Introduction
Sabre 1538HS Lawn Tractor
The Sabre 1538HS is a lawn tractor produced between 1996 and 1997 by Sabre, a division of John Deere. Manufactured in Greeneville, Tennessee, this model is designed specifically for residential lawn maintenance and turf care.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 28N707 engine, a 465 cc single-cylinder gasoline unit. It features an air-cooled vertical-shaft configuration and delivers a gross power output of 15 hp (11.2 kW). The engine utilizes a paper and foam air cleaner system and has an oil capacity of 1.5 quarts (1.4 liters).
Transmission and Drivetrain
The machine employs a Tuff Torq K55 belt-driven hydrostatic transmission, which allows for infinite forward and reverse gear selection. This two-wheel-drive system is paired with manual steering and disc brakes to provide operator control during mowing operations.
Chassis and Mowing Equipment
The 1538HS is built with a cast-iron front axle for increased durability. It is equipped with a 38-inch mower deck. The tractor rides on turf-specific tires, measuring 15x6.00-6 at the front and 20x8.00-8 at the rear. The overall wheelbase is 44.7 inches with a total width of 36 inches.
Electrical System
The electrical system operates on 12-volt current, supported by a battery with a 230 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating. The system utilizes an unregulated charging circuit and an electric starter for engine ignition.
Conclusion
The Sabre 1538HS is a compact, entry-level lawn tractor suited for homeowners requiring a maneuverable machine for standard grass cutting tasks. Its hydrostatic transmission and robust front axle construction offer a balance of ease of use and mechanical reliability for residential environments.
Production Information of Sabre, 1538HS
- Lawn tractor
- Built in Greeneville, Tennessee, USA
| Manufacturer | Sabre (a part of John Deere) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Sabre, 1538HS
| Wheelbase | 44.7 inches [113 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 391 lbs [177 kg] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 38.6 inches [98 cm] |
| Length | 60 inches [152 cm] |
| Front axle | Cast-iron |
| Width | 36 inches [91 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 15x6.00-6 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 20x8.00-8 |
Engine Specifications of Sabre, 1538HS
- Briggs & Stratton 28N707
- Air-cooled vertical-shaft
- Gasoline
- 1-cylinder
| Starter volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 465 cc [28.4 ci] |
| Air cleaner | Paper and foam |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.44x3.06 inches [87 x 78 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 1.5 qts [1.4 L] |
| Starter | Electric |
| Idle RPM | 1750-3300 |
| Power (gross) | 15 hp [11.2 kW] |
Transmission Information of Sabre, 1538HS
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Tuff Torq K55 |
|---|---|
| Oil type | SAE 10W-30 |
| Oil capacity | 1.7 qts [1.6 L] |
| Type | Belt-driven hydrostatic |
| Type(optional) | SAE 10W-30 |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Sabre, 1538HS
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Disc brakes
Power Information of Sabre, 1538HS
| Mid PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Manual |
Electrical System of Sabre, 1538HS
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery CCA | 230 |
| Charging system | Unregulated |
| Battery Group | U1 |
| Charging amps | 3 |
Where it sits
With 15 HP, the Sabre 1538HS sits just above 1438HS (14 HP) in Sabre's range. Its power puts it in the 51th percentile of 1990s models in our database (1093 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Sabre 1538HS have?
The Sabre 1538HS delivers 15 HP.
What years was the Sabre 1538HS produced?
The Sabre 1538HS was produced in 1996-1997.
What engine does the Sabre 1538HS have?
The Sabre 1538HS is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Sabre 1538HS use?
The Sabre 1538HS uses a Tuff Torq K55 transmission.
How much does the Sabre 1538HS weigh?
The Sabre 1538HS weighs 391 lbs [177 kg].
Is the Sabre 1538HS 4WD?
The Sabre 1538HS is available in 2WD.