New Tractor Question

[LazySusanFarms]

We have just purchased an 80 acre farm and plan to plant nut trees and berries. I would describe the farm as rolling and it has not been cropped or grazed for many years. We have some junipers to remove and general maintenance to perform.

We are looking at a MF 1652 and a Mahindra 5010. Both have cabs and FEL. The price difference is material. The MF dealer is 1/2 mile away while the Mahindra dealer is 50 miles away.

Some of our questions include:

Any material differences that a couple newbies would not already know?
Best transmission - HST or power shuttle (manual is out)?
Are Mahindras as loud as everyone says?
Best tires?

Except for the obvious nod to dealer location, are there really any differences that we would notice given that we don't know anything about tractors?

Thanks

 

[creekbend]

Just a thought? TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors You may gain some insight in comparing.Good Luck. The final decision will be yours. Taking into consideration the advice all the other members here on TBN will give you, surely will assist you in buying the best tractor for your intended purposes. Best of everything in your endeavors.:tractor:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Have you actually looked at each tractor in person? One may be a bit more comfortable than the other for you. Do both tractors have the same equipment? Such as skid steer quick attack loader buckets, the same amount of rear remotes. You probably have more tranny options with the Massey. How do the lift capacities compare? They are both nice machines, I would think that the Massey 1652 would be a nicer machine, but do not know for sure, I have not compared them before. I would think that it would normally be a big plus to have a dealer close by, but not always.

Many things to consider, keep doing some research, but the best thing is to go and sit in them and operate them if you can.

Good luck

 

[lilranch2001]

If it was me, I would go the MF route, if the dealer is a reputable person with a good reputation.

MF was my second choice when I bought

Dealer quality and location is a big factor.

5 miles.... you could almost drive the tractor to him for service

 

[scottsfarm]

Just my 2 cents....... Had a few MF's and have gotten rid of them. The next new one will be a Mahindra. The MF quality has declined. However enjoy the one you decide to get.

 

[yanmars]

100 times the distance to the Mahindra dealer versus the MF. That alone would mean a great deal to me.

 

[LazySusanFarms]

Thanks for the replies.

We have sat in both and driven the MF.

The specs match-up pretty close. The Mahindra does weigh a little more which is a plus given the rolling nature of the property.

The Mahindra's cab is a little bigger (at least it seems so). The MF usually does not come with rear hydr hook-ups but the cab version adds that feature.

PTO hp is a little higher with the Mahindra.

The biggest draw back with the Mahindra is the cost to trailer the tractor back and forth should a problem occur that requires their assistance, such as a warranty work, etc. About $300 round trip. So, if I get a great Mahindra with no problems then no big deal but if I get one that needs some work then a big headache. That is a problem with any dealer that is 50 miles away though.

 

[EMB5530]

Thanks for the replies.

We have sat in both and driven the MF.

The specs match-up pretty close. The Mahindra does weigh a little more which is a plus given the rolling nature of the property.

The Mahindra's cab is a little bigger (at least it seems so). The MF usually does not come with rear hydr hook-ups but the cab version adds that feature.

PTO hp is a little higher with the Mahindra.

The biggest draw back with the Mahindra is the cost to trailer the tractor back and forth should a problem occur that requires their assistance, such as a warranty work, etc. About $300 round trip. So, if I get a great Mahindra with no problems then no big deal but if I get one that needs some work then a big headache. That is a problem with any dealer that is 50 miles away though.

I am tunning into my fortune telling psyche.
You have an 80 acre patch of land:thumbsup:

I see a truck and trailer in your future

But really good luck with your decision.

 

[flusher]

We have just purchased an 80 acre farm and plan to plant nut trees and berries. I would describe the farm as rolling and it has not been cropped or grazed for many years. We have some junipers to remove and general maintenance to perform.

We are looking at a MF 1652 and a Mahindra 5010. Both have cabs and FEL. The price difference is material. The MF dealer is 1/2 mile away while the Mahindra dealer is 50 miles away.

Some of our questions include:

Any material differences that a couple newbies would not already know?
Best transmission - HST or power shuttle (manual is out)?
Are Mahindras as loud as everyone says?
Best tires?

Except for the obvious nod to dealer location, are there really any differences that we would notice given that we don't know anything about tractors?

Thanks

My big tractor is a 2008 Mahindra 5525 (54 hp engine, 45 hp pto, 2WD, power steering, gear tranny 8F/2R, triple rear remotes) with the ML250 FEL (6-ft wide bucket, 2950 lb lift to 10.5 ft height, skid steer quick attach feature). It's pretty loud, but so what. You get used to it and if it bothers you, wear ear protection.

Dealer location: 50 miles is not that much of a problem. My dealer is about 25 miles away and we split the transportation cost. The only time I had the 5525 transported to the dealer is to get the SSQA installed. Shoulda had it installed when I bought the tractor.



Definitely get rear remotes. My dealer has his own design and installed triples for $700.



Also the SSQA on the FEL is very handy (drop the bucket and quickly attach forks, etc).



No problems so far with the 5525.

Good luck.

 

[DiskDoctr]

Welcome to TBN!

I think you'll find a pretty reasonable bunch when it comes to fairly weighing tractors.

I looked at both MF and Mahindra (and a few others) when getting my 3510. One of my goals was to get the largest one I could reasonably run on nice ground (ie lawns) and with with the industrial lug tires.

I have a 3pt post hole digger, which I see in your future. If you are putting in many trees, get the one with hydraulic down pressure. I don't and wish I did, likely add it later.

Here's the thing to consider. You are likely to spend a fair amount of time in your tractor. Check your comfort, visability, control placement and reach (we are all sized a bit different), and remember to look out the rear of the cab and forwards at the bucket.

Farm work has lots of close areas where you will be maneuvering close to something, over something, and hopefully *around* obstacles

As others have mentioned, rear remotes are a life saver! Mine came with one set and I need to add at least one more. Get 2 or 3 if you can (price and std equip wise)

I added a canopy and lights to mine. You may want to consider what you have for lighting. Yes, you'll need it more than you think.

Drive them both. A dealer within an hour or so is easy. Shoot, even at $2 a loaded mile, that's $240. Find a neighbor or buddy with a trailer. You likely have a heavy truck setup for towing? If not, that will be something that ALWAYS comes in handy on a farm of any type

Get what you like. You'll be spending lots of time and money, make sure you are happy with your choice.

Hope this helps.

- JC