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.

 

[JerryG]

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.

Most dealers in my area have used methanol for about 30 years. I haven't seen any wheels with problems caused from methanol.

 

[jamath]

Thanks for the info, I'll ask again today about the remotes. I want to get the tractor set up from the factory the way I want it instead of putting add-on at a later date that will end up being more costly.
I'va already sold my haymaking equipment but I need to the tractor to be ready for any eventualities.
I think I'll call another MF dealer and ask the same question.

 

[jamath]

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.

I did check again today and was told the auxilary remotes could not be "factory" installed. The dealer said they have added a valve spool kit and hose for a rear aux hyd. remote for that tractor but it wasn't pretty. The more I look at the info. on the 1500 series tractors the more I think it's not trying to sell itself as a do everything small farm tractor, it's as advertised a versatile compact tractor with power. I still like and if I need hyd. I can always use the loader hyd. connections.

I really appreciate the feedback I've gotten on the questions posed and the ability to learn from the collective experiences of the posters

 

[ratter]

I did check again today and was told the auxilary remotes could not be "factory" installed. The dealer said they have added a valve spool kit and hose for a rear aux hyd. remote for that tractor but it wasn't pretty. The more I look at the info. on the 1500 series tractors the more I think it's not trying to sell itself as a do everything small farm tractor, it's as advertised a versatile compact tractor with power. I still like and if I need hyd. I can always use the loader hyd. connections.

I really appreciate the feedback I've gotten on the questions posed and the ability to learn from the collective experiences of the posters

I'll try to remember to ask my dealer about remotes the next time I see him. It doesn't sound right that it would be so much trouble. I could've sworn that there was a smaller non-Massey Agco machine on my dealer's lot (like roughly 1528 size) that had 2 or more rear remotes already installed, and it looked pretty to me! Seems odd that that situation wouldn't be at least the same or better on the larger 1540.

 

[Nasty135]

Jamath, Methanol is plain old windsheild washer fluid, that is what my dealer loads his tires with these days... Say are you getting your quotes from ALL-Power ??

When I was visiting OHIO I stopped by there and they gave me some pretty good quotes on Masseys , I actually took their quotes to get my dealer close enough to not make a trip across the mountains pulling the trailer (thank God)

Good Luck on your decision!!

 

[jamath]

I received my quotes from Baker and Sons Equipment in Lewisburg.
After posting the question on TBN, I called and the dealer said it was basically windshield washing fluid and water in a 1 to 3 ratio.
I'm ready to make the buy on Monday and "think" I have decided on the following: 1) 1540 with 1525 loader and the 66" bucket and a toothbar, 2)Powershuttle transmission 3) ag tires (rears filled) , 4) 1575 bh with 12" bucket, 5) block heater, 6) 72" box blade.
I thought the HD FEL bucket would end up reducing the amouth of weight I could handle with the loader so I am "choosing" the normal bucket.
I am also thinking the 12" bucket for the backhoe would be the best general size for most jobs.
I gave some thought to the skid steer quick attach but am now thinking the amount of attachments I might ever use with the tractor is really limited, so I'm leaning toward the pin quick attach.

 

[JerryG]

I am also thinking the 12" bucket for the backhoe would be the best general size for most jobs.
I gave some thought to the skid steer quick attach but am now thinking the amount of attachments I might ever use with the tractor is really limited, so I'm leaning toward the pin quick attach.

If you are digging footings the 12" bucket will be all right. If you mainly going to just be doing general digging, I would suggest a 16". It is a lot easier to work in a 16" ditch than it is a 12", plus you will be moving more material when working other jobs.
If you don't plan on renting Bobcat attachments, you will be just fine with the pin quick attach. I have one and like it.

 

[jamath]

If you are digging footings the 12" bucket will be all right. If you mainly going to just be doing general digging, I would suggest a 16". It is a lot easier to work in a 16" ditch than it is a 12", plus you will be moving more material when working other jobs.
If you don't plan on renting Bobcat attachments, you will be just fine with the pin quick attach. I have one and like it.

My wife and I have been discussing the 12" bucket and she said she thought it seemed small so the 16" bucket is starting to gain momentum.
I think I came across photo's you had posted with square tube welded to the top of your bucket. Is that to put some type of receiver in with clevis hooks?

 

[JerryG]

My wife and I have been discussing the 12" bucket and she said she thought it seemed small so the 16" bucket is starting to gain momentum.
I think I came across photo's you had posted with square tube welded to the top of your bucket. Is that to put some type of receiver in with clevis hooks?

I have a 10" bucket that I had to buy for 2172' of footers. If it hadn't been for that job, I would have only had a 16" bucket.
I have two receivers on the top of my bucket. All I have to put in them right now are hooks. I plan to someday build a spill plate to go into them. http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/64/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

 

[jamath]

Huge thank you to Jerry G for his help in getting the correct info and part numbers for the rear auxilary hydraulic remotes for the tractor. Enclosed is a quote from Stephen Barcuch,

"Your dealer can order you a 1540 with the factory joystick, which will operate your loader and then add kit # 72530322M for the rear remotes. This will give you dual remotes out the back (total of 4 outlets) and the control levers will mount in the two slots to the right of the operator just behind the 3-point lift controls."
"Stephen Barcuch
General Marketing Manager
Massey Ferguson Compacts, Commercial Equipment & Implements "
My dealer said they would install the kit for $1100.