New Quote asap

[Appygirl]

Hi there, I thought it right to post over here since I'm pretty close on purchasing an MF and want to double check the pricing with you all here.
Back in July this is what I was quoted for:
MF1540-18890
MF 1525 loader- 3700
load tires 250
back blade 6ft.-750
less a - 600 rebate
Hydro transmission = 22780

Now here it is already at the end of September. The dealer came out today for a demo with me and he brought an MF1533 I like tractor we moved a hugh round bale, got rid of a big ole stump, moved dirt and I tip the bucket up to drag out the dirt; so all in all it went pretty well and I was impressed with the how the tractor handle the big round bale, no wobbles there at all.
Now this tractor is 33 hp Power shuttle instead of the 40 hp hydro.
The new quote on this tractor is as follows
Mf1533-17000
MF1525 loader w/bucket and quick attach-4000
Mower 5ft, bush hog back blade and shearbolt protection-1360

Comes to 22360
Now the discounts
This dealer will comp the attachments of 1360
and there is a rebate of 600
leaving the total at 20400.

The only difference in the two tractors are obviously transmissions a little less horse power in the Mf 1533 and the difference in the pto's is small (5)

Do you think it better to get the quick attach in the rear even though it is equipped with telescope?
Need to know pretty quick what you guys think of this as I need to talk with hubby tonight and then the saleman tomorrow.

Truly appreciate any thoughts on this asap

 

[Z-Michigan]

I have no expertise on MF tractors, in part because there is no good MF dealer near me. As a result I can't really comment on how good the price is. Does it compare well to other prices you've seen? A little more hp up front is cheap compared to switching tractors later, although this may well be enough for you.

The onsite demo is a huge deal. If you were happy with it at your own place, that makes a huge vote of confidence for this setup.

I would not bother with a rear quick-attach setup. I have the telescoping draft links and after some practice I find them extremely easy to use. A quick hitch would still be slightly quicker, but it costs money, puts the implement farther behind, and can have its own issues in terms of fit.

Not sure the PTO hp rating on a 1533 but I would say you only need about 30 PTO hp to handle a 6' cutter. Might be worth considering. Although a 5' will be slightly more maneuverable in various areas. Ideally the cutter should be somewhat wider than your tractor, because that will make it much easier to mow along fencerows (like pasture edges). I would NOT get a shearbolt type protection - you will probably break shearbolts routinely if you do. A slip clutch is much less hassle and not a big cost increase. I would ask about getting an appropriate size cutter (whether that's 5' or 6') with a slip clutch instead.

 

[Appygirl]

I'm also wondering about the loader price; can it really increase that much in a few months?

Thanks

 

[sunnyside360]

I'm also wondering about the loader price; can it really increase that much in a few months?

Thanks

Quick Attach is usually a little more money. $300 more is about what I paid (different tractor). Also, many times you can get the dealer to "throw in" filling tires with fluid. Can't comment on the rest of the deal. Good luck.

 

[Bird]

I would NOT get a shearbolt type protection - you will probably break shearbolts routinely if you do. A slip clutch is much less hassle and not a big cost increase.

I think this depends on the property on which you intend to use a tractor. I did not have a slip clutch on any of my equipment and would not want one. The only time I saw any prices on them, they were $100 more than a shear bolt. And they require some maintenance and re-adjusting periodically; too much trouble to suit me. I never found anyone in my area whio had an implement with a slip clutch. I did know one guy who rented a little tractor with a tiller and promptly returned it because it wouldn't work. He was a real farmer with bigger tractors, but rented the little one to put in a garden, so he didn't know the reason it didn't work was the slip clutch was slipping too easily. Of course we had no rocks to contend with. And the only time I ever even sheared a shear bolt was once on the hay baler when the bale starter failed to fall back into place after I dumped a bail.

So . . ., there's certainly a place for slip clutches and they're undoubtedly worth the $100 difference for some properties, and not for others.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I know nothing of MF, but have to ask did you request a HST Tractor and "oops" the demo is a shuttle shift?

As it is October the dealer may be trying to unload to an unsuspecting soul. A few things sound fishy on the deal (FEL Being more expensive in just a few months).

