790 Deere, l2800 Kubota, or Mahindra 2615?

westbrooklawn · Apr 22, 2005

I am shopping for a small tractor to use in my landscape business... mostly moving mulch, topsoil, and some grading with box blade.

I have looked at the following, all gear drive with FEL but before tax:

Deere 790 - $14,945
Kubota L2800 - $14,530
Kubota L3400 - $15,300
Mahindra 2615 - $13,990

The Mahindra specs look best on paper, but I am concerned about resale values. I will probably only use this tractor 100-150 hrs. per year. What would you all suggest? Experienced replies appreciated!!

Thanks in advance for replies.

_RaT_ · Apr 22, 2005

I have no experience with the Mahindra but would take the L2800 or L3400 hands down over the 790. Go drive them, use the loader even if its just "air" use. Try shifting, go to reverse. I think you will find the L2800 or L3400 better.

westbrooklawn · Apr 22, 2005

Rat -

Thanks for the reply... I have pretty much ruled out the JD myself... Lift capacitities etc., just don't compare.

idocpilk · Apr 23, 2005

I did this same search last year. Got to see all the tractors side by side at a farm show. I went thinking the Mahindra...left convinced the Kioit CK30 was the best of the bunch and the cheapest. The John Deere and the Kubota I was looking at didn't match up very well on price vs. features/build. The gear drive with FEL is still available for less than $14000 here. I still have a standing quote of $14800 CK30HST/FEL. $13700 for the CK25HST/FEL. Good luck.

BTW the Mahindra was my second choice but if you see them side by side you realize the Kioti is made much heavier and finish is nicer. Its just a lot more tractor for the money imo.