What would you do? 2540-several major problems - dealer issues?

[Aaron0187]

I purchased a used 2016 2540 with <500hrs on it a few months back. It was at the dealer for a transmission issue that turned out to be a casting defect(?) so Mahindra had replaced the whole trans, meanwhile the original owner traded it for something bigger.

First time mowing down a steep hill it jumped out of gear and went to neutral. I assumed I must not have gotten the shifter in all the way, because it didnt do it again.
After approx. 2 weeks, It jumped out of gear again. Upon returning home I was getting air in the hydraulics, causing no steering or loader randomly. So i parked it of course.
My local dealer is unable to find workers, so it took approx 2 weeks for it to be picked up. The driver who came to get it told me he was quitting once he returned due to being there 15+years and horrible pay. After several more weeks, I started calling and was told "they dont have a hill there that will make it jump out of gear". Also they had no idea about the air in the hydraulics. First time they had heard of it, etc.
I mentioned leaking quick-connect fittings, they told me that was most likely it and told me to replace the o-rings because that wouldnt be under warranty anyway. Fair enough.

They then said they had ~6hrs in it already, only 1 mechanic between 2 dealerships because everyone refused to come back off unemployment, 2 others they hired got caught stealing, and had 20+ tractors ahead of mine at both dealers and for me to take it back home and just make sure I was the only one to run it and they would call when they had time to tear it down and find the issue (shims?) because that job is 12+hrs I guess.
He(mechanic) mentioned that since the warranty is nearly up that he would 'leave the ticket open' so I would not be billed for the trans issues.
He also said he would NOT be at my local dealer for "several more weeks" to start work on the 20+ tractors waiting there since he was so backed up where he usually works.
Also said if i needed parts, there would be "atleast 3-4 week wait due to virus slowing things down in Texas, then we would have to get it on the schedule again which could be several more weeks".

So after another few days they dropped it back off, i replaced the loader connect o-rings and cured the drips. Loader seems weak, wont come close to even lifting the front of the tractor off the ground or a full bucket of dirt, but i could deal as long as i could just mow until they get it back in there.
Was nearly done mowing today on a slight hill going across the hill in 4wd and felt a snap. Instant gear oil all over the place from the left front. Seems axle is broke, or the whole housing. I nursed it back to the house with it trying to lock up and the tire trying to pull out of the housing.
Its now a big red yard ornament once again. Iam obviously calling the dealer as soon as they open (hours are random, since they dont even have sales or office people apparently now)

What would you all do in this situation? What even can be done? Is there a tractor loaner/rental deal or anything? The mechanic I spoke to seemed sincere, but I cant go without a tractor for who knows how long. Also if this thing runs out of warranty and keeps having catastrophic failures, I wont be able to fix it at this pace. Something is not right.
I mow probably 10+ acres on my main property, another 5 every other week a mile away, and was wanting to set this thing up for firewood since I need to start gathering. Can't go without a tractor.
I love the tractor when it works, so dont think iam bashing Mahindra or anything. Iam thinking maybe it had a horrible life before I got it or maybe just random QC issues? All ive done is mow, and move a few buckets of dirt in the limited time ive had it.
Curious what everyones input is, or any suggestions.
Thanks

 

[Roadworthy]

Go back to using the Mitsubishi for everything you can. All you can do is hope Mahindra will take pity on you and fix your tractor - if and when they get a dealer with a mechanic near you. Since they replaced the transmission you may have a little additional time on that but you may be stuck with the front axle thing. Whatever it is, rest assured you'll need parts. Mahindra is usually a solid tractor. You seem to have been blessed with a lemon. Do they have lemon laws in your state?

 

[jb1390]

I purchased a used 2016 2540 with <500hrs on it a few months back. It was at the dealer for a transmission issue that turned out to be a casting defect(?) so Mahindra had replaced the whole trans, meanwhile the original owner traded it for something bigger.

First time mowing down a steep hill it jumped out of gear and went to neutral. I assumed I must not have gotten the shifter in all the way, because it didnt do it again.
After approx. 2 weeks, It jumped out of gear again. Upon returning home I was getting air in the hydraulics, causing no steering or loader randomly. So i parked it of course.
My local dealer is unable to find workers, so it took approx 2 weeks for it to be picked up. The driver who came to get it told me he was quitting once he returned due to being there 15+years and horrible pay. After several more weeks, I started calling and was told "they dont have a hill there that will make it jump out of gear". Also they had no idea about the air in the hydraulics. First time they had heard of it, etc.
I mentioned leaking quick-connect fittings, they told me that was most likely it and told me to replace the o-rings because that wouldnt be under warranty anyway. Fair enough.

They then said they had ~6hrs in it already, only 1 mechanic between 2 dealerships because everyone refused to come back off unemployment, 2 others they hired got caught stealing, and had 20+ tractors ahead of mine at both dealers and for me to take it back home and just make sure I was the only one to run it and they would call when they had time to tear it down and find the issue (shims?) because that job is 12+hrs I guess.
He(mechanic) mentioned that since the warranty is nearly up that he would 'leave the ticket open' so I would not be billed for the trans issues.
He also said he would NOT be at my local dealer for "several more weeks" to start work on the 20+ tractors waiting there since he was so backed up where he usually works.
Also said if i needed parts, there would be "atleast 3-4 week wait due to virus slowing things down in Texas, then we would have to get it on the schedule again which could be several more weeks".

So after another few days they dropped it back off, i replaced the loader connect o-rings and cured the drips. Loader seems weak, wont come close to even lifting the front of the tractor off the ground or a full bucket of dirt, but i could deal as long as i could just mow until they get it back in there.
Was nearly done mowing today on a slight hill going across the hill in 4wd and felt a snap. Instant gear oil all over the place from the left front. Seems axle is broke, or the whole housing. I nursed it back to the house with it trying to lock up and the tire trying to pull out of the housing.
Its now a big red yard ornament once again. Iam obviously calling the dealer as soon as they open (hours are random, since they dont even have sales or office people apparently now)

What would you all do in this situation? What even can be done? Is there a tractor loaner/rental deal or anything? The mechanic I spoke to seemed sincere, but I cant go without a tractor for who knows how long. Also if this thing runs out of warranty and keeps having catastrophic failures, I wont be able to fix it at this pace. Something is not right.
I mow probably 10+ acres on my main property, another 5 every other week a mile away, and was wanting to set this thing up for firewood since I need to start gathering. Can't go without a tractor.
I love the tractor when it works, so dont think iam bashing Mahindra or anything. Iam thinking maybe it had a horrible life before I got it or maybe just random QC issues? All ive done is mow, and move a few buckets of dirt in the limited time ive had it.
Curious what everyones input is, or any suggestions.
Thanks

I'm sure the virus isn't helping things. Not sure how other color tractors are dealing with this.

If you look under my name you can find some of the stories I had with my machine. Long story short, they've all been corrected, but dealer/company support was a little lacking at times. That seems to be a more common theme than you'll find with the green and orange dealers.

Given the list of issues you've had with the machine, might be worth talking to the dealer about a trade in to keep you moving. Lots of the dealers don't have inventory for a loaner - that will be tough.

Out of curiosity, could you post some photos of the front axle failure?

 

[ding beep]

Trade-In might be the best move, but you should receive a full credit on the sale price of the 2540.

I don't expect a good outcome/ positive resolution for that tractor; better to start fresh with a new piece of equipment.

The dealership sounds like it has as many problems overall as this tractor in particular. You don't paint a very optimistic picture, Aaron.

Here's hoping you will find your way through this mess quickly and at a reasonable cost. You may want to consider involving someone at the corporate level?

Let us know what happens. :tractor: ding beep

 

[ruffdog]

The OP should be getting copies of all paperwork as it sounds like a trip to a different dealer is in order.

 

[Aaron0187]

Hey sorry it took so long to write back. I cant seem to login this site from my phone.

Have old-faithful hooked to my mower now. The reason I bought the 2540 is because every time I mowed with the Mistu I broke something or had a mechanical issue and since parts do not exist for these things, Ive had a local machine shop basically build whatever ive broken. Ive only used it since last July, it runs great just is way too small and does not have a loader. Also takes forever to mow at a walking pace.....




Iam unsure of lemon laws here.
The only pic I have is not very good. Looks like the hub is trying to come out just slightly from the spindle(?) Can't see where the fluid was coming from, unless it was just around that seal or whatever. The rate that it was pouring out, I was certain there was a fist-sized hole somewhere lol.

