Mahindra MAX28XL Reviews
Little Tractor With Plenty of Horsepower
Model Year: 2013
I bought the wooded lot next to me. I bought this tractor to clear the lot, plant a garden and do some landscaping. So far, I spent the 57 hours I have on it to clear the lot. The tractor itself has plenty of horsepower for the weight of the tractor. You could flip it over if you don't know what you are doing. It seem pretty stable for a small tractor I have had it sideways on a hill drilling post holes, but it did it. The backhoe does seem a little underpowered, but I have dug up some pretty big stumps with it. It takes more time than I anticipated. The biggest problem is breaking through the roots of the stumps, but I'm not sure a back hoe on any small tractor is a top notch tool. One thing I like is that you can use the BH at any RPM. This is not true with all small tractors, Kioto for instance, the BH will not move at low RPMs. Moving across uneven ground or across a ditch, the wheels come off the ground due to the small wheelbase. Get the 4-wheel drive. You will get it stuck if you don't. I have gotten it stuck a couple of times but got it out with the front-end loader. I have used it pretty hard for the 57 hours I have had it and it has performed above my expectations.
Pros: Tough small tractor built like a larger tractor. Lots of power.
Cons: The safety switch for the seat comes unplugged. The fitting for the BH bucket cylinder are on top of it making it easy to nock it off dragging it across a stump.
Model Year: 2013
I bought the wooded lot next to me. I bought this tractor to clear the lot, plant a garden and do some landscaping. So far, I spent the 57 hours I have on it to clear the lot. The tractor itself has plenty of horsepower for the weight of the tractor. You could flip it over if you don't know what you are doing. It seem pretty stable for a small tractor I have had it sideways on a hill drilling post holes, but it did it. The backhoe does seem a little underpowered, but I have dug up some pretty big stumps with it. It takes more time than I anticipated. The biggest problem is breaking through the roots of the stumps, but I'm not sure a back hoe on any small tractor is a top notch tool. One thing I like is that you can use the BH at any RPM. This is not true with all small tractors, Kioto for instance, the BH will not move at low RPMs. Moving across uneven ground or across a ditch, the wheels come off the ground due to the small wheelbase. Get the 4-wheel drive. You will get it stuck if you don't. I have gotten it stuck a couple of times but got it out with the front-end loader. I have used it pretty hard for the 57 hours I have had it and it has performed above my expectations.
Pros: Tough small tractor built like a larger tractor. Lots of power.
Cons: The safety switch for the seat comes unplugged. The fitting for the BH bucket cylinder are on top of it making it easy to nock it off dragging it across a stump.
Having a Blast
Model Year: 2013
I bought this tractor used with 10.9 hours from the dealer with FEL. Unfortunately, previous owner encountered severe health issues. So far I have back filled and leveled drainage ditches, hauled and spread gravel and just purchased a middle buster to create a new garden. All very successfully. My test cuts with the middle buster today seems to be great and a huge labor/back saver. Amazed at what I have accomplished in 6 hours. Just borrowed a friends brush hog for this weekend and picking up a 5-ft. back blade Saturday. So far this seems like a great investment. I thought for sure when the time came for me to buy a tractor it would have been green,but after weighing price, warranty, dealership and cast iron versus aluminum and metal versus plastic. I am not disappointed. We are starting a small hobby farm and much more work to be done and I can't wait!
Pros: Price, warranty, quality of materials.
Cons: None yet.
Model Year: 2013
I bought this tractor used with 10.9 hours from the dealer with FEL. Unfortunately, previous owner encountered severe health issues. So far I have back filled and leveled drainage ditches, hauled and spread gravel and just purchased a middle buster to create a new garden. All very successfully. My test cuts with the middle buster today seems to be great and a huge labor/back saver. Amazed at what I have accomplished in 6 hours. Just borrowed a friends brush hog for this weekend and picking up a 5-ft. back blade Saturday. So far this seems like a great investment. I thought for sure when the time came for me to buy a tractor it would have been green,but after weighing price, warranty, dealership and cast iron versus aluminum and metal versus plastic. I am not disappointed. We are starting a small hobby farm and much more work to be done and I can't wait!
Pros: Price, warranty, quality of materials.
Cons: None yet.
High Hopes
Model Year: 2013
Having to keep Max 28 outside for a few months seems to have aged my tractor very quickly. A few problems with starting and decals coming off having to use tape to not expose ignition area under dash. My diff lock from day one is typically hard to engage like some other reviews. My dealer is helping me work my way through these issues hopefully with good outcomes. The tractor is a beast for its size/time. Mahindra and dealer support will effect my long term opinion. However, I am NOT pleased to even have had to go this route on a brand new tractor. The biggest reason we all purchase a brand new one as opposed to used or even "gently" used tractor.
Pros: Size, power.
Cons: Decals coming off, starting issues, bent accelerator pedal, diff lock.
Model Year: 2013
Having to keep Max 28 outside for a few months seems to have aged my tractor very quickly. A few problems with starting and decals coming off having to use tape to not expose ignition area under dash. My diff lock from day one is typically hard to engage like some other reviews. My dealer is helping me work my way through these issues hopefully with good outcomes. The tractor is a beast for its size/time. Mahindra and dealer support will effect my long term opinion. However, I am NOT pleased to even have had to go this route on a brand new tractor. The biggest reason we all purchase a brand new one as opposed to used or even "gently" used tractor.
Pros: Size, power.
Cons: Decals coming off, starting issues, bent accelerator pedal, diff lock.
Too Soon to Tell
Model Year: 2013
I only have 8 hours on the machine so far, but it seems to be capable of everything I want it to do. I bought this brand because the performance per dollar looked better than the Kubota or Deere. I would also add that the Kubota and Deere dealers were not as cooperative and easy to do business with as the Mahindra dealer.
Pros: It's red, runs very quietly and seems to be good on fuel. So far it has done everything I've asked of it very well.
Cons: No hooks on the bucket for lifting objects.
Model Year: 2013
I only have 8 hours on the machine so far, but it seems to be capable of everything I want it to do. I bought this brand because the performance per dollar looked better than the Kubota or Deere. I would also add that the Kubota and Deere dealers were not as cooperative and easy to do business with as the Mahindra dealer.
Pros: It's red, runs very quietly and seems to be good on fuel. So far it has done everything I've asked of it very well.
Cons: No hooks on the bucket for lifting objects.
Off Road
Model Year: 2013
Skidded many large logs exceedingly well. Problems were twigs, broken vines very easily even at low speed and carefully getting caught on the underside/botton of tractor and creating big problem$. Other problems are diff lock hard to engage and draw bar hitch lowers ground clearance by 2-3 inches.
Pros: Power.
Cons: One small branch can take out your tractor.
Model Year: 2013
Skidded many large logs exceedingly well. Problems were twigs, broken vines very easily even at low speed and carefully getting caught on the underside/botton of tractor and creating big problem$. Other problems are diff lock hard to engage and draw bar hitch lowers ground clearance by 2-3 inches.
Pros: Power.
Cons: One small branch can take out your tractor.
Max 28XL 4WD Shuttle
Model Year: 2013
Purchased so as to maintain the 6 acres we recently purchased. So far I have had to use the FEL to dig out a new flower garden area, backhoe to remove dead tree stumps,12 auger to drill 16 holes to mount the newly install 8KW solar farm, a scraper for clearing and leveling the 1+acre of land, and a newly purchased WoodMaxx WM-8M wood chipper. There is nothing stopping this tractor, except running out of daylight.
Pros: Best tractor ever!
Cons: Mahindra merchandise. We need more available to show our colors. Mahindra red!
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Model Year: 2013
Purchased so as to maintain the 6 acres we recently purchased. So far I have had to use the FEL to dig out a new flower garden area, backhoe to remove dead tree stumps,12 auger to drill 16 holes to mount the newly install 8KW solar farm, a scraper for clearing and leveling the 1+acre of land, and a newly purchased WoodMaxx WM-8M wood chipper. There is nothing stopping this tractor, except running out of daylight.
Pros: Best tractor ever!
Cons: Mahindra merchandise. We need more available to show our colors. Mahindra red!
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New Mahindra 28 Max XL HST
Model Year: 2014
I purchased this from a locally owned dealer. The tractor has a loader, snow blower and front grader blade. I have no need for a mower. I also own an older model Kubota that is still very much operational. Lack of power steering and limited lift on its loader were the first reasons to start looking for a new tractor. Kubota "was" my first choice. We have 2 local Kubota dealers that I am familiar with. I was sold on this tractor for several reasons. Tractor weight---Mahindra is heavier. Loader lift---Mahindra will lift more. Cast frame work. The out the door cost on a similar sized Kubota is several thousand dollars less. Warranty is much better. I will stop there.
Pros: Locally owned dealership. Owner delivered and setup the tractor.
Cons: I haven't found any yet. I will be sure to report any here that I find.
Model Year: 2014
I purchased this from a locally owned dealer. The tractor has a loader, snow blower and front grader blade. I have no need for a mower. I also own an older model Kubota that is still very much operational. Lack of power steering and limited lift on its loader were the first reasons to start looking for a new tractor. Kubota "was" my first choice. We have 2 local Kubota dealers that I am familiar with. I was sold on this tractor for several reasons. Tractor weight---Mahindra is heavier. Loader lift---Mahindra will lift more. Cast frame work. The out the door cost on a similar sized Kubota is several thousand dollars less. Warranty is much better. I will stop there.
Pros: Locally owned dealership. Owner delivered and setup the tractor.
Cons: I haven't found any yet. I will be sure to report any here that I find.
First Time Buyer
Model Year: 2012
As a first time buyer, and knowing little about tractors, I thought my decision would be between John Deere and Kubota. After researching and going to see them, I saw an ad about Mahindra and looked into their choices. Right away I saw some pluses for Mahindra. First the body is all metal, built from the frame up as a tractor, not a lawn mower, and great support and service from the local dealer. One other deciding point was that Mahindra Finance offered 0% interest for 72 months. The tractor with loader and backhoe was about 20K and I also purchased a rake, blade and seeder. Since then I added a post hole digger and boom. I've used them all. Recently I spread about 80 tons of stone, planted a dozen large trees. leveled and smoothed a rough section of ground, and put up a section of fence. I haven't had the slightest hiccup or problem with the tractor. Maintenance is easy. I couldn't be more satisfied and would recommend anyone to at lease take a look at Mahindra.
Pros: Well-built, powerful, easy to maintain.
Cons: No drink holder.
Model Year: 2012
As a first time buyer, and knowing little about tractors, I thought my decision would be between John Deere and Kubota. After researching and going to see them, I saw an ad about Mahindra and looked into their choices. Right away I saw some pluses for Mahindra. First the body is all metal, built from the frame up as a tractor, not a lawn mower, and great support and service from the local dealer. One other deciding point was that Mahindra Finance offered 0% interest for 72 months. The tractor with loader and backhoe was about 20K and I also purchased a rake, blade and seeder. Since then I added a post hole digger and boom. I've used them all. Recently I spread about 80 tons of stone, planted a dozen large trees. leveled and smoothed a rough section of ground, and put up a section of fence. I haven't had the slightest hiccup or problem with the tractor. Maintenance is easy. I couldn't be more satisfied and would recommend anyone to at lease take a look at Mahindra.
Pros: Well-built, powerful, easy to maintain.
Cons: No drink holder.
