Petrol and Powder
Member
After 13 years with a Kubota BX series, I finally killed it. In all fairness I was very hard on the Kubota and the hydraulics were the ultimate weak link. The engine was still going strong but the rest of the machine was in sad shape. So rather than spend more than it was worth, it was replaced.
I looked at a lot of new and used tractors and the Mahindra was the winner. I REALLY wanted a shuttle shift but just couldn't justify the cost for my needs and ended up with an eMax25S with a 60" belly mower.
We're still getting to know each other but so far I'm impressed with the Mahindra.
Did have one significant problem with a hydraulic leak during the first hour of operation but the dealer made it right and it has worked fine since. The tractor was delivered from the distribution center directly to my property, so it didn't stop at the dealer for an inspection. I doubt the dealer will ever do that again. Even new equipment needs a close inspection before being delivered to a buyer.
A few points and observations:
The mower appears to be stoutly constructed but it isn't nearly as refined as the Kubota mower it replaced. It cuts OK but if you're looking for a finish mower (and I wasn't) it leaves a bit to be desired. The spindles are sealed and the jury is still out on that. It is a drive-over design which makes installation/removal a bit easier.
I couldn't get Ag tires with the set up I wanted and had to settle for R4 industrial tires. The manual says they're available but the dealer said they were not.
The layout of the components is, in my opinion, much better than the Kubota it replaced. The battery and fuel filter are easily accessible. The front radiator design is far better in terms of access. Most of the items likely to be serviced such as the alternator, muffler, fan belt, etc., are accessible. The one complaint is the engine oil dipstick. You have to remove the side cover just to check the oil ! That really needs to be addressed.
After using a HST tractor with a rocker pedal for years, the twin pedal set up is a bit different but I'm adjusting. I'm not thrilled about the brake pedal on the left but I guess that's the price for the twin pedals on the right. My brain is not adjusting to that very quickly.
Don't know why we need high/low headlights, turn signals and a horn on a tractor, but OK. The headlights are impressive!
The location of the fuel tank and filler neck are a very big negative. The fuel filler neck requires a funnel when filling from a can and the location of the filler neck is not ideal. A larger filler neck, with a tethered cap would be my choice and it should be located on the side of the tractor as opposed to the top of the hood. It's a poor layout.
The owner's manual is sort of written in English but it is amusing.
The engine is strong, the HST wasn't my first choice but it works well - Overall it seems to be a good machine.
I looked at a lot of new and used tractors and the Mahindra was the winner. I REALLY wanted a shuttle shift but just couldn't justify the cost for my needs and ended up with an eMax25S with a 60" belly mower.
We're still getting to know each other but so far I'm impressed with the Mahindra.
Did have one significant problem with a hydraulic leak during the first hour of operation but the dealer made it right and it has worked fine since. The tractor was delivered from the distribution center directly to my property, so it didn't stop at the dealer for an inspection. I doubt the dealer will ever do that again. Even new equipment needs a close inspection before being delivered to a buyer.
A few points and observations:
The mower appears to be stoutly constructed but it isn't nearly as refined as the Kubota mower it replaced. It cuts OK but if you're looking for a finish mower (and I wasn't) it leaves a bit to be desired. The spindles are sealed and the jury is still out on that. It is a drive-over design which makes installation/removal a bit easier.
I couldn't get Ag tires with the set up I wanted and had to settle for R4 industrial tires. The manual says they're available but the dealer said they were not.
The layout of the components is, in my opinion, much better than the Kubota it replaced. The battery and fuel filter are easily accessible. The front radiator design is far better in terms of access. Most of the items likely to be serviced such as the alternator, muffler, fan belt, etc., are accessible. The one complaint is the engine oil dipstick. You have to remove the side cover just to check the oil ! That really needs to be addressed.
After using a HST tractor with a rocker pedal for years, the twin pedal set up is a bit different but I'm adjusting. I'm not thrilled about the brake pedal on the left but I guess that's the price for the twin pedals on the right. My brain is not adjusting to that very quickly.
Don't know why we need high/low headlights, turn signals and a horn on a tractor, but OK. The headlights are impressive!
The location of the fuel tank and filler neck are a very big negative. The fuel filler neck requires a funnel when filling from a can and the location of the filler neck is not ideal. A larger filler neck, with a tethered cap would be my choice and it should be located on the side of the tractor as opposed to the top of the hood. It's a poor layout.
The owner's manual is sort of written in English but it is amusing.
The engine is strong, the HST wasn't my first choice but it works well - Overall it seems to be a good machine.
I like having headlights with two settings; having the bright setting could be helpful when working till dark. The turn signals can be useful. The past two winters my dad had used his eMax to shovel/clear snow for us and other neighbors around the neighborhood and down the street. He even drove through town once, and cleared our church parking lot after one big snow. We live in town, so having the turn signals and all helps drivers know you are there and what your next move is. 
