Buying Advice How do I option this thing?

[LindenBruce]

OP- I am looking at the 2538HST and the Branson 3520H. Did you compare the 2538HST to the 1538? If so, what did you find for pros and cons. B.

 

[jgiannini]

Just order a 2538 this past Thursday.

 

[dickfoster]

My next tractor if there is one will have 2 rear remotes so I can have top and tilt. Consider a box blade instead of a ballast box. Given your needs I would skip the mid pto.

Sounds good to me. I guess I really should skip the mid PTO which is why I ask you guys in the first place. So you're saying it might be a good idea to get more hydraulics on the tractor up front. How about front or rear?

 

[DavesTractor]

Dave's is in Red Bluff about two hours away maybe more. I'm talking to Beeler in Yuba City which is much closer to me (40-50 miles and about 50-60 min.). I'm about 5 miles east of Nevada City, CA. Just in the next county from Beeler.
Another factor is that Beeler also own the Western Regional Mahindra distributorship which for all practical purposes is in the same town, which would make getting stuff later on a bit easier. Mahindra Expands West Coast Presence | Mahindra
Sutter Buttes Ag and Beeler Tractor are essentially the same animal.

Beeler is a great dealer and is close to you, I think that is valuable. All else being equal or nearly so, we always recommend buying local. Beeler is now doing Mahindra distribution for the west coast. We did it for 10 years, and they simply out grew our facilities. But do keep in mind, they do not stock parts at the local distribution center. They only stock whole goods, tractors, loaders, etc. If you need a tractor part, it comes from Houston, plus of course whatever the dealer stocks on his shelves at his retail outlet.

I would not bother with a mid-PTO if you do not have a real need for it. It can always be added later, as it is a dealer installation item anyway. Simple to do, other than you have to drain the transmission. The 1538 TLB is a nice machine, as is the 2538 TLB. I would sit on and drive both and see what fits you best.

We continue to be the #1 volume Mahindra dealer on the west coast, but no doubt we are getting some good competition from fellow dealers. That is a good thing as it grows the brand.

 

[dickfoster]

The only difference I could figure out was that the 1500 series is just a little nicer than the economy 2500 series. It's hard to tell from the Mahindra site except by just looking at the pics. Things like the hydraulic lines being inside the FEL forks and more protected than instead of outside and exposed on the more economical 2538 , standard cruise control, maybe the seat is a little better etc. I think the difference is maybe 2 or 3 grand but it's really hard to do comparisons on the Mahindra site. As I've said I'm not impressed with their web site. Heck you can't even build it right on that site like getting the cost of the backhoe while there is little info on the options, attachments etc. and very few pics even. They sure don't make it easy for a newbie like me.
If you any info to pass along in that regard I'm all ears.

Do you think a block heater is worthwhile? It doesn't really get all that cold here, I've rarely even seen true freezing temps and not for very long.

The dealer had the 1538s along with the smaller 33s sitting on the lot so that's what I looked at. I went with the larger tractor because of the anticipated stumping and it's better to get more than less tractor although both models use the same engine just tuned a little different. I also glanced at the New Hollands and a couple of Kioti units too but shied away from the DPF engines. It just seems like such a bandaid approach which could cost some real money later on.

 

[dickfoster]

Beeler is a great dealer and is close to you, I think that is valuable. All else being equal or nearly so, we always recommend buying local. Beeler is now doing Mahindra distribution for the west coast. We did it for 10 years, and they simply out grew our facilities. But do keep in mind, they do not stock parts at the local distribution center. They only stock whole goods, tractors, loaders, etc. If you need a tractor part, it comes from Houston, plus of course whatever the dealer stocks on his shelves at his retail outlet.

I would not bother with a mid-PTO if you do not have a real need for it. It can always be added later, as it is a dealer installation item anyway. Simple to do, other than you have to drain the transmission. The 1538 TLB is a nice machine, as is the 2538 TLB. I would sit on and drive both and see what fits you best.