Max 28 HST with FEL and Backhoe
Model Year: 2012
Marketing hype got me a little bit on this guy (but that's not always a bad thing
), I knew about what I wanted though, and I had a specific price range and this was the tractor with the most features within that range. It sits a bit higher than most "sub compact" tractors, but lower than what many consider "compact" tractors (so, it's a small tractor but not the smallest. I don't care much for non-descript titles (is a yugo a compact or is it a sub compact car?). I'm using it to clear property and configure an urban farming type of enviroment focusing on the cultivation of peppers (extremely hot varieties). It has done well, I had to have the seat replaced shortly after I bought it due to a wiring issue with the seat safety switch (the swivel cut the wires, as it turns out, there was a missing zip tie to hold the wiring out of harm's way and I would have addressed it myself had I known about it before hand). The backhoe works well, The front end loader works well. Just wish it had a larger bucket sometimes. Dropping the hoe and attaching 3ph items is a breeze. The longest it took me was the first time---5 minutes without opening the owner's manual. This is without a doubt the best tool purchase of my life.
Pros: Fantastically versitile, back saver.
Cons: It could be larger for the same money? Maybe better fuel economy? I really haven't run into any shortcomings yet.
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Model Year: 2012
Marketing hype got me a little bit on this guy (but that's not always a bad thing
), I knew about what I wanted though, and I had a specific price range and this was the tractor with the most features within that range. It sits a bit higher than most "sub compact" tractors, but lower than what many consider "compact" tractors (so, it's a small tractor but not the smallest. I don't care much for non-descript titles (is a yugo a compact or is it a sub compact car?). I'm using it to clear property and configure an urban farming type of enviroment focusing on the cultivation of peppers (extremely hot varieties). It has done well, I had to have the seat replaced shortly after I bought it due to a wiring issue with the seat safety switch (the swivel cut the wires, as it turns out, there was a missing zip tie to hold the wiring out of harm's way and I would have addressed it myself had I known about it before hand). The backhoe works well, The front end loader works well. Just wish it had a larger bucket sometimes. Dropping the hoe and attaching 3ph items is a breeze. The longest it took me was the first time---5 minutes without opening the owner's manual. This is without a doubt the best tool purchase of my life.Pros: Fantastically versitile, back saver.
Cons: It could be larger for the same money? Maybe better fuel economy? I really haven't run into any shortcomings yet.
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Mahindra MAX28 XL (Shuttle) Review
Model Year: 2012
Strong and rugged little tractor. I mostly mow brush and do finish mowing with it. It has stood its ground well in really thick NC pine forest. Really great on fuel consumption compared to others I've noticed. Now, I'm going to hit the bad sides. Please don't get me wrong... I LOVE THIS TRACTOR! It's just that I want to put out a few FYI's for potential buyers (or designers out there). The first thing that needs to be changed is the rubber floor mat. It keeps popping out of place and getting in the way. However it doesn't hinder operation, just looks unsightly. Next: weak diff. lock. I've had it repaired (2x) and still is not working correctly. Luckily enough I can use the loader to get out of tight situations. If you get one without a loader just beware. Also, transmission gear selector lever can pop out of place and it will be impossible to shift. It took me a trip to the dealer to get it figured out but it's an easy fix now I know how. It has only happened that once but my dealer told me it has happened before on others. The loader joystick and control valve is in a horrible spot. Bounced it off a long leaf pine and bent it all up. Again easy fix, but it should be tucked in tighter toward the tractor instead of sticking so far out to the right. The rear marker lights need to be built into the fender. They are a weak design and keep getting busted up as I'm driving through the brush. And finally (granted I probably work this little tractor harder than I should) the open wires that run along the bottom of the tractor....let's just call me lucky, they have not been ripped off yet but as stated before, I have really put this little thing through its paces in some THICK BRUSH with 3" dia. pines and smaller hard woods and she is still chugging. I did reinforce them with zip ties and elec. tape. I have worked this little thing to the bone for what I should be doing with it and it has stood it's ground well. I'm thoroughly impressed with this product and would buy it again all over (with a few modifications first). For the price and equipment I got with it... It has been a great investment. Sorry for the pic. wish I had a better one, but that the max and my homemade sprayer.
