1500, 2500,3500 series

[Neversosure]

I am looking for a bigger tractor, I have a Max 24 and I finish mow, bush hog, clear mild lots, load my F350 dump. I am looking for more PTO HP and FEL lifting capacity. I went looking at the local dealer and got to see the 1500, 2500 and 3500 series tractors.

The 1500 series are nice I like the 1538 HST out of the bunch. The 2500 series are nice too... I test drove the 2538 HST and it is bigger then the 1500 series. I also seen the 2540 shuttle (which I really like the spec's (FEL capacity). I went back after hours to see the 2540 I looked at it and sat on it, but I have not test driven it yet. I am very familiar with the HST from my MAX 24. The Max 26 we have has the shuttle shift, its ok... but I am no fan of the shuttle on the Max 26, its uncomfortable to me when I operate it. But the 2540 shuttle shifter was located closer to the steering wheel on the 2540 which I liked, I will have to test drive it and see how I feel about it.

The 3540 power shuttle has a great rebate deal right now, but I feel it may be too much tractor for me. It has great FEL capabilities and plenty of HP to boot! My dealer has one at his other dealership, I have not seen it as of yet. I looked at the specs of it and it is a heavier, wider, longer tractor then the rest of bunch I was looking at.

My buddy has an older John Deere 4500, I compared the 3540 to the JD4500. I took a tape measure to the JD4500 and it is close in size to the 3540. I can live with that but not any bigger.

I just started out looking for a tractor w/fel to load my F350 dump better!

Now I am down to 1538, 2538, 2540 , 3540. I need a grapple w/WR long kit, 6' bush hog, 6' finishing mower.

After a week of back and forth to the dealer lot and hours of web searching and reading all the great information here on the site I am still no closer to what I want.

 

[tracydj]

I didn't research the 3500 series when I purchased my 2538. I felt like the 1500 series seat was quite a bit higher than the 2500 series which made it feel less stable on inclines. I have only found a couple of huge stumps that my 2538 had some issues with handling. I would go HST, the power shuttles get the job done but the HST can be feathered so much easier. I am quite happy with my 2538. Plenty of power. Good luck.

 

[Neversosure]

That 2540 has a huge increase in FEL capability.

 

[RNeumann]

I have the 1538 and also looked at the 2538. I liked Mitsubishi over the TYM because of layout and track record. I went round and round on HP so I know that's an issue- especially with the PTO. it's going to come down to the HP needs of your current or proposed implements. As I'm sure you are aware it comes down to Implement size.
The HST vs Shuttle. The shuttle shines when you are wanting to move at the same speed for long periods- like plowing or mowing multiple acres. HST shines in tighter spots and for a lot of back and forth. Obviously personal preference plays a roll.

 

[Neversosure]

I have the 1538 and also looked at the 2538. I liked Mitsubishi over the TYM because of layout and track record. I went round and round on HP so I know that's an issue- especially with the PTO. it's going to come down to the HP needs of your current or proposed implements. As I'm sure you are aware it comes down to Implement size.
The HST vs Shuttle. The shuttle shines when you are wanting to move at the same speed for long periods- like plowing or mowing multiple acres. HST shines in tighter spots and for a lot of back and forth. Obviously personal preference plays a roll.

True, I do both mow and use the heck out of the loader. I love the HST on the Max 24.

I will be getting a new 5' bush hog and 5' finish mower with the new tractor. I just like you like the Mitsubishi engine, smooth and reliable track record.

The 1538 would do my mowing work and load the F350 dump, the Max 24 just can't get the reach I need to load the truck or reach over the side of a 30 yard container. But the Max 24 did all the mowing I have ever asked from it, runs a 5' finishing mower and a Woods BBX48.
Still looking, for what I will be happy with, you can never have enough lifting power.

 

[IH782]

The 2555 has the highest FEL capacity out of the 1500, 2500 and 3500 series.

 

[Sysop]

How high are the sides of the F350 you want to fill? Drive the truck to the dealer and "play make-believe" that you're dumping material into it with the various tractors. I know with my low profile dump trailer, I can reach over the side, but not far enough to load it centered. I have to load from both sides to keep the load on the trailer level. The trailer has much lower sides than my half ton pickup. Depending on your dump bed, you may need all the height you can get.

 

[Neversosure]

How high are the sides of the F350 you want to fill? Drive the truck to the dealer and "play make-believe" that you're dumping material into it with the various tractors. I know with my low profile dump trailer, I can reach over the side, but not far enough to load it centered. I have to load from both sides to keep the load on the trailer level. The trailer has much lower sides than my half ton pickup. Depending on your dump bed, you may need all the height you can get.

I did that, the 2538 cleared it by miles. I can load with the Max 24 but I am very limited. the 1500, 2500 series are pretty much close in lift height, give or take a few inches and reach is close with them as well.

 

[dickfoster]

True, I do both mow and use the heck out of the loader. I love the HST on the Max 24.

I will be getting a new 5' bush hog and 5' finish mower with the new tractor. I just like you like the Mitsubishi engine, smooth and reliable track record.

