1531, 1533 HST pedals

Semipro · Apr 5, 2009

Can anyone tell me whether the HST pedals on new 1500 MF are side-by-side or the single pedal type? I'm finding conflicting info on this this. Maybe when they first came out it was a single pedal setup (tilt forward and rear) and they changed it later?

I'm getting serious about buying a tractor and have been visiting dealers, taking rides, rearranging dirt for them, etc. I've tried MF, NH, JD, and Kubota. I really liked the MF 1500 series w synchro-shuttle that I tried yesterday but they didn't have one with HST that I could try. I did drive a NH with HST and really did not like the single pedal setup. I'm hoping the new 1500's have the two-pedal HST control setup. If they do, I'll need to find a dealer with one and then go try it. I'm currently looking at either the 1531 or 1533 for now.

I plan to use the FEL a lot and have a hilly place. I'm thinking the HST would be better for me than the synchroshuttle, especially on hills where I'd never be in neutral with the HST. Let me know if you think I'm mistaken.

My original post on my requirements/situation is here if you're interested:
new tractor, new board, advice? - Page 6 - TractorByNet.com

Thanks, Andy

Bever22 · Apr 5, 2009

The newer 1500 series have the side by side pedals, I have the hydro and I love it for loader work. I have never hade a shuttle so I cant say how it would be.

Semipro · Apr 5, 2009

Bever22 said:
The newer 1500 series have the side by side pedals, I have the hydro and I love it for loader work. I have never hade a shuttle so I cant say how it would be.

That seals it. I have to find a 1531 and 1533 to drive now. My feeling now is that I'll end up with one of these beauties.

Thanks for the info.

plowking · Apr 5, 2009

I have a 1531. Only problem with this or any tractor with two pedals,you have to keep the crud,dirt out of linkage,grease the fittings to shafts at pedal base or you can have trouble with pedals sticking and not returning to neutral position. I may have to bring mine back to dealer,I have cleaned and used penetrating oil and regreased them ,it seems better but I still have to be prepared working in close quarters. plowking

dgl24087 · Apr 5, 2009

Semipro said:
That seals it. I have to find a 1531 and 1533 to drive now. My feeling now is that I'll end up with one of these beauties.

Thanks for the info.

I was by Boone's this evening, I'm guessing the 1533 with muddy tires and bucket is the one you tested.

FYI, and you may know this, HST on the 1533 reduces the PTO HP to 24.5, same as the 1531. The manual trans. version puts out 26 PTO HP. I noticed that the 1533 is also a larger framed tractor, as well as being about 500 lbs. heavier than the 1531. The larger framed, heavier machine would be my choice. Also, I would think with Boone having 3 locations, they would be able to come up with the tractor you're looking for fairly easily. The Bedford location, in the past, has stocked many MF as well as NH compacts. I believe it is also their receiving point, and tractors and equipment are redistributed to the other 2 locations from there. I've only tried to deal with them one time, and was quoted list and the salesman made no effort to negotiate.

3dayfunk · Apr 6, 2009

I bought the 1531 hydro and I love it. I did consider the 1533 because of the much stronger loader but in the end I needed something very compact because I would be transporting it from job to job. Plus there was a substantial price difference. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong with these tractors.

ncampbell · Apr 6, 2009

Love my 1531. Easy to haul,plenty of power,backhoe and loader are great. Did notice the reverse pedal sticking a little last time out, gotta check on that.

Semipro · Apr 6, 2009

dgl24087 said:
I was by Boone's this evening, I'm guessing the 1533 with muddy tires and bucket is the one you tested. FYI, and you may know this, HST on the 1533 reduces the PTO HP to 24.5, same as the 1531. The manual trans. version puts out 26 PTO HP. I noticed that the 1533 is also a larger framed tractor, as well as being about 500 lbs. heavier than the 1531. The larger framed, heavier machine would be my choice. Also, I would think with Boone having 3 locations, they would be able to come up with the tractor you're looking for fairly easily. The Bedford location, in the past, has stocked many MF as well as NH compacts. I believe it is also their receiving point, and tractors and equipment are redistributed to the other 2 locations from there. I've only tried to deal with them one time, and was quoted list and the salesman made no effort to negotiate.

You must travel the roads around here an lot. Thanks for all your feedback. You have it right on all accounts above WRT my test drive. I noticed a few things when I was there that impressed me with the dealer, namely how they were taking care of their customers. Overall they seemed very customer oriented. I don't know how good a price quote I got from them but if its anywhere near reasonable customer service will win me over anytime.

I emailed the salesman there yesterday with a question but haven't heard back yet. Maybe they are closed on Monday? There's always the dealer in Rural Retreat too.

Semipro · Apr 6, 2009

You guys that already have the 1531s, are the rear wheels reversible? I believe they were on the 1533. Stability is a big concern to me.

My friend, Gravy on this board, is worried I'm going to roll one of these and that I ought to strongly consider a PowerTrac or similar machine. He's got me thinking...

Semipro · Apr 6, 2009

3dayfunk said:
I bought the 1531 hydro and I love it. I did consider the 1533 because of the much stronger loader but in the end I needed something very compact because I would be transporting it from job to job. Plus there was a substantial price difference. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong with these tractors.

I may go with the 1531 for the same reasons. I also suspect the stability is better than the 1533 but I'm not sure. The increased loader rating, weight, and engine throttle via the HST pedals are attractive on the 1533 though. Too bad tractor builders don't spec out the center of gravity height on these units. With that info and the track width you could come up with some measure of stability.