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!