Looking at the Mahindra tractors

[zettajoe]

Hi,

We have just bought a 24 acres property and are looking to get a tractor to work it. I have both a JD and Kubota dealer in town, but am spellbound by the Mahindra tractors, in particular, the 4530. only problem is the closest dealer currently is about 2 hours away. (Not that I can imagine taking the thing to the dealer to get it worked on with any kind or regularity.)

The only issue I have seen so far ( I have been lurking, reading all of your posts ) is the dry vs. wet brake issue. Not really sure what the difference is.

Thoughts?

 

[Tim_in_IA]

The wet discs will run cooler and stop better. I believe they also last longer due to the temperature control. If you look at the larger tractors they will almost always have wet disc brakes. If I was investing that much in a new tractor (which I just recently did, a 6500 4WD), the wet disc brakes would be a requirement. The smaller, more compact tractors have the dry disc. That alone should tell you that the wet disc are for demanding and heavier weight applications. If I was looking at the 4530 I would switch right over and look at the 00 series instead. 4500, 5500, or 6500 depending on your HP requirements.

Just do a google search on tractor and "wet disc brakes" and read some of the benefits and how many tractors use them as a standard. I don't know why they put the dry on the 4530 aside from trimming a few bucks off of the pricetag.

 

[Keith_B]

Have you looked at the 4110? The 4110 is a very large CUT, it is almost a full size utility. There isn't a lot the 4530 can do that the 4110 can't, for the average owner. The 4110 has wet brakes, a 12X12 synchro tranny, draft control, an auxillary remote, and comes standard with 4WD.

 

[zettajoe]

Thanks for the insight. I will check with the dealers on those other tractors. What kind of prices should I expect to pay for these with front loaders:

4110 4WD? 4500 4WD? 5500 4WD?

 

[DavesTractor]

Zettajoe, I just sent you a PM (private message). The 4110 is a really strong compact, certainly on the upper end of the compact range. The 4530 is a utility tractor and is substantially larger and lifts a lot more in the FEL or on the 3-point.

 

[ScottV]

I was looking at those same two tractors. The 4530 is much bigger.

 

[Tim_in_IA]

I agree. I don't think you can compare these two, but it all depends what your requirements are. The 4110 is a good all around compact tractor. If you want to do more "Farm" like activities like large bales. baling, lifting heavy equipment, I would start at the 5500. If money is tight I would go with the 4500. Really though when you consider the amount of the whole purchase a thousand or couple thousand for an upgrade to the 5500 is worth it. And of course if you can afford it the 4wd is a must! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I used it the first day I had my new tractor. A little rain, no problem. What all will you be using this machine for, now and in the future?

 

[zettajoe]

Our property is not flat. Does one size do better than another on slopes?

 

[Tim_in_IA]

That depends. I've heard that smaller machines are safer on inclines, but it really boils down to your center of gravity. Also, the wider the vehicle the less likely it will be to shift sideways at an angle when it hits a dip or whatnot. I have heard that people that are used to large older tractors have a hard time getting used to smaller cuts as sometimes they are squirlier on the hills! I upgraded from a narrow front though so I noticed a big improvement in handling and distribution when I got the 6500. If you are on hills, insist on wet disc brakes. Also I would recommend 4wd as the rear brakes get connected to the front tires through the driveline then and the front can help brake as well. A larger tractor will have more power to drive up or down the hill as well. Some of the smallest cuts might have a problem with hills.