MF 1540 questions

[jamath]

I'm just about to order a 1540 with the powershuttle transmission, fel w/ toothbar, bh w/ 12" bucket, block heater. I'm trading in 2 farm tractors and would like any feedback on this tractor or other options to consider when ordering. I will not be ordering until next Monday so I have some time to mull over my selections. Thank in advance.

 

[ratter]

Have you driven it yet? I've also been looking at a 1540 w/ power shuttle, and today got the chance to drive a 1533 with that transmission and really, really liked it. HST isn't in my budget, but this seems like a real nice step up over a regular gear drive without a huge price increase. I'm very close to pulling the trigger.

 

[jamath]

Have you driven it yet? I've also been looking at a 1540 w/ power shuttle, and today got the chance to drive a 1533 with that transmission and really, really liked it. HST isn't in my budget, but this seems like a real nice step up over a regular gear drive without a huge price increase. I'm very close to pulling the trigger.

I have driven the 1533 but on that size tractor I thought the Hydro transmission might get too hot if I did any extended field chores like bush hogging for a day. I asked the dealer about the Hydro because I have it on a lawn tractor and love it but he convinced me it could overheat with mis-use (watch me work).

 

[ratter]

I have driven the 1533 but on that size tractor I thought the Hydro transmission might get too hot if I did any extended field chores like bush hogging for a day. I asked the dealer about the Hydro because I have it on a lawn tractor and love it but he convinced me it could overheat with mis-use (watch me work).

That would be a downer for sure. I've got many full days of bush-hogging ahead of me.

Where are you located and what kind of prices are you seeing? I've been quoted $20,100 for the 1540 Power Shuttle 4WD with the 1525 loader and filled ag tires (no backhoe). I like the tractor a lot but I'm not sure how good a price that is.

 

[JerryG]

I'm just about to order a 1540 with the powershuttle transmission, fel w/ toothbar, bh w/ 12" bucket, block heater. I'm trading in 2 farm tractors and would like any feedback on this tractor or other options to consider when ordering. I will not be ordering until next Monday so I have some time to mull over my selections. Thank in advance.

I have a PowerShuttle. It is a very good transmission. Get a loader bucket quick attach. There are two types available. One is the pin type and the other is a Bobcat type. Also get two remotes. They will be much more expensive if added later.

 

[jamath]

I live in eastern OH and was quoted 20,650 for the 1540 w/ R4 tires and 1525 loader w/ toothbar and a Powershuttle transmission. The 1575 backhoe with frame mount adds another 6300. I was offered 18K for a 1989 MF 240 and a 1979 (or thereabout) International 684 w/ 2250 loader. I told myself if I could the tractor for less than 10k after trade I would pull the trigger so I'm going to make the deal on my next day off.
Thanks for the info on the quick attach and hyd remotes. The brochures are less than full explanatory and the guy I have talked to answers the questions but doesn't offer alot of additional information. I also thought the telescoping 3 pt arms would be useful???

 

[JerryG]

I also thought the telescoping 3 pt arms would be useful???

They are a lot of help. Not as good as a "A" frame type quick attach, but a lot better than the standard links.

 

[jamath]

Thanks for the feedback, the telescoping link arms are standard with the powershuttle, aren't they?

I hope this question should be in the same thread. The dealer says he can fill rear tires with either methanol or calcium chloride. I am somewhat familar with the calcium chloride and it's corrosive effect on metals but I don't have any experience or knowledge of the methanol mixture. Any insights or personal experiences with the methanol ballast would be most appreciated.

and......anyone who has seen the difference between the heavy duty bucket and the normal bucket please tell me if is worth investigating.
Thanks again.

 

[jamath]

I have a PowerShuttle. It is a very good transmission. Get a loader bucket quick attach. There are two types available. One is the pin type and the other is a Bobcat type. Also get two remotes. They will be much more expensive if added later.

I asked about the additional remotes today and was told with the FEL the only way hydraulics are available is with the loader mounting.

 

[JerryG]

The available hydraulics were changed with the 1500 series. Your dealer doesn't know what is going on or I am reading what is being said wrong. I don't think that I have your post wrong. You can get remotes and the loader mount.