Looking at a 2516 and a 2816

[Perplexed]

I popped into the local Mahindra dealer today to look at their CUT's in the 25-28 hp range, and the dealer showed me a last-year-model 2816 HST and a current-model 2516 HST. I tried driving both around the lot, and liked them both. Of course, the 2816 is considerably bigger than the 2516.

The interesting part was when the dealer went over the brochures with me. It looks as if both tractors have the same engine (80.4 CI), yet the bigger tractor has 3 more hp than the 25-hp 2516. Why would that be? Not only that, but the difference in power output at the PTO is only 1.5 hp - not 3 hp. Again, why?

Then I got to looking at operational weights. The 2816 tips the scales at 2458 lbs, while the 2516 slips through at 1863 lbs. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't that mean the engine on the 2816 has to divert more power to moving the tractor while driving the PTO (i.e., mowing or snow removal) than the engine on the 2516? I did note that the bigger tractor has a 3-range HST while the smaller one makes do with a 2-range, but does that make much difference as far as diverting power goes?

I'll be using whatever tractor I buy primarily to mow 3 acres, so I want to keep the tractor's weight down. Yet, I'll want something with heft for moving dirt and snow and sections of fallen trees. Have you folks with a 2816 found it too heavy for mowing a turf lawn? Alternately, have you folks with a 2516 found it too light for moving dirt and snow?

Finally, the dealer informed me the 2816, being last year's model, would be only $400 more than the current-model 2516. He quoted me $15680 for the 2816, out the door with a FEL and free delivery - how does that square with prices in your area? Thanks!

 

[buck12]

I have a 2615 (old model) which has the same motor as the 2816. Weight can be a good or bad thing depending on the task at hand. Weight is good when performing ground engaging task such as loader work, box blading, etc. Weight can be bad on a finished lawn. I wish I has more weight using a box blade and my tractor weighs the same as a 2816. Good luck on the decision.

 

[manganos]

I have a 2516 gear tractor and I think your price might be a little high there. I enjoy mine and I just hit the 50 hr mark with it. I'll be doing all my fluid/filter changes next week

 

[Perplexed]

Thanks for the responses. Do you folks use your tractors for finish mowing? If so, have you found your tractors to be heavy for the turf? What kind of tires do you have?

 

[buck12]

Thanks for the responses. Do you folks use your tractors for finish mowing? If so, have you found your tractors to be heavy for the turf? What kind of tires do you have?

I don't do any finish mowing. My tractor will leave marks if the yard is the slightest bit wet.

 

[Perplexed]

On a tangent, how hard is it to install a rear remote valve on either of these tractors? Can it be done at home with typical hand tools, or will specialized tools like a tap and die be needed? I was thinking that if I go with the deal offered on one of these tractors, I'd ask for a remote valve to be thrown into the deal. Otherwise, the dealer is not budging on his prices... he's the third local tractor dealer (LS and Kubota being the other two) to refuse to entertain counter-offers. Sure is not a buyer's market around here!

 

[manganos]

I don't finish mow with mine but mine will leave marks too. I use R-4 tires that are currently not filled. I thought about adding a finish mower but my little JD LA140 is still doing just fine and leaves a nice cut. It was about the same price as a decent finish mower too.

Just for grins PM Wallace from Wallace tractor and equipment for a price. He is located in PA and I bet even with delivery you might get a good deal

 

[Nissan197]

I don't use my 3215 to finish mow. I have an old Craftsman rider that I use.

 

[AchingBack]

On a tangent, how hard is it to install a rear remote valve on either of these tractors? Can it be done at home with typical hand tools, or will specialized tools like a tap and die be needed? I was thinking that if I go with the deal offered on one of these tractors, I'd ask for a remote valve to be thrown into the deal. Otherwise, the dealer is not budging on his prices... he's the third local tractor dealer (LS and Kubota being the other two) to refuse to entertain counter-offers. Sure is not a buyer's market around here!

Perplexed, here is a thread on this subject: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...022-mahindra-2516-hydro-toplink-question.html

 

[jpm1]

Perplexed, Be confused no more! I have a 2810 HST which if im not mistaken tips the scales a bit more than the 2816. I finish mow a lot of acres and on low damp ground with really good results. What I have found is you leave less mark as your lawn thickens. I mow at 4" height along with my home brew fertilizer created a tough lawn bed. We just moved to our new house last fall which is higher than the old house. The lady whom bought our old house asked if I would continue mowing for her because she afraid her small mower will leave marks. She loves the way the lawn looked when I mowed it. I'm extremely happy with my Mahindra's light footprint. I use the tractor for everything,mowing, snowblowing, FEL loader work, stacking logs, box blade work to hauling firewood in the dump trailor. Love my Mahindra!. . . John


Picture on the left i lost a grease gun off the mower and just walking back to the tractor.
Center pic is our front lawn looking at our new house
Right pic is the woodshed at the new house. Dump trailor had 3 1/2 cord of 22" wood to be stacked.