We continue to be the #1 volume Mahindra dealer on the west coast, but no doubt we are getting some good competition from fellow dealers. That is a good thing as it grows the brand.

Thanks, some really good info there, Dave.
I didn't see any TLBs at Beeler. I understand that the TLBs are supposed to be built a little stouter but cost more but at this point that's more of a guess. There isn't TLB info on the Mahindra site. There is not even a search feature. DUH!!!

What is the real diff between the 1538 and the 2538? The Mahinda site isn't very helpful when trying to compare tractors for a first time buyer.

I figured (guessed) the PTO was a dealer install so that's why I was considering getting it up front. It is an expensive item but to add it later would mean hauling the tractor somewhere to have it installed.

 

[DavesTractor]

Thanks, some really good info there.
I didn't see any TLBs at Beeler.
What is the real diff between the 1538 and the 2538? The Mahinda site isn't very helpful when trying to compare tractors for a first time buyer.
I figured the PTO was a dealer install so that's why I was considering getting it up front. It is an expensive item but to add it later would mean hauling the tractor somewhere to have it installed.

The 1533/38 are identical tractors, save for the computer code raising the HP and the 38 uses a taller tire. The tractor is built by Mitsubishi in Japan, the loader and backhoe are made by KMW is Kansas. The engine is sourced from Mahindra India and as you mentioned, has no DPF and that is cool. The1533/38 has a rocker pedal type HST control, and it is very smooth.

The 2538 is built in Korea by TYM with a Mahindra engine, a TYM loader and a KMW backhoe. It uses a side by side type HST pedal. It's just a personal opinion as to which pedal style is best. I get along with both style fine. Practically speaking, either tractor gets the job done just fine and specs are close enough that for the most part, you won't notice much difference between the models when doing chores.

If your budget doesn't care, I'd lean toward the 1538 a little. If you are a value shopper, the 2538 gets the nod. Both are good quality. As mentioned, get the rear tires filled with Rim Guard for ballast.

The next step up in the Mahindra line would be the 35 series. The 3550 TLB is pretty sweet.

I imagine you will haul your tractor occasionally for major services. If so, you can always add the mid-PTO then if needed.

There is all the stuff you won't find on the MUSA website.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The only difference I could figure out was that the 1500 series is just a little nicer than the economy 2500 series. It's hard to tell from the Mahindra site except by just looking at the pics. Things like the hydraulic lines being inside the FEL forks and more protected than instead of outside and exposed on the more economical 2538 , standard cruise control, maybe the seat is a little better etc. I think the difference is maybe 2 or 3 grand but it's really hard to do comparisons on the Mahindra site. As I've said I'm not impressed with their web site. Heck you can't even build it right on that site like getting the cost of the backhoe while there is little info on the options, attachments etc. and very few pics even. They sure don't make it easy for a newbie like me.
If you any info to pass along in that regard I'm all ears.

Do you think a block heater is worthwhile? It doesn't really get all that cold here, I've rarely even seen true freezing temps and not for very long.

The dealer had the 1538s along with the smaller 33s sitting on the lot so that's what I looked at. I went with the larger tractor because of the anticipated stumping and it's better to get more than less tractor although both models use the same engine just tuned a little different. I also glanced at the New Hollands and a couple of Kioti units too but shied away from the DPF engines. It just seems like such a bandaid approach which could cost some real money later on.

Don't know why you can't build the tractor on the website. :confused3: I just did, took about 30 seconds to build your tractor. List price of $42,098.

Priced out the 2538HST configured as close to the 1538HST as I could, $33,216 list.

Looks like a bit more than 2-3 k to me.

I have no doubt that the 1538 is an overall nicer machine, but 5+thousand $ nicer, only you can say.

 

[dickfoster]

The 1533/38 are identical tractors, save for the computer code raising the HP and the 38 uses a taller tire. The tractor is built by Mitsubishi in Japan, the loader and backhoe are made by KMW is Kansas. The engine is sourced from Mahindra India and as you mentioned, has no DPF and that is cool. The1533/38 has a rocker pedal type HST control, and it is very smooth.