Now you know something as lower rated as 30HP will do the work you need... For me I get easily suckered getting up on anyones tractor. It always feels cool and it can do so many things and you get all wrapped up in the excitement even though it is not all that you want it to be...

I guess I would be a bit wary about a dump going on. I am personally a fan of HST in a hobby farm environment. But to each his own...

Carl

 

[Double Orange]

Appygirl, 7 hp is a lot of difference. Hydro is a BIG plus...
1] End of the month
2] end of quarter
3] $$$ are in your pocket, not his.
I would deffinately being making a play for the MF 1540 Hydro. Considering 1+2+3= $22,000.

 

[the6shooter]

I have noticed that the 1533 and 1540 are the same tractor, only diff. is the turbo power.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Appygirl, get the 1540. Well worth the extra $$ for the 7hp and especially the turbo. Many of the 1533 owners here have said that the 1533 is a great tractor, but wish that they had gotten the 1540.

$300 for the QA is fair and the only way to go.

You have more torque with the 1540 and could most likely pull a 6' mower.

Maybe check out the 12 speed shuttle, much better than the 8 speed. The 12 speed doesn't require clutching to go from forward - reverse. Just move the shuttle shifter lever.

I do not have a Massey, yet, but have been looking for a 40hp tractor to help out on the property and I feel that the Massey 1540 would be the tractor that I would prefer, or maybe a Challenger 275. ( same tractor, but yellow) You won't go wrong with a Massey 1540.

Good luck

 

[Appygirl]

Thank you all very much!! Yes, I told him I about the 1540 and yes he brought the 1533. Hmmm. The 1533 has the Power shuttle of 12fx12r and I can shift from forward to reverse with out the clutch (nice). One other thing I forgot to mention is that it is also set up for a future snow blower which is a plus.
I'm doing my best to listen to reason, but it was pretty fun out there yesterday!

I think I will haggle more with him later today. I will say I was going for the hydro because it was more familiar to me and and the other transmissions were a bit scary(intimidating) not having used them. It was all about the stop and once I found that I was much more comfortable, still have more questions now that I've had some time.

I will ask for a 6ft mower instead of the 5ft.

I asked about the service too, as far as how much to transport the tractor to the shop, and the turn around time. He said the first year is free and there after $50. I asked about the turn around time; for example 50 hour service he said he could get it in the morning and I can have it back by early afternoon and they keep a stock of parts which I'm sure is the norm.
They also are mobile for on site repairs, again I think this is the norm.
The warranty is 3 years.

I need to write down more questions as I think of them for later today.

This sure is excitting and I'm trying to keep my wits about myself and needs.
I'm so close!!

Thanks again to all and I will probably be rereading your post for support!

See ya

 

[Appygirl]

Another thing, some of you may or may not know of my horse property.

10 acres, 3 of it wooded with an extra 7 acres of pasture ( nice neighbor I have)
Need to improve pastures, maintain and level out some areas from logging.
Pretty much level, sandy and rocks like to move up through, sometimes the size of a grapefruit or cantalope, but most the size of my fist or smaller
I also have alot of brush/limbs I want to clean up and have a stump that is partially turn over from a tree that went down last year that needs to be removed. I need to get the right chains for that job after digging around and cutting some roots first.
OH yes, the never ending manure removal, but hey that's my fertilizer too.

I know its not much acreage compared to some of you, but if you don't have a tractor its pretty big!!

 

[Z-Michigan]

On the mower, the slip clutch is, IMHO, extremely useful if you will be hitting rocks and tree limbs with the mower. Of course you ideally "should" clean all those rocks and branches out before mowing, but if the grass and weeds are high enough to need mowing you will probably have a strong incentive not to go through in detail. If the cutter would be used basically as a lawnmower for a well maintained field the shear bolt would be a lot less likely to get broken. Shear bolts are cheap but a hassle to keep replacing. In pure dollars a slip clutch would take a long time to pay for itself, and maybe never would, but in hassle factor I think they're good.

I didn't realize you asked him to bring out a 1540 and he brought a 1533. That sounds really suspicious. I would ask yourself how he has seemed in honesty and straightforwardness all around. If a dealer is shifty before a sale I wouldn't bet on good help post-sale.

