Buying Advice Yanmar or Mahindra? Small vs Large? - HELP!!

[chnash99]

OK so I know this question has been asked to death but I am going to ask it again anyway.

Currently live on 100 acres with 3 other family members. We have several tractors on the farm but none of them are mine. They range from 33HP Case to a 98HP JD.

I am looking at buying a smaller tractor to get into tight spaces in the woods. I will definitely be doing FEL work, mowing grass, general cleaning in the woods, and maintaining about 700 feet of gravel driveway.

2 questions:

First: I am considering a yanmar 2310D from Fredricks or a used Mahindra 3015 HST with about 800 hours on it. Both are about the same money. Should I go with a Yanmar (30 year old tractor, UTDA certified) or get a newer mainstream tractor with several hundred hours and not sure how it has been maintained?

I know the Yanmar has more than 800 hours but I Fredricks should have at least gone through the entire tractor and gotten it in top shape for it's age and use.

Second: I have also talked to Fredricks and they have a 1820D (with aftermarket powersteering) for a few hundred dollars less than the 2310D. I like the thought of a smaller frame since I want to be able to get into tight places but am concerned about the smaller engine and HP. Will the 1820 be able to get the work done or do I need more hp/weight?

I am not a mechanic (but like to tinker and figure stuff out myself). Honestly I like the thought of the Yanmar being so simple. With an HST I am a little concerned that if anything goes wrong I won't even be able to figure out what to do on my own. I think with the Yanmar and this board I could figure most of it out on my own.

 

[clemsonfor]

OK so I know this question has been asked to death but I am going to ask it again anyway.

Currently live on 100 acres with 3 other family members. We have several tractors on the farm but none of them are mine. They range from 33HP Case to a 98HP JD.

I am looking at buying a smaller tractor to get into tight spaces in the woods. I will definitely be doing FEL work, mowing grass, general cleaning in the woods, and maintaining about 700 feet of gravel driveway.

2 questions:

First: I am considering a yanmar 2310D from Fredricks or a used Mahindra 3015 HST with about 800 hours on it. Both are about the same money. Should I go with a Yanmar (30 year old tractor, UTDA certified) or get a newer mainstream tractor with several hundred hours and not sure how it has been maintained?

I know the Yanmar has more than 800 hours but I Fredricks should have at least gone through the entire tractor and gotten it in top shape for it's age and use.

Second: I have also talked to Fredricks and they have a 1820D (with aftermarket powersteering) for a few hundred dollars less than the 2310D. I like the thought of a smaller frame since I want to be able to get into tight places but am concerned about the smaller engine and HP. Will the 1820 be able to get the work done or do I need more hp/weight?

I am not a mechanic (but like to tinker and figure stuff out myself). Honestly I like the thought of the Yanmar being so simple. With an HST I am a little concerned that if anything goes wrong I won't even be able to figure out what to do on my own. I think with the Yanmar and this board I could figure most of it out on my own.

I personally would not get the 1820 if you want to do bushhogging or pulling a plow with it. You will want the extra 4hp and weight of the 2310. Yes the Manihandra is a newer but more complicated tractor. You probably wont be able to fix many things that would never een happen on the yanny due to not haveing them. But manihandra is a newer more comfortable tractor most likely, proably will do more work as has a better weight and still 800 hours is not all that much. Although i do not know what their service life is 3000 hours 5000 hours or like many of the old jd's and fords 10000 hours?????

Its a tough decision, we really need someone with personal experience on both to give you an idea.

I only have been on my ym2000 and my uncles JD4400. The JD is 30something HP and mine is 24hp. The JD is a much more powerful tractor with a loader as well. Can turn a 6ft bushhog and i can turn a 4ft. He can pull a larger disk, but in the end, if you forget the loader i can pretty much do everything he can it will just take me longer, and i can go places he cant in a taller longer tractor. As you have larger tractors im sure your not going to be bushhoging 20 acre pastures with this small tractor.

 

[runningbird]

Fredricks should have quite a few more options for you in the Yanmars. If it were me I would get a yanmar with the power steering. I bet they have some other models that have power steering. Working in tight places w/o p.s. can be tough when your loader is full.

