Massey 1500 Series...what's next?

[Wobblin-Goblin]

I really like my 1540. After looking at a friend's 1440, I realize just how much thought went into the 1500 series. It's a much better tractor than the 1400s.

Makes me wonder...what will the next series be like? Will Massey call it the 1600 series? What improvements will be implemented?

When I sent AGCO my completed survey, I told them I thought the 1540 was an outstanding tractor, but one that could still be improved. IMO, the following improvements would make this tractor (or series of tractors) even better:

1. Bump up the performance capabilities of the 1525/30 loaders. My 1525 is stout and handsome, but the curling and lifting capability could be better. The front axle looks rugged enough to handle more capacity. Maybe it's just a hydraulic issue.

2. Slope the hood just a little bit more. This will help with visibility when using the FEL, especially forks. Adding a height-adjustable seat will help here, too.

3. My tractor is the Powershuttle (which I like, btw), but I might have gotten the hydro if the pedals were twins instead of the rocker type. Twin pedals are definitely better and more comfortable to use, IMO.

4. Consider more worklights as an option. Putting two extra lights facing forward on the ROPS and one facing rearward would be an option I'd pay for.

Overall, this is a handsome, well-built tractor, the best we've ever had on our farm (we currently own 8n, 9n, Ford Jubilee w/FEL & BH, JD 850, Belarus 525 w/FEL, TYM w/FEL). Kudos to Massey for all the improvements to the 1500 series. I wonder what's coming next!

 

[northwoodpower]

The 2008 1540 hydro has the foward and reverse pedals side by side. If your loader is not lifting, or curling as you feel it should, talk to your dealer, it may need a "fine tune" on the hydraulics. Service techs can "tune" the hydraulics some if needed. Some times the hydraulics are not set up correctly at the factory.

Congrads on your new tractor, it is a very nice model.

 

[75H2]

The 2008 1540 hydro has the foward and reverse pedals side by side. If your loader is not lifting, or curling as you feel it should, talk to your dealer, it may need a "fine tune" on the hydraulics. Service techs can "tune" the hydraulics some if needed. Some times the hydraulics are not set up correctly at the factory.

Congrads on your new tractor, it is a very nice model.

Can this "tuning" also be done to a GC? I'm one of the people who feels the FEL may not be working to its potential?
Thanks

 

[northwoodpower]

Talk to your local dealer, the GC can be adjusted also, if needed.

 

[WilliamBos]

I agree with more work lights, especially rearward, an actual temp guage would be nice, and a power point, or cig lighter.

But, leave the nose alone. I really love the square nose, after all it looks like its older siblings.

Can the rocker pedal set up be swapped out in favour of the twin pedals??

JMHO

Will

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

The 2008 1540 hydro has the foward and reverse pedals side by side. If your loader is not lifting, or curling as you feel it should, talk to your dealer, it may need a "fine tune" on the hydraulics. Service techs can "tune" the hydraulics some if needed. Some times the hydraulics are not set up correctly at the factory.

Congrads on your new tractor, it is a very nice model.

MF dumped the rocker hydro pedal? Wow. Nice.

(I might have to have the dealer look at the hydraulics as you said)

 

[DEWFPO]

IMO all tractors should have optional light packages available. The headlights on the GC2300 are basically worthless except for moving it forward at night. I've added forward facing aux. lights to the ROPS, this spring I'll add a rear facing light. I would have paid for it when I bought it but none were available.

DEWFPO

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

So as it is now, according to one poster Massey has already switched to twin pedals for hydro.

Anyone have any input/knowledge on any other changes coming?

 

[HarryVanderpool]

IMO all tractors should have optional light packages available. The headlights on the GC2300 are basically worthless except for moving it forward at night. I've added forward facing aux. lights to the ROPS, this spring I'll add a rear facing light. I would have paid for it when I bought it but none were available.

DEWFPO

Not sure about the 2300, but the 1540 has two rear worklight wires on the rear,one on each side. They are powered full time.
If you refer to the wiring scematic in the rear of your owners manual you will find those as well as a trailer harness and one full time auxillery power source.
Back to the worklight wires:
Both of them terminate at a fuse.
At a convienient spot in the harness, cut them and splice in two wires on the fuse side, that will reach the dash.
Drill and mount two toggle switches with waterproof rubbers and terminate the wires to the middle posts. Now spice wires to the outlet side and terminate them to the posts on the switches.
It is really neat to run these four wires from the toggle switches through shrink tube!
Use four different wire colors and when you are done, neatly add this circuit to your wiring schematic for future reference.
Now go to NAPA and buy your work lights, plug and play!
I forget, but don't think it cost much more than fifty bucks.
How much do you suppose a "Work light package" would cost from the dealer?

 

[tx2310]

The 2300 has a ign. on, 20 amp fused, red with black stripe lead with a female bullet connector at the back center of the tractor. The wire harness under the instrument panel carries the red/black stripe wire. The instrument panel has a hole under the overlay for a switch above the flasher switch. A sharp knife easily cuts the overlay for the switch. The water resistant switch came from TSC but easily available elsewhere. I wired in the switch and ran wire from the female bullet connector up alongside the wiring for the flashing lights. Covered the wiring where it comes out of the fender and into the ROPS with shrink tubing. Attached the lights to the bracket that hold the yellow lights. So there are no holes drilled. It is a simple setup and it will light up the night. The lights are 55 w Hella Optilux 800ff ($14.00 ea. on line) and come with a base that allow the lights be moved in any direction with out tools.

Doug