The 1538 would do my mowing work and load the F350 dump, the Max 24 just can't get the reach I need to load the truck or reach over the side of a 30 yard container. But the Max 24 did all the mowing I have ever asked from it, runs a 5' finishing mower and a Woods BBX48.
Still looking, for what I will be happy with, you can never have enough lifting power.

The engine in the 1538 is a Mahindra engine made in India but the balance of the tractor save the loader and/or backhoe are Mitsu made. The loaders and backhoes are KMW made in the USA. The 2500 tractors also use the same Mahindra engines but the tractor, tranny etc. is Korean made. I do not know about the loaders and backhoes for that series.

 

[IH782]

The engine in the 1538 is a Mahindra engine made in India but the balance of the tractor save the loader and/or backhoe are Mitsu made. The loaders and backhoes are KMW made in the USA. The 2500 tractors also use the same Mahindra engines but the tractor, tranny etc. is Korean made. I do not know about the loaders and backhoes for that series.

KMW makes the loaders for the 2500 series and Bradco makes the backhoe. The tractors are TYM with Mahindra engines.

 

[dickfoster]

KMW makes the loaders for the 2500 series and Bradco makes the backhoe. The tractors are TYM with Mahindra engines.

So now we know.
I wonder why they didn't go with KMW for the hoe like the 1500's. It seems odd to split the loader and backhoe between different makes for the same machine.
The KMW hoe has a spin around seat how about the Bradco, is the seat fixed or does it have a single spin around seat too? Sometimes the spinner can be aggravating but I image it does helps to keep the overall length shorter which is good for maneuverability.

 

[duffer]

I too, was looking at the 1500 series. But the dealer told me I could get a 2538 HST for the same money due to factory incentives. That pushed me over the hump. Sure glad I got the 2538. My buddy has a 34 hp Kubota, and my bucket on the FEL is 30% larger than his, with double the lifting power. I believe the FEL is rated at 1600# on the 2538.

I'm building a new house on 10 acres, and I've only had my 2538 for about 4 months, and have put it to the test many times. Red clay, gravel, wet sand, bulldozing trees....No problems whatsoever. Got 100 hours on it already. Dealer put a riser on the seat frame for my long legs, and I had him install a hidden kill switch to make it tougher to steal.

If there is a big price difference on the 1500 vs 2500, then only you can decide. But even for 10% more $$, I'd take the 2538 any day. But I'm only 1 opinion.

good luck with your search.

 

[Neversosure]

Ok..... I went and did it...... I bought the 2538. Grapple, box blade, finish mower and rotary cutter.........

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions and ideas!

Now..... do I get them to load the rear tires with rim guard? Its my choice, no charge. When I test drove the 2538, I hit the dirt pile with the loader in 2wd and it spun a little bit. But when you put it in 4wd it went right into the pile. My max 24 does not have the tires loaded and it would spin but dig in (two totally different machines).

I do a lot of mowing and I am not sure if the loaded tires would hamper me with leaving ruts.

Throw some input my way please...... they are prepping the new tractor now.

pics soon too follow!


Matty

 

[tracydj]

My tires are not loaded on my 2538 and I have not had any issues digging hard soil and piles of dirt. However, when I dump the backhoe off the back a full bucket of dirt or rock is a little much for the machine. I would highly recommend building or buying a rear counterweight if to get maximum efficiency.

 

[Neversosure]

That backhoe was your counterweight, I am thinking I should get the rim guard, only because I don't want to be charlie browning around when using the loader..... even with a box scraper on the back I think I could use the added weight. Maybe just don't mow when the ground is soft, I have read on here that people do ok when the ground is dry.

 

[Neversosure]

I am getting ready to fly out of this office to get home!!! I am excited!!!!! New toy!!!!!!

 

[tracydj]

That backhoe was your counterweight, I am thinking I should get the rim guard, only because I don't want to be charlie browning around when using the loader..... even with a box scraper on the back I think I could use the added weight. Maybe just don't mow when the ground is soft, I have read on here that people do ok when the ground is dry.

The backhoe is a 1200 lb counterweight. I don't think a box scraper wouldn't be enough weight to maximize the loader. The machine does great on wet and muddy ground due to the tires being a little wider than a typical tractor its size.

 

[RNeumann]

You want the rim guard. With or without the backhoe you will appreciate the extra weight- especially since it's low to the ground.

 

[Sysop]

My tractor ended up over 6000lbs after filling the rear tires. I keep my tire pressures low so I have a nice big contact patch with the ground. I mow with it fine and doesn't leave noticeable tracks. If you inspect the paths, it does leave a little compaction at the lugs of the tread. But you have to get down on the ground and feel around under the grass to find it. Before it is ready to mow again, you cannot find the tracks from the previous mowing, especially if it has rained. Knowing I have a heavy beast, I also alternate my mowing patterns to help prevent any major sod damage.

 

[Neversosure]

How high are the sides of the F350 you want to fill? Drive the truck to the dealer and "play make-believe" that you're dumping material into it with the various tractors. I know with my low profile dump trailer, I can reach over the side, but not far enough to load it centered. I have to load from both sides to keep the load on the trailer level. The trailer has much lower sides than my half ton pickup. Depending on your dump bed, you may need all the height you can get.

Awesome advice on the test drive/make believe, it helped make my decision. Thanks again!