4025 owners longer term experiences

[Timbo1980]

Hi all,

I am writing from Australia and I'm about to buy a new tractor to replace a Kubota L3200 that I recently sold. My property is quite hilly and the little Kubota was just too light and unstable, especially doing loader work. What I am looking for in a replacement is something that is a bit bigger than the Kubota, with more lift capacity etc, but most importantly, more stability on hills

I have narrowed down my choice to a few tractors, one of which is the Mahindra 4025. In Australia we don't have as stringent emissions regulations as you guys do in the States, so the 4025 is a current new model here. I gather in the US the 4540 has replaced the 4025, which is basically the same tractor but with more emissions controls. I'd love to get some views from you guys on how your Mahindra 4025/4540s are going longer term!

From what I've read a lot of the issues people have had with them have been dealer-related. I'm not really worried about that side of things, I'm more interested in how the tractor has performed as you've stacked the hours on.

A few points in particular I'd be keen to hear your opinions on are:

* Have you been happy with your tractor in the long term, would you buy another one with the benefit of hindsight?
* What size rotary cutter do you use? Would it handle 6ft ok?
* How much would you say the loader can lift safely without a counterweight? I know the 'capacity' of the loader is around 1300kgs but in Australia the loaders have a sticker stating a SWL (safe working load) of 450kg, which is a lot less than its capacity.
* How have you found the dry brakes? Have they held up with extended use? There are a lot of old Internationals out there with the same brakes that are pretty ordinary so not sure if you'd expect the same thing to happen with the Mahindra or if they are using better materials now?

As always first hand insights and opinions are always the best way to get a feel for true performance.

Thanks guys!

 

[owen13126]

With everything that you just stated I know for a fact you would be extremely happy with a 4540 2WD with a loader or the 4550 4WD. I looked at kubota and It did not stack up well against the Mahindra 4540. My bucket raises about 10feet high and is extremely powerful. That's why I got mine.Ive come from a life of Commercial Electrical. I used to operate backhoes at times. The 4 cylinder diesel in my tractor reminds me of the backhoes I used to operate, very powerful, plus they are very fuel efficient. I am extremely happy with it and would buy another if I needed to. I did a lot of research before I got mine. I am rough on machines, trucks, cars etc. I have a bad back and legs so this does a lot of work. I cant do without machinery on my property. It has taken everything I have thrown at it and more. It also rides comfortably while you are working. Go with the Mahindra you'll thank me later. If you want to see more pics of it let me know.

 

[Timbo1980]

Thanks for that info and your pics, sounds like a pretty solid machine! A bit like you I am also looking for something to help with the heavy lifting around the place, like loading firewood into my truck, and loading and unloading other heavy stuff. That and the odd property maintenance job, cutting grass, post drilling etc etc.

Sounds like it could be a good match for this stuff but part of me wonders if I'd be better getting something a bit bigger to add some future proofing? I also have a Massey 35 and although it doesn't have power steering, 4WD or a loader it is a similar overall size and HP so I'd have two similar sized tractors. Not a big deal but just wonder if that is the best option or if I should spring for something bigger (50-60 HP).

BTW, how do you find the brakes on your tractor? Old school dry brakes make me a bit nervous but maybe they've perfected them a bit more since the 1960s!

Cheers!

Tim

 

[owen13126]

Tim I'd get what is best for your budget. I dont have a horse in the tractor race if that makes sense to you. I dont have 4WD. A friend told me that 4WD is only for when you get stuck. I told him I know how to drive so I dont need 4WD. I use my bucket if I get stuck. 2WD is ok for me. Everyone here should be here to help each other not sell the tractor they bought due to their decision. I have a 41HP tractor that is good for what I need. I decided on Mahindra due to my budget, and what I need for my situation, and it makes me happier. I have great brakes. My last tractor was a 49 Ford 8N. So I'm in love with the 70 yr old upgrade. My Mahindra does what I need it to do. So if your budget can support a 50 or 60HP tractor get it, even if it is over kill. Hope all this makes sense to you. Just my own opinion for you. The power steering helps greatly when you have a huge load on the bucket. Mahindra puts water/antifreeze mix in the tires for extra weight when you have a load in the bucket. The way they are built and quality are important to me and I'd make my decision again if faced with it. I'm a former construction worker and this works great for me. Hope all this info helps you make the right decision.