MF 1540 vs CAT 275B

[Vas]

Hello,

I have been comparing tractors around 40 hp for use in grading, plowing, and small scale logging. My altitude (>9000 ft) has pushed me toward Turbos. I've gotten alot of great advice from folks on the general "buying/pricing/comparison" thread. The CAT 275B and MF 1440/1540 are two of the tractors I'm looking at. It seemed the 275B is the same as the 1540 but I was not sure. I received a price quote for the 275B with FEL at $22,500 (unfortunately we did not discuss HST and the written quote does not include the transmission type). I was wondering how this price sounded, how it might compare with MF. The only difference I see in the two tractors is that the MF has a better flow rate (14 GPM vs 12.7 GPM for the 275B) and the CAT weighs 280 lbs more. All the other dimensions and specs seem to be the same. CAT does talk about their "heavy duty" steel panels, perhaps this is the extra weight??? Any thoughts?

Thanks,

 

[JerryG]

If the Cat has 12.7gpm, it is equivalent to the older MF1260. That is why I was asking so many questions the other day. The Cat tractor had been a past model compared to the MF in th past. I wasn't sure if it still was or not because I don't have a Cat dealer that is convenient.

 

[Vas]

Jerry,

Very good to know, thank you. I'm sorry I must have missed your previous questions on the subject.

 

[workingman]

Vas,
I have a 1540 and am very well pleased with it's performance. The flow rate was changed for the 1540 and it shows in the quickness of the loader. I have all four tires loaded and the rears extended out ,but I would advise you to be careful on slopes sometimes with the loader full you can get top heavy.(you mentioned logging.) Be sure and have weight on the back. Also the loader moves quickly with a load and can put undue stress on machine. ( but I am an inexperienced operator.) My machine is the 8x8 with synchro shuttle and my cost with FEL and pallet forks was just over $19,000.00 in Western North Carolina.