Buying Advice 1526 vs max 26xl

Adrianfire509 · Mar 22, 2017

Hello All
I know this has been talked about in other places but I currently have the Max 26 and would like to bump up a little in size. My budget will only allow me to go up about $50 more a month in payment and the only unit that comes close to that is the 1526. My question is do you all think it's worth the extra $50 a month to trade? I would not gain any HP but I would gain weight and also my max is shuttle shift and the 1526 is HST.
Thanks
RD

Neversosure · Mar 22, 2017

Get the specifications on both machines and compare them to see what your gaining. Also go TEST DRIVE THE 1526 to see if it is what you want and like. Did I mention...... TEST DRIVE THE 1526? LOL!

I just got the 2538, I test drove just about every darn tractor on the lot (emax all the way to the Mpower). To see what I wanted, I had a Max 24 and needed a bigger tractor, I got the TEST DRIVE idea from a member who posted on my thread, He was 100% right!

Good luck with your decision

Matty

Adrianfire509 · Mar 22, 2017

I actually did test drive the 1526 today. I did like the way it felt and handled a lot better then my max. The specs are not a lot different. It's the same exact motor as my max, but has a little bit more lift capacity. The physical size is bigger on the 1526 and it weights about 700lbs more then my max. I really do like the 1526 but just wanted some opinions from others.

Neversosure · Mar 22, 2017

You sit a lot higher in the 1526 don't ya? lol I was amazed how high up you sit in the 1500 series.

Adrianfire509 · Mar 22, 2017

Yeah it was a big difference in height but I'm a big guy and I always feel like a giant on the max. Lol

mike69440 · Mar 22, 2017

Adrianfire509 said:
I actually did test drive the 1526 today. I did like the way it felt and handled a lot better then my max. The specs are not a lot different. It's the same exact motor as my max, but has a little bit more lift capacity. The physical size is bigger on the 1526 and it weights about 700lbs more then my max. I really do like the 1526 but just wanted some opinions from others.

Bigger is better sometimes, sometimes not. If you want a bigger tractor, then the 1526 is the next size up in the line. I believed there is a more of a jump form the Max26 to the 1526 than from the Max22/25 to the Max26.

oldpilgrim · Mar 22, 2017

3 speed vs 2 speed.
Wider stance.
Longer.
Heavier.
Bigger tires.
More traction.
Lots more lift.

The HP is the same but the gearing and the weight make it seem like you have much more power.

The 1526 is a real tractor where the max is made for those that have a big box store garden machine but don't have need of a real tractor.

They are different tractors, and well worth the little more cost.

mike69440 · Mar 22, 2017

oldpilgrim said:
3 speed vs 2 speed. (That's a biggie)
Wider stance.
Longer.
Heavier.
Bigger tires.
More traction.
Lots more lift. (Safely, but by specs, not so Much)

The HP is the same but the gearing and the weight make it seem like you have much more power.

The 1526 is a real tractor where the max is made for those that have a big box store garden machine but don't have need of a real tractor.

They are different tractors, and well worth the little more cost.

"The 1526 is a real tractor where the max is made for those that have a big box store garden machine but don't have need of a real tractor."

Pilgrim,
You would make a lot of friends with the people who love their little Kubota BX, Massey GS, JD Series1 whatevers, etc. Bottom line, always get the tool that suits your needs. Someone with an acre or two of yard can do all they need to do with one of these "garden tractors".

oldpilgrim · Mar 22, 2017

I didn't say they were garden tractors, I said the max is for those with garden tractors that don't need a 'real' tractor. The max series is a mix of garden tractor and 'real' tractor but not really either. It's sort of a hybrid.

It definitely has it's place for many many people.

I'm not knocking it at all. I nearly bought a max28, but then I saw the 3016/1526.

Adrianfire509 · Mar 23, 2017

Thanks for all the good info everyone, I greatly appreciate it! There's a good chance I will go ahead and upgrade!

mike69440 · Mar 23, 2017

Adrianfire509 said:
Thanks for all the good info everyone, I greatly appreciate it! There's a good chance I will go ahead and upgrade!