 

[Ginormous]

As I have seen others say, there are trade offs on large vs small, and one size is not best for everyone. I have a YM1700. I mostly use it for finish mowing, but it is big enough to use a 4' bushhog and tiller for smallish jobs. If it was bigger with more HP & weight, it wouldn't be as good at finish mowing because it would tend to tear up the ground and be harder to maneuver, but it would be better at bushhogging and tilling. The larger one would also burn fuel faster. The people who say "buy yourself a big boy tractor and you can do anything" are wrong. You're the only one who can work out what you want to use it for and how important each type of work is.

 

[Kernopelli]

Wow. I am going to have to bring some sanity to this. A 30 hp newer hydrostat, power steering, 11.5 total GPM hydraulics, mid PTO and 2200lb 3 point lift or a an (admittedly nice) older Yanmar for the same price? Check out the Mahindra to determine how well it's been taken care of and if it is in good shape, there wouldn't even be a second thought about which to get. The only advantage to the Yanmar might be more gear ranges. The Mahindra still has a 3 range trans though. The Mahindra is based on a very proven design, engine and drivetrain. The 15/16 series Mahindras have excellent reliability and owner satisfaction reports....I just can't imagine not going with a proven bigger, heavier and newer machine that is better equipped.

 

[clemsonfor]

I really was thinking the same as the last guy for the same $$ i would buy the manihandra, if the yanmar was used and in the $3.5k range thats different, but seriously i think if your forking out 8-12K id buy the Manihandra.

 

[kenmac]

Fredricks is also a Large mahindra dealer. Ask him about the 3016. He may have a used 1 on the lot. I've had many dealings with him. In my opinion,,He's as honest as they come. When I bought my yanmar (several yrs ago) He said he would knock off $500.00 when I came back & purchased a loader. Years later ( a couple months ago) I went back to get the loader. There are some new people working there now so, when I ask about the price of a loader, the new person gave me the price. I then told him what Tom had told me. This new person stated that I had bought my tractor some yrs ago & he would have to ask Tom if he would hornor the $500.00 discount. This new person ( can't remember his name) called me & said Tom would hornor the discount. I would like a mahindra. But, my 3110D is a tough tractor

 

[clemsonfor]

The Manihandra is used! See the part about 800 hours! I think this is why he is considering these 2 tractors as he must have stopped by Frederics. I knew he was a manihandra dealer so i assumed both tractors were at his lot?

 

[Car Doc]

I sure like having a 4 sd pto and a diff lock and powershift is hard to beat and 3pt attachments are probably easier to get on and off than a belly mower?

I dont have any idea thats just a guess on the mower they look more difficult and they certainly take up ground clearance for other tractor chores my .02..

They both would most certainly only barely sip fuel and be very easy on the wallet on fuel at least. The Yanmar looks like it would be the easiest to work on but looks can be deceiving fwtw. hth

edit: I have to agree with what kenmac said about the room difference that is a big consideration no doubt. My tractor is big and has enough for a big guy like me 6' 240 lbs but on the other hand I cant hardly get on and off my buddy's 1610D it doesn't fit my big frame at all and my other friends 2420D is almost as bad but I could operate that one its just real tight so I imagine it is close to a 2310 I dont know.

 

[kenmac]

The Manihandra is used! See the part about 800 hours! I knew he was a manihandra dealer so i assumed both tractors were at his lot?

I read the 800 hr part & the over 800 hr part on the yanmar. I don't know if the saw the mahindra at Fredricks or not. He didn't say if it was on the side of the road or at a dealer. Try out both (if possible ) buy the 1 you like. You will have more room on the Mahindra. Buddy of mine has a 2016 room is what I like about his

 

[2manyrocks]

The OP is complicated by the statement that there are 3 other tractors on the farm already. So does the OP get to use any of them? Then the OP says he wants something to use in the woods which raises questions about what kind of terrain and so forth he has.

I sort of scanned the responses, but did anybody talk about parts availability for the two brands in question?

