JD 1520

[Trainer]

Saw a JD 1520 for sale. Has a front end loader. Other than weather damage to the paint job (faded paint) the tractor looked to be in decent shape. Did not have time for a close look. Thinking about going back and have a better look. Tractordata.com says production stopped in 1972 for this tractor. Makes it at least 35 years old. Age doesn't bother me. If age and looks were real important, most of us would have been unable to get a wife. Now the questions:

1. What is a fair price range for this tractor?

2. What are the weakensses of this model tractor?

3. Are parts still available for this model?

 

[Cidertom]

re: parts availability. Get model and SN and visit parts counter at large dealer. They can give you an accurate picture as to the parts. I know JD still sources at least some parts for that age machine as the first time I had to get parts for my 2006 4520 the computer popped up a 4520 ftom the 60's. When I asked the counter tech said that some were still in stock, others we still avail as reman. But yes some were no longer to be had short of the bone yard.

 

[gary_dsc]

According to my Tractor Blue Book, the 1520 was sold from 68 to 73. Value will vary according to condition and year, of course, but average retail looks to vary between 5 and 6K.

 

[dgl24087]

I have a 1975 JD 1530, parts are readily available for this tractor. There are a number of aftermarket parts, as well was used parts, if you feel like making a lot of calls and/or emails. But JD still handles just about anything you would need. Is it diesel or gas engined? If it's a diesel, it is a beast. I paid $5500 for mine in 2004, with 1588 hours, no loader. I have a cousin who also had a 1530, about 3000 hours, with a 520 loader, sold it for $10,000 last August. Biggest weakness was these tractors had a tendency to jump out of park under certain conditions. I know of one incident in which a baler was being used, operator put the tractor in Park, got off the tractor, left PTO operating. The rocking motion of the baler caused the tractor to jump out of park and roll down a sloping field and over an embankment onto a highway. The tractor broke into 2 or 3 sections, can't remember, too many years ago. JD instituted a recall and if the tractor was returned, a Park interlock was placed on the machine. Many tractors were never returned, or the owners removed them. Mine has never had one on it, my cousin removed his.