Thoughts on 1523

[ltstafford]

I am new to the board but I have been reading for several months. I am interested in a MF 1523 hydro with 60" MMM. I would also be doing some rough cutting with a rotary cutter but would eventually like to re-landscape that area and finish cut my entire property. I have 4.5 total acres that is essentially flat with only a house a few trees. I currently finish cut about 2 acres and rough cut the rest. I don't have a need for a FEL or BH. I would probably use a tiller, boxscrape, and a seeder/spreader in the future for my landscape work. What are your thoughts and opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

[CDsdad]

Welcome to TBN.

With the size of your property, the 1523 would seem to be a pretty good choice.

One thing I'd consider is what size implements you want to use.

The pto hp and lift capacity will limit you to 4' implements as far as your box blade and bushhog most probably, though a light duty 5' bushhog would probably work if your mowing isn't too thick. And if you eventually finish cut everything, rough cutting may be a one time deal.

I'm not familiar enough with tillers to know what size the 1523 would handle, but it probably won't be very large. I'd see if my existing implements would work with the 1523, if you have any. I'd also check the implements I wanted to buy to make sure the 1523 is enough tractor to operate them. There's nothing wrong with a smaller implement, it just takes more time. Personally I enjoy the work.

The upside is for landscaqping and working in your yard, the 1523 has a 900 lb lighter footprint than a 1528, which is the next size up.

 

[the6shooter]

The 1523 is a fine tractor, but a little under powered for 4.5 ac. you would be hard pressed, when it comes to re-doing your property. you would be limited to, 48" inplements given brush and finish mowing with an overlap on mowing to would be in all reality only mowing 36 to 40 inches, or leaving rooster tails
all over the place and tracing back over your place just to knock them down..
It's up to you which to purchase. I have the 1528 and love the thing, but even I wish I had bigger sometimes. besides once you have it, you will find more things to do with it, than you think.
Best of luck
david

 

[jimg]

I used to own a TC24 which is comparable to the 1523. I think its a pretty good size (and efficient) for what youre doing. I found my tractor to be very capable and ran mowers larger than 4' w/o any problems. I had/used a 60" finish mower, 56" snow blower, 56" tiller and 50"BB. At no time did my tractor struggle. I suspect I could have run a bigger finish mower still w/o problem. In fact I mowed a small paddock (about 1/2acre) of waste high grass w/ it and was surprised I could go as fast as safe on that ground.

Im not sure how sold you are on the MMM but Id would reconsider. The reason I say this is b/c I would find it annoying to remove it to till etc. It seems MMM can be fiddly to remove/replace. There will be some operations where itll be in the way. I found mounting/removing a 3pt implement far easier. Just something to think about...

 

[DuaneW]

I have a 1428, use it to mow the yard, move stoves around, and just used the front loader to dig holes to plant 7' tall trees in. The mower I use is a 60" RFM, bought a used one with side discharge. Would suggest that you try one, not hard at all to mow with. If I was buying new here are some things it WOULD HAVE, Rear discharge, deep deck, and the curved rear deck, this would really help the tracking of the mower when turning out. I would not buy a MMM unless it was a REALLLLLLY REALLLLLLLLY good deal. Also, if you can swing it, you will find uses for a FEL, especially if you have one. Easier to buy now than later and you wont be sorry.

DuaneW.

Edit: fixed some spelling maybe not all of it though.

 

[1523playtoy]

I have had a 1523 for two years now. I take care of 3ac and 300' of a gravel drive. I have the FEL and 60" MMM. Before I purchased the 1523 I had a 1715 Ford with a 72" three point finish mower and FEL. I found that it was to large of a tractor for general mowing and the rear mount mower took up extra room in the shed and was not very handy around the yard. When I went looking to replace the 1715 the GC2300 was my first choice but didn't want to go to small on the Three point or FEL capacity and a 1528 was about the same size as the 1715.

I have been very happy with the 1523. I have used a 72" box scraper (used with the 1715) but if I was to buy one for use it would be a 50". I took three of the ripper teath out of the box and mounted them on a tool bar about 16" apart and use it to tear up the garden (100'X40') in the fall. I can pull 10" deep with little problem. The MMM is very easy to remove takes about 5 min to remove and about the same to install. The hardest thing is hooking up the PTO shaft. If I want to use the Loader and 3 point at the same time on small jobs I just pin the MMM up.

 

[73jeep]

I have a 1523(gear) and love it. It has NO struggles with 60" Woods rear finishing mower even in thick grass. Also have a 49" Tiller that works well with the 1523. Just today I used it to dig 6 vinyl fence-post holes with my PHD & 12" auger bit.