Pros: Power, lift cap, lift height, ease of 3 pt adjustment.
Cons: Rubber floor, loader control valve location, weak diff. lock, exposed wires under belly.
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Model Year: 2012
Strong and rugged little tractor. I mostly mow brush and do finish mowing with it. It has stood its ground well in really thick NC pine forest. Really great on fuel consumption compared to others I've noticed. Now, I'm going to hit the bad sides. Please don't get me wrong... I LOVE THIS TRACTOR! It's just that I want to put out a few FYI's for potential buyers (or designers out there). The first thing that needs to be changed is the rubber floor mat. It keeps popping out of place and getting in the way. However it doesn't hinder operation, just looks unsightly. Next: weak diff. lock. I've had it repaired (2x) and still is not working correctly. Luckily enough I can use the loader to get out of tight situations. If you get one without a loader just beware. Also, transmission gear selector lever can pop out of place and it will be impossible to shift. It took me a trip to the dealer to get it figured out but it's an easy fix now I know how. It has only happened that once but my dealer told me it has happened before on others. The loader joystick and control valve is in a horrible spot. Bounced it off a long leaf pine and bent it all up. Again easy fix, but it should be tucked in tighter toward the tractor instead of sticking so far out to the right. The rear marker lights need to be built into the fender. They are a weak design and keep getting busted up as I'm driving through the brush. And finally (granted I probably work this little tractor harder than I should) the open wires that run along the bottom of the tractor....let's just call me lucky, they have not been ripped off yet but as stated before, I have really put this little thing through its paces in some THICK BRUSH with 3" dia. pines and smaller hard woods and she is still chugging. I did reinforce them with zip ties and elec. tape. I have worked this little thing to the bone for what I should be doing with it and it has stood it's ground well. I'm thoroughly impressed with this product and would buy it again all over (with a few modifications first). For the price and equipment I got with it... It has been a great investment. Sorry for the pic. wish I had a better one, but that the max and my homemade sprayer.
Pros: Power, lift cap, lift height, ease of 3 pt adjustment.
Cons: Rubber floor, loader control valve location, weak diff. lock, exposed wires under belly.
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Mahindra 28XL
Model Year: 2013
My 28XL came with the front loader bucket as well as the backhoe. While it is EXTREMELY versatile and handy to use around the place, I find the backhoe a little under-powered. Overall, I love the tractor and the quality is exceptional. The one thing I would like to change is the hydro-stat controls require the reverse pedal to be used by the heel of your foot which is not very ergonomic in my opinion.
Pros: Size, power, ability.
Cons: Operator controls.
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Model Year: 2013
My 28XL came with the front loader bucket as well as the backhoe. While it is EXTREMELY versatile and handy to use around the place, I find the backhoe a little under-powered. Overall, I love the tractor and the quality is exceptional. The one thing I would like to change is the hydro-stat controls require the reverse pedal to be used by the heel of your foot which is not very ergonomic in my opinion.
Pros: Size, power, ability.
Cons: Operator controls.
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Mahindra Max 28XL hst
Model Year: 2012
I'm very happy with the performance of this tractor. I have the standard AML205 FEL and MB63 Backhoe. I also purchased a Woodmax WM-8H Chipper and a set of aluminum forks to use attached to the FEL bucket. This is my first tractor so I really can't compare it to anything else personally. My neighbor has a Kubota BX24 which is a great tractor. I purchased mine based on what I saw that he could accomplish with this tractor. It just seemed to be a good choice for me to get a bit more horsepower and larger wheels for a bit less of a price. So far, it seems to have been a good decision. The 22 hp at the PTO drives the chipper amazingly well. Very impressed with that chipper. The hydraulics are a bit choppy on the backhoe, but that's probably due to the operator being a novice. Also, I learned to turn down the rpm's a bit which helped a lot. I have used the tractor to dig out large tree stumps at my home very successfully. My brother has a landscaping company and I have done several jobs for him moving dirt and also digging some large tree stumps. I have also used it to dig out and fill in with gravel a large shed pad for a 24X24 shed. Overall, it has saved me many hours of manual labor and has performed very well.
