Hp vs weight in new tractor

[streamin]

I sold my Kubota L5030 2 years ago and now looking at a new one. I love Kubota but not sure on the price anymore. I was looking at Mahindra.They seem to have some really happy owners here. the question is about the weight of the tractor.I want to stay at least with a 50 hp but since the mahindra weighs close to 1500/2000 lbs more in the same class, will it take more hp just to move the machine? If so, how much higher should I be looking at for the same power?
I also like the front tires on Mahindra, very beafy! The small Kubota tires always seem to get lost in the mud. Any input is appreciated.

 

[Martian]

All the built in weight on the Mahindra will just be added on to a Kubota for proper ballast. Even the Mahindra will need more weight, but at the end, ballasted properly they should weigh similar amounts. My biggest question is where is all that lost weight coming from? And why pay extra for the more ballast. If you want anything other than a very expensive glorified lawn tractor, weight is only your friend.

 

[HCJtractor]

I think it also depends on it usage. If you are plowing or discing, weight is your friend. Also heavy loader work will benefit from weight. But if you are just mowing or doing light work, a lighter tractor may have advantages. I don't know much about Mahindra, but would expect that to compare apples to apples, you may want to look at the M series Kubota vs. the L series. My understanding it is more of a heavy farm duty tractor like the Mahindra, where as the L is a "gentleman's" tractor. I have a M 6800 with an FEL and loaded tires, so it is plenty heavy.

 

[rjwerth]

One great way to add weight to a tractor is to buy a cab! Best weight adder I know of....but seriously....

If you are looking for some $avings, look at Kioti as well. They don't have the nifty extra wide front tires (which I DO wish I had), but they are very nice much like the L series Kubota.

 

[streamin]

The weight will be used for loader work, maybe a small amount of disc but also mowing, moving trees, etc. The mahindra has the weight and a cheaper price, those front tires are pretty attractive too. I did think of Koiti, haven't looked yet. Bobcat has a nice one but there biggest one may be borderline small on hp. I also prefer hst so the m series may be out for that.

 

[crazyal]

I wouldn't expect the extra weight of the Mahindra to help you for loader work. You want ballast behind the rear tires and that's not where the extra weigