MF 1560/533

SDT · Apr 29, 2007

Lately, I have looking at new tractors including the MF 1560 compact and the MF-533. My dealer does not have either in stock so I have not been able to see and drive either but have devoured the brochures.

I need to be able to pull a six foot bush hog through just about anything on sometimes steep ground. I currently do this now with a very good 1955 Ford 860 gasser and a couple of 1961 MF-35s with Perkins diesel engines.

Anyone have any thoughts about the new MF models? Do they lug well? I have been told that modern diesel engines do not lug well if at all due to emissions mandated fuel metering.

I notice that the updated version of the Perkins three cylinder engine is 202 CI yet rated the same 44 PTO HP as the older 152 CI three cylinder. Hummm?? Is this due to fuel metering?

Any thoughts on going prices for either?

Thanks, in advance.

SDT

JerryG · May 1, 2007

Either tractor will do what you want. The MF1560 is more modern with more bells and whistles and is a compact chassis. The MF500s are descendants of your MF 35s and are utility tractors. I will be honest with you, I don't like the 533. The 533 doesn't have fluid brakes and the only transmission available is the straight 8x2. I would recommend a MF563. It has fluid brakes and is available with shuttle. With the steep ground that you have, you really need the fluid brakes. The 563 is also turbocharged. If you drive a tractor without a turbo and an identical one with a turbo, you will never want the non-turbo version again. When the pulling starts getting hard, the turbo will spool up and the work will get done without having to shift near as much. (Sorry, I really like a tractor with a turbo) I would recommend a MF563 with independent PTO, creeper gears and shuttle. If you want to save money, get the 543 or if you want bells and whistles get the 1560. (Get the 563

)

erikharwell · May 2, 2007

I have a 533 and love it. it has plenty of power, I have a 6ft bush hog brand mower and it has no problem spinning it, and I have hit some grossly oversized tree parts with it, and it blows them up. I have a heavy 10ft disc, and it has no problem pulling it sunk to the spindles set at the sharpest blade angle. I also run a 7ft box blade that I have used as a bulldozer, ripping out 6 inch round trees. it has done everything I have wanted it to do. looked at a compact, and I determined that a utility tractor would be better. I am glad with the decision. most of what I have done with it could not of been done with a compact. all my land is flat, so brakes are not really an issue. and do not know what difference wet brakes would make over dry. I hit the clutch and brakes, and it stops very quickly. the perkins engine burns very little gas too, around a gallon an hour.

froggy · May 2, 2007

Is there anywhere on the web, that I could get pricing on the 1560 and the 500 series?

erikharwell · May 2, 2007

not accurate, I have seen prices for the 533 up to 18 grand, mine is no where near that. it is what the dealer wants to charge. the utility tractors are generally cheaper, due to more people wanting the compacts, and the added cosmetic items on the compacts like cup holders, rubber floor mats etc.

SDT · May 3, 2007

Thanks, Erik.

Your endorsement helps. By way of comparison, what did you use before?

I, too prefer utility tractors to compacts for most work.

Unfortunately, my dealer does not have either tractor in stock so I cannot see them side by side.

SDT

JerryG · May 3, 2007

erikharwell said:
most of what I have done with it could not of been done with a compact. all my land is flat, so brakes are not really an issue. and do not know what difference wet brakes would make over dry. I hit the clutch and brakes, and it stops very quickly. the perkins engine burns very little gas too, around a gallon an hour.

Wet brakes will last almost for ever. They brake much, much better than dry shoe brakes. They can not glaze over like dry brakes. Anyone that does rough work on steep slopes need to have wet brakes especially if a bad accident could happen if the brakes didn't work. There are absolutely no comparison between dry brakes and wet brakes.

Farmwithjunk · May 3, 2007

erikharwell said:
not accurate, I have seen prices for the 533 up to 18 grand, mine is no where near that. it is what the dealer wants to charge. the utility tractors are generally cheaper, due to more people wanting the compacts, and the added cosmetic items on the compacts like cup holders, rubber floor mats etc.

Local Massey dealer has new 533's at $15,300 delivered. They are a 21st century MF135.