Pros: Great lift capacity, larger front wheels, reasonably powerful rear PTO drive, swivel seat.
Cons: None to speak of yet.
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Model Year: 2012
I'm very happy with the performance of this tractor. I have the standard AML205 FEL and MB63 Backhoe. I also purchased a Woodmax WM-8H Chipper and a set of aluminum forks to use attached to the FEL bucket. This is my first tractor so I really can't compare it to anything else personally. My neighbor has a Kubota BX24 which is a great tractor. I purchased mine based on what I saw that he could accomplish with this tractor. It just seemed to be a good choice for me to get a bit more horsepower and larger wheels for a bit less of a price. So far, it seems to have been a good decision. The 22 hp at the PTO drives the chipper amazingly well. Very impressed with that chipper. The hydraulics are a bit choppy on the backhoe, but that's probably due to the operator being a novice. Also, I learned to turn down the rpm's a bit which helped a lot. I have used the tractor to dig out large tree stumps at my home very successfully. My brother has a landscaping company and I have done several jobs for him moving dirt and also digging some large tree stumps. I have also used it to dig out and fill in with gravel a large shed pad for a 24X24 shed. Overall, it has saved me many hours of manual labor and has performed very well.
Pros: Great lift capacity, larger front wheels, reasonably powerful rear PTO drive, swivel seat.
Cons: None to speak of yet.
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Love It, But Factory Tech Assembled Wrong!
Model Year: 2013
Happy so far, does nearly everything I have thrown at it so far, but hmmmm... Backhoe hydraulics were installed with the wrong fittings on the wrong hoses, causing the 3pt to not work when the BH was taken off! Wish the HST pedals were side by side like small Deere's, heel/toe is odd, but pretty standard on units this size. Better feel than kubota though.
Pros: Easy to use.
Cons: Factory BH installation incorrect.
Model Year: 2013
Happy so far, does nearly everything I have thrown at it so far, but hmmmm... Backhoe hydraulics were installed with the wrong fittings on the wrong hoses, causing the 3pt to not work when the BH was taken off! Wish the HST pedals were side by side like small Deere's, heel/toe is odd, but pretty standard on units this size. Better feel than kubota though.
Pros: Easy to use.
Cons: Factory BH installation incorrect.
Max 28 Shuttle
Model Year: 2012
This little gem is all a man needs to get any job done. It is great for move 1 ton ice boulders that the snow plow shoves into my drive way. It has smooth hydraulics and great handling. And it does not kill your lawn by tearing it to pieces while turning and backing up.
Pros: Does everything it should within reason.
Cons: Some cold starting issues.
Model Year: 2012
This little gem is all a man needs to get any job done. It is great for move 1 ton ice boulders that the snow plow shoves into my drive way. It has smooth hydraulics and great handling. And it does not kill your lawn by tearing it to pieces while turning and backing up.
Pros: Does everything it should within reason.
Cons: Some cold starting issues.
Great Tractor
Model Year: 2012
I have done some serious work with this tractor and it has performed flawlessly. I am amazed by the size of the rocks that the backhoe will effortlessly pull out of the ground. I have done some fairly heavy lifting with the bucket also, moving stones and cement blocks around my yard. The Mahindra has saved me a great deal of time and effort. This tractor works much better than I expected when I bought it.
Pros: Lift capacities are great.
Cons: Have not found any yet.
Model Year: 2012
I have done some serious work with this tractor and it has performed flawlessly. I am amazed by the size of the rocks that the backhoe will effortlessly pull out of the ground. I have done some fairly heavy lifting with the bucket also, moving stones and cement blocks around my yard. The Mahindra has saved me a great deal of time and effort. This tractor works much better than I expected when I bought it.
Pros: Lift capacities are great.
Cons: Have not found any yet.