Max26 vs Max28

linuxman51 · Jun 5, 2015

Am I correct in "assuming" the 26 is essentially just the 28 with a different hp rating (different rpm)? The numbers all seem to match up otherwise.

Any significant differences in the backhoe vs the 63A on the 'early' 28s?

I get to replace my 28, and it seems like another used 28 is going to be about the same as a new 26, so (f me, right?). Is there something else I should consider in the same price range and performance? I'm not sure I can do what I want/need to do with a 3016 or 3616 (price becomes an issue too... I imagine a 3616 with a loader and a hoe is going to be quite a bit more than a 26hst) in terms of where I can go, the difference in width might be juuust enough. The weight with my trailer and current tow vehicle is also probably over the top (1800ish vs 2500ish, then + accessories)

linuxman51 · Jun 5, 2015

apparently the 3616 has been superceeded (maybe) by the 1533, appears to be even heavier, so that's probably a no-go anyway.

oldpilgrim · Jun 5, 2015

I looked at the 15 series today. It seems to be quite a bit larger than the 16 series it replaces. That's too bad as the 16 series was positioned well as a next step up from the max series. There is a big difference between the max and the 15.

drajj5 · Jun 5, 2015

I know you have worked your max 28 and have found how versatile it is, size is right for toting it with a car trailer from place to place. I like the idea of loading it up and knowing that at most I am dragging the equivalent of a f150 behind my truck.

I do wish that my tractor (same one as you used to own) was 50hp and weighed 8000lbs, but then it certainly would not be so easily to transport. Guess you must pick that happy medium that you are comfortable with. I factored this among many other things before purchase. You have experienced the tractor first hand and must choose weather or not to go with that max 26 or go with a much larger tire/bigger unit..... For me it is a tough call and I would struggle with the decision as well. I would have to summarize the differences/cost/weight on paper to see if it would warrant a step-up in size. Good luck with choosing yet again- the right tractor for you! I don't envy you, as the decision was hard when I was stuck making the same choices you are contemplating.

linuxman51 · Jun 9, 2015

I think the answer is once again, where can I effectively get it in and out of, and the utility of a bigger tractor rapidly decreases when you can't get to where the work is. Not really looking forward to this one as much as I looked forward to the first one

arrow · Jun 10, 2015

oldpilgrim said:
I looked at the 15 series today. It seems to be quite a bit larger than the 16 series it replaces. That's too bad as the 16 series was positioned well as a next step up from the max series. There is a big difference between the max and the 15.

By just looking at pictures, I would not have guessed this 1533 was a larger tractor. I figured it had to weigh more with the 4 cyl engine but the design "style" of the tractor looks like it's cut from the same cloth as the Max series. I have to say I am not a fan in the least of this new "low profile" look they put to this tractor. I much prefer a tractor that gives me a feeling of sitting "in" it as opposed to being "perched" on top of.

My 3016 best last a long time as I would never buy this new tractor to replace it just for the looks of it.

oldpilgrim · Jun 10, 2015

I didn't actually check the spec sheet or measure it, but it certainly appeared to be larger. It didn't have the ML115 loader on it...there was another number. I'd assume that if it was the same size, the same loader would be used, but you know what assume means.

My 3016 best last a long time as I would never buy this new tractor to replace it just for the looks of it.

The 'look' didn't seem bad to me. I just don't want to buy a Tier 4 final. I like my 3016 just fine in about every way. Being months short of 70 yo, I don't want to buy another.

linuxman51 · Jun 11, 2015

well I wasn't really planning on replacing my max28 tlb either but events beyond my control and what not. What are the tier iv changes to the max26 (if anyone knows)?

drajj5 · Jun 12, 2015

I don't think that the max 26 has any significant changes due to emissions. I could be wrong but the Hp rating may have squeaked it by without the extra "stuff" they put on them now... They seem to have added some extra features though - and I want them!