Comparison Kubota B2601 or Mahindra Max 26XL

TCNorthShore · Jun 3, 2016

First post and I'm stuck between two models. I worked on a cherry farm half my life so I've driven a lot of tractors, but I've never had to buy one myself. Now I do and I don't know enough to make a decision. I just bought 5 acres of wooded land, with a dirt road, on a lake with a sandy beach. There are 9 homes I'll be renting out on the property and a 2000sf pole barn. I'm going to be using the tractor to maintain a sandy beach 200yds long, the dirt road 4 seasons in Northern Michigan (getting a snowblower). I'm trying to decide between a Kubota B2601 and Mahindra Max 26XL, both would be HST. I need some advice or thoughts on which might be better. Prices are comparable, so that's not the concern. I'm wondering about reliability, parts cost and availability, warranty strength, etc. Thanks! Hopefully after this I'll be a real member of the forum with a tractor of my own.

brasco426 · Jun 3, 2016

First, Welcome to TBN. Both machines are extremely capable. Personally I have a Max 24 and it's been great. The Max series are extremely well built and stout IMO. The lift capacities on the Mahindra's are undeniably strong. Kubota on the other hand has a loyal following, and rightfully so. Have you had any seat time in either to help your decision making? I can tell you the mid pto on the Max 26xl is an option and would need to be added if you planned on a front mounted snow blower. I'd look at a soft cab atleast for winter for your snow removal duties, no idea how much you'll be doing. As far as reliability is concerned the 26hp diesels don't require any of these problematic dpf's, so that's a plus. The warranty is 5year powertrain on the Mahindra. However if your dealer won't come to you for repair, it will either need to be transported by you or the repairing service center (additional cost). So distance to dealer may be a factor for you.

Cramby · Jun 3, 2016

Welcome fellow Michigander!
I looked at both models back in jan. this year. Both HST with MMM, BH, and FEL. Price was about 5k less for Mahindra. Mahindra has more lift capacity on FEL and 3PT. Mahindra 5Yr warranty vs 2 yr kubota was a big factor in my decision. Kubota dealer wasn't interested in getting closer to Mahindra price. I bought Mahindra and have not not looked back since. Very impressed with the Max 26XL. Have 30 hours now and no issues at all.

s219 · Jun 3, 2016

Normally, the Max should be priced a lot lower than the 2601. If you are seeing comparable prices, either it's a super deal on the Kubota or the Mahindra dealer is really juicing up the price.

I would encourage you to drive the two machines and compare them carefully. You will surely develop a preference for one of them. On paper you can't really get a feel for it.

Things I noticed about the Max were it comes with a really lousy seat, the loader controls are much less sensitive/smooth, and the paint/bodywork is a bit sloppy. Those were all turnoffs to me. At the time, it was about $4K less than the Kubota, but that wasn't enough to sway me.

matemike · Oct 10, 2016

Posted same question in a similar thread:

Op, what did you end up getting? PM me in you want.

mike69440 · Oct 15, 2016

s219 said:
Normally, the Max should be priced a lot lower than the 2601. If you are seeing comparable prices, either it's a super deal on the Kubota or the Mahindra dealer is really juicing up the price.

I would encourage you to drive the two machines and compare them carefully. You will surely develop a preference for one of them. On paper you can't really get a feel for it.

Things I noticed about the Max were it comes with a really lousy seat, the loader controls are much less sensitive/smooth, and the paint/bodywork is a bit sloppy. Those were all turnoffs to me. At the time, it was about $4K less than the Kubota, but that wasn't enough to sway me.

I fixed the Max28 Seat by transplanting the seat suspension from my 1982 Kubota before i sold it. I am almost gotten use to the much less sensitive/smooth loader control.
Yes, Kubota has better paint.

I have a Max28 Shuttle, Great transmission if you don't want HST, but If you want HST, I suggest the 3 Speed Kubota. If price is within 10% of each other, get the Kubota. If you think you are going to sell the tractor over the next 10 Years, get the Kubota.

Be aware, pound for pound, Size to Size, the Max is stronger.

matemike · Oct 16, 2016

s219 said:
Normally, the Max should be priced a lot lower than the 2601. If you are seeing comparable prices, either it's a super deal on the Kubota or the Mahindra dealer is really juicing up the price.

I would encourage you to drive the two machines and compare them carefully. You will surely develop a preference for one of them. On paper you can't really get a feel for it.

Things I noticed about the Max were it comes with a really lousy seat, the loader controls are much less sensitive/smooth, and the paint/bodywork is a bit sloppy. Those were all turnoffs to me. At the time, it was about $4K less than the Kubota, but that wasn't enough to sway me.

I actually find the B2601 to be lower, to an extent, let me explain.

The finance plans I was shown made the Max cost $21,788 over the 84 month period, and that's because of the 5.24% Mahindra finance plan.

The B2601 comes out to $20,940 over a 60 month 0% finance plan.

So the Max costs $848 more and that Mahindra plan stings the bank account for two years longer.

If I were to buy them straight up without any financing then still, the Mahindra costs more than the B2601.
B2601 = $17,931 + tax = $19,410 (+fees)
Max26 = $15,950, which increases to $18,850 for not participating in the finance plan + tax comes out to ~ $20,405 (+fees)

B2601 is a grand cheaper again.

BTW all these prices include a Tractor, FEL and canopy in case someone think these look a little high.

prichard · Oct 16, 2016

That does sound high. I paid less than that for my 2601 with 5' LP cutter.

DavesTractor · Oct 17, 2016

matemike said:
I actually find the B2601 to be lower, to an extent, let me explain.

The finance plans I was shown made the Max cost $21,788 over the 84 month period, and that's because of the 5.24% Mahindra finance plan.

The B2601 comes out to $20,940 over a 60 month 0% finance plan.

So the Max costs $848 more and that Mahindra plan stings the bank account for two years longer.

If I were to buy them straight up without any financing then still, the Mahindra costs more than the B2601.
B2601 = $17,931 + tax = $19,410 (+fees)
Max26 = $15,950, which increases to $18,850 for not participating in the finance plan + tax comes out to ~ $20,405 (+fees)

B2601 is a grand cheaper again.

BTW all these prices include a Tractor, FEL and canopy in case someone think these look a little high.

If the cash price of the Max26 shuttle with a loader is $15,950 (and that sounds about right), then that is the price. Plus any applicable tax. It is only when you want subsidized financing, like 0% that the price goes up, as you lose discounts that only apply if you do not use their low rate financing. If you walk into a Mahindra dealer with $15,950 plus tax, you should own that tractor.

I'm not clear if the $17,931 for the Kubota included any available cash discounts. If that was the best cash price, then the Mahindra was $2000 cheaper.

Once we start figuring finance costs, it gets complicated quickly as we have different rates, different lengths of the loan, different discounts, etc. I prefer to start with the real price - the "I have the money and I am here to pick it up" price. Once that is done, based on your own financial needs it is prudent to see if one company will loan you the money for less. If so, and you need to borrow to make the purchase, that can change things.