I think either size tractor would probably work for what you're doing. Try to avoid going too big if you don't need. And I would be inclined to get HST if you don't have any serious ground-engaging work to do like plowing.

 

[DuaneW]

I'm going to play devils advocate here for the dealer because, well, just becasue. It is possible that he feels the 1533 with the gear transmission would be better suited to what she is going to be using it for, based on discussions they have had. If you look closly at the pricing she is getting more equipment for a smaller price. Was price a sticking point for you? It usually is for me... LOL. Not that you are wrong for wanting a certian thing, but maybe he believes he is looking out for your best intrest ( I hope for your sake ) and maybe he is looking out for his, hard to tell with out being there.

DuaneW.

 

[jacobweaver32]

What else are you planning to do with the tractor? Just mow & load? If that is the case how about the 1531? I don't know how the price compares to the 1533 because personally I wanted the size and weight for ground engagement. For your situation the 1531 would be smaller to fit in your barn and get the stalls cleared and it only comes in HST I think so you can forget about gears. However with the HST a loss of 1.5 PTO HP would put you in to a 5' brush hog. Honestly too... how often will you really be cutting the pastures... I dont have horses but guys around me do it like 2 or 3 times a year... and if that is the case just go with the 1531 and 5' er to save money, space and give yourself more seat time
Now if you plan on doing other things (not mentioned in your posts) I would still consider the additional weight of the 1533 and possibly the power of the 1540.

Just to give you some thoughts on the power (33hp & hst) I run a 7' rear finish mower off the back of mine and it does just fine. Sometimes when climbing a hill I'll have to slow down a bit to prevent bogging. But other then that I am good. And remember if you go 1531 the tractor is ~600lbs lighter which helps save power and fuel.

Hope this helps and good luck in your purchase you will love whatever you get as long as you can afford it!!!!And make sure you look after yourself ALL salesmen are shysters.....some just do it kindly.....

 

[Appygirl]

Hi folks,
Well, its here sitting pretty on my property . I did get the 1533 and got all my mowing done. Boy it was so nice! Now I'm waiting for the rain to clear out so I can get the paddocks clean up before winter hits. I put a picture of it over in (buying and pricing under Green Horn if you want to take a gander). Hubby is already adding to the list of things to do around here, which is great since he wasn't to keen on getting one. I finally let him on after I got a few hours in . Its hard to give up a new toy. I mean that lightly as I've been reading here about safety and the manual.
They only thing I struggled with a bit was attaching the bush hog to the pto. I thought it was about my strength, but talking with my neighbor he said they can be a pain, and the dealer showed me an easier way and all it good.
Just need to run up to TSC for a 6' blade. I want/need to get a better drag as well.
As far as storing attachements for winter, where do you keep yours for those who have snowy winter's?

c/ya

 

[Mike058]

Sounds like you did really well. After you've put 20-30 hours on it, let us know what you think about the shuttle shift. How easy it works for your situation and if you really wish you'd gotten the HST after all.

 

[scott_vt]

As far as storing attachements for winter, where do you keep yours for those who have snowy winter's?

c/ya

Evenin Appygirl,
Nice lookin tractor and very good choice ! On the implements I keep them at "Uncle Daves" barn of course ! But it would certainly be nice to have my own barn and not have to drive 3/4 mile up the road to change attachments ! Enjoy the new tractor !

 

[Appygirl]

Went up and got my back blade from TSC last week and worked on my paddock. All I can say is sweeet! I'm getting pretty darn good and was very please of what was complished in 45 minutes!!

In between the rain drops I'll get back out there soon and finish up, looks like tomorrow will be good!

I will admit I gave myself bruise on my knee by using a rubber mallet getting the bush hog off . Only happen once! Stubborn sucker that's for sure, but I got it!

I'm sad to report that there have been 2 deaths this month with tractors up my way. One farmer was working with a post hole digger, the other man had a tractor roll on top of himself. The report didn't go into details of how it all happen, but I think most of you can ponder of how.

Hope all is well with you. Stay safe!!