Comparison Narrowed down to 3 tractors and need factual opinions

[TomSeller]

Absolute truth right there. It's actually also a big time saver using the HST machine. I find that with my Massey (gear), instead of stopping, and backing into a spot that needs cutting, I'll make a complete extra pass so that I don't have to clutch, stop, change to reverse, cut, clutch, stop, change to a forward gear, etc…all takes time. With the HST, you just let off one pedal, get on the other, and vice versa, with almost zero lost time.

This is very true for any back and forth operations. Second to the HST would be the power shuttle which is not bad at all. Last is clutch shifting.

[DavesTractor]

Mahindra is all over the map from a sourcing prospective in my opinion, but they are gaining respect.....

Mahindra builds about 90% of what they sell worldwide. And since they are #1 in total sales of 80HP and down worldwide, the quantity they actually build in house is huge. That being said, in the USA they do use quite a few Mitsubishi and TYM built machines, which is the source of your comment I think. To get to #3 in the USA in 80HP and down, Mahindra needed a more diverse product line with cabs and such and have been partnering with Mitsu and TYM for quite some time now.

As for the 4025, that is a Mahindra made tractor. It is more of a smaller full size utility tractor, as opposed to a bigger compact like we often see at this HP range. Strong, simple, durable. Not for the 'bells and whistles" sort of guy. For that you would want a 4035/5035.

[Tkekic]

I owned a MF 2615 for a couple of years. I did not get the loader as I had one already. I traded it in on a 1648 with a cab and loader. I traded it in for the following reasons. It was a mistake not buying four wheel drive. It had plenty of power but not enough traction because of the lack of four wheel drive. The old style gearbox was fine, no problems there. This tractor took some time to warm up to a good operating temp. I used it mainly to operate my manure spreader during the winter and this chore did not take long enough to move the temp gage off the lower peg of the gauge. I worried about this a bit. In the summer we did the tedding and raking in our hay field the 2615 and it did fine. I would have kept the 2615 if it had four wheel drive. Also I really wanted a cab because I am too old to be on the hayfield when it is 90 degrees or in the winter at 10 degrees with a 15mph wind. Call me soft but I love the cab on my 1648. The 2615 was a heavier tractor and was very well built but all we really do is hay so my MF1455v and MF1648 do our work well. My local dealer has become a good friend and the support has been stellar. Just my two cents.

[jenkinsph]

Well intended use will be brush clearing for the most part in the beginning, pushing fallen logs into piles, and mowing down thick briars and small china berry trees etc. Some might say i need a dozer but in reality its not that bad, and its a tractor not a truck so its for work not show. Some have told me that a shuttle would be better in the use of pushing piles of dirt or brush.

I recommend you consider a hydro transmission for your needs. I have had both gear and hydro over the last 50 years operating equipment and the hydro is the winner hands down. A gear tractor would be fine for large open field work but that isn't what you have. Most people that have used both hydro and gear tractors for small multiple use tractors prefer a hydrostatic transmission, mfwd and a fel for your work. A dozer or skidsteer might be a better choice for pushing the piles but a tractor and fel should work for small growth. I should add that I don't know of any dozers or skidsteers that are built with gear transmissions today either as all are hydrostatic.

[Bowfisher09]

Well after everyone saying that the hydrostatic is the way to go i will have to check more into it, but it does make sense being the most efficient for alot of back and forth movement. I may be a young man but im old school so newer technology is something im very precausious about but i will have to check into that style transmission. Thanks for that information.

[k0ua]

Well after everyone saying that the hydrostatic is the way to go i will have to check more into it, but it does make sense being the most efficient for alot of back and forth movement. I may be a young man but im old school so newer technology is something im very precausious about but i will have to check into that style transmission. Thanks for that information.

It is a very mature technology, over 50 years old.

[TSO]

Go for the HST. I've owned both, gear has its place for sure, but HST has WAY more pros vs cons.

[Bowfisher09]

Well gents I purchased a tractor a few days ago, no its not new like I was looking at but it was a deal I couldn't pass up, atleast for the rough starter work. Its a 97 mahindra 485 Di, 45up 2wd one owner 389 hours on it, 6ft brush hog and 6ft box blade $3500! Couldn't pass up that deal, what do yay think? And thanks for all the help!!

[TomSeller]

Well gents I purchased a tractor a few days ago, no its not new like I was looking at but it was a deal I couldn't pass up, atleast for the rough starter work. Its a 97 mahindra 485 Di, 45up 2wd one owner 389 hours on it, 6ft brush hog and 6ft box blade $3500! Couldn't pass up that deal, what do yay think? And thanks for all the help!!<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=349667"/>

Nice. I get a lot (50%?) of my work done with "has been" tractors. Well worth it and keeps the newer tractors "newer" (less hours). Tons of life left in your tractor.

[DavesTractor]

That's a lot of tractor for the money, well done.