TYM T454/554 or Mahindra 3540?

[pyro29]

So I'm ready to purchase a new tractor, narrowed down to the models listed, but am unsure which direction to go from here.

My primary uses will be tree/wood work and running a 6 to 7 foot rear snow blower.

TYM: The 454 and 554 are close enough in price so we can use the specs from either. There aren't any TYM dealers real close to me, but that doesn't really bother me. The biggest attraction is the price tag, at 24,100. My concern is feedback from existing ownerst and the emissions equipment to and regeneration.

Mahindra: I like the larger frame size and heavier weight of the 3540, and I also prefer the no regen emissions. My issues are that I'll have to pay for a second rear remote and the base price is about 2000 more than the T554.

Any and all feedback or opinions are appreciated.

 

[1stDeuce]

The 454 has a turbo, the 554 doesn't. If you're at altitude, the 454 is the better choice. It will probably make as much power as the 554, and regen less because the turbo keeps the exhaust cleaner. I was told the latest TYM tractors don't regen that much anyway, similar to the ~50hr estimate for newer LS tractors.

I was bouncing for a while between a T454 and LS4140, but TYM has no dealers w/in 7 hours of me (I asked about becoming one but they haven't responded) and LS had a fairly small BH, which was in the plan for me... I would not be afraid of the Tier4 system in either tractor. The LS rear remotes are VERY nice, and well integrated. The TYM's were not as clean, IMO, but were still functional.

I finally decided on a Branson 4020R, which is VERY comparable to both, but missing the rear remotes from the factory. For $550, the dealer would add them, and the Branson was still several thousand cheaper. It doesn't have all the boots and bezels that the LS and TYM have, but it gets the job done. Branson also uses Ansung BH's, and the 8600 is the king of CUT BH's. (Doesn't sound like that's a consideration for you though...)

Branson meets Tier4 using a DOC instead of a DPF. (I think Mahindra also uses a DOC instead of DPF...) No regens per se, but the DOC can load up if you don't run it very hard, and then you have to run it at rated speed for 15 or 20 minutes to clear it out, or disassemble the DOC and blow it out. The dealer told me you can also drill through the catalyst in several places (Or just remove it completely!) and never have a problem again, and the engine won't know the difference. That was what finally sold me on the Branson.

The Branson sounds like any older diesel, as it's mechanical injection. All the others are common rail, and are noticeably quieter.
Honestly, they're all really nice tractors. I think even if you "cheap out" and go with the lowest cost one (compare costs with remotes) you won't be disappointed.

But the most important thing is to get on them and drive them and see which one fits you best... You may find that the nicer tractor doesn't fit you well, or has something you don't like. I ruled out most of Mahindra's lineup because they mount the loader control on the loader, instead of on the fender, and it makes my shoulder hurt. I can't recall if the 3540 is that way or not... I also found that the shuttle lever on the LS was really short, and didn't tilt back with the wheel, so you had to reach for it, and it took a bit more effort to shift... The TYM and Branson levers were easier to work, and better placed.

And in the end, I found a used Massey Ferguson for a great price, and ended up going the cash route instead of getting a new tractor and loan... Perhaps some day I'll move up, but the Massey is going to work great for now!!
Good Luck!!

 

[JerryK]

The 3540 has the FEL control on a pedestal just forward of the right fender, not attached to the FEL like some of their tractors.... Here is a picture of my Tier3 5035 that kinda shows it if you squint real hard.....

 

[1stDeuce]

Ok, that is where it should be!! Much easier to operate! That's a nice looking tractor!!
If I'd been aware of the 3540 (I have a 4035 on my list, but that's a different tractor I think...) it would certainly have been in the running.
JerryK, can you tell who makes the BH that you have? (Ansung's usually have an Ansung tag on them...) Is it a 7.5 or 8.5' hoe?

I also like the big front tires, as they're excellent for loader work in soft soil. Looks like both the TYM and Mahindra tractors come with 12-16.5 R4's (or 9.5-16 R1's) on them. The LS does too, but the Branson used a 10-16.5 if you went industrial, but a 9.5-16 if you went ag... So I was going AG.

My MF1455 only has 10-16's on the front, and when they need replacing, I'm going to step up to 9.5-16 R1's on the front, and bump the rears to keep up. Can't see how a bigger tire will hurt anything, and my tractor is geared so low, and has so much power I don't think it'll be an issue.

 

[JerryK]

The 3540 is the new Tier 4 version of the 4035, which is Tier 3. The hoe that came with it was a Mahindra 595. Hoe, 4pt subframe, and bucket made by Bradco [ Paladin ]. The loader was made by KMW in Kansas. Below is a link to the specs. It is not very long of a reach, but fairly powerful and very well built. 18" bucket/subframe/hoe were around $9500 in 2011 buckazoids.... The big tires and heft is why I bought her. She is a little north of 8500#'s with the hoe on ... Front tires are 14X17.5 with 19.5LX24 rears.

http://mahindrausa.com/sites/default/files/tractor/pdf/22001 MAH543500 111714_7.pdf

 

[1stDeuce]

Oh, crap, 14-17's are HUGE, Nice!! Thanks for the BH info...

To the OP: I got quoted about $21k for the Branson. I suggest you start getting a few test drives in... Pick the one that you like best once you've driven them, as the specs are all going to be in the ballpark of workable for you, I'm sure! One man's preference may not be anothers in terms of how the tractor drives and operates...

I did hear from the TYM dealer I talked to that it is VERY rare for a TYM to be back in the shop...

 

[Btown]

The 454 has a turbo, the 554 doesn't. If you're at altitude, the 454 is the better choice. It will probably make as much power as the 554, and regen less because the turbo keeps the exhaust cleaner. I was told the latest TYM tractors don't regen that much anyway, similar to the ~50hr estimate for newer LS tractors.

I was bouncing for a while between a T454 and LS4140, but TYM has no dealers w/in 7 hours of me (I asked about becoming one but they haven't responded) and LS had a fairly small BH, which was in the plan for me... I would not be afraid of the Tier4 system in either tractor. The LS rear remotes are VERY nice, and well integrated. The TYM's were not as clean, IMO, but were still functional.

I think you have it backwards. The T554 has a turbo and the T454 does not.

 

[1stDeuce]

Oopps, yes. What I meant, not what I typed. . The turbo cost enough more to rule it out for me.

 

[1stDeuce]

Ah, I was thinking of Branson... the 4020R has a turbo, while the 4520R doesn't... which is why I was looking at the 40hp instead of 45...