Ford FORD1520 4.40 star(s) (7)

Amazing Mini Farm Tractor. Not Amazing Hydrostatic Transmission
Model Year: 1996

The title basically says it all. I grew up with this tractor. My dad bought it new in 1996. To be fair, we did very much use this machine, and due to an odd circumstance our neighbor who was using the machine for a couple years did abuse it. The hydrostatic trans/pump is (as far as I can tell) totally fried. I think it isn't entirely a build quality issue but I am definitely not the only person who is having the same issue with their 1520, so it seems like the Achilles heel of this otherwise amazingly tough and usable machine. The 1520 is a little under-powered although again this is probably due to the hydrostat. Get a manual trans if you can. That said, the machine had enough power to do anything we needed which included a lot of dirt moving, brush hogging, tilling and heavy snow removal.

Pros: Heavy duty, compact, capable and easy to work on
Cons: Hydrostatic transmission is weaker than it should be and it could have a little more oomph

Great Basic 2WD Tractor
Model Year: 1989

I bought this tractor from new and it does everything ask of it. It is 2WD and has loader. Tractor is light and I have the tractor loaded with ballast to the max. Needs more iron for the horsepower it has. I am a very experienced operator and have never had an issue getting the tractor to do what I want even with 2WD and a loader. The tractor bushhogs, blades and digs post holes all the time. I've owned the tractor for 25 years with no major issues. Other than filters I have only replaced the key switch which fell apart from vibration. I am going to replace the front tires this spring as they are pretty worn out and weather checked. Nice tractor you won't go wrong with.

Pros: Very reliable, fuel efficient, easy starting all weather.
Cons: Light weight, needs wore weight for the horsepower it has.

A Tough Reliable Little Tractor
Model Year: 1992

This is a basic, non HST 4WD unit with turf tires, a Ford/New Holland FEL and just 23 hp. I have used it to clear dead falls, dig a septic bed, chip 5 acres worth of brush (6" PTO chipper), move field rocks/build rock walls, grade driveway and soil (5' box blade), move earth and gravel and clear snow (6' blower). I have added two hydraulic controls, one for rotating blower chute, the other for the right 3pt lift arm (arm replaced by cylinder)to allow attachment level adjustments. Also used to drive a log splitter. With regular maintenance of oils, fuel and oil filters, coolant, and electrical connections I have had zero problems in 13 years of use. In heavy snow, must use lowest of 9 reverse speeds (forward and reverse have 3 gears and 3 ranges).

Pros: Sturdy, reliable, maneuverable.
Cons: Underpowered for a 6' blower and 6" chipper. No cab for winter.

Ford 1520
Model Year: 1989

Paid $3,500 when it had about 600 hours. Came with a heavy duty box blade, 6' bush hog (too big), root rake, pulverizer. Great deal. Now using a 6' Bush Hog finish mower, 30" rear scoop, 5'rear scrape blade, boom pole. Installed largest front and rear tires I could, filled with water-antifreeze. The tractor is a bit small and under-powered for the attachments, but handles most of them well, just slower. Very maneuverable in the woods. I was looking for 30 HP or larger compact, and still would prefer more power. Overall, it does more than I expected for the size engine it has.

Pros: Excellent fuel economy. Very strong for a small tractor.
Cons: Not 4WD. Basic transmission. Stupid location of hydraulic filter in harms way.

Ford 1520
Model Year: 1989

Great little tractor for the $3500 price I paid. I knew I neded a larger compact, and still do, but this one has performed admirably within it's capabilities. I installed oversized front and rear tires filled with antifreeze, but tractor still loses traction when pulling heavy load.

Pros: Fuel economy is great.
Cons: Location of hydraulic oil filter is stupid. Can't use tractor for bush hogging or pushing over saplings.

Great Tractor
Model Year: 1989

I love our 1520 bought it used, use it for everything , super handy tractor I have a problem, transmission stopped working don't know what to do.

Pros: Very versatile and powerful for it's size.
Cons: Need help troubleshooting problems.

Awesome Machine.
Model Year: 1989

I'm a newbie to tractors. I wish I had done this when I was 20. It's like a Swiss Army Knife for grownups. I bought it at an auction, paid $3200 with 7120 loader. I wasn't sure about whether it was a basket case or not, but had been babied. I bought a basket case bush hog, though, and completely rebuilt that, box blade, etc. Have put 220 hours on it from June to August, working a bunch of messes around the prop, establishing roads, etc. I busted and re-welded the bucket, water pump replaced, blew out and stuck the universal on the pto and smashed the fuel pump. I'm pretty hard on equipment, obviously. But--she's really good-natured, 4wd, and just runs and runs.

Pros: Just enough power to keep me out of trouble.
Cons: I need more power to tear it up more.