T1520 v. Boomer2030

[rus_geek]

First dealer I went to must be too close to town. He only had the "pretty" tractors. AKA the Boomer series. Took the 2030 for a spin around the lot and was happy with the 9x3 transmission and really liked the tight turning radius (I can't imagine how much tighter the supersteer must be ). Of course the view of the loader is great and I like the swivel seat for seeing what's hanging off the back.

Second dealer is out in the sticks and deals primarily with farmers and a few cabin owners. No Boomers in sight, but plenty of big guys that could just about lift a 2030 in their loaders... Anyway. He's got a 1520 hydro that is going to be brought out to my place for a demo later today. I'm not sure about the hydro transmission, but we'll see how I like that when I can actually stick the loader in something.

Comparing pricing and capabilities:
1520 is:
$1500 less
4 more engine HP
3 more HP at the PTO
same lift cap at the 3 point

I think I could order a 1520 with a gear transmission and it would knock another 600 or so off the price, but I'd lose the mid PTO which is standard on the hydro (not sure I'd ever use a belly mower anyway).


The loaders throw me for a bit of a loop. The 1520 takes the 110TL while the 2030 takes the 240TL. So the 1520/110TL has less reach (13" v 31"), less left capacity (875 v 1250), less breakout (1600 v 2700)

Any other thoughts when comparing these tractors?

-rus-

 

[lamarbur]

living in Wi wouldn't the front pto be beneficial for a snow blower?

 

[rus_geek]

I've never used a front-mounted snowblower. My assumption would probably be to go with a 3-point snowblower and keep the loader on for pushing snowbanks and such.

After spending a day playing, I mean working, with this tractor, I think my only complaint so far is that it is rather light in the rear end. With nothing on the 3-point, I stood it up on the front wheels with only dirt/sod in the bucket. I can't imagine how easy that would be with a full load of fieldstone, or a big pallet of something. But I gather that will be a problem with any tractor that is physically this small.

-r-

 

[Welshman]

I can't speak to the 2030, but I own a T1520, and love it. I mow quite a bit with this rig, and having the mower on the back, within reason, pretty much solves that problem. Or, of course, you could use a counterweight.

 

[rus_geek]

Thanks Welshman - what other attachments have you used with your 1520?

One more thing I noticed last night, this tractor would definitely need some "extra" work lights, probably mounted on the roll bar. The headlights don't all that great with the loader.

 

[Welshman]

Right now, the only other 3pt. attachment I have is a 6' landscape rake, which I mainly use for snow removal (1400 foot gravel driveway), in conjunction with the FEL.
By the way, is 4WD standard now on the T1520? It was an option when I bought mine.

 

[rus_geek]

4WD is standard. I can't imagine a tractor this size in 2WD. At least with a loader... Here's the full scoop on the current 1520: New Holland | Boomer | Tractors | Economy Tractor T1520

 

[Welshman]

I totally agree with you on the 4WD. It was an option when I bought mine, and I "opted". I couldn't live without it.

 

[LPitt]

I also have 1520 thats about 3 months old (95 hrs) and I love it. I didn't get the fel because I already have a bobcat and a 555E back hoe. I have a 5' bush hog, 6' finish mower. post hole digger. 6' landscape rake, 5' tiller, culltavator and a 5' pulvariser. It pulls all of these just fine.

 

[SouthernX]

First dealer I went to must be too close to town. [ snip... ] Any other thoughts when comparing these tractors?

-rus-

If you can at all aford the extra cost I would go with the Boomer. The Boomer is a better tractor. The "deluxe" 3pt. alone is worth going with the boomer. I couldn't imagine having to deal with the "fixed" 3pt. that comes on the 15xx "economy" tractors.