John deere 70hp? Mahindra?

[jordanbrown]

I've looked on the website for new tractors, but I really can't tell which JD would be best. Any suggestions for these requirements

65-70 engine hp
4wd
2 hydrolic remotes on back (4plugs)
no cab

Vs, a similar mahindra, any comments?

 

[rScotty]

I've had a lot of tractors - still do - and most of them were good....even excellent. But the one that always makes me smile when I pass by is the old JD. It's a keeper. I don't know what it is about JD that is special; but year after year it works for me. I've long since forgotten what I paid for it. It's simply become an old friend.
rScotty

 

[RollingsFarms]

I've looked on the website for new tractors, but I really can't tell which JD would be best. Any suggestions for these requirements

65-70 engine hp
4wd
2 hydrolic remotes on back (4plugs)
no cab

Vs, a similar mahindra, any comments?

you want simple or you want fancy? if you want simple here's what i'd suggest you look at if you wanna look at John Deere.

5303(64 engine hp)
5403(74 engine hp)

this series(5003) comes with two transmission types, but since you want 4wd you'll get the 9x3 SyncShuttle. they also come STANDARD with one remote, and the option to add another one(giving you two total). i thought i heard someone say on here you could get as much as 3 rear remotes, but don't hold me to that.

now if you like bells and whistles and a light wallet, then take a look at the 5325(67 engine hp). 3 transmission choices with the option of power reverser, alot more options to chose from at this level but you also pay a pretty good premium too($$$). not to say they're overpriced, they're not at all, just that if you want simple look at the 5003 series, if you need more then just basic then deffinatley look at a 5325.

i recently bought a 5203 MFWD and absolutley love it. VERY strong tractor, runs super smooth(this coming from a guy who owned a tractor with a 3cyl Yanmar in it), fuel efficient, etc.

 

[tractorman99]

A lot of people say the mahindra is the way to go because it is the heaviest in it class and the most power in it class.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Next to the Mahindra 7520 4x4, the John Deere really doesn't compare for the money. You will end up with a lot lighter tractor, less gear selections, and the second set of remotes will be optional. Test drive a Mahindra 7520 4wd, and you won't find a more comfortable tractor. I may a little bias but I think you will what I say to be true. Good luck and enjoy what ever tractor you buy.

 

[Dargo]

Early last year I compared a similar sized Mahindra tractor to John Deere. I don't have anything negative to say about Mahindra. They make very solid tractors and, in my opinion, they were far better than others I considered, but soon scratched, like Kioti and Montana. For me, it came down to the JD having the exact equipment I wanted and, perhaps most importantly, having numerous JD dealers in my area and zero Mahindra dealers (other than roadside stands). If Mahindra had large quality dealers in my area with good track records my choice may have been different. As it is, I bought JD and have been very pleased with my tractor. Good luck!

 

[unreconstructed]

Rollingsfarms is right on with his analysis of the '03 series and '25 series.

With respect to the '03 series of tractors, I believe that someone stated on one of our JD discussions that the '03 now has the capability of 2 rear remotes and also still have the midmount remotes for the loader. At one time, one rear was all you could get and still have a loader. You will want to double check the two rear remotes with the loader.
As Rollingsfarms said, the 03 are basic tractors. I kept my 5203.


I have a new 5235 not yet used. Was out on the road on the way to the farm at 0400 this morning when it started raining and I turned around and came home. Wish I could give you a play by play on performance comparison between the 03's ( I have 5203 in 2WD) and the 5325 but I can't seem to get off work or get the weather to cooperate.

I cannot comment on the Mahindra or any other brands. Just supporting Rollingsfarms analysis of the JD's offering in that HP range.

JD parts support ( I have other JD products) has been excellent in my experience. This is not to criticize any other product brands, just to state my experience with JD.

 

[gemini5362]

Go to the Montana section and read the comments about them. If you have a good montana dealer in your area i would recommend thinking about them. Montana uses a John Deere engine in their 70 horsepower tractors. 2 remotes are standard equipment. I have a 49 horsepower montana 4 wheel drive with a cab and I have been very pleased with it The overwhelming majority of the owners in the website have been very pleased with theirs. Like any other brand of tractor you want to make sure that there is a dealer that is near to your place

 

[candersen10]

I have a John Deere 5325 and could not recommend the machine more. I also have a New Holland TN75 which apparently has more power than the 5325 (75 hp versus 67 hp for the 5325), but in comparison, the 5325 simply is a more powerful machine. I use mine to pull a 10 foot sunflower disc and as long as it is pretty dry it will pull the disc fine through even heavy debris.

