Mahindra 2545 on sand

SPYDERLK · Mar 6, 2019

I think you have an 8.2 GPM pump. That would be at max rpm. No danger using an 8gpm valve. Probably perfect for loader work at around 20/2200rpm. A little more heat due to slight flow restriction when operating at 2600. Its a much closer match to your system than the 20GPM.

For comparison my 7520 loader valve is 14GPM operating in a 17GPM system. Its fine, but I would consider it objectionable if I were working for extended periods at full rpm.

pripyat · Mar 6, 2019

Can I follow this write up exactly?
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/198367-photos-third-function-valve-project.html

Someone made a comment that since their system was open Center they would require less hydraulic hoses. I don't quite understand why though.

pripyat · Mar 6, 2019

So I ordered the valve and some fittings. I don't even have anything to hook up to it so i'm not in any hurry. I think mounting the valve will be the hardest part. Hopefully I don't find an outrageous deal on a grapple so I can take my time with the install..

SPYDERLK · Mar 6, 2019

pripyat said:
Can I follow this write up exactly?
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/198367-photos-third-function-valve-project.html

Someone made a comment that since their system was open Center they would require less hydraulic hoses. I don't quite understand why though.

Yes, Gordons write up presents the system mod very well.

I have never had occasion to deal with a closed center system so I cant answer the comparative hosing question. You could PM the person who made the statement. :confused3:

I think youll like that valve. Having it in advance will let you mock up some options for the eventual arrangement.

pripyat · Mar 7, 2019

I knew the tractor was going to open up a can of financial worms but this is a little ridiculous.

The 50 hour service is quite expensive. It wouldn't hurt so bad but the fuel filter is outrageous. I can get a great marine grade fuel separator for a quarter of the cost of the mahindra fuel filter. I digress. I want to take the best care of my equipment, I've been greasing the fittings every other time I use the tractor just to get in the habit - I know it is overkill, just let me do my thing.

I'm tempted to put synthetic 80W-90 in the transmission and axle. Any thoughts? I was thinking that if it made the hydraulic pump last 50% longer it would be well worth the investment up front. I can get very good synthetic oil for about twice what the regular Valvoline costs. I use full synthetic oil in everything I own, I'm not convinced the tractor should be any different.

Anyway, I'm looking at a hundred dollars in misc items for the tractor (tool box, pins, corrosion preventative oil, grease, tool box, etc), a hundred dollars in parts for the brush hog, around two hundred for parts for the third function.

The want list for implements - Grapple, finish mower, stump bucket. That is easily $1200, $1500, $500.

Not complaining, just making a general statement that purchasing the tractor is just the beginning of dumping wads of cash..

duffer · Mar 7, 2019

No doubt its more expensive than many of us thought it would be, but I have a neighbor who owns horses, and believe me, the tractor is FAR less expensive to maintain than horses, especially show horses.

I've often thought about buying an additional ATV, or riding mower for smaller areas, etc etc. But I've found ways to make the tractor fill those tasks. Not as easy in some cases. But better than doling out another $5-$10k for a another "convenience". I guess it's a matter of priorities.

I'd sure like a backhoe, but honestly, I would only use it 2-3 times a year..maybe. So I rent one for $250 when I need it. Not as bad as shelling out $6k+ additional hydraulics to own it myself, plus the added maintenance.

SPYDERLK · Mar 7, 2019

Is your front axle pivot taking grease yet?

pripyat · Mar 7, 2019

Yes, when I greased yesterday I saw it oozing out the bottom.

Right now the tractor is exposed to the elements. I have a tarp that needs to be larger, I wont have a true home for it until another year or so when we get the shop built.

For now I'm spraying everything that could rust with oil, i'd rather the tractor be oily than rusty. I used a whole can of fogging oil the other day, i'm guessing in a couple months i'll either do the fogging oil again or go with fluid film. I like how fogging oil penetrates.

pripyat · Mar 8, 2019

Valve and fittings come in today, I've been thinking about ways to fund a grapple purchase since I literally don't have a reason to buy one other than to clean up a bunch of dead trees at my mom's property. Come to find out, she was just quoted $5500 dollars to clear 15 dead trees, not including stump grinding. My buddy offered to spend a weekend helping me out and it looks like she is going to reimburse me the cost of the grapple if I get rid of the 15 trees for her. In this case I would actually get a good grapple (some of the trees are rather large).

I went ahead and told her it would be between $1500 and $2500 for a grapple after referencing everythingattachments. Anyone have any input on which grapple would be best for the 2545? It comes with a 66" bucket, I'm not sure if it makes sense to match the OEM bucket width or go more narrow. Also, I'm not sure if it would make more sense to get the wicked root grapple V2.0 or the wicked root rake.

Anyway, I did some FEL work yesterday, we got our driveway installed by the state. I'm filling in the incline with dirt from an area near the drainage ditch (I'll fill the hole back in with the junk I dig out the ditch). Pics attached.

SPYDERLK · Mar 8, 2019

pripyat said:
Valve and fittings come in today, I've been thinking about ways to fund a grapple purchase since I literally don't have a reason to buy one other than to clean up a bunch of dead trees at my mom's property. Come to find out, she was just quoted $5500 dollars to clear 15 dead trees, not including stump grinding. My buddy offered to spend a weekend helping me out and it looks like she is going to reimburse me the cost of the grapple if I get rid of the 15 trees for her. In this case I would actually get a good grapple (some of the trees are rather large).

I went ahead and told her it would be between $1500 and $2500 for a grapple after referencing everythingattachments. Anyone have any input on which grapple would be best for the 2545? It comes with a 66" bucket, I'm not sure if it makes sense to match the OEM bucket width or go more narrow. Also, I'm not sure if it would make more sense to get the wicked root grapple V2.0 or the wicked root rake.

Anyway, I did some FEL work yesterday, we got our driveway installed by the state. I'm filling in the incline with dirt from an area near the drainage ditch (I'll fill the hole back in with the junk I dig out the ditch). Pics attached.

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Ah-h! I see you were smart and bought yours equipped with the SSQA carrier. I didnt see that you ever mentioned it . . . But essentially youre home free now. :thumbsup:

I think you will be near universally thankful in the future if you get a narrow strong grapple with one/center claw.
. . . Same capability and enhanced maneuverability over a wider one.

Ive got a 60" bucket conversion for the 7520. That and the Tilt Tatch makes it surprisingly non cumbersome when obstacles are present.