Just a little confused at this point:
1. I understood the 1500 series was not tier 4. My understanding that PRIOR produced product can still be sold . . But the "born-on dating" would require anything produced after 2013/2014 to accept tier 4 standards unless 25hp or less . . correct ???
2. It would seem there is significant overlap between the 1500 series and 1700 series. How could the 2 series both survive?
3. Warranties are different.
4. When the GC2300/2400/2600s moved to become the GC1700s there was compatibility of implements and components. It doesn't seem the 1500 and 1700 would have that.
1. True. Technically there are emission requirements for engines under 25hp, they are just a little easier to meet, so you won't see DPFs or other fancy emission contraptions.
2. Yes, and there was significant overlap between the 1500 and 1600 series. There is less, but some, overlap between the 1700e and 1700 series. If they are reviving the 1526, it doesn't mean they are reviving the entire line. I believe the 1523 and 1526 were on the smallest frame, it increased for the 1529, and again at some higher horse power. Thats also why a single brand may have two tractors with the same horsepower, think Kubota
B2601 and
B2650, same rated horse power, but different engines, different frames, and different capacities.
3. Perhaps, but I have no idea.
4. Agree, probably no compatibility, you need a different model loader for each frame size anyway, so perhaps they will only revive the smallest frame size from the 1500 series. Though even within a frame size, I suppose there could be premium and economy models, think curved boom vs straight, bucket leveling, anti-spill, etc.
Over all, there is a gap in the Massey in between the GC1700 series and smallest from the 1700e line. Kubota has the B series (
B2301/2601/2650/3350) and JD has the 2 family (2025 and 2032). Revamping/reviving the small 1500 series might make sense to compete with those.