The 2538 is built in Korea by TYM with a Mahindra engine, a TYM loader and a KMW backhoe. It uses a side by side type HST pedal. It's just a personal opinion as to which pedal style is best. I get along with both style fine. Practically speaking, either tractor gets the job done just fine and specs are close enough that for the most part, you won't notice much difference between the models when doing chores.

If your budget doesn't care, I'd lean toward the 1538 a little. If you are a value shopper, the 2538 gets the nod. Both are good quality. As mentioned, get the rear tires filled with Rim Guard for ballast.

The next step up in the Mahindra line would be the 35 series. The 3550 TLB is pretty sweet.

I imagine you will haul your tractor occasionally for major services. If so, you can always add the mid-PTO then if needed.

There is all the stuff you won't find on the MUSA website.

Thanks Dave. I didn't know they were built in different plants. I guess I'll stick with the 1500 then.
I think the 3550 while real nice may be a bit much for my dinky little five acres.

The 3550 TLB isn't even on the site. Do they know that their website sucks so bad?

What about a block heater, worthwhile at only 3600 feet? You probably know this foothill weather better than I do. I've only been out of the city and flatlands for two or three years now and it hasn't been very cold.

R4s good or would I be better off with R1s? No mud really just forest floor mainly and I thought the R4's might do a better job with the BH and stumping and digging with the FEL. The cost looks to be the same.

I take it both backhoes are frame mounted. They don't even make that clear. If the backhoes are both made by KYM why do they have different model numbers? Just their little bit of insanity to make me crazy or what? LOL
Oh yeah the thumb option on the 1538 backhoe, is that mechanical or hydraulic. It sure does cost like it's a hydraulic thumb.
Sorry for all the questions. Maybe I should get Doug at Beeler on the phone and grill him.

 

[dickfoster]

Don't know why you can't build the tractor on the website. :confused3: I just did, took about 30 seconds to build your tractor. List price of $42,098.

Priced out the 2538HST configured as close to the 1538HST as I could, $33,216 list.

Looks like a bit more than 2-3 k to me.

I have no doubt that the 1538 is an overall nicer machine, but 5+thousand $ nicer, only you can say.

Yeah but when you go add a backhoe for one you get just the bucket and not the BH itself. Confusing to say the least. They really should have a way to compare Mahindra tractors feature for feature. The only compare they have is against the competition which is pretty much useless, to me anyway. I want to compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges.

BTW the dealer quote is less by a quite a bit even including the sales tax which the mahindra build site doesn't figure in. I figured that is likely standard practice an MSRP against actual street price kinda thing. But, like I said, I'm a real greenhorn to this tractor business. I'm figuring cash price with no financing if that makes a real difference.

BTW it looks like you have too many toys, you can't possibly drive all of them.

 

[DavesTractor]

...What about a block heater, worthwhile at only 3600 feet? You probably know this foothill weather better than I do. I've only been out of the city and flatlands for two or three years now and it hasn't been very cold.

R4s good or would I be better off with R1s? No mud really just forest floor mainly and I thought the R4's might do a better job with the BH and stumping and digging with the FEL. The cost looks to be the same.

I take it both backhoes are frame mounted. They don't even make that clear. If the backhoes are both made by KYM why do they have different model numbers? Just their little bit of insanity to make me crazy or what? LOL
Oh yeah the thumb option on the 1538 backhoe, is that mechanical or hydraulic. It sure does cost like it's a hydraulic thumb.
Sorry for all the questions. Maybe I should get Doug at Beeler on the phone and grill him.

Probably get with Doug on all these questions, because the answers will cause more questions and so on. But the backhoes are different because the tractors are different. They are sub-frame mounted. Mechanical thumb, hydraulic thumbs are generally $2k-$3k or more with controls, and are not offered on most small machines.

If it isn't cold, you don't need a block heater. It is similar to the mid-PTO, if you do not run a mid-mower or front mounted snow blower, that is not needed either. No reason to waste $$, better to put that toward extra hydraulics like top and tilt, etc.

