Update on all 7520s

[DavesTractor]

Spyderlk,
The problem with the toothbar and other implements on the larger Mahindras is that most attachments are rated for a certain HP tractor. Some 75HP tractors don't weigh more than 5000 # or so. Your 7520 with a loader and filled rears must be closer to double that amount, and the loader lifts 3900#, probably more at ground level. Then consider breakout force. So when you buy stuff for the 7520, either be gentle (ya right! ) or buy stuff you see on the commercial rigs like the smaller industrial Deere, Case, Cat.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Dave, I think that if you could establish a reputation for getting out to a customer's place to check out a potential problem, say in 30 minutes or less within 100 miles that it would be hard for the auditor to not allow it as a deduction. I am not a CPA, I am only using standard logic for a guy trying to justify the expense for an item that he really wants.

I went to counseling the other day for my blueophilia. After an hour of counseling I was told that I was incurable and that I had better learn to live with it. Wow, who would have guessed that.

I was thinking about my problem again and I think that I might have come up with a cure. I need to buy a 3215 and by using it and associating how nice it is I will then associate red with good and pleasant things. Makes sense to me. Now if you will bring a contract down here with your Corvette, we can both justify our expenses........I think?

 

[Blu 82]

Dave--has anyone investigated the problem Spyderlk has had w/the hydraulics? I also am still seriously considering getting the 7520 because of its higher hydraulic capability. But I would like to ensure that it can attain the 17gpm on the spec sheet. I know some tractor companies send their tractors out to the University of Nebraska (I think) for independent tests so that the specs can be independently verified. It would seem that if Mahindra wants the credibility that some of the other tractors have, that this would be a good way to prove it. That way other brands can't use the "questionably quality" argument against Mahindra.

All, does 3gph seem like a lot of fuel burn compared to other (comparable) tractors?

Again, I am still trying to decide and may go up to the fair in GA to look at all the tractors there. Would be nice to see them side by side and maybe get a good deal at the fair. So far I seem to like the New Holland TD75 (nice big, open platform for the operator, however, may rule that one out since it doesn't have a skid steer FEL), Kubota M7040, and Mahindra 7520.

I thought there were other 7520 owners out there??

Have any of u used the blog on the Mahindra website? Comments on the blog?

Thanks again for all the input.

 

[Maine_Polack]

I plan to add a 5/16" skid plate underbelly for protection and incidental weight nice and low.


Perhaps you would do well to reconsider the thickness of the skid plate. I have a 6500, loaded tires etc. I considered 3/8" to be minimum. Thicker would have been better. The 3/8" has proved to be satisfactory. I haven't hung up the tractor on a stump, or such, where all the weight would be on the plate, but I have ridden over rocks, etc, that wedged against the plate as I moved.

I made it out of 4 pieces. Easier to handle. I can do all reg. maintence with the plate on. I did have to remove a section in order to get a wrench on a fitting that was leaking. It was much faster and easier than removing a full plate.

There you have my 2 scents worth.

 

[DavesTractor]

Dave--has anyone investigated the problem Spyderlk has had w/the hydraulics? I also am still seriously considering getting the 7520 because of its higher hydraulic capability. But I would like to ensure that it can attain the 17gpm on the spec sheet. I know some tractor companies send their tractors out to the University of Nebraska (I think) for independent tests so that the specs can be independently verified. It would seem that if Mahindra wants the credibility that some of the other tractors have, that this would be a good way to prove it. That way other brands can't use the "questionably quality" argument against Mahindra.

All, does 3gph seem like a lot of fuel burn compared to other (comparable) tractors?

Again, I am still trying to decide and may go up to the fair in GA to look at all the tractors there. Would be nice to see them side by side and maybe get a good deal at the fair. So far I seem to like the New Holland TD75 (nice big, open platform for the operator, however, may rule that one out since it doesn't have a skid steer FEL), Kubota M7040, and Mahindra 7520.

I thought there were other 7520 owners out there??

Have any of u used the blog on the Mahindra website? Comments on the blog?

Thanks again for all the input.

Blu,
Remember that the M7040 weighs roughly 4600# without loader and has a 11gpm pump. The Mahindra weighs 7350#, which is over 50% more than the Kubota. Do you need the weight? You'll have to answer that. The 7520 has a 17 GPM pump. I've never tested the pump for volume to check the accuracy of the rating.

On Nebraska testing, I like the idea.

 

[chandler37]

Blu;
Reading your questions on the 7520. I had researched them earlier this summer. And by chance a new dealer had a promotion on Mahindra's at a farm show. I had no plan on buying new or a tractor this large. I am very happy that i did.
Sale price was $28,000 w loader. Dealer has already replace the questionable cylinders on the loader along with bucket links.
Tractor went right to the field the first day and finished dicsing what my Ford would have taken several days to do. I will mention that during that job fuel comsumption was over 3 g/hr. I was so far ahead, and having fun,that I started a second 20A. field with a four bottom plow; had 1/2 of that done before i knew it. Also found that fuel comsumption had dropped into the mid 2 g/hr. Tractor needed to be in 4wh while performing these tasked. Haven't had time to load tires yet, but will when I can. Meanwhile I located two 250# flywheels to attach to the 3pt. This has made a different tractor out of it. Used loader to clean barn yard and load gravel to repair barn yard. With the weight on back it is a much more stable tractor. Already 60 hrs and no complaints. Had it in the woods today skidding maple tops in a foot of new snow. I normally would not have taken it there, but the Ford was stuck in the driveway. It pulled full tops, where as the Ford would have had to make three trips. My son watched me hook up and asked "are you bitting off more than you can chew" I told him lets see what she is made of.
Dennis

 

[Blu 82]

Thanks Chandler. Could u tell me when u purchased?

Any other 7520 owners out there? Your feedback is invaluable to folks like me that are considering buying a Mahindra.

 

[TyDog]

My 7820 with FEL was purchased in Oct. 04, it now has approx. 150 hrs. Paid $29,000. I traded up from a 4wd 4500 and do not regret it. The 7520 is a great machine but it may be a little large / heavy for some people. Mine has the Ag tires which can be rough on some turfs, no issue to me but maybe to you.
I have had a couple of small issues. I have ruptured two pre-formed 90 degree coolant lines that are near the hyd. filters, lower right side of engine. The dealer sent one by mail to replace, on the second I have made my own. The hard lines seem to be misaligned to me causing this problem, just my opinion. The fitting at the power steering cylinder seems to want to loosen every so often when used on very uneven ground causing fluid loss. No problem to tighten, just a little aggravating. My service light / buzzer will not reset despite all of my attempts. My hydraulic output does not seem to match what was advertised, FEL slow. I feel that my drawbar is too low.
As far as design, the two issues that I have seem to be corrected on the newest model. 1. Low draw bar 2. Fuel filler neck in the rear has been moved to the side.
This really is a great machine. I hope this helps.
KT

 

[Blu 82]

Thanks Tydog--I ordered a 7520 4x4 today w/ML275 FEL (skid steer), 511 Backhoe (w/12 in and 24 in buckets), canopy, grill guard. Not sure when it will arrive but I am looking forward to trying it out. I am new to the tractor world and have read a lot on this site--very helpful. I have also looked at Kubota, MF, NH before I made the decision. Certainly there is some risk in getting a Mahindra as opposed to the 3 brands listed but I think Mahindra willl compete favorably. India is the largest democracy in the world and has many well educated people and they are coming on strong. I looked at a grapple made in Perry, FL today and the hydraulic cylinders said "Made in India". I am glad to hear u say that some flaws have been corrected--that says that Mahindra is committed to making their product better. I will try to keep the site updated on the tractor when I get it and provide other folks like me good info to help them in their tractor decision process.

Now that u have had your tracto a while, do u feel like u made the right brand decision? Did u have problems selling your other tractor? thanks

 

[Blu 82]

Oh, and by the way, where are u at in GA? I went to HS in Fitzgerald.

 

[Slippy]

OK, I'm really jelous now! Wow! What a great set up. Sent you a pm as well. When will they deliver? Do you know what the entire unit weighs w/ backhoe? You have the beast of all beasts when it comes to the Mahindras. Know your going to love it. Need to get us some pics. Not that you don't have enough, but did you get any other implements?

 

[SPYDERLK]

TyDog, I have a '06 7520. It too seems to have an unconventionally low drawbar. Also, FEL speed is slow. By calculation based on lift rate and cylinder size, I come out around 11 or 12 GPM. I spoke with a tech rep about this and he said the hyd suction line sometimes has air leaks so be sure the connections are all tight. Mine are and I am running the hydraulics about a gallon overfull to prevent jerky operation of the FEL -- a sure sign of air in the lines. This is effective but FEL still slow. Perhaps there is a restrictor in the line which wont allow 17GPM to flow in the FEL circuit because it definitely is NOT flowing that much. It is a great tractor, but, lets face it, the 17 GPM spec is a real selling point, very important to some buyers. I am trying to get an answer from corporate, but aside from the tech rep (who is very helpful) they are totally silent to my query.
I have 120 hrs on mine and have not had any of the other problems you mention, so I guess these are worked out. My problems were almost soley the result of poor setup of accessory implements - -FEL and Backhoe fasteners and hydraulics. My intake manifold heater relay also sticks ON so I have had to disconnect the heater to prevent deadening the battery. So far, my communication with Mahindra, other than the tech rep, has been single ended. Soon I will start on the phone.
What are you doing to reset the maintenance alarm? There is an empty fuse slot next to the fuse block that should reset it if you momentarily short across it. Worked on mine. Thank you tech rep. Hope itll work on yours.
Larry

 

[SPYDERLK]

Blu2, You are getting the exact setup I got! Youll like it! Based on my experience you should check all fasteners on the accessory implements. It takes some diligence to even find them all, but it is important that they all be tight. Also inspect Hydraulics for leakage during the initial few uses. Mine started leaking at the U tube, just inside the righthand engine cover, while I was backhoeing and I lost 2 or 3 gallons before I knew about it. Wouldnt you know I was looking the wrong way!? I also had a problem with interference between the BH seat and the BH connection to the remote. If yours is the same you will have to raise the BH to its highest mount position or else modifiy the seat mount. I left my BH low to keep the weight low. Keep us posted.
Larry

 

[Blu 82]

Spyderlk--even w/the problems u have had, would u still choose Mahindra? Why or why not? Do u think these problems are indicative of a quality issue or is it just someone didn't do their job on your specific tractor? If there are more folks that think the hyd pump is not putting out the spec 17 gpm, then I am sure if we all talk to the dealers and Mahindra corporate, they should respond (smart thing to do for a company trying to break into this market). Info travels faster than the speed of sound now days and that helps the little guy.

I told the dealer about some of your problems and he said he does a thorough job of checking everything. He said it was the dealer's responsibility to ensure everything is right before it gets to the customer. So, I think he will get the tractor rdy and I am counting on him since I know squat about all this (my 1st tractor, FEL, BH, etc).

My final decision was between a Kubota M7040 the this Mahindra. The Mahindra had generally better specs (hope it lives up to them), seemed better able to do the heavy work (sure hope I don't get it stuck in the swamp), was less expensive (hope I don't pay more over the long run), had much better financing terms, and I like the underdog. Hope I am right. and I hope the dealer will give great support because I will need it.

I will write a review once I get enough seat time to say something intelligent. Many thanks to all who answered some of my inexperienced questions. I have learned a lot even before I have a tractor. And I plan to share my education w/anyone who needs help.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Blu 82. The problems are not serious enuf that I would rethink my choice. However, if it turns out Mahindra has called out the 17GPM spec by combining the power steering delivery with the main hydraulic delivery it would remove an incentive that was very important in my choice. There are many other good points tho - lift capacity and weight among them. I wanted a tractor substantial enuf to apply a lot of force, and it is. I believe it stands alone in this price range.
Please check over your tractor. My dealer talked a good game too, but apparently did no prep at all. The implements were added in Calhune, GA and my dealer delivered it after adding the toothbar, canopy, and a little grease. There were some obvious and several hidden problems in everything Calhune did, and the tractor was delivered in that condition. The dealer got me parts to fix the obvious stuff, but multiple fastening problems just had to be found. Two hidden bolts on my loader frame were finger tight. NONE were tight enuf. Some bolts on the BH subframe were medium tight but hadnt drawn the two sides of the joint together. This kind of tight is only a little better than loose. They needed an extra 1/2 turn to snug up. Its not right that it should be this way, but it sure seems rare to find somebody to pay to work on yours as if its going to be theirs.
Larry

 

[Blu 82]

What is the best way (and other options) for controlling the open/close function of a grapple? I have heard that u can extend the hyd lines to a rear remote and use that and that u can get another control handle that interrupts either the up/down or curl function electronically/hydraulically and open/close the grapple. Any preferences? How much to get hyd lines made to hook in the back and how should u route them? thanks

Mtnviewranch--What is one touch control and does Mahindra still offer it? My dealer didn't know about that.

 

[Bobvt]

BLU 82,

I ran lines from my rear remotes. The rear remote levers are on the left side of the seat (saw a newer 6500 with levers on right). It works great; right hand on bucket control lever and left on grapple lever.

Bob

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Blu82, One Touch Control is Mahindra's version of an electric diverter. The FEL control lever knob is replaced with a knob that has 2 buttons on it. You push the left button and move the lever to open or close the grapple. The right button does something, but I can't think of it at this time , I don't ever use the right button. This is a Mahindra option, or was when I bought mine back in 04. I have the Mahindra paper work to prove it, what little bit that there is. $550 installed. I don't think that operating the grapple with the rear remotes is a very good idea on the 7520. Seems like having all the controls on the right side, but in separate locations would be difficult to use together.

Do any of you 7520 owners have the hydraulic self leveling feature for your loader? If you do, how do you like it?

 

[Slippy]

Check out wrlonginc.com. Sorry, still don't know how to get link in a post. They make a controller and have a grapple that sounds like what you are looking for.