Buying Advice How do I option this thing?

[dickfoster]

I've just about decided to pop for a 1538 HST with the FEL of course and the backhoe.
My question is what other options are worthwhile getting up front. I'm already going to get an extra remote valve installed should I ever need one. I'm thinking it might also be a good idea to get the mid PTO too just in case I add a snowblower or something down the road.
Is there anything else that is better to get on or with the tractor up front that would be a pain to add later? I will be using it to dig some stumps, dig a few trenches do some terracing and general clean up for five wooded, some sloping, acres along with snow removal should nature ever decide to make it snow here again. I'm in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Ballast box, etc. etc. etc. This will be my first and likely last tractor purchase.

Oh yeah, does anybody know why PTO stump grinders cost so much? They seem to cost like backhoes.

 

[brasco426]

Get all the (toys) you can afford. See what dealers offer for incentives. Rear mower would be nice, brush hog if it's really rough, or a finish deck for a cleaner cut. A box blade maybe nice to do some grading and leveling as you pop out those stumps. Remember it is a tractor, and has its limits, treat it right it should do the same to you. Good Luck.

 

[dickfoster]

Get all the (toys) you can afford. See what dealers offer for incentives. Rear mower would be nice, brush hog if it's really rough, or a finish deck for a cleaner cut. A box blade maybe nice to do some grading and leveling as you pop out those stumps. Remember it is a tractor, and has its limits, treat it right it should do the same to you. Good Luck.

Thanks for the input. While I don't see any kind of mowing in my future, I'll look into the box blade as it seems to be a common implement. How about ballast box or do most folks just comeup with some home remedy to add ballast.
What I'm most concerned about is getting what I should on the tractor itself right away so I can add implements and attachments later on with less fuss, muss and hassle. Like the mid PTO while I will likely never ever get a mid mount mower, I could end up with a snowblower. I think the mid PTO might help resale later on when it goes to someone else (after I die of course). I just don't want to get too carried away and end up with a zillion dollar tractor with features that will never be used.
This is my first time so I'm open for a lot of input on the original purchase. How about added hydraulics, what's good and what's likely never to be used?

 

[brasco426]

Well if your on the fence about the mid pto for the sake of having a snow blower, another cheaper option is getting a snow plow blade for the loader. It'll definitely move snow and save some money. Another option for ballast is having the tires filled with Rim Guard and is easier to be done before taking delivery. Of course a ballast box is fine too. Not for nothing but I moved all the snow banks around with just my loader today. It's no snow blower or plow but works fine too. If you plan on keeping the tractor until the bitter end ( no pun intended ) then don't worry to badly about outfitting it for resale. Equip it to fit your needs. I just got delivery of my Mahindra Max 24 Friday night and really enjoy it. For us and our needs its perfect. I looked at a lot of brands, sat in plenty of seats before I decided. Youll do fine and good luck. Another piece of advice that I heard time and again around here is working with a quality dealer that you're comfortable with it makes a huge difference!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Mid PTO is not that hard to install later on, sort of a waist of $1000+ if you never use it.

To be honest, several of Mahindra's add ons seem to be stupid expensive. A single rear remote for $1282, a block heater for $448:shocked:, A 3rd function diverter system for just under $2200. That's crazy expensive, beyond stupid. :confused2:

If there are things that you may want, do some research and see what's available other than from Mahindra.

Good luck

 

[brasco426]

All brands have pros and cons lol. Look around and see what fits your application best! Even if it's not Mahindra.

 

[dickfoster]

Well if your on the fence about the mid pto for the sake of having a snow blower, another cheaper option is getting a snow plow blade for the loader. It'll definitely move snow and save some money. Another option for ballast is having the tires filled with Rim Guard and is easier to be done before taking delivery. Of course a ballast box is fine too. Not for nothing but I moved all the snow banks around with just my loader today. It's no snow blower or plow but works fine too. If you plan on keeping the tractor until the bitter end ( no pun intended ) then don't worry to badly about outfitting it for resale. Equip it to fit your needs. I just got delivery of my Mahindra Max 24 Friday night and really enjoy it. For us and our needs its perfect. I looked at a lot of brands, sat in plenty of seats before I decided. Youll do fine and good luck. Another piece of advice that I heard time and again around here is working with a quality dealer that you're comfortable with it makes a huge difference!

Yeah I got the dealer bit when shopping tractors and I feel much better about the Mahindra dealer and their attitude than the JD or Kubota dealers I've visited. Actually saves money right up front with free delivery etc. It doesn't hurt that the same dealer also owns Western Parts distribution for Mahindra and it's right next door in Marysville. I'd much rather get parts from only 50 miles away than half way across the country or more.

I hear ya on the blower and was thinking I could likely get away with just the FEL but never having seen a real snow year here yet one never knows what's gonna happen.

So far I've been learning a lot from this board. Maybe too much, my want/must have list keeps growing longer and longer. LOL

 

[MtnViewRanch]

All brands have pros and cons lol. Look around and see what fits your application best! Even if it's not Mahindra.

I agree with this, look at every brand that is within a comfortable driving distance for you. They are all pretty good, one may fit you better than another, and for sure there are options that are far more reasonable from the other brands. :thumbsup:

You have a $42,000+ list price on what you are considering. Have you gotten a quote from a dealer yet? That's big money in my book for that size machine.

If you have to stay with Mahindra for whatever reason, maybe look at the 2538, you can get way more for about $4000 less.

Something to consider. :scratchchin:

 

[dickfoster]

All brands have pros and cons lol. Look around and see what fits your application best! Even if it's not Mahindra.

I'm pretty well fixed on Mahindra for several reasons, not the least of which is dealer attitude ( a really big deal with me) and parts availability. They also appear to have a better warranty (including dealer warranty support and cost), a heavier tractor and it seems more bang for the buck than some of the others. I like the lack of a particulate filter for tier 4 too. I can get a New Holland from the same dealer but the engine has the dreaded filter on it and they don't own the regional parts distribution like do for Mahindra. I can likely drive the 50 miles and pick parts up for the Mahindra instead of waiting a week to get my mitts on it and paying to ship it too.

 

[dickfoster]

I agree with this, look at every brand that is within a comfortable driving distance for you. They are all pretty good, one may fit you better than another, and for sure there are options that are far more reasonable from the other brands. :thumbsup:

You have a $42,000+ list price on what you are considering. Have you gotten a quote from a dealer yet? That's big money in my book for that size machine.

If you have to stay with Mahindra for whatever reason, maybe look at the 2538, you can get way more for about $4000 less.

Something to consider. :scratchchin:

Yeah I have a quote for the tractor with HST, FEL, BH & 12" bucket, spark arrestor, extra remote valve plus sales tax. 33K and change. Price includes free delivery to my place and they come here to fix it under warranty or haul it there to fix it for free too. A far cry from what they want for a green one along with a much better attitude. Perception is everything. Only thing is, Mahindra's website could use some work. A lot of work.