Options to get if you get a 5325:
- 24 by 24 speed transmission (possibly the best feature of the tractor)
- isolated platform (or cab if you are getting fancy)
- MFWD (obviously for the fuel savings and convenience)
- 540/540E PTO (I pull a 10 foot mower all the time in 540E and the tractor has no problem with it even in taller grass)
- if you are operating on hills get the wheels spaced wide and get a lot of weight

I have not looked at Mahindra's offerings and so my post may not be as useful as others. What I can say is that the 5325 is an extremely satisfying piece of equipment that is very reliable, economical on fuel, and comfortable to run.

 

[gemini5362]

I have a John Deere 5325 and could not recommend the machine more. I also have a New Holland TN75 which apparently has more power than the 5325 (75 hp versus 67 hp for the 5325), but in comparison, the 5325 simply is a more powerful machine. I use mine to pull a 10 foot sunflower disc and as long as it is pretty dry it will pull the disc fine through even heavy debris.

Options to get if you get a 5325:
- 24 by 24 speed transmission (possibly the best feature of the tractor)
- isolated platform (or cab if you are getting fancy)
- MFWD (obviously for the fuel savings and convenience)
- 540/540E PTO (I pull a 10 foot mower all the time in 540E and the tractor has no problem with it even in taller grass)
- if you are operating on hills get the wheels spaced wide and get a lot of weight

I have not looked at Mahindra's offerings and so my post may not be as useful as others. What I can say is that the 5325 is an extremely satisfying piece of equipment that is very reliable, economical on fuel, and comfortable to run.

I am sure that I would agree with you 100 per cent. The biggest problem with John Deere tractors in my opinion is the price. If you make a living with your tractor I would not hesitate to recommend buying one. There are John Deere dealers every where. Part are usually plentiful. However if you dont have to have one to make a living you can get some very good tractors for quite a bit less. I paid 25000 for my Montana, the best price the john deere rep could get me for something equivalent was 33000 that is a big difference. I think it all depends on what you are going to do with your tractor.

 

[RollingsFarms]

I am sure that I would agree with you 100 per cent. The biggest problem with John Deere tractors in my opinion is the price. If you make a living with your tractor I would not hesitate to recommend buying one. There are John Deere dealers every where. Part are usually plentiful. However if you dont have to have one to make a living you can get some very good tractors for quite a bit less. I paid 25000 for my Montana, the best price the john deere rep could get me for something equivalent was 33000 that is a big difference. I think it all depends on what you are going to do with your tractor.

this is what $19,500 got me. compared to other offerings in this class, i would say that is a VERY competitive price.

 

[gemini5362]

this is what $19,500 got me. compared to other offerings in this class, i would say that is a VERY competitive price.

Very nice tractor very good price. I have had my tractor for a couple of years now. When I bought mine I went to tulsa, Oklahoma to a big trade show there. John Deere was one of the groups that had a display. I talked directly to a john deere rep not the local dealer. I told him what I had been offered by Montana and we compared actual options. The rep called back to the factory and sent me an email with their best price. Their best price was around 8000 dollars more than the price quoted on my montana. Your deere has 7 more horsepower than I have. I have a front end loader, which is about 4500 or so. I have a cab which is about another 5000. I could not tell if you had remotes or not but they are standard on my montana. I am sure that someone who knows the prices could make a more acurate comparison. I also know that Montana has raised the prices of their tractors since I bought mine so the price spread might not be quite so bad now. All the above not withstanding that is a nice looking tractor and you got a very good deal.

 

[GaryCrowell]

John Deere's are pricey. However, you do get a lot for that extra money, namely superior support and reassurance that they will be there in 10 years when the tractor needs parts. That's something you might or might not be able to say about mahindra and montana. Myself, I'll only buy a tractor made by deere, CNH, Kubota, or Massey Ferguson. I've been burned by the off brands before when they break ten years down the pike and there's not a parts source to be had in the U.S. The other three make great 70 hp tractors that I wouldn't be afraid of and which cost less than the deere.

 

[candersen10]

I think the most comparable models between Mahindra and John Deere would probably be the 5325 and the Mahindra 7520.

Base Price Mahindra 7520: 29,250
Base Price John Deere 5325: 25,325
* the mahindra has the 4wd to begin with whereas the John Deere lists it as an option.

I built a 5325 up for 35,966 with:
- isolated operators station
- MFWD
- 24by24 speed power-reverser w/ E-pto
With this configuration I get a MSRP of 35,966. I have this exact tractor, however, I paid about 29,500 for it about two years ago. You figure generally with the Deere tractors that you can get about 15-18% off of the list price.

As for the Mahindra, it certainly looks like a rugged machine and has about 800 pounds on the John Deere; the mentality that more weight is always better is not correct however. More weight means more soil compaction and more fuel usage (depending on the application). I would think that you would be able to get a Mahindra 7520 for 24k-25k with MFWD and a 12 by 12 transmission. So, for roughly 4-5k more you get double the number of speeds, you get an Isolated operators station, you get an economy PTO which is incredibly important for any sort of mowing application, and you get the backing of an American based company that has been around since 1837. For occasional usage I think the Mahindra makes more sense given the savings you get up front. As someone who uses a tractor more than several hundred hours a year, I really would prefer the John Deere 5325 to the comparable Mahindra offering for it's superior transmission offerings, superior PTO offerings (fuel saving offerings), and the peace of mind that comes with an old well known company. Ultimately, you get what you pay for.

 

[unreconstructed]

Maybe I should have gotten the Mahindra instead of the 5325 because of the extra 800 pounds. Am pushing the weight as it is--perfect excuse to tell my wife I need a new trailer AND a new pickup.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

I have never heard of a tractor puller that doesn't get every ounce of weight they are allowed on the tractor when they make a pull. Weight equals traction, and stability.

 

[Cidertom]

I have a much different slant: (though hinted at in other peoples postings)
Talk to your neighbors, talk to other users, talk to your worst enemy. Find the brand that has best support in your area. Buy it.

If you are real comfortable doing /all/ your own work then it's an open game. My decision was based on the best reputation of the service center. Look back through my postings. Every tractor is going to have some issue that needs attention to. Some of my thought topics revolve around the fact that in the 1960's JD made a model 4520 and they still have at least some parts for it. I have a couple of friends that trailer their stuff past two other dealers to get it worked on (one blue, one orange). The dealer I go to cannaibalized a sales unit to get me back in service. Look at the great dealer- horror stories on this site. Then pick the brand based on something major going wrong in three years.

There are some things I don't like about the current unit. Does it do what it was advertised as able to do: Yes and then some. But the support, when I do manage to break it, will keep me a customer of that dealer for the foreseeable future.

 

[candersen10]

I have never heard of a tractor puller that doesn't get every ounce of weight they are allowed on the tractor when they make a pull. Weight equals traction, and stability.

I certainly agree with you. But weight also equals compaction and increased fuel usage. I'd rather have (and do have) the flexibility of removing and adding weight than having an over ballasted tractor for most of my use.

 

[gemini5362]

I think there are a lot of good points here. If I had to make a living with my tractor or it was indespensible I would be buying one of the name brands. The new holland tractor has been in my hometown forever. No matter what brand you buy there can be problems. Read the post about the john deere owner with the cab that his heater would not work and see all that they went through trying to get it fixed under warranty. There are a lot of people on this thread that have different needs. I am one of these people. I actually considered not buying a tractor and just going ahead and renting one when I needed it. For what it cost me per month for my tractor I could rent it every time I needed it and save myself a lot of monthly payments when my tractor is just sitting there looking nice in my pasture. Obviously if I need a part and it takes a couple of months will not hurt anything other than my I want to play with my tractor. The most important advice that I have seen on here is look for the closest reputable dealer and then buy from them no matter what the color. One of the most important factor in my decision to buy a montana is having the main headquarters down the street from my wifes law office. If I have any big issues I can have her go down and talk to them. I dont anticipate any issues I am very happy with my Montana, It seems to be a well made tractor and from the comments in the montana section most everyone in there is happy with their purchase. I have a small kubota that I use like a riding lawn mower. That is one of the most rugged tractors I have seen. I abuse the living heck out of it. From what I have seen of the specs in the Mahindra they seem to be an awesome machine. I like the heavier weight for when I use my front end loader. I agree more weight equals more soil compaction but that is not always an issue. It would not be for me. More weight might equal more fuel being used but I am not sure how you would measure that accross the board. One person might like to do all their work in one gear while another might do their work in a higher speed gear. That would make a huge difference in fuel useage. I would supsect more difference than a few hundred pounds would make. My bottom line advice is go for the reputable dealer close to you if they can stay in the ballpark price wise.

 

[Dargo]

No offense intended, but the original poster asked about John Deere and Mahindra; not for a sales pitch on a Montana tractor. If he had a Montana dealer in his area and considered it a possibility I'd think he would have mentioned it. After I looked at Montana, I personally think you can get far more for your dollar and even more weight with the Foton tractors sold at Rural King. Even so, I didn't try to pimp that brand because it's cheaper and weighs more.