about the same size as the 1510D. One thing that always surprises me is how hard it is to tell what size tractor I have. One time I look at it it looks like a big garden tractor and the next it looks like a small farm tractor. One thing for sure mine has done a ton of work, started every time and required no repairs (I'm knocking on my wooden head /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif).If you had a tiller,mower and a loader you would have a very useful combination. Also the 1510D is light enough and compact enough to be easily towed. As for 4WD it does make the tractor much easier to resell and never seems to go down in value. Sooner or later you will get a freak snow storm and if you get a rear blade you can be the envy of your neighborhood although I don't know if you will be able to go anywhere once you get your driveway clear as the state probably won't have the roads clear for a couple of days.

Chris

 

[pennwalk]

You might want to take a look at the new Kubota BX sub compact tractors. It would give you an idea of where the bar is. I'm not trying to put you off Yanmar but tractors have advanced some and if you take a look at some new ones you can decide if Yanmar will serve your needs. You can decide if you can do without the power steering, electronic ignition, global positioning system, the CD player, the cup holder./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif Hydrostatic transmission is pretty nice see what you think.

Chris

 

[Dobber30052]

Thanks Chris. Coming off of a 1945 Farmall "B" (with no after market hydraulics or 3pt) anything is an upgrade! I did not mention that price is a concern, although I assume it is for most everyone. I tried for about 5 mins to price a bx, but could not find any $, I assume it'll be a little less than twice as much as a 1510d. As for the: ps - can do w/o, electronic ignition (?), gps - handheld, cd player - walkman, cup holder - I mount my own - big enough to hold a koozie!
Dob

 

[normde2001]

You're right!!!...You do need a new(er) tractor.

 

[pennwalk]

Cool Farmall! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I like to visit the local Kubota dealer from time to time because he gets in a good selection of used implements. When I ask him how it's going he usually says "nothing but tire kickers". Is he talking about me??? /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I haven't had the stuff to ask for a test drive of the new BXs yet but everybody here says they are great. I just think is is a good idea to know what the choices are even if you can't afford them.

Chris

 

[JeffRey30747]

I have a 186D similar to the one that Chris has. It is basically the US model equivalent of the 1510D. If you are going to be mowing around areas wet enough to have standing water, you may need the 4WD as I have stuck mine while in 2WD in such a situation. Also, 4WD is necessary when I use my heavy duty 4ft box blade but I have no ballast in the tires only about 125LB hanging off the front. The powershift is handy if you normally change gears while mowing as you can shift without clutching and the PTO keeps right on going. You do lose a little of your power to the hydraulic clutches though and it may not hold itself on a steep hill using just the transmission like a gear tractor would. Personally, I wouldn't go smaller than the 1510 for the functions you mention but maybe even a little larger if you find a good deal and your budget would allow it.