The TLB models are the same as the TL models, but with the B added. They start as the same unit, one is not tougher than the other.

I hope this helps, and good luck on your purchase.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Thanks, some really good info there, Dave.
I didn't see any TLBs at Beeler. I understand that the TLBs are supposed to be built a little stouter but cost more but at this point that's more of a guess. There isn't TLB info on the Mahindra site. There is not even a search feature. DUH!!!

What is the real diff between the 1538 and the 2538? The Mahinda site isn't very helpful when trying to compare tractors for a first time buyer.

I figured (guessed) the PTO was a dealer install so that's why I was considering getting it up front. It is an expensive item but to add it later would mean hauling the tractor somewhere to have it installed.

I used to live in Colusa and not far from Yuba City. I cant remember ever getting enough snow to cover the ground, so I don't think you would ever need anything more than your FEL to move any snow that you may get so I would not pay the money to have a mid-mount PTO.
The back hoe makes a good counter weight so unless you plan to do a lot of 3 PH work, I would just keep the backhoe on and forgo any ballast box. Another good counter weight is a heavy duty bush hog although it does stick way back behind you so it limits your close quarter work. I don't have any need to do close quarter work nor use my TLB for 3 PH so my backhoe stays on my B26 all the time. I almost daily or at least weekly have a need for the backhoe. If you have a few thousand to spend, get a hydraulic thumb for your hoe. That is far and away the handiest thing to have on a backhoe. I can pick up a baseball sized object all the way up to largest it will lift without ever leaving the seat to adjust the thumb. My thumb is operated from a foot control valve rather than an extra hand control valve.
Another item is a canopy unless your tractor already comes with a FOPS system. A good canopy will keep the hot sun and rain off you when working. On my B26, it is a full 4 post FOPS and extends back enough to protect me from rain when I am on the hoe. Your tractor may not be equipped like the B26 where the operators seat swivels around to run the hoe and may have a separate seat, if so, a canopy wont protect you when using the hoe but it will when just using the tractor.

 

[dickfoster]

Thanks again, Dave. If I'm in Red Bluff anytime, I'll stop by and have a look see.
I'll skip the block heater and PTO and get more hydraulic options along with the thumb.

 

[murphy1244]

Probably get with Doug on all these questions, because the answers will cause more questions and so on. But the backhoes are different because the tractors are different. They are sub-frame mounted. Mechanical thumb, hydraulic thumbs are generally $2k-$3k or more with controls, and are not offered on most small machines.

If it isn't cold, you don't need a block heater. It is similar to the mid-PTO, if you do not run a mid-mower or front mounted snow blower, that is not needed either. No reason to waste $$, better to put that toward extra hydraulics like top and tilt, etc.

The TLB models are the same as the TL models, but with the B added. They start as the same unit, one is not tougher than the other.

I hope this helps, and good luck on your purchase.

A tlb is stronger, does the seat turn to run the BH? If not its just a tractor with a BH not a TLB.

 

[dickfoster]

I used to live in Colusa and not far from Yuba City. I cant remember ever getting enough snow to cover the ground, so I don't think you would ever need anything more than your FEL to move any snow that you may get so I would not pay the money to have a mid-mount PTO.
The back hoe makes a good counter weight so unless you plan to do a lot of 3 PH work, I would just keep the backhoe on and forgo any ballast box. Another good counter weight is a heavy duty bush hog although it does stick way back behind you so it limits your close quarter work. I don't have any need to do close quarter work nor use my TLB for 3 PH so my backhoe stays on my B26 all the time. I almost daily or at least weekly have a need for the backhoe. If you have a few thousand to spend, get a hydraulic thumb for your hoe. That is far and away the handiest thing to have on a backhoe. I can pick up a baseball sized object all the way up to largest it will lift without ever leaving the seat to adjust the thumb. My thumb is operated from a foot control valve rather than an extra hand control valve.
Another item is a canopy unless your tractor already comes with a FOPS system. A good canopy will keep the hot sun and rain off you when working. On my B26, it is a full 4 post FOPS and extends back enough to protect me from rain when I am on the hoe. Your tractor may not be equipped like the B26 where the operators seat swivels around to run the hoe and may have a separate seat, if so, a canopy wont protect you when using the hoe but it will when just using the tractor.

