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Originally Posted by jrlogan
Hey all,
I'm taking the Mahindra plunge soon. I just need to decide where to jump in. I know I have to make up my own mind, but would like to hear some thoughts.
Here's the prices I've been quoted. !Price Check!
5500 4WD with loader: 31200
6500 4WD with loader: 34900
6520 4WD with loader: 39000
1. I'm moving to a 450 acre farm with about 150 acres of pasture. I want a tractor that can handle whatever I might want to do. It seems to me that running a baler is the largest load, and my Mahindra dealer has suggested a 5500, which can run a 4X4 baler. He says that a 6000 or 6500 won't really add that much, and probably isn't worth the extra money. Sound right?
2. I will be doing a fair amount of logging and tree work, and a must have good lift capacities on the loader and 3pt hitch. This is what actually led me to Mahindra in the first place. The 5500 has 3150 pound capacity at the pivot pins to full height. 6000 and 6500 have the same. But the 6520 has 3900 (drool). 5500/6500 has 3968 at the 3PH, and the 6520 has 5100. Man, that extra capacity would be nice. Also, when logging you tend to get on and off of the machine frequently, so the platform is important. Isn't the 6520 going to be superior in this respect?
3. So price wise, it's 8 grand more to go from 5500 to 6520, but for that 8 grand I get 10 more hp and significant more lift capacity, plus more comfortable setup and easier on/off. 0% at 36 months = $222 more per month. Are there other pros and cons I should be thinking of?
Keep in mind that I plan to live at this farm for many years to come, and will probably be doing everything possible to do with this tractor, and then some.
Also, I'm going to check some of them out at the dealer soon, but haven't actually seen these models up close yet. |
Jrlogan,
Where do you live? I ordered my 6520 4WD in Feb 2007 and it was $26,300, but I am only 45 minutes from the (then) Tomball distribution facility.
I know prices and shipping have gone up...........but a $12,700 difference in 14 months? Is this price including more than a loader?
Okay on a 5500 pulling a 4x4 baler. But what if you want to go to a bigger baler later on. Or yours is down for parts and you need to bale now, but the only baler you can borrow is too big for a 5500? Add some growing room here or another words go bigger then you need. You will not regret it later.
Logging........I have been cleaning up a loggers mess on and off for 3 years. Bigger is better.....more lift......more weight.....more clearance bouncing over logs and stumps. You can get on and off in your sleep on a 6520. It's deck is wide open and I even exit and enter on the right side.
The 6520 has a foot operated pedal that can tilt your steering wheel. Great for on the go standing and sitting while mowing or grading/backblading. The 6520 has 12 speeds that gives you more options for different ground engagement speeds. The 6520 has the adjustable lower arms on the
3PH to make hooking up impliments easier. The only thing I don't like about the 6520 is the cup holder is too small for a 20 ounce Gatorade bottle!
The 6520 has a 45 amp alternator. The 5500, 6000, and 6500 have 36 amp alternators. The 6520's battery box swings out of the way to access the hyd. filters. I am not sure about the 00 series battery box(s).
You might want to take a look at the 30 series Mahindras also. Whichever model you decide on...................get the Skid Steer quick attach loader bucket option so you can use all the attachments made for a skid steer loader, but you will be limited to 11 gpm hyd. pump capacity unless you go with the 17 gpm in a 7520. Also get two rear remotes. Factory remotes tend to be cheaper than adding later, I have heard. The 6500 & 6520 have two standard.
hugs, Brandi