My MF dealer has picked up Branson's line recently as well as McCormick. I've mentioned that I'm considering trading to a cab tractor and noticed the 6530 on the lot, as well as MF 1547/1552 models with cab.
The 6530 has some nice features that I didn't find on the MF models. One is the 3-speed PTO option that seems to me could save on fuel when doing relatively light pasture clipping, etc. and maybe in other applications.
I only noticed a few things that draw questions... apparently R4 tires aren't an option yet. The salesman indicated that he's working with Branson on trying to get R4's.
The loader frame just doesn't look beefy enough to me but maybe that's just because I'm used to seeing wider loader arms on the MF 1040.
Seems like the view is clearer from the cab of the MF, and the door entrances seem a little easier to get in and out, especially on the right from sitting in the seat.
There wasn't a removable screen over the radiator to help keep trash out on the 6530, and it looked to me like it would be tough to get in there to blow the radiator out from the back. Any of you guys had any problems with trash building up in the radiator when bushhogging, etc.?
If you are going to do any work use the R1s.
If you think the loader frame is weak at 1" thick braced steel, you haven't been shopping the competition.
Check the weight vs others.
The joystick is in the way on the right side. I have had mine for 9 years now and using the left door is all I have used and don't feel that I missed anything.
The cab doors have a brace bar that is very convenient for your right hand and a hand grip for the left hand. The step is positioned half way between the deck and the dirt....very easy to mount. The steering is tilt and height adjustable. Tilt it forward for entrance and exit. Adjust the height to suit you.
While you are at it check out the washers with the windshield wipers front and rear, outside mirrors besides rear view standard.
Combo PTO usage, Independent or Live where the PTO is interrupted by the clutch pedal depression.
And then there is the electric switch for position control. Up down at the flick of a switch. No change to the max lift-fall positioning. If you select the PTO interrupt button, any time you lift the 3 pt the PTO shuts off and re engages when you lower the implement, like when doing row crop work.
The rear 3 pt. with expanding lift arm tips, adjustable height control at the rear station, tube and sleve pin locked stabilizers for the arms.
The exhaust is off to the side of the cab, not right in front of you projecting through the hood.
Need any more reasons to like the 6530? There's more.
Oh it comes with a filter screen in front of the radiator.....the PO removed it. While you are at it there is a condenser coil for your AC and an oil cooler for the trans-hydrolic-hydrostatic fluid.
The tranny is 24......that's twenty four...... gears F AND R plus a shuttle shift that is as fast as you can move the lever and your foot, fully synchro on th shuttle.
I had the air suspension seat standard in mine.
And then there is the Cummins 3.3 NA 4 cylinder (not 3) direct charged (no turbo) Komatsu (Japanese heavy equipment company) licensed and built engine.
on and on. Course if yours is the 6530 and not the 6530c those parts mentioned herein won't apply.
