Looking at 15 series

[ChuckinNH]

I've been tractor shopping for a while, but just recently started seriously considering the smaller 15 series tractors. I think that the 2615 is the largest that I will consider, and would probably stop at the gear version because of local pricing. I am considering anything in the range from the 1815 to that tractor for my 13 acres, and would appreciate any input people using them could give me. Besides, there has been a lot of talk here about the big ones lately. I have something over 3 acres that I finish mow. Some of it is a bit rough, and there are some short steeper areas. I have a Simplicity Legacy for the mowing, but would like to do at least most of it with something different. The other ten acres are wooded, wet in places, and rocky everywhere. I've attached a couple of pictures to give you an idea of my conditions. I will be running a small 4" chipper tilling gardens, getting out firewood a little at a time, doing a little clearing, and improving my trails / logging roads. I may be digging some rocks, and smaller stumps, so a backhoe isn't out of the question. The wooded shot is one of the trails that I plan on improving.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

I would look at the 2015 gear or HST as I think they would easily do your job and with the Mahindra customer price reduction rebate on them, they would be your best bang for the buck. I would actually choose the HST model just for the live PTO. Good luck and have fun tractor shopping.

 

[Nissan197]

I seriously looked at the 2615 when I was shopping, but finally decided on the 3215 4WD. The only reason was the extra HP the 32 had. I am sure the 2615 would have been plenty, but I went with the 32 and have been totally happy. I am sure whatever you pick you will be impressed with the work it can do. Good luck.

 

[ChuckinNH]

"with the Mahindra customer price reduction rebate on them"
Galen, is that price reduction in addition to the discount for paying in cash instead of financing now?

 

[ChuckinNH]

In looking at the 2015 yesterday, I noticed that the loader removal is different than many tractors that size. Do you have to remove that bottom plate to dismount the loader? Are users happy with the setup?

 

[NEFirewood]

I have a 2015HST and I positively love it. I am amazed at how much I have managed to get accomplished with this tractor and how powerful it is for it's size. It's just large enough to get the job done while being small enough that it doesn't take over the garage. The 4wd is great in the snow, especially with the locking differential. Although one time I managed to get stuck in a snowbank, I was able to ease myself out by using the front end loader as leverage. So far I would guess that I have hauled maybe 4 cords of firewood with this tractor.

The only downside I see on the tractor, if you can call it that, is that the locking differential pedal is sort of on the small side, and a few times I was thinking I was pressing down on the pedal, when all I was pushing down on was the footrest.

Other than that, it's easy to operate, the loader is nice and smooth and the engine is very quiet and uses very little diesel fuel. Right now I am guessing I get about 8-10 hours of use out of a tank of fuel. So I would say, roughly $18 worth of diesel gets me around 16-20 hours of use. What gas powered tractor would run 10 hours on a tank of gas?

I'm so sold on diesel power now, I am thinking of selling my cub garden tractor just so I can purchase an older diesel mower like a Kubota 5100 for mowing with.

 

[NEFirewood]

In looking at the 2015 yesterday, I noticed that the loader removal is different than many tractors that size. Do you have to remove that bottom plate to dismount the loader? Are users happy with the setup?

The bottom plate actually doesn't come off, it's built like a hinge. There is a stand that is inside one of the cross bars. That gets pulled out, the loader rests on that like a leg, and through some maneuvering, the tractor backs out from the loader (and hydraulic couplers are disconnected). I have not tried to remove it, but it looks like the first time it would take a little time to figure out how to do it exactly, and then after that it would be easy. Let me know, if you need more information, and maybe I can add a picture of that page from the manual here.

 

[shvl73]

The pics I found of the ML104 seem to have the same mount as my ML108H. I've been happy with mine, though I don't consider it a "quick detatch" due to it requiring a wrench. I keep a cheap ratchet wrench in my tractor tool box. it may take me 2 minutes longer than a loader w/ pins. take the nuts & washers off and the plate swings down, put them back on for safe keeping.

 

[ChuckinNH]

NEFirewood, thanks for the input, and help. My decision process is still headed in a couple different directions, but your positive experience is sure helpful. How do you like the Woods RFM, and the RFM in general? (BTW I was an R&D toolmaker, and ran that department for many years)
shvl73, Ah, that makes sense! I looked at it quickly in the cold, and didn't get down in the snow to look to see how it was attached. You are piling up the hours on yours... still like it?

 

[shvl73]

You are piling up the hours on yours... still like it?

I'm still very happy with mine.
I often stop and look at other tractors in my travels and i still feel it compares very well.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Chuck,
The price reduction rebate is in addition to the cash in lieu rebate. As for the loader q'tach it is just that only 2 nuts to remove. The others have explained it well. Good luck!

 

[driver444]

I have a gear drive 2015. Not a single complaint. It's very heavy duty for it's size, the price was right, and it does everything I ask. It's easy to maintain. The loader removal is a 5 minute job once you do it a couple times. I've done it many times.