Iam tending to agree that maybe losing this one and starting over with a different unit may be the best course, if possible.
I went to the green and orange dealers and was blown away by the prices. The orange guys had a bad attitude to go along with it. Also our orange dealer is notorious for sky-high prices.
Most folks that have these sized tractors around here are retired folks that just tool around and apparently have plenty of income, so it seems local dealers are used to selling for whatever they put on the unit.


Todays drama: Called first thing and the other store further away answered. Same lady ive spoken to numerous times. She said that folks were working at my local dealer but they must not be near the phone, and that she would have them call me ASAP after i explained the situation.
Few hours later, i called back to let them know i would have spotty cell service for a bit but would check my voicemail from a landline. Mechanic guy from few weeks ago answered, had no idea who i was or anything about the situation, but assured me he would "have the service dept. call me ASAP".
Few more hours later, i call back, get ANOTHER guy who has no idea who I am, or anything about the situation. Assures me he will ''ask him(dunno who) what to do and give me a call back ASAP" I told him he was full of **** and he knew he wasnt going to call me back. He promised he would.
Needless to say, nobody called back.

So tomorrow, as much as i hate to iam going to be that guy and blow the phones up and/or drive to whatever dealer i can find a body in. The other one is a few hours away sadly. If i end up driving there ill be in a rage by the time i hit the lot. I am lucky to be off work these next few days and free to focus on this.
I dont see this ending well regardless now. Even if they would give me the $$ back ($16k), that wouldnt buy a new unit and i cannot/will not pay for a green or orange at new price. No way in ****.

Corporate will be the next call if i cant figure out something here. I hate to get a shitstorm started if it truly is no fault of these folks, but if they are just jacking me around then its open season as far as iam concerned.
Finding workers in this area is tough due to breathtakingly low wages and a massive drug problem. So ive kinda given them the benefit of a doubt so far.
Will be trying to get copies of paperwork. All i have is where i signed the papers when I bought it. The salesman quit the next day, i never even got an owners manual. Not that ive needed it, have only ran the tractor a handful of times and thanks to this site Ive gotten by so far lol.


Thanks for the replies and advice. Much appreciated!!

 

[shovelmike]

I hope you get this resolved, you have given the dealer much more than reasonable benefit of the doubt. It is inexcusable that they neglected to call you back. Contact corporate, hopefully they will support their product.

 

[doneill127]

Mahindra has A Regional Manger setup. You might try getting the contact info from your dealer. If nothing else it will let the dealer know you’re escalating the issues.

 

[Aaron0187]

Todays update: Called and got a new guy (3rd day on job), said he remembered talking to me and that I wanted to get my tractor serviced...... So after explaining everything AGAIN, he said someone else was supposed to call yesterday, which obviously they didnt.
He then talked to a mechanic in the background who said "we need to look at the tractor" NO **** and advised that the wait time would be 4-5 weeks to even pick it up, then of course 3-4weeks for parts.
The new guy advised that the dealer 'might be changing hands' and that I should 'call again in a few days and see what they tell me' Thats all good and fine, but I dont have time for this and the warranty is running out.

So i called the next closest dealer. Service dept. guy there said they could work on mine in a week, but if i needed parts then the wait time for that is 1 week currently. He didnt know where the other dealer was getting nearly a month wait time for everything, and said he'd be pissed too if he was me.
They can come pick it up and drop it off also. Problem is, they will charge mileage so I will be eating a few hundred bucks to transport it because my car hauler cant take handle it.

I called the first dealer back and asked about them buying it back or me trading for something else comparable in there. The same new guy answered and said he could give me a good deal on some other model (16 something, cant remember) for $27800...... I told him that i cant afford a brand new tractor. He said he was going to call the other dealer and check the used inventory there and GIVE ME A CALL BACK. I laughed, because I knew he wouldnt. And he didnt lol


Now iam thinking I may have to bite it and have the far away dealer come get it and fix it. Think its worth trying to get anymore out of the closest dealer? I havent tried the regional manager yet though. Assuming I need to get that persons contact info from the dealer?
Thanks for the advice so far. The saga continues....

 

[rademamj1]

Get it fully repaired, and completely avoid the dealer system you worked with the first time, because it appears the 3-stooges are working at that dealer.

There are definitely caring and competent dealers out there, with a very good, but highly overworked service group. Unless your dealer has a large parts inventory, nearly everyone struggles to get parts delivered in a timely manner today, mainly due to Covid-19.