If you are doing ground engagement, 3pt work, etc. and traveling over rough steep ground, you will like a larger tractor for sure. If you are just occasionally needing a real strong loader, this is a cheap fix.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...loader-curl-possible-solution.html?highlight=
When I bought my Max28 there sat a 3016 right next to it. It was really tough not to get the 3016 for the price difference, but I wanted the small size. The 3016 is 90% the size of my L39, so I would have been essentially duplicating tools instead of replacing/upgrading my B7200D.

Adrianfire509 · Mar 23, 2017

mike69440 said:
If you are doing ground engagement, 3pt work, etc. and traveling over rough steep ground, you will like a larger tractor for sure. If you are just occasionally needing a real strong loader, this is a cheap fix.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...loader-curl-possible-solution.html?highlight=
When I bought my Max28 there sat a 3016 right next to it. It was really tough not to get the 3016 for the price difference, but I wanted the small size. The 3016 is 90% the size of my L39, so I would have been essentially duplicating tools instead of replacing/upgrading my B7200D.

Well probably 95% of what I use it for is dirt work (loader and box blade) and the other 5% is occasional brush hogging.

Adrianfire509 · Mar 24, 2017

Well signed papers on the 1526 today. Hope to get it picked up tomorrow!

mike69440 · Mar 24, 2017

Adrianfire509 said:
Well signed papers on the 1526 today. Hope to get it picked up tomorrow!

If' that's your only tractor, it will be probably be a better fit. 3 Speed hydro is the way to go (Over the 2 Speed HST on the Max) and as big a tire as you can get is way to go in the woods and fields. Speaking of fit, don't wedge it between two trees, just because the Max fit fine!

I wish they would fit 8.50-25-14's in the Max in the front. instead of 8.5-23-12's

oldpilgrim · Mar 24, 2017

Adrianfire509 said:
Well signed papers on the 1526 today. Hope to get it picked up tomorrow!

You will be very happy with it. Congratulations.

BrokeFarmerJohn · Mar 25, 2017

Just curious what's the price diff between the 1526 HST and the 1533 shuttle?

Adrianfire509 · Mar 25, 2017

BrokeFarmerJohn said:
Just curious what's the price diff between the 1526 HST and the 1533 shuttle?

The 1526 HST was $17,900. The 1533 shuttle was like $22,000.

mike69440 · Mar 25, 2017

Adrianfire509 said:
The 1526 HST was $17,900. The 1533 shuttle was like $22,000.

Wow!
I would have thought it to be a near wash, in which cas I'd gone with the extra power and shuttle, but $4K for a few HP?

Adrianfire509 · Mar 25, 2017

mike69440 said:
Wow!
I would have thought it to be a near wash, in which cas I'd gone with the extra power and shuttle, but $4K for a few HP?

Well that was my thought process as well because that's kind of what my original game plan was until I got the pricing and realized how far off they were. The 1533 is a little bit larger frame it also has the four-cylinder engine in it so there are some substantial differences.

BrokeFarmerJohn · Mar 25, 2017

Adrianfire509 said:
Well that was my thought process as well because that's kind of what my original game plan was until I got the pricing and realized how far off they were. The 1533 is a little bit larger frame it also has the four-cylinder engine in it so there are some substantial differences.

Honestly either way you would be good, the larger tractor and the more HP would come in handy but 26hp and under is exempt from tier 4 emissions crap, Mahindra doesn't use DPF filters like the other guys but it's safer to avoid that stuff all together whenever possible.

I would say that decision would be a wash lol, just based on your needs. That being said the 1500 frame from the max frame is the biggest jump here.

If I remember correctly the 1533 has a tad bigger tires, it's a tad wider and longer and also lifts a few more hundred pounds? I guess only real difference is you could run 1.5ft more bush hog lol.