Information on 1512

j knight · #1 08-15-2010, 09:42 AM

Hi New to this have a 1810 and is a workhorse around here. Only problems have been mice building in the starter. I found a 1512 in the area and am looking for information on the problems with this model. For the year if not taken care of could be a major headache? High price. Does not want to budge from 1200. Joe

Matt G. · #2 08-15-2010, 10:19 AM

1200 is not high for a diesel. That's a pretty good deal, actually. The driveshaft is the biggest maintenance issue. If the tractor has a vibration at full throttle, the driveshaft will need to be gone through, which isn't a fun job, and it'll probably cost $200+ depending on how much needs to be replaced. The fuel filters will need to be replaced and the tank may need cleaning out. I have a 782D and used to have a 1512, and both were/are fairly trouble-free, particularly the engines.

j knight · #3 08-22-2010, 06:31 AM

Matt G Thank you for the information. Joe

Don T · #4 08-22-2010, 10:20 AM

I have a 1512 diesel and that diesel is great working and uses verry little fuel.
I have replaced my driveshaft with a cv joint system from a much newer ttractor and now its even better than stock.$1200.00 for a 1512 Diesel is not much if it runs and can be driven and used. I would buy two more at that price lol. Later Don T

PeterJ · #5 09-02-2010, 11:41 PM

Don T, I'm interested in the cv joint you used. Is there a write up on it somewhere?

j knight, I've owned my 1512 for over 15 years. I think it was used commercially for its first 8 years because the hour meter was replaced. I relocated the battery to a custom built tray on the back and use a 1000 CCA auto battery. The drive shaft is the only other weak point in the tractor. The 50 inch mowing deck does a poor job and is prone to skipping between the blades when turning. Snowblowing is a blast. The throttle cable used to freeze up until I started heating the shop. Take the fuel tank off and clean it. Keep up the fluid changes enjoy the torque and fuel efficiency.

PeterJ

TheSaturnV · #6 09-03-2010, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterJ

Don T, I'm interested in the cv joint you used. Is there a write up on it somewhere?PeterJ

Second that. Sounds like a good mod.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterJ

I relocated the battery to a custom built tray on the back and use a 1000 CCA auto battery.

PeterJ

Peter is talking about the poor starter/battery performance these diesel models exhibit. The problems can be helped by adding a second ground, but if you really want to solve the problem, check into the "gear reduction starter upgrade." Once this is done, you won't need to hang a car battery on it or hack up the battery tray. I now use a 300cca garden tractor battery and it has all the power needed. With a more efficient starter, you won't need a big battery. Coincidentally, I just posted this how-to video on youtube within the last few days:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQyd41Q_yoY

I agree with the other posters as well: These diesels barely use any fuel, have lots of torque, and are only happy with a very clean fuel system. $1200 is a good price if the tractor is currently running well and is in decent shape. I backed into mine, and if I ever come across another one....SOLD!

Matt G. · #7 09-03-2010, 08:38 AM

The CV joint driveshaft from the later Cyclops models can be adapted to the diesel to eliminate the driveshaft wear issues that the diesels exhibit. The CV joint driveshaft will have to be lengthened, a 1782/2182 front coupler will have to be purchased (or something similar made...for what the new one costs, it'd be worth the time to make one if you have a lathe) and either the hydro pump will have to be swapped with one from a cyclops that has the splined input shaft, or the rear coupler adapter from a 1535 can be used to keep the original hydro pump. I checked into it, and that little part is expensive. I have about 2/3 of a CV driveshaft that I'd like to put in my diesel, but I don't have one of the joints, and all this stuff is way too expensive to buy new, so I guess I wait for another parts tractor.

TheSaturnV · #8 09-03-2010, 12:42 PM

Hey Matt,

If these machines spend most of their time mowing grass, will the drive shaft wear be much of an issue? I eventually want to get a box blade and maybe a snow plow, but for now I'm just harvesting grass.

Whaddya think?

Matt G. · #9 09-03-2010, 01:18 PM

The two I've had only mowed grass, and both had bad driveshafts. I don't think it matters what you do with them.

PeterJ · #10 09-07-2010, 12:17 AM

Thanks for posting the video Saturn V! That is how that motor should turn over! I never have looked into the ground issue either. It always starts good with the big battery but does not spin as fast as yours.

Any insight to share on the starter you used? I have to say, I would not be comfortable with only 1mm clearance on that big positive battery cable. I will have to bust out the welder and cutting torch to really mod out that motor mount if and when I upgrade the starter.

Speaking of the motor mount, it seems pretty close to the starter. I have no idea how much the motor moves. Could the bolt be turned the other way?

Thanks again for posting the video. I never thought of changing the starter to a different model.