Thanks, There's not much sun under all these trees so a canopy would likely get hung up on branches and such. I won't be needing a brush hog or any type of brush or grass cutting equipment, mostly just trees here. I'd kinda planned on leaving the BH attached most of the time for ballast.
Yeah I guess the FEL with move enough snow, maybe not as fast but fast enough and then it'll have to snow a lot more than what I've seen in the last three winters. Everyone is pushing me off the PTO so that's gone and put to bed. Heck the dealer doesn't even want me to buy it.
I can always add whatever else I may wind up needing.

I sure do wish stump grinders didn't cost so stinkin much. Guess I'll just have to make do with a ripper tooth on the hoe.
I'll get the mechanical thumb for now but if I ever need a hydraulic I'll have the extra remote for it.

Oh yeah Colusa is down in the valley and flat lands. I'm in the foothills at 3600 ft. The locals all say it can get pretty deep here some years. If I were buying a tractor for down there, I'd be looking at real digging machines to plow fields and such. The only thing I'll be digging are stumps and a little dirt with few rocks thank heavens.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

A tlb is stronger, does the seat turn to run the BH? If not its just a tractor with a BH not a TLB.

On the 1538, you use the same seat, just flips over I believe.

 

[DavesTractor]

A tlb is stronger, does the seat turn to run the BH? If not its just a tractor with a BH not a TLB.

Murphy1244, I agree a true TLB is stronger. I was referring to a CUT TLB, which is generally just an added backhoe. Exceptions exist, Kubota has the B26, L39, etc., units that are more of a commercial/rental grade unit, as did JD with the 110 they sold for years. These are heavier, stronger, etc.

But most SCUT/CUT TLBs are normal tractors with an attachment. And the spin-seat is no longer a sure fire way to differentiate. Our little SCUTS now have spin seats if you buy the backhoe attachment.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Yeah but when you go add a backhoe for one you get just the bucket and not the BH itself. Confusing to say the least. They really should have a way to compare Mahindra tractors feature for feature. The only compare they have is against the competition which is pretty much useless, to me anyway. I want to compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges.

BTW the dealer quote is less by a quite a bit even including the sales tax which the mahindra build site doesn't figure in. I figured that is likely standard practice an MSRP against actual street price kinda thing. But, like I said, I'm a real greenhorn to this tractor business. I'm figuring cash price with no financing if that makes a real difference.

BTW it looks like you have too many toys, you can't possibly drive all of them.

What I see is with the 1538 hoe, the hoe is at the top of the list and the 12" bucket is the 3rd item down. With the 2538, The 12" bucket is the 2nd on the list with the hoe being at the bottom. :confused2: Like you said, the website leaves a lot to be desired. You should have seen it a few years ago. Very very

Each machine has an intended purpose or maybe a few, so if that task is not what I'm doing, then no it does not get used. But yes I use them all. :thumbsup:

Just need to keep on reading down the lists sometimes.

 

[dickfoster]

On the 1538, you use the same seat, just flips over I believe.

You sure can't tell from the Mahindra site. As long as it's a subframe mounted unit and not a dinky 3PT thing, I'll take it. I sure don't want to tear the tractor up digging stumps. I need a real BH, not a pretend BH. Yeah I know it's a small tractor but I think it's big enough for what I have in mind.

 

[murphy1244]

You sure can't tell from the Mahindra site. As long as it's a subframe mounted unit and not a dinky 3PT thing, I'll take it. I sure don't want to tear the tractor up digging stumps. I need a real BH, not a pretend BH. Yeah I know it's a small tractor but I think it's big enough for what I have in mind.

A flip seat will be much better than getting off the tractor using the backhoe then back to the tractor to move up a few feet then back to the BH. It gets old real quick.