I didn't see anything in your pics that the 2015 wouldn't handle.

 

[DavesTractor]

In looking at the 2015 yesterday, I noticed that the loader removal is different than many tractors that size. Do you have to remove that bottom plate to dismount the loader? Are users happy with the setup?

The 18 and the 24 both have the newest style loaders and do not require a wrench to remove, although the wrench issue is no big deal. You can't go wrong with any of these machines. I'd drive all the smaller sizes then make a choice.

 

[NEFirewood]

How do you like the Woods RFM, and the RFM in general? (BTW I was an R&D toolmaker, and ran that department for many years)

I have a Woods RDC54 rear mower. When I was looking at tractors last year, I really had my mind made up that I wanted the 2015 with a mid mower and loader, but the dealer brought up some excellent points. I would lose ground clearance if I am doing loader work (in in the end it turns out it really did matter to me), and if I was going to remove the deck for loader work, it was far easier to remove a 3pt mower than a mid mower. I can attach the woods mower in a matter of minutes, without any hard effort on my part and no crawling around on the ground or under the tractor.

The woods mower is so incredibly tough compared to anything on any lawn or garden tractor on the market. I would even venture to say that the woods mower weighs more than many lawn tractors and it's just a mower deck. I will probably be in a better position to comment on the woods by the end of this summer, once I have lots of hours on it, unless I want to try using it now for snow removal!!

In some ways, now that I have a "real" tractor, I wished I had bought 2 of the things LOL. One just for mowing and one just for digging, but I will settle with what I have for now.

 

[NorCalMatt]

I have a 2615 HST and couldn't be happier. I've always worked with gear tractors before and it took me a bit of getting used to, but I think this tractor is probably the last one I'll ever need, for the next 20-30 years anyway. The one exception would be if I was using it mostly to work fields, such as discing or scraping or whatever. The extra oomph of the gear is nice then.

I haven't had it on a dyno, but I'd be willing to bet it has considerably more than 26 hp -- probably more like 32 or so. It just goes and goes.

But, my land is about as flat as it gets, with only orchard trees to work around. If I was trying to work in sloped, forested lands like yours, smaller might be better, and the 2015 might be perfect. Like Dave said, try both and see what works best for you.

 

[DavesTractor]

....In some ways, now that I have a "real" tractor, I wished I had bought 2 of the things LOL. One just for mowing and one just for digging, but I will settle with what I have for now.

It's not too late to buy a second one....

 

[DavesTractor]

I have a 2615 HST and couldn't be happier. I've always worked with gear tractors before and it took me a bit of getting used to, but I think this tractor is probably the last one I'll ever need, for the next 20-30 years anyway. The one exception would be if I was using it mostly to work fields, such as discing or scraping or whatever. The extra oomph of the gear is nice then.

I haven't had it on a dyno, but I'd be willing to bet it has considerably more than 26 hp -- probably more like 32 or so. It just goes and goes.

But, my land is about as flat as it gets, with only orchard trees to work around. If I was trying to work in sloped, forested lands like yours, smaller might be better, and the 2015 might be perfect. Like Dave said, try both and see what works best for you.

Matt, bring it up and I'll stick it on the dyno for free. I'd bet 29 HP, 28 minimum.

 

[NorCalMatt]

"Matt, bring it up and I'll stick it on the dyno for free. I'd bet 29 HP, 28 minimum.
__________________
Dave
Red Bluff, California"

Yo Dave:

Could I throw my Harley on there too?

Heck, if this rain keeps up, the Mahindra is going to be the only vehicle I have that could make it to Red Bluff!

I hope I can fit it on the Ark, what with all the animals two-by-two and all....

My fingers are starting to grow webbing.

 

[DavesTractor]

"Matt, bring it up and I'll stick it on the dyno for free. I'd bet 29 HP, 28 minimum.
__________________
Dave
Red Bluff, California"

Yo Dave:

Could I throw my Harley on there too?

Heck, if this rain keeps up, the Mahindra is going to be the only vehicle I have that could make it to Red Bluff!

I hope I can fit it on the Ark, what with all the animals two-by-two and all....

My fingers are starting to grow webbing.

As long as your Harley has a pto shaft...

Raining here a lot, snowing down low also. We are displaying at the Bull Sale in Red Bluff this week and not doing much business due to the weather. Crazy people would rather stay warm that buy a tractor. Some people just don't have their priorities straight....

 

[NorCalMatt]

No PTO on the Harley, but I do have a Yamaha with a drive shaft....

Nothing like a week-long storm during a trade show. I feel yer pain.

We're at 4 inches of rain since Monday morning, and another 2 or so expected today. The creek is rising rapidly:

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/cacheStages.html

The horse and the Mahindra are sharing the barn.

Hope you all are staying warm and dry!