Mahindra 4530 vs 5500FWD

[Birddogger]

Hello to all. I am new to this forum and could use some advice. I've read a lot of the old Mahindra posts and looked at several models on dealer lots. I am thinking of purchasing the 4530 or the 5500FWD.

My tractor experience is limited to flail mowing on a large farm in my early twenties. I'm retired now and about to pick up 37 acres which has been a longtime dream. On the acreage, 5 acres are currently cleared. I think I can clear another 20 with a heavy duty brush hog and FEL to push over smaller trees and dig out the roots. The rest would probably need a dozer. Additional implements that I would like for the tractor would be a box blade and a rotary tiller. In the future I would like to have a backhoe.

Question: Are these tractors too big for a relative newcomer or for the acreage? I've never operated a FEL or BH before but I want to learn.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give. George

 

[Tim_in_IA]

I am fairly new to tractors, started out with an IH 400 2 yrs ago and quickly learned I needed a lot more versatility. I picked up a 65004wd with the 511 backhoe and an FEL. The controls are easy to learn and after an hour or so you will be a pro. The backhoe is the trickiest as feathering the controls takes practice, but I am getting better everytime I use it.

I would definitely recommend the 55004WD out of the two.

 

[fish_wisperer]

i agree with tim.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Shag, the 4530 and 5500 are, as you know, two completely different tractors. I'm not going to make an opinion until I know a tad more info...like where you are located. the 5500 is a very heavy duty unit with mechanical everything,,,I still wouldn't use it as a bulldozer, though. If you are in either very hot or very cold climate, you might want to really consider the 4530/w cab as the 5500 will leave you in the elements (at this time anyway). I've sat/run the 4530 w/cab and have a 6000. The ergonomics on the 4530 are truely NICE! The 6000 has not found ANYTHING it can't handle....You need to decide what's important to you, including comfort. IOW, we crave data...BobG in VA

 

[Tim_in_IA]

Bob,

Do you mean the 4510 when you are talking about the cab? I think that's a different tractor. I haven't seen a 4530 up close yet but it appears from a distance to be build under the same design of the 00 series tractors with minor differences such as the dry brakes. I didn't see a cab as an option for the 4530. Just curious.

 

[fish_wisperer]

a 4530 is like a 4500 but with the open deck like the smaller tractors. i dont know about a cab though. that 5500 4wd is the coolest thing i have ever seen in my life, i just like it.

 

[Birddogger]

Thanks for the replies guys. FYI, the property is in Alabama so it will be hot but I'm used to the heat. I guess my initial concern is whether the 4530 will handle a heavy duty bush hog and backhoe adequately or will I be better off with the 5500. I wish I could say money is not an issue but it always is and I wouldn't mind saving a few bucks. Thanks again, George

 

[Tim_in_IA]

This might make it easy for you. I don't see a backhoe available as an option for the 4530. To install a backhoe you need a subframe mount. This is available for many of the Mahindras, but I don't see it on the 4530. I don't think weight would be a factor and on most installations they recommend a seperate pto pump, so hydraulics would not be an issue.

I think either of them would do brush hog work just fine. If you have hills and will use brakes a lot I would stick with the 5500. I'm not sure how much the controls have changed on the 4530 and whether that would play a factor in you decision. I don't have a problem with the 6500 controls so far. There is a lot to fit on one of those, so I don't mind climbing up around something so it is handy when I am operating it.

Guess you'll have to take em for a test drive! Inisist on the subframe for a backhoe, don't even think about a 3pt. They put a tremendous amount of force on a tractor.

 

[Birddogger]

Tim
Thank you. Just spoke to the dealer and the price difference is not that great...around $800 and he agrees it is a lot more tractor. I think I may have made up my mind. George

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Shag, soory I was thinking the 4530 was like the 4110 with 45 HP and a cab. My mistake. The 5500 will do anything you need and if you need a backhoe, wait a minute, wasn't it me that was miserable at the BH deal....???? Yep but hope its squared away now. Good luck on the 5500. bobg in va

 

[Birddogger]

thanks Bob....just read your BH post....I sure hope that you are squared away soon. George