TXHF Mahindra 2538 TLB - Timeline thread

[TXHF]

Hey all. TXHF here... That means Texas Hobby Farmer btw. In all the motorcycle/truck forums, people start a build thread for their machines, so I thought I'd start one here and consolidate everything about my tractor here. I joined this forum to gain knowledge after ordering my new 2017 Mahindra 2538 TLB. I'd done a ton of research, watched countless videos and visited dealers to test these machines before settling on the 2538.

Background: I grew up in rural Maine on a farm that our family of 9 sustained themselves on. Acres of garden and lots of animals. My Dad passed away when I was 10. By then, only three kids were left home and we couldn't sustain the farm. Mom sold off a lot of acreage and all the equipment, met a tradesman and remarried so Farming was done. The last time I drove a tractor was at 10 yrs old. I never dreamed I'd be on 27 acres in Texas and owning my own tractor. I guess, you often return to your roots, right? Well, I've made a career in Information Technology and work with servers, systems and email. I won't bore you with the details. We bought this property because the new home I bought oustide of Austin just doesn't suit us. The house is awesome but there's no room to do anything. We feel like the unfortunate person in the middle seat on an airplane with two very large people on either side of us... The land came up for sale, the price was more than OK so we decided it would be our retirement home. We've offered out three adult kids each two acres to build on. One absolutely will, the other two, not so sure... It's there if they want it.

Going forward, I plan to keep my timeline running here. Maybe it will inspire others who are considering it to make this jump. Maybe.... it will scare you away. Either way, I'll take all your comments, good or bad, and learn as I go. A lot has changed in the 42 years since I last farmed.

And thank you, all of you, for your contributions to this forum. I joined on June 19th and 90% of my questions have been answered with searches that turn up all the wisdom shared on this site. I appreciate each of you who take the time to document your experiences on both what you should and should not do. It helps a lot so please keep posting!

 

[TXHF]

Day one with the tractor started on July 22nd. We picked it up at the dealer. The package deal was a 20' Load Trail hauler, 2017 2538 TLB, 6' shredder and pallet forks. All hooked up to the Tundra and ready to roll. This squatted the OEM suspension too much so I've since picked up a set of Firestone Ride Ride airbags for assisting loads in the back. I'll install those this weekend.

Prior to buying the tractor and inspired by another product already being sold, I made my own T-post driver to mount on my FEL which I will do soon and have video posted of it in action. Below is a link to the thread I'd started there so anything related to the driver will continue in that thread.
DIY: Bucket-mounted T-Post driver

Also prior to actual purchase of the tractor, I built this canopy to install on the day I picked it up. It is all described in this link below and oustide of one annoying fitmet issue that doesn't affect function, it works exactly as planned.
DIY: ROPS Canopy on a budget

Follow along with me and help me figure things out please. Thanks for reading. ~Eric

 

[TXHF]

After driving through the gate, we unloaded the tractor and my wife jumped on and took off. Here's a short video of her enjoying the machine.

 

[frugalangler]

I'd recommend measuring the tongue weight % of total trailer weight, if you squatted that much on the Tundra, you're WAY to heavy on the tongue! That's classic of a equip trailer, they are over-balanced to the tongue, and if you look, the largest percentage of your load is over/forward of the tandems - only the BH hangs over behind the wheels, so you need to consider load configuration. Even if you get rid of the 'squat' you won't have proper load on the front wheels for steering, another consideration would be a load leveling hitch that forces some of the tongue weight on the front wheels. I've driven rigs balanced (read: UN-balanced) the way yours is, they are OK until something happens, then you wish you'd have taken the time to balance instead of saving that time to clean your britches.

Otherwise, nice looking setup, looking forward to seeing progress. I like the fact you jumped on improvements before even taking delivery! I did the same, just so much to do and so little time!

 

[oldpilgrim]

Load levelling hitch is the way to go. Relatively inexpensive and no 'installation'.

 

[TXHF]

I'd recommend measuring the tongue weight % of total trailer weight, if you squatted that much on the Tundra, you're WAY to heavy on the tongue! That's classic of a equip trailer, they are over-balanced to the tongue, and if you look, the largest percentage of your load is over/forward of the tandems - only the BH hangs over behind the wheels, so you need to consider load configuration. Even if you get rid of the 'squat' you won't have proper load on the front wheels for steering, another consideration would be a load leveling hitch that forces some of the tongue weight on the front wheels. I've driven rigs balanced (read: UN-balanced) the way yours is, they are OK until something happens, then you wish you'd have taken the time to balance instead of saving that time to clean your britches.

Otherwise, nice looking setup, looking forward to seeing progress. I like the fact you jumped on improvements before even taking delivery! I did the same, just so much to do and so little time!

Thanks (to both of you). Yes, they had it front-heavy. They loaded it all while the trailer was on their yard truck, not while on my Tundra so when I hooked up, she sank but it didn't bottom out so I chose to drive it that way. In all, it handled fine but Next time, I'd work the tractor to a better balancing point on the trailer. That will also be the only time the entire assortment will be hauled at the same time. When the 2538 goes back for service, it will be the tractor and FEL only, maybe not even the FEL and only the tractor.

Regarding the hitch... Any issues with a Haul Master (Harbor Freight) distribution hitch?

 

[frugalangler]

Regarding the hitch... Any issues with a Haul Master (Harbor Freight) distribution hitch?

They are OK, but after having one with built in sway control (not the friction kind, but the cam style) I'd only use it. The cam style will nudge the truck back in line w/ the trailer but is not strong enough to prevent making turns, but it sure helps on the open road with side winds or when a big flat front semi passes - you can drive 1 fingered and the hitch manages the blow by draft. It's worth the extra $$ - but then I'm a little sensitive to safety when towing, just my 2cents worth.

here's the type I prefer, yes pricey, but you only live once! Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 17, lbs GTW, 1,7 lbs TW Reese Weight Distribution RP6675 (This one is overkill in capacity, but you can find the correct one I'm sure.)

 

[TXHF]

They are OK, but after having one with built in sway control (not the friction kind, but the cam style) I'd only use it. The cam style will nudge the truck back in line w/ the trailer but is not strong enough to prevent making turns, but it sure helps on the open road with side winds or when a big flat front semi passes - you can drive 1 fingered and the hitch manages the blow by draft. It's worth the extra $$ - but then I'm a little sensitive to safety when towing, just my 2cents worth.

here's the type I prefer, yes pricey, but you only live once! Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 17, lbs GTW, 1,7 lbs TW Reese Weight Distribution RP6675 (This one is overkill in capacity, but you can find the correct one I'm sure.)

Thank you Sir! I looked up the one I'd need and it is $556.00. So, the sway is controlled by the cam action at the end of the spring arms? Looks like it applies more down-force if the trailer sways in either direction. These hitches are like voodoo magic to me... but then the Reese guy explained it best. He said, "Think of these arms as wheel barrow handles. They force the weight to the front of the truck." Now it makes sense.

I agree, cheaper is hardly ever better and you really do get what you pay for.

 

[frugalangler]

It not so much forces more down force, but as it rides up the angle on the arm, it forces due to down force to return to the lowest point, therefore creating a centering action. I've driven both it and friction, by far the cam style is better because of the self centering vs. just friction - self centering makes a world of difference.

 

[TXHF]

I purchased steel rafters from R&R Ironworks in NC who shipped them to me. This is a representation of the exact rafters and what the building will look like completed. We're building this pole-barn style, 30'x40' Their trusses make it simple to build any structure with a large span and no center supports.



The 2538 was able to handle the load when it was delivered. I was right at the limit of the FEL lift but it did it! Thankful for the backhoe as ballast for that load!

 

[TXHF]

Old golf cart canopy re-purposed for a tractor. Forgot to add to this thread...

 

[Stupit]

I'm glad I found this thread. I bought a '17 2538 last summer and LOVE it. I'm going to have to keep my eye out for a golf cart canopy. That was a great use of it. Keep posting progress pics of your barn. I'm interested to see the build process and how you utilize your 2538 during the build. I too have a house in Austin, but am stuck on the East Coast for the next 7-10 years for a work commitment. I'd love to find a bigger chunk of TX to build a hobby farm on. Until then, snow and messy pine trees it will be. Remember your Maine days when these stupid things covered your bikes and cars in tree sap?

 

[TXHF]

I'm glad I found this thread. I bought a '17 2538 last summer and LOVE it. I'm going to have to keep my eye out for a golf cart canopy. That was a great use of it. Keep posting progress pics of your barn. I'm interested to see the build process and how you utilize your 2538 during the build. I too have a house in Austin, but am stuck on the East Coast for the next 7-10 years for a work commitment. I'd love to find a bigger chunk of TX to build a hobby farm on. Until then, snow and messy pine trees it will be. Remember your Maine days when these stupid things covered your bikes and cars in tree sap?

Oh.... that grapple! I want one but need other attachments first. Aren't these just amazing to use? Simple to operate, easy to maintain... love it too! Yes, check with all the local places that repair golf carts and inquire about used ones. I got lucky with the local shop here! I absolutely remember sapped vehicles and don't miss them, but more so, don't miss the snow and you've been hit hard this year. Almost felt sorry for everyone..... almost.

I met a guy at work who has a bunch of metal roofing/siding and wants to give it to me. I'm almost certain it is enough to do the whole roof of the barn with enough left over for a smaller shed too. Also there is a couple of 20+ foot I beams, a large cedar beam and a telephone pole I might grab. That will save me a couple grand!

How'd you like to drag that tractor down and be a neighbor of mine in Lometa? There's still a few lots available, all much bigger than mine. The guy selling is great to work with. 10 sold, three left at great pricing!

LAR Tract 12 - 31 Acres - US Hwy 19, Lometa TX
LA Ranch Tract 13 - 37 Acres - CR 2513, Lometa TX
LA Ranch Tract 14 - 38 Acres - CR 2513, Lometa TX

All of these are relatively flat and mostly just low brush with some young mesquite. Right off U.S. 190 and is 60 miles from me in Leander.

 

[Stupit]

I absolutely remember sapped vehicles and don't miss them, but more so, don't miss the snow and you've been hit hard this year. Almost felt sorry for everyone..... almost.

How'd you like to drag that tractor down and be a neighbor of mine in Lometa? There's still a few lots available, all much bigger than mine. The guy selling is great to work with. 10 sold, three left at great pricing!

LAR Tract 12 - 31 Acres - US Hwy 19�, Lometa TX
LA Ranch Tract 13 - 37 Acres - CR 2513, Lometa TX
LA Ranch Tract 14 - 38 Acres - CR 2513, Lometa TX

Jeeze how I'd love to get back there. Those lots are beautiful. Looks like you found a great area. Congrats! My current land is a lot "cooler" than yours, and I mean that in the truest definition the the word.

 

[Atchuuu]

Any updates?

 

[TXHF]

Not a lot of work on the property over the last couple weeks. We had plans one weekend and I'm on call this week/weekend so I cannot go up. But, here's some photos of what I am working with for land. The hole dug is about 2' of sand/clay then I hit the caliche but the backhoe still dug in until I hit the reach limit and found hardpan. This hole is about 6' deep. This was a test to see if it will collect/retain water. I did widen it by two more bucket-widths.

We marked out all the area for the buildings and we are concentrating on where the equipment barn is being built. It is cleared and we need to finish removing the stumps. Mesquite taproots are DEEP!