Mahindra 4505 4.00 star(s) (2)

Mahindra 4505
Model Year: 1999

Has been a pretty good tractor overall. After first buying, no dealer was close and never took it to a dealer. Typically problems battery, radiator, power steering cylinder, hydraulics. Got a service manual that's pretty pathetic, starter switch problems since I bought it. Overall all has held up pretty good. I have work it hard a lot of times.

Pros: Built pretty good.
Cons: Dealer location, parts, owner and service manual.

Mahindra 4505-DI
Model Year: 1999

This tractor was part of the deal when we purchased our property. We ended up paying $6,000 for the tractor, a 6' Bush Hog Squealer, and a 6' finish mower. The tractor had about 470 hours when we purchased it. It had been purchased new by the previous owner in 1999. Having grown up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, with many hours on the Farmall H and M and IH 1086 and 966 tractors, the 4505 felt like "coming home" to me. Its roots as an IH B-414 show clean through, and from my research I have learned that this is basically a B-414 with different sheet metal. This is a 48 HP Diesel, non-turbo. The transmission feels like it has straight-cut gears without a synchro. Finicky to shift. It has high-low range which shifts smoothly. The clutch is dual-stage, the PTO comes on first as you lift your foot and then the wheel drive a bit higher in the travel. It handles the 6' bush hog extremely well, and it seems to be the perfect size for 'hogging. The motor is plenty strong, and the tractor is very maneuverable in tight spots. Excellent turning radius, with light yet accurate steering. The 3-point hitch is strong and fast at both lifting and lowering the hog. Mowing with the 6' finish mower on this tractor feels like a toy. The 4505 is complete overkill for a 6' mower, but it nevertheless does the job just fine. The only problem I have had with this tractor is a sticky starter solenoid. I am afraid to try and get the part from a dealer, as I have had less than stellar experience with the Mahindra support network. The owner's manual had been lost, so I needed oil and lube quantities and types from Mahindra. A quick email requesting this information was sent, and they responded back that I needed to buy the manual from them. Disappointing. Otherwise, the tractor has never had any maintenance issues that I know of. Stone simple and reliable in my opinion. Feels like it's a Farmall/IH and should last like one.

Pros: Fuel efficiency, price, steering, simplicity, bush-hog queen.
Cons: Transmission shifing is an exercise in patience, dealer support not available near me.