Max26 vs Max28

linuxman51 · Jun 5, 2015

Am I correct in "assuming" the 26 is essentially just the 28 with a different hp rating (different rpm)? The numbers all seem to match up otherwise.

Any significant differences in the backhoe vs the 63A on the 'early' 28s?

I get to replace my 28, and it seems like another used 28 is going to be about the same as a new 26, so (f me, right?). Is there something else I should consider in the same price range and performance? I'm not sure I can do what I want/need to do with a 3016 or 3616 (price becomes an issue too... I imagine a 3616 with a loader and a hoe is going to be quite a bit more than a 26hst) in terms of where I can go, the difference in width might be juuust enough. The weight with my trailer and current tow vehicle is also probably over the top (1800ish vs 2500ish, then + accessories)

linuxman51 · Jun 5, 2015

apparently the 3616 has been superceeded (maybe) by the 1533, appears to be even heavier, so that's probably a no-go anyway.

oldpilgrim · Jun 5, 2015

I looked at the 15 series today. It seems to be quite a bit larger than the 16 series it replaces. That's too bad as the 16 series was positioned well as a next step up from the max series. There is a big difference between the max and the 15.

drajj5 · Jun 5, 2015

I know you have worked your max 28 and have found how versatile it is, size is right for toting it with a car trailer from place to place. I like the idea of loading it up and knowing that at most I am dragging the equivalent of a f150 behind my truck.

I do wish that my tractor (same one as you used to own) was 50hp and weighed 8000lbs, but then it certainly would not be so easily to transport. Guess you must pick that happy medium that you are comfortable with. I factored this among many other things before purchase. You have experienced the tractor first hand and must choose weather or not to go with that max 26 or go with a much larger tire/bigger unit..... For me it is a tough call and I would struggle with the decision as well. I would have to summarize the differences/cost/weight on paper to see if it would warrant a step-up in size. Good luck with choosing yet again- the right tractor for you! I don't envy you, as the decision was hard when I was stuck making the same choices you are contemplating.

linuxman51 · Jun 9, 2015

I think the answer is once again, where can I effectively get it in and out of, and the utility of a bigger tractor rapidly decreases when you can't get to where the work is. Not really looking forward to this one as much as I looked forward to the first one

arrow · Jun 10, 2015

oldpilgrim said:
I looked at the 15 series today. It seems to be quite a bit larger than the 16 series it replaces. That's too bad as the 16 series was positioned well as a next step up from the max series. There is a big difference between the max and the 15.

By just looking at pictures, I would not have guessed this 1533 was a larger tractor. I figured it had to weigh more with the 4 cyl engine but the design "style" of the tractor looks like it's cut from the same cloth as the Max series. I have to say I am not a fan in the least of this new "low profile" look they put to this tractor. I much prefer a tractor that gives me a feeling of sitting "in" it as opposed to being "perched" on top of.

My 3016 best last a long time as I would never buy this new tractor to replace it just for the looks of it.

oldpilgrim · Jun 10, 2015

I didn't actually check the spec sheet or measure it, but it certainly appeared to be larger. It didn't have the ML115 loader on it...there was another number. I'd assume that if it was the same size, the same loader would be used, but you know what assume means.

My 3016 best last a long time as I would never buy this new tractor to replace it just for the looks of it.

The 'look' didn't seem bad to me. I just don't want to buy a Tier 4 final. I like my 3016 just fine in about every way. Being months short of 70 yo, I don't want to buy another.

linuxman51 · Jun 11, 2015

well I wasn't really planning on replacing my max28 tlb either but events beyond my control and what not. What are the tier iv changes to the max26 (if anyone knows)?

drajj5 · Jun 12, 2015

I don't think that the max 26 has any significant changes due to emissions. I could be wrong but the Hp rating may have squeaked it by without the extra "stuff" they put on them now... They seem to have added some extra features though - and I want them!

linuxman51 · Jun 12, 2015

what new features?

Carmyne · Jun 12, 2015

ok... 2 comments .... 1) i was told by multiple dealers that the difference between the 28 and 26 was nothing performance wise. Was a small change to make the emission testings easier. As far as the "new features" all I know of (which i feel is pretty big) is that the new 26 comes with the quick attach bucket and cup holder.. 2) I've met oldpilgrim and if he's on his last tractor then I have 10 more to go. We could all be so fortunate at 70! I think all the tier 4 hype becomes a little more relevant when you get into the slightly larger tractors. I'm sure an honest dealer could explain it better.

linuxman51 · Jun 12, 2015

Thanks! I didn't notice the bucket when I glanced at one at the dealer two weeks ago, but I did notice the cup holder, that is a nice addition. (In fact that was the first thing I noticed before I saw the 'MAX 26' stickers haha). I wasn't sure if that was a small accessory that the dealer'd installed or if that was standard.

After glancing at the spec lists for both on mahindra's website I was fairly certain the 26 was just the new name for the 28, but I didn't dig around under the hood on the one at the dealership so I wasn't certain if they'd changed anything mechanical. I did notice they changed the grill guard a bit as well, I liked the one on the 28 a little better (visually) but that's really splitting hairs. It will probably prevent some things from getting up under and into the front end.

oldpilgrim · Jun 12, 2015

Carmyne said:
ok... 2 comments .... 1) i was told by multiple dealers that the difference between the 28 and 26 was nothing performance wise. Was a small change to make the emission testings easier. As far as the "new features" all I know of (which i feel is pretty big) is that the new 26 comes with the quick attach bucket and cup holder.. 2) I've met oldpilgrim and if he's on his last tractor then I have 10 more to go. We could all be so fortunate at 70! I think all the tier 4 hype becomes a little more relevant when you get into the slightly larger tractors. I'm sure an honest dealer could explain it better.

Not only am I good looking, I'm very humble.

Navasot · Jun 26, 2015

Carmyne said:
ok... 2 comments .... 1) i was told by multiple dealers that the difference between the 28 and 26 was nothing performance wise. Was a small change to make the emission testings easier. As far as the "new features" all I know of (which i feel is pretty big) is that the new 26 comes with the quick attach bucket and cup holder.. 2) I've met oldpilgrim and if he's on his last tractor then I have 10 more to go. We could all be so fortunate at 70! I think all the tier 4 hype becomes a little more relevant when you get into the slightly larger tractors. I'm sure an honest dealer could explain it better.

Not all 26 XLs have the quick attach loader. Some still have the pin on style loader from the 28. And the quick connect will not interchange... trust me

archwoodholding · Jul 9, 2015

On the MahindraUSA.com site I built a 26XL HST with FEL, BH & thumb, MMM, Straight Blade w/Hydraulic Angle, (Quick Attach on all buckets/blades) that stated an MSRP of around $33,000 what should I expect in terms of a quote from a dealer? My Kubota's were about 15% less than MSRP after the dust settled is this a similar expectation to have with Mahindra?

linuxman51 · Jul 9, 2015

I can't comment on the pricing because my situation was somewhat unique (and the dealer asked me to not talk about it because of that). BUT I would expect it to come down a little from that. You are getting a lot of stuff though, I think msrp for the TLB is somewhere *around* 24k, thumb is another $500 (altho, stay tuned for pics, you may not need it depending). MMM is like $2k or maybe more, and I have no idea on the hydralic blade.

I know my old max28hst TLB before financing charges and insurance was a little over 23k in Dec 2012, after buying the 0% rate and paying the ~$1200 for insurance it was around 25k. I got the dealer to meet me halfway on the finance charges but I don't recall there being a whole lot of flexibility in the pricing. I didn't price one out on the website though.

*looks like the mower may have gone up in price or the quoted amount from my dealer didn't include the mid pto installation stuff. I don't have that in writing though so I doubt that'd help you any (also, its like..3 year old info).

Playing with what I got vs what the MSRP on the website is, I think you will have some negotiation room, but I'm not sure about 15%.

Sorry, this post is kinda all over the place and probably not that helpful

linuxman51 · Jul 9, 2015

So, differences in my new unit vs my old unit (and heat!)

picking it up (not all the way tightened down, chains loose in the back, load too far foward, yes yes, just striking a quick pose)

I'm most excited about this feature:

The arm on the hoe has been updated, may not need a thumb

The seat is different, not sure yet on this one. I've seen a couple pictures of other max28's with the same seat, but mine had a different one. We'll see

and of course, the quick attach for the front bucket

Some other notable differences from my 2012 max28:
The seat appears to slide forwards and backwards. I don't believe my 28 did that, or maybe I just missed that option.

The loader arms have been re-designed and are no longer straight but have a nice curve to them. Not sure if that makes it stronger or if that's just a cosmetic deal.

Single center prop to keep the assembly stood up should you take the loader off the front, foot stores in the tube.

loader control lock is different, that took me a second to figure out.

Brush guard/grill guard is different.

FEL bucket appears to be a little narrower, but also a little deeper. We'll call that a wash. I need to go buy some steel to reinforce the top and add an edge to the back bottom for back-dragging (saw someone else on here did that, FANTASIC idea). Also need to measure & order a toothbar.

Oh, it's also boss-approved:

oldpilgrim · Jul 9, 2015

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

archwoodholding · Jul 9, 2015

What is it that makes you glad you don't have a Tier 4 Tractor? Do they have cooties or something?

linuxman51 · Jul 9, 2015

I would guess all the extra emissions stuff but I can't speak for him. I can say I wouldn't have gone out of my way to avoid it, but I also don't have catalysts on 2 of my 3 cars either, so.. :cough: