Momma Wants a Tractor

[rback33]

Boy do I feel your pain. I am SO glad I would not have to go through this with MY wife... she knows ZIP about tractors, loaders and backhoes whereas I have more of that knowledge in my pinky than she has... maybe my wife needs to call yours, feed her a good line from me, and we push her to your side of the fence....

 

[7AcherHaven]

What about wet brakes versus dry ones? Is that any big deal for a tractor the size of the 2015? All the Kubotas have wet disks as opposed to dry on the 2015.

 

[AchingBack]

Dear 7Acherheaven, I am guessing you have seven acres that are making you ache. I know at least seven of my ten acres, have done that to me. The greatest relief I've gained so far, was the acquistion of my Mahindra 2615 HST.

The problem I see you have, is more than acreage. You seem to be suffering from a severe case of "who wears the pantsitis". Get it over with man. Get the tractor you want. You know, in the long run, you will probably be the one using it the most. Or, will you be too busy dusting and doing dishes?

In your heart, and as you've expressed, the Mahindra is the better machine for the money. Time to get some cajones, dude. No disrespect intended, and you don't have to share this post with the wife.

Why not, as a final decider, search threads to see which model has had the most problems.

Times a wastin'.

 

[7AcherHaven]

Dear 7Acherheaven, I am guessing you have seven acres that are making you ache. I know at least seven of my ten acres, have done that to me. The greatest relief I've gained so far, was the acquistion of my Mahindra 2615 HST.

The problem I see you have, is more than acreage. You seem to be suffering from a severe case of "who wears the pantsitis". Get it over with man. Get the tractor you want. You know, in the long run, you will probably be the one using it the most. Or, will you be too busy dusting and doing dishes?

In your heart, and as you've expressed, the Mahindra is the better machine for the money. Time to get some cajones, dude. No disrespect intended, and you don't have to share this post with the wife.

Why not, as a final decider, search threads to see which model has had the most problems.

Times a wastin'.

Dude, dude, dude . . . I am trying to be a bit less like you describe these days, as in not bulldozing my way in everything. I don't subscribe to "back of the hand" methods in dealing with my wife. She is an independent woman and overall it works better when I treat her that way. When I met her she could change the oil in her car, replace quite a few parts, and work on the Craftsman garden tractor she and her mom used to maintain a small vineyard, several trails, branches etc. on her mom's 35 acre place. Believe me, she will be operating this tractor (supervised by me for awhile at first), and she looks d@m^ good in those new-fangled jeans pants they wear these days.

But really though, I honestly needed to add the B7510/B7610 to the mix, the B7800 is enough more expensive to forget about. For almost even money with the 2015 I gotta look. At first I was really thinking that the simple weight difference means the 2015 was better for the digging and lifting work I have described. The frame is definitely heavier-looking to me. But the B series Botas are obviously heavy enough for the same work, and I can always add weight. I was so sold on Mahindra going in that I posted here insteadof "Buying/Posting/Comparisons" - my mistake.

I took your advice and found plenty of problems-reported type info to convince both of us that the BX-24 was not the tractor for us. I could possibly see having a BX-23 though - for a really good deal, but the B7610 looks like a real contender to me now - with the 2015. Mostly because of the excellent Kubota dealer just 24 miles away. The nearest Mahindra dealer (since LaGrange is closing) is 50 miles away in the next state, in Wedowee, AL. The one I have been dealing with is 60 miles away on the other side of Atlanta (+ bad traffic). I will keep looking to see what I can find out about the B7610 to see if it really is all that. Has those wet brakes too, you know.

 

[DavesTractor]

Just to confuse matters, the 2415 Mahindra's are arriving on dealers lots already. We sold a couple last week. You might want to take a look at one.

 

[AchingBack]

Dude, dude, dude . . . I am trying to be a bit less like you describe these days, as in not bulldozing my way in everything. I don't subscribe to "back of the hand" methods in dealing with my wife. She is an independent woman and overall it works better when I treat her that way. When I met her she could change the oil in her car, replace quite a few parts, and work on the Craftsman garden tractor she and her mom used to maintain a small vineyard, several trails, branches etc. on her mom's 35 acre place. Believe me, she will be operating this tractor (supervised by me for awhile at first), and she looks d@m^ good in those new-fangled jeans pants they wear these days.

But really though, I honestly needed to add the B7510/B7610 to the mix, the B7800 is enough more expensive to forget about. For almost even money with the 2015 I gotta look. At first I was really thinking that the simple weight difference means the 2015 was better for the digging and lifting work I have described. The frame is definitely heavier-looking to me. But the B series Botas are obviously heavy enough for the same work, and I can always add weight. I was so sold on Mahindra going in that I posted here insteadof "Buying/Posting/Comparisons" - my mistake.

I took your advice and found plenty of problems-reported type info to convince both of us that the BX-24 was not the tractor for us. I could possibly see having a BX-23 though - for a really good deal, but the B7610 looks like a real contender to me now - with the 2015. Mostly because of the excellent Kubota dealer just 24 miles away. The nearest Mahindra dealer (since LaGrange is closing) is 50 miles away in the next state, in Wedowee, AL. The one I have been dealing with is 60 miles away on the other side of Atlanta (+ bad traffic). I will keep looking to see what I can find out about the B7610 to see if it really is all that. Has those wet brakes too, you know.

My apologies for a hastily thought out reply. I appreciate a man who respects his wife's opinion. It does make for a happy marriage when you do things that way. Seeing as how you have put so much thought into it, I know you will be a great tractor owner, red, or orange steel.

I would never badmouth Kubota. I know how good Mahindra is, though. And now that Dave has introduced the thought of a 2415, you have more grist for the mill.

God bless your decision,
Aching Back, on the mend.

 

[7AcherHaven]

After a hectic week back at work, I'm just now back at it. From the dealer I talked to yesterday, looks like the Mahindra prices didn't go up much at all for 2007 - and that was for a new tractor, not one already on their lot from 2006. I still need to talk to the Kubota dealer to see if they had a price change on the B7610.

I've been reading up on the 2015HST with ML104 FEL and 2710 BH vs. the B7610 with the LA352 FEL and 4672A BH. While the Kubota will probably cost a thou or 2 more, the dealer is well-established and only 24 miles away.

The Mahindra tractor is significantly heavier, but the loader capacities are similar - B7610/LA352 lifts 10# more, but not as high as the Mahindra.

The Mahindra backhoe does seem a good bit more capable than the Kubota. One tidbit, it seems the B7610 can use a MMM while the backhoe is attached. From what I can tell, this is because the 4672A basically attaches to the B7610 like a 3PH backhoe with only a bit of subframe mounting on the back of the tractor - so it doesn't go near where the MMM would be. BTW, I have read several posts which make me think this Kubota backhoe is quite difficult to install and remove (comments anyone?). After seeing the Mahindra with 2710, I can't imagine a MMM could be attached under there with those big square tubes from the BH going all the way up to where the FEL attaches. Does anyone know whether or not this is the case with the Mahindra - that a MMM could be used with the 2710 BH and subframe mounting in place? Also, how difficult (how much time, I guess) is it to take the Mahindra BH off and put it on again? And those big tubes decrease ground clearance on the 2015, too.

I realize I am splitting hairs here, but it really does seem that close from where I sit. I think the Mahindra is stronger package overall, but dealer support is further away (either on the other side of bad traffic or 50 mi away in AL). The money is not that significantly different - unless Kubota went up significantly for 2007. Kubota has better resale value - which is probably not going to be an issue, but . . . ya never know - that's the only reason I would care about the MMM issue, because I don't plan on any mowing. The Kubota is slightly smaller and has a slight maneuverability advantage - which is an issue for our place.

From posts I've read, folks sometimes say the dealer is the most important one of these issues - but I don't hear about Mahindras having to go to the dealer that often. The Mahindra dealers swear they hardly ever have a warranty repair - just one minor one last year for the Lawrenceville dealer - a wire came loose. But anyway, getting real close now. Thanks for everyone's input and patience so far.

 

[shvl73]

I keep thinking, why would anyone want to mow their lawn with the loader and backhoe mounted? I can picture damage to trees, shrubs and buildings with all that hanging off the tractor, as well as ruts from the added weight during damp conditions. Maybe under ideal conditions and a flat yard without obstacles, but it wouldn't work for me.

 

[7AcherHaven]

I keep thinking, why would anyone want to mow their lawn with the loader and backhoe mounted? I can picture damage to trees, shrubs and buildings with all that hanging off the tractor, as well as ruts from the added weight during damp conditions. Maybe under ideal conditions and a flat yard without obstacles, but it wouldn't work for me.

I should have been more clear - you probably wouldn't mow with the BH attached the way I seemed to say, but you would probably mow with the subframe mounting still in place. If you were a Kubota owner, from the posts I've read, you might leave the BH on, too - because the dang thing seems to be so hard to get on and off.

 

[DavesTractor]

I should have been more clear - you probably wouldn't mow with the BH attached the way I seemed to say, but you would probably mow with the subframe mounting still in place. If you were a Kubota owner, from the posts I've read, you might leave the BH on, too - because the dang thing seems to be so hard to get on and off.

On the Mahindra 15 series, the subframe comes off with the backhoe. So if the backhoe is off, so is the subframe. No tools, about 5 minutes from start to finish. If you think the machine will do more finish mowing than digging with the backhoe, I'd lean towards the Kubota. On the other hand, if the depth, reach and power of the backhoe is a big item, I'd go with the Mahindra. Quality is similar. The 2015 is built by Mitsubishi in Japan, the hoe and loader is built in Kansas.

 

[shvl73]

I should have been more clear - you probably wouldn't mow with the BH attached the way I seemed to say, but you would probably mow with the subframe mounting still in place. If you were a Kubota owner, from the posts I've read, you might leave the BH on, too - because the dang thing seems to be so hard to get on and off.

I see, that does make sense. Wish I could help but, I've no experience with either, good luck.

 

[Keith_B]

7AcherHaven, you need your wife to talk to mine. She looked at tractors with me and turned her nose up at the smaller made CUTs in the 40 hp class. More tractor generally means more work done easier.

 

[7AcherHaven]

Our 2015 was delivered this morning. Haven't worked it yet - had to work. Got pictures but can't seem to get upload photos to work in the gallery. I've sent in a request for help.

Now gotta get some forks, some more weight for the back (box blade?), grill guard (already ordered), and maybe a backhoe. Came to an agreement at HQ here to hold off on the BH until we have something to do with it. Probably will come up with that tomorrow.

Will post pix ASAP. Thanks for all the help - and I really learned almost all of what I know for this purchase from this site - really great site. Trying to get 2 of the Mahindra dealers interested in it.

 

[k54frog]

Congrats on your new baby!
BTW...it took me about 2 weeks before I went back & got the 2710 BH for my 2015. Never looked back except to use it. over half my 26 hours are BH work.

 

[7AcherHaven]

Well, I give up on posting on the gallery here. Can't seem to get it to work per the instructions. Anyway, here she is - my wife has named her "Red Bud". I will probably go with "Bud" for short.

I am very impressed with the EZ Attachments toothbar. I have gotten lots of compliments so far - and a bit of envy, too. Now need to give it a taste of something this weekend - if the wx cooperates.

I've found I can get replacement teeth, too.

 

[supertiger]

that a very impressive pille of dirt you made with that new tracter.

 

[7AcherHaven]

I've finally gotten a decent amount of seat time in doing some digging - about 15 hours now. This thing is quite a beast for its size. I've been using much more powerful skidsteers, etc. but haven't been disappointed with the 2015 at all.

Shoulda taken some pictures, but I moved and dug quite a bit of dirt this weekend. The house site has a courtyard area about 24'x30' and a driveway pad about 35'x50'. I was able to move huge leftover hunks of concrete (one was too big, had to bust off some around the sides before Redbud could lift it), and move and level big piles of dirt leftover from the excavation on the footings. Now both areas are level and look great. I was thinking this was a pretty big job, but no problem in 2 sessions of several hours. No way the BX24 coulda done this - except in more than twice the time.

One thing I'm noticing, due to the tight quarters, I'm glad I didn't get a bigger tractor. It was all I could do to get turned around in some areas due to the big piles of dirt, concrete, etc.

I have the rear tires filled, but really need some more weight on the back. A box blade would have added a foot or two to the back which could have kept me from doing the courtyard job. Fortunately, the rear tire weight was adequate with some care. I noticed that once the bucket was really loaded, if I inclined down much at all, the rear tires were subject to lose traction and would start to get some air. With a bucket full of gravel heading down a long rather steep hill, the rear tires started to just lightly skid. Thankfully I was in 4WD or else I could have freewheeled on the front wheels into something unpleasant.

I'm thinking of making an nominal offer on a busted up BB I saw at a local tractor dealer. I could use the framing and cast some concrete around it to make a rear weight that doesn't stick out back so far. Anyone with ideas on this? What I really need is wheel weights I guess, but our closest TSC doesn't even seem to carry them - and they would always be a pain to get on and off.

The ATI EZ Standard toothbar seems to perform great. I can dig with no problems - even in some undisturbed-packed dirt to make a way for water to get out of the courtyard area. Since this toothbar is the same teeth and build as for heavier tractors, looks like no way I will be busting it without really trying.

The only thing I can say is that I would think the Markham design might penetrate a little easier for a smaller tractor like mine because the EZ Standard has more frontal surface area to contact the dirt due to the additional V-shaped cutting edge whereas the Markham simply uses the cutting edge of the loader bucket. However, I still would opt for the EZ because of the beefier design. In close quarters doing the courtyard, I punched the foot thick concrete wall a few times rolling over a pile of dirt. If that shock had been against the teeth bolted to the bucket frame only like the Markham, it could have bent it I guess.

My wife and I think we made the right decision. Thanks to everyone for their wisdom.

 

[7AcherHaven]

Redbud's got about 100 hours now. The total sum of issues I've had with this tractor are:
Hydraulic line on loader loosened up - a quick tighten fixed that.
Hydraulic line under seat dripping - a quick tighten fixed that one too.
Neutral safety switch wire slipped off - just slid it back on again, good to go.

I have moved and dumped 54 tons of gravel over 1 weekend with this baby, dug, moved logs, timbers, cement mixers, maintained roads, hoisted loads of plywood up to rooftops, moved building materials over and over, knocked up a few stumps, the list goes on and on. Lots of stuff I never would have dreamed up - til I had it and knew how it could get the job done and me out of a jam.

This is a plenty beefy little tractor for the size and was exactly what we needed around here. I have made good use of every implement I have: loader, EZ Attachment standard toothbar, 4' BB, Northstar 2K bucket forks. I definitely recommend this tractor.

And I can't say enough good about this site. Without it I would have been ill-prepared for this purchase - who knows what I would have ended up with. Thanks to all for the good advice and ideas. Momma's happy now.

 

[Nissan197]

Is she still as clean as the day you got her?