Just incase you haven't done so yet, I would recommend test driving each tractor or see if the dealer will let you try one for a day or two. When I was looking at tractors I had tried Kubota, Kioti, Mahindra, NH, and Deere. It was obvious how much more Kubota, NH, and Deere has put into ergonomics than Kioti and especially Mahindra.
I was looking at slightly smaller tractors than you, but most likely it still carries over. I ended up finding a very little used JD 110 tlb for a good price, so I never did end up choosing between new tractors.
Actually I test drove the Mahindra 4535, 5035 and 5530, Kubota M5040HD and
M7040, Massey Ferguson 1600 series, Kioti , TYM 503, and Montana U5784.
The ergonomics on the Kubota appealed to me most. However, I liked the handling, seat, platform size, standard R4 Tires, bucket size, and overall weight to size relationship of the Mahindra 5035 best, but I did not like the electric over hydraulic PTO. The controls on both the Massey and Kioti I liked the least and entry exit off the platform of both was tight, as I am 6'4" tall and 250 lbs.
In talking with six service departments / mechanics at multi brand dealerships who offered Mahindra with at least one additional competitive brand, I could not find one who criticized the Indian made Mahindra tractors or engines for lack of reliability or durability. To the contrary I was was advised by a Montana dealer and a TYM dealer that the Mahindra was a better choice where high load was expected such as heavy dirt work. The only warranty issues I found were a bad Bosch Injection pump replaced under warranty and issues on early 4030/5030 models with an injection pump switch.
These same service reps commented very favorably on both Mahindra's customer and dealer warranty support, when it was needed, while giving scathing reviews of some of their competitors. They all commented favorably on the promptness with which Mahindra's parts centers delivered parts to the dealers, providing next day delivery at Mahindra's cost if a customer's tractor was inoperable and the customer's need was critical.
BTW Mahindra is rated among the worlds top three tractor manufacturer's as referenced here:
Mahindra Tractors
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Mahindra Tractors, the farm equipment division of Mahindra & Mahindra, builds and sources tractors that are sold worldwide across six continents.[1] Mahindra is also among the top three tractor manufacturers in the world[2]. Mahindra has a huge consumer base in India, China and America and a growing base in Australasia. The company builds more tractors in India than any other manufacturer,[3] and has the capacity to build 150,000 tractors a year.[4] In 1963, M&M formed a joint venture with International Harvester to manufacture tractors carrying the Mahindra nameplate for the Indian market.[5] Armed with engineering, tooling and manufacturing know-how gained from this relationship, M&M developed its first tractor, the B-275.Mahindra compact tractors and utility tractors are some of the toughest, most durable on the planet. Mahindra Tractors with sales of nearly 85,000 units annually is one of the largest tractor companies in the world, and is number one in sales in India - the largest tractor market in the world.[2]
The three tractors I now own to maintain 300 acres are made by Ford, Case and White with HP from 35 to 120. Three months ago I would never have considered a 50 HP tractor made in India. However, after doing a lot more research on the current tractor industry and becoming more familiar with Mahindra and it's models of tractors... I came away favorably impressed.
I was surprised to learn that several models of John Deere tractors under 75 HP were also made in India.
I was surprised to find that the only tractor manufacturer to win a Dr, Deming Award for manufacturing excellence was...Mahindra.
I was surprised to find that Mahindra was the recipient of the Japan Quality Medal, the only tractor company worldwide to be bestowed this Honor.
I was surprised to find that in September of 2009 Mahindra tractor sales were up 56% over last year and that Mahindra & Mahindra project to become the worlds largest tractor manufacturer by 2010.
I was surprised to find the following statistics on Mahindra's web site reflecting the opinion's of those who owned both Mahindra tractors and competitive tractors including Deere and Kubota:
Superior Performing Mahindra Tractors - Heavier, sturdier chassis, higher lift capacity and solid components
The further I dug, the more impressed I became with the company and nothing I found on the tractors I had seen or tested had diminished that positive impression.
Are they the best tractor on the market at any price...? No.
But IMHO they may be the best value on the market for a well made, durable no frills machine from a company that is emphasizing customer service and support while experiencing phenominal growth in a down economy.
Kerry
