price matters

[oceaneering]

im comparing different brands trying to narrow my search. can someone tell me what i can expect to pay for 28hp with fel, box blade, and finish mower. Also can you tell me how mahindra compares to other tractors in the same class

 

[knute_m]

Oceaneering,

First, I wouldn't put price at the head of the list.

Comparing tractors by their price and specifications doesn't work very well. It's like comparing dogs -- some people love English bulldogs. Other's love chihuahas or great danes.

If you plan to keep a tractor for a couple of years, you better put your butt in the seat and make sure it fits. Make sure your feet fit. Make sure the controls are where you expect them. Make sure you feel comfortable with your dealer or parts supplier.

Make sure you know what you really need to do with the tractor. Some people need a heavy tractor with agricultural tires. Others need a lightweight tractor with turf tires. Some need something in between.

Figure that a Mahindra is probably heavier than the comparable competitor. Figure that the Mahindra probably has a few more horsepower than that listed by the comparable competitor. Figure that the Mahindra might be a little less expensive than the really big names, but maybe a little more than the lesser known names.

You won't find a better tractor than a Mahindra in each of the classes that they supply. But, then again, you can say that about most modern tractors. Just about every name that has it's own forum on this website manufactures and supports high quality lines of tractors.

I love my Mahindra. At least for the forseeable future, I can't think of a better tractor for what I do. I know my dealer. And, if for some really strange reason they drop Mahindra, or Mahindra drops them, there are three other dealers within 50 miles.

It is the first new tractor I've ever owned -- and I've been buying and selling my toy tractors for over 40 years. I will probably keep this Mahindra until I'm too old to care. In the mean time, I might buy another tractor/crawler/skidsteer that needs some work and that will do a special task for me. When that task is done, and the tractor looks pretty, I will sell it. That is what most tractors are for.

My best advice would be to read, read, and read some more on this website. Don't be in too much of a hurry. Sit on a bunch of tractors. Crawl underneath them. Talk to the dealers. Come back here and ask questions. Then buy a tractor.

Good Luck,

Knute

 

[DavesTractor]

im comparing different brands trying to narrow my search. can someone tell me what i can expect to pay for 28hp with fel, box blade, and finish mower. Also can you tell me how mahindra compares to other tractors in the same class

Most dealers will not post prices on this forum, and I subscribe to that rule. The most important thing are the prices in your general area. What part of the country are you in? The new 15 series tractors are very, very nice. They stack up nicely against any of the Big 3.

 

[oceaneering]

Thanks for the advise,
I believe you when you say price doesnt or should matteras much as the other things like the right fit for you. But it's something I have to consider. and im depending on info from you guys to try and figure things out. I think I've learned that most people seem to really like there tractors and that no one seems disappointed when they got a little to much tractor for there particular job. I will keep reading looking and asking questions. This is my first tractor purchase and I will not be in a hurry.
Again thanks for your response

 

[Fredex]

Ocean: Here's another way of looking at it. Research dealers within what you consider a reasonable distance from your future tractor's base. Weed out poor reputations, poor service, bad attitude, etc. Try out the brands and models from the acceptable dealers. Write down what you like about each model; also dislikes. Note features you like. Actually you may be able to identify some of the features on line, but the ergonomic things require a little seat time. Then get prices. Analyze prices vs. features, likes/dislikes. Maybe that will identify your new machine. If still unsure because of $$$, reanalyze considering how much the features & likes are worth to you against what they sell for. Then have a serious talk with the dealer.

 

[MDM]

The 2815 is a very nice machine. I looked at it seriously before I bought a Kubota L2800. I just liked some things on the 2800 more like, metal hood, heavier, beefier front axle. You can't really go wrong with a Mahindra though. My FIL has a 2810 and that is what I would have got if they were still available. Drive all of the tractors you are considering and make you decision from there. There are quite a few 28-30 hp tractors that can be had for less than $16000.

 

[Dougster]

Ocean: Here's another way of looking at it. Research dealers within what you consider a reasonable distance from your future tractor's base. Weed out poor reputations, poor service, bad attitude, etc. Try out the brands and models from the acceptable dealers. Write down what you like about each model; also dislikes. Note features you like. Actually you may be able to identify some of the features on line, but the ergonomic things require a little seat time. Then get prices. Analyze prices vs. features, likes/dislikes. Maybe that will identify your new machine. If still unsure because of $$$, reanalyze considering how much the features & likes are worth to you against what they sell for. Then have a serious talk with the dealer.

Both Fredex and Knute_M are both giving you excellent advice. I would only add my recent experience as a novice tractor buyer that I could *not* get into a TLB that would meet *all* of my needs (present and future) without going Chinese junk (Yeech!) or slightly used. I chose to go slightly used.

I shopped everywhere near and far for a new machine. I kid you not. I visited every dealership for miles... all the way up into New Hampshire and Maine and all around the country during travels for my former employer. I shopped the Internet and eBay 'til I dropped. I could not get a break on price that really meant anything. In the end, I bought used... and locally... after being totally blown away by the quality, weight and power of the Mahindra 4110... even though my closest dealership is nearly 2 hours drive away.

I could have bought a new (2005 unused leftover) Kioti one step down in size and power rating for less than what I paid for the used 2004 Mahindra, and had a dealership only 15 minutes away, but it simply didn't feel right. I'm sure the Kioti would have turned out to have been a fine machine, but the Mahindra truly spoke to me, gave me confidence (I had done mucho research)... and it just felt right.

My point? Don't be afraid to buy slightly used if money matters and that turns out to be the only way to get the machine that you truly need. New is cool... but having the best machine for your needs is even better.

Dougster