Massey 1528 vs. 1531

[jmauss]

I have narrowed my search to either a Massey 1528 or a 1531. Both come with the 1520 loader. The decision that I am trying to make is whether the extra 5 hp (28hp vs. 33 hp) is worth $1100 more. My dealer says the 28 should be plenty for everything I need to do. It's not that I don't believe him, but he happens to have a 1528 on the lot and would have to order the 1531.

I have about 10 acres. The two acres on top of the hill are my lawn, and I mow them with my JD lawn tractor. Then I have 4 acres on the side of a hill. Not too steep to go up and down with the tractor, but definitely a hill.
The main thing for the tractor in the woods would be pulling logs and hauling firewood. Then I have 4 acres of pasture/weeds at the bottom of the hill. This is the main area that I would be using the tractor. First bush hogging with a 5' bush hog, then some box blade and rake work, and eventually some finish mowing as I get the area turned into a nice picnic & play area for the kids.

So, help me out. I know the general rule is to go with more hp rather than less, but where would the additional 5hp help me with the kind of work I am talking about? Would you spend the extra $1100 to get the additional hp. Other than the hp difference, the tractors are pretty much the same tractor.

Thanks.

Joe

 

[ratter]

You might ask the dealer if you can demo the 1528 on your property. Pick the most demanding task you have in mind (bush hogging, for example) and ask him if you can demo the tractor and cutter on your property. That way you'll know for sure if it'll do the job. It sounds to me like it will. Do they both have the same transmission?

 

[GaryS]

I have 7 acres and a MF 1428. Its been the perfect machine for me. I've had it for about 2 years and its done everything I've asked of it. I was on a tight budget and the 1428 was a strech at the time for me. I didn't even consider the 1433.

 

[ratter]

One more thing that may help you decide, I was just looking at the brochure (I have the 1540) and the 1528 and 1531, despite having different engine HP ratings, have the exact same HP rating at the PTO (24.5).

 

[GaryS]

You might ask the dealer if you can demo the 1528 on your property. Pick the most demanding task you have in mind (bush hogging, for example) and ask him if you can demo the tractor and cutter on your property. That way you'll know for sure if it'll do the job. It sounds to me like it will. Do they both have the same transmission?

I have the 1428 hyrdo and rough cut on some fairly steep hills without issue. I do have to say that more HP is generally better and if you can swing the $1100, I'd say to go for it.

 

[GaryS]

One more thing that may help you decide, I was just looking at the brochure (I have the 1540) and the 1528 and 1531, despite having different engine HP ratings, have the exact same HP rating at the PTO (24.5).

Wow - had I been paying attention I would have seen the 1531 not 1533. Between the 1531 and the 1528, I'd get the 1528.

 

[commkam]

I am pretty much in the same boat at you (about 12 acres, about 5-6 of it cleared but that has a slew of 150+ year old trees on it). I have a Rear Finish Mower and that is what my primary use of the tractor is. Occasionally I will use a boom lift or skid one of the trees/big limbs that have come down in a storm. As of the moment I don't have a FEL but one is on my wish list. In my case the 1531 was like $1300 more and, in my opinion, wasn't worth the money. Instead, I decided to use that money to buy a nice finish mower. I do not regret the decsion....if you want to see a pic http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/3391/sort/1/cat/531/page/3

SO....If I were you I'd get the 1528 and use the $1100 for another attachment and/or nicer attachments

 

[jut06]

I judged the same tractors side by side. My land and uses are VERY close to what you are planning and my uses could not justify the 1531 over the 1528. I also am maintaining a 1/4 mile long dirt drive. The 1528 Hydro I have has made moving wood (up to 30 ft X 20" diameter logs) easy. I've brushhogged just about anything the FEL will knock down (up to 1.5-2" birches) with ease. The 28 is by no means underpowered.....

I tested against a CK25, Mahindra 2615 and a MF 1531 at my property. The MF was a hands down winner from ergos, power and useability. Price wasn't too bad either.....

I'd use the $1100 to upgrade to a medium duty brushog with slip clutch.

 

[mchasal]

One more thing that may help you decide, I was just looking at the brochure (I have the 1540) and the 1528 and 1531, despite having different engine HP ratings, have the exact same HP rating at the PTO (24.5).

The reason you see that is that the 1528 has a gear tranny standard and HST as an option. The 1531 has HST standard. The 1528 HST has 22.3 PTO HP.

While I agree that the 1528 should be plenty, the difference was about half of what you are quoting for me, $600. Are you comparing the 1528 HST to the 1531 or the gear? If not, that $1100 is paying for the HST also.
Mike

 

[mark4Jesus]

Looking at the two the only difference that I see is the engine HP. If the 1528 is geared then the PTO HP is the same. I was surprised that the weight is the same. I guess you need to decide what implements you want. The 1531 has a slight edge on Hyd. flows, so if you will do a lot of FEL work, that and the extra engine HP may be important. Either way I don't think that you will be unhappy with either one. But testosterone always errs on the side of more HP!