I like my YM, but I'm not so sure which brand I'd get if I were starting from scratch.

 

[chnash99]

Thanks for all the responses so far. A couple of things to note:

The Mahindra is owned by an individual and it is not at Fredricks. I have not been to Fredricks yet but only talked to them on the phone. The Mahindra has 800 hours and the guy that owns it seems very honest. Says he wants to change the oil before he sells it and that I can come watch if i decide to buy it to learn how. Makes me believe he is honest and has taken care of it. I know looks can be deceiving though.

We do have several other tractors on the farm. We live on 120 acres in NW GA. The other tractors are not mine and I would not just ask to use them. They are all owned by family. I would not have to ask to use them because if I needed something done whoever had the right tractor for it would come do it with me/for me. The terrain is rolling hills. We have about 60 acres pasture and 60 or so woods. The main pasture that is about 45 acres is hayed by someone else for us. We don't have the equipment to hay it. They do the work, leave us enough hay for our livestock for the winter and take the rest.

The mower is not a belly mower. It is actually a 3pt hitch mower. We maintain about 15 acres of grass on the farm between 4 families. I would probably cut 2 acres or so every 2nd or 3rd cut. Not that much because my father in law is retired and just likes to spend time on his TC33!

Right now I am leaning towards the Mahindra. The only reservation is that it is so much more complicated of a tractor and if something goes wrong I won't be able to troubleshoot/fix it. My father in law has an electrical problem on his TC33 right now and no one in town can figure out what is wrong. These things have gotten almost like working on newer cars and it is difficult to find anyone that understands what is really going on with them. That is one thing about the yanmar that is attractive.

Also the 1 yr warranty with the Yanmar is attractive. I can just see me buying the Mahindra and the thing won't cranck to get it off the trailer when I get home. Maybe I am just paranoid but this is a big purchase for me and I don't want to screw it up!

 

[yanmars]

I own a 336d Yanmar, I have had it over 20 years and a Mahindra 4510. The first is a 33 horsepower tractor or thereabouts, the other 45 HP. One is an open tractor, one is closed. They are just different tractors so it is hard to compare, each has its virtues. I have had a bit of trouble getting some parts for the Yanmars because of its age although for most it has not been a problem. Look them over carefully and get the one that fits your needs the best.

 

[2manyrocks]

rolling hills--do both have ROPS?

 

[chnash99]

Yes both have ROPS

 

[clemsonfor]

Thanks for all the responses so far. A couple of things to note:

The Mahindra is owned by an individual and it is not at Fredricks. I have not been to Fredricks yet but only talked to them on the phone. The Mahindra has 800 hours and the guy that owns it seems very honest. Says he wants to change the oil before he sells it and that I can come watch if i decide to buy it to learn how. Makes me believe he is honest and has taken care of it. I know looks can be deceiving though.

We do have several other tractors on the farm. We live on 120 acres in NW GA. The other tractors are not mine and I would not just ask to use them. They are all owned by family. I would not have to ask to use them because if I needed something done whoever had the right tractor for it would come do it with me/for me. The terrain is rolling hills. We have about 60 acres pasture and 60 or so woods. The main pasture that is about 45 acres is hayed by someone else for us. We don't have the equipment to hay it. They do the work, leave us enough hay for our livestock for the winter and take the rest.

The mower is not a belly mower. It is actually a 3pt hitch mower. We maintain about 15 acres of grass on the farm between 4 families. I would probably cut 2 acres or so every 2nd or 3rd cut. Not that much because my father in law is retired and just likes to spend time on his TC33!

Right now I am leaning towards the Mahindra. The only reservation is that it is so much more complicated of a tractor and if something goes wrong I won't be able to troubleshoot/fix it. My father in law has an electrical problem on his TC33 right now and no one in town can figure out what is wrong. These things have gotten almost like working on newer cars and it is difficult to find anyone that understands what is really going on with them. That is one thing about the yanmar that is attractive.

Also the 1 yr warranty with the Yanmar is attractive. I can just see me buying the Mahindra and the thing won't cranck to get it off the trailer when I get home. Maybe I am just paranoid but this is a big purchase for me and I don't want to screw it up!

Im not knocking a fredricks tractor or any dealer, but you nailed it. These things are fairly simplistic machines. When you buy that shiny reconditioned tractor from fredrics with the loader you pay a premium to warrenty that 30 year old tractor, after all any bearing can go out requiring $500 labor to replace it. A motor can go out injector pump fail etc. A proven well taken care of tractor from a privite owner who has had it and kept if for a while in good shape and care for it i think is the best buy. If you have time keep looking and searching for a used one. The money you save will be your warrenty. You can replace a lot of stuff for the 4K or so $'s you will save over buying new. Just my thoughts.

But you do have a point on the newer stuff and electrical gremlins etc. At around $80/hr to trouble shoot you can rack up a bill pretty quick.

 

[Car Doc]

Its going to be hard to beat that Yanmar for sheer simplicity and simple is good more stuff means more trouble also especially electrical stuff.

These Yanmars will still do everything they normally would except run the headlights with a bad alternator and a dead battery not so with these newer machines.

If you once get them started they will run as long as they have fuel just something to think about. my .02

 

[kenmac]

If you aren't in any hurry to buy. Try out both tractors to see which fits & you like the best. That should help you make a decision.
Good luck

 

[284 International]

"What should I buy" threads are always tough for me. I want to stay out of it, but I can't help having an opinion.

I'd buy the Mahindra over the Yanmar, more complicated machine or not. If you need that size tractor to do your jobs, that 3016 will do it better. Powershift transmissions are awesome compared to regular manual transmissions, but can't match the finesse of a hydrostatic in mowing or loader work.

The trouble is you say that the 1820D is appealing for its agility. Big tractors do the jobs little tractors do much faster, but little tractors can go places big tractors cannot. It doesn't take much dimensional increases to allow much better access: My YM186D will do things in many more places than my YM2000, even though it is only 1.1 inch narrower and 9.7 inches shorter. It's not even close, and looking at them it doesn't seem like they are anywhere near the same size on paper.

Another factor is that you have other machines available.

So, I would suggest you consider whether buying the 2310D or the Mahindra would complement the other machines available, or just duplicate their strengths. It sounds like the 1820D would clearly fill a desired niche that isn't currently covered by your family's tractor suite. It will pull a scraper or rake down your driveway, run a 4 to 5 foot mower, fit on a smallish trailer or tighter trailer, or whatever. Is that what you need?

If the 2310D or Mahindra are going to perform about like the TC33 does, in about the same size package, is that what you're wanting? Would you better served buying a skid steer, perhaps with a grapple, to do work in the woods and dirt? A skid steer will work dirt vastly better than a tractor of the same dimensions.

I'm not trying to talk you into or out of anything, but the mission drives the gear. I would try to make a list of things that are requirements, things that are ought-to-haves, and then things are would-be-nice-to-have.

Keep us in the loop, and take pictures of what you decide on purchasing!

 

[chnash99]

Funny you mention the skid steer. My brother in law and I just had that conversation yesterday. He has a John Deere 50hp with loader on the farm (not sure of the model).

We live on a little over 100 acres and when we bought the land and built our houses we had a skid steer for the construction. Not sure why but we sold it when we were finished building. Probably the biggest mistake we made but it is what it is.

I do think a skid steer would serve some of what we need very well but I also need to be able to help in the grass cutting arena. My father in law and grandfather in law maintain most of the grass (except for our 50 acre pasture that is hayed) and I feel guilty that I can't help. Also I want to be able to get out on a tractor and cut some grass. At least faster than my riding lawn mower will do.

284 International you have really made me think about this again. I was settled on the Mahindra just for the name brand and I think it is VERY good deal but you are correct in that we have 2 other similar tractors on the farm that will essentially do the same thing. The 1820 probably will do everything I need except for the rare occasion that I need some real power. In those instances I definitely have access to something that will get it done. The advantage to that also is that it will get in tight places in the woods.

gonna make a decision this week and i will keep you posted on my saga!