2415 or 3215

[Waddell]

I am new to the tractor world, and I am thinking about buying either a 2415 or the 3215. I am leaning to the gear just because of the shuttle, and I really don't think that the rocker for the HST is in the right place on the tractor (foot right under your knee). I will be using the tractor to cut grass most of the time. What does everone think of the finish mower or belly mower?? I will also be playing around the place, doing yard work, pulling hay rides, and working in the garden ( about 3/4 acre) Just looking for some advice from people that know more about it then myself.

Thanks for any and all advice.

[driver444]

I think if your're gonna be doing alot of mowing, and you want a gear drive tractor, I'd go with either the 2615, (or the 2816, which is the new model of the 2615, that's on some dealer lots now). The 2415 gear drive doesn't have a live PTO. Only the 2415 hydro does. So when you put the clutch in to shift, or change direction, the PTO stops too.

The 2615 (or 2816) has a 2-stage clutch which allows you to shift and change directoin without stopping the mower, and restarting it. I believe the 2816 and 3215 (not sure what model # is replacing that one) are about the same physical size.

[driver444]

As far as the mower, the belly mower takes up less space, and allows better manuverability in most tight areas, BUT I prefer the 3-point finish mower because it's quicker to remove to use other 3 point implements. I think the belly mower also causes an issue if you ever wanted to use a backhoe on your machine.
Its also is easier to service (ie. change blades and grease) because you can lift it way up and work on it. I think its alot cheaper too.

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

You mentioned you liked the shuttle shift, and the only tractor that has been mentioned here that has the shuttle shift, is the 3215. As far as the mower is concerned I always ask my customers if their lawn has a lot of things to mow arround, if they do go with the belly mower, but if they have mostly wide open mowing use the 3PH mower. Good luck with your choice.

[Waddell]

On the Mahindra website the 2415 specs said
TRANSMISSION
Number of Speeds 8 forward, 8 reverse
Type Constant mesh on gear shift and synchomesh on forward rev shuttle
I dunno maybe the HST would be best... Just don't wanta give that kinda money, get home and think that maybe the HST would have been better or the Gear would have been better.... Same with the mowers. I don't have long runs for the mowing, just a lot of hill and three yards. Forgot to mention that I will be fixing food plots and using post hole digger with possible 12 inch augar.

Thanks for all the advice

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Waddel,
You are absolutely correct about the 2415G having the 8 speed shuttle transmission. I have never stocked any thing but the hydro's and never sold one of the 24's in a gear model so I had thought it was probably the same as the 2015 transmission. Sorry about that. Also as driver444 had mentioned, the 2415 gear doesn't have live PTO so I would go Hydro or move up to the 3215 shuttle which has live PTO. Try these tractors, at least drive them arround a bit to find what you are most comfortable with. Good luck!

[Waddell]

How does everyone feel about the HST. I sat on one and my foot was right under my knee, and I am a short guy 5'10''. But that was just sitting on it. Just woundering if it is comfortable while running the tractor. I also have heard a rumor about the mowers. If you buy a finish mower, no sales tax, but if you buy a belly mower with it you have to pay sales tax. I live in Kentucky so our tax is 0.06 per dollar. Is there any truth to this??
So now I am between the 2415 HST and the 3215 Gear. Which brings up another question. Is the 3215 worth the extra $$ I priced the 3215 gear at a place it was around $17300 with FEL and 72inch finish mower after all the rebates and cash in lieu. Also found a 2415HST bare tractor for $11500.

Thanks everone for all the help

[RedRiver]

I would go with the 3215 due to the larger size and Independent PTO. It weighs almost 700# more than the 2415HST, plus you'll get a 60" bucket instead of a 48".



Here in MS we charge sales tax on everything....normal rate is 7% but farm tax is 1% on tractors and 3% on implements. In the state of MS I don't believe a finishing mower is considered a farm implement though so it wouldn't qualify for the 3%. It's hard to say, all this stuff varies quite a bit from state to state.

[hornett22]

i have the 3215 HST and i love it.reverse is slow but that is my only complaint.

i don't mow with it but i use it for my tree service.i don't think i could deal with the shuttle trans.

[Waddell]

hornett22 is your HST comfortable to operate?? In reference to the HST petal and brakes... I will be on the tractor for several hours at a time. I talked to a dealer and I do not like the shuttle. I have a backhoe and dozer that are shuttle, but don't have to use a clutch just stop and pull lever back in rev. or forward. Sounds like running the 3215 Shuttle will be hard to operate. Hitting the brake, clutch and then using the shuttle.... I don稚 know about that... To many motions going on (TO MUCH WORK )