Shibaura SD1500A0 4.30 star(s) (4)

Rice Tractor
Model Year: 0

The tractor is only small in size and works well for me on a 5 acre lot. Being on the mid north coast of NSW the grass grows extremely fast in summer. The main job for my tractor is slashing the grass that grows to over 1 meter. Initially the tractor was fitted with a rotary hoe for the rice paddies. I had to get a 3-point linkage system manufactured to make the tractor useful. The tractor works well but when the grass get long the creeper gears have to be used.

Pros: Fuel consumption is good.
Cons: Under powered for some of the work.

Tough Tractor
Model Year: 1982

It was my first compact utility tractor. I bought it for $2,500. It was a true gray market tractor with rice tires, no guards, and Japanese writing. It was a 2 cylinder diesel so it kind of stuttered when it ran but it sipped the fuel. It had 4 wheel drive. It had 15 hp PTO but performed like it had 20. I mowed 8' tall brush with a 4' brush hog. I did a lot of work with that tractor, but sold it to buy a John Deere 850. My only complaint was that it was petty narrow, so you had to be careful on side hills. I was able to get routine items like filters at NAPA. Many Ford parts are probably interchangeable. I really liked that tractor.

Pros: Good power, sips fuel.
Cons: Narrow, some parts may be hard to get.

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Pulling Horse
Model Year: 0

I use it mostly for collecting firewood in the woods. It amazes me each time that this little tractor, as big as a small quad, pulls about 2 cubic meters of beech on a trailer going with its belly through the mud (with me pulling my toes together). I am looking for other accessories. Oh, the model is SE1540.

Pros: Strong.
Cons: Air conditioning doesn't work.

Shibaura 1500 A
Model Year: 0

Tractor has performed well for what we wanted to do (moving rocks & logs, spreading gravel, etc. The only drawback so far is finding parts.

Pros: Right size.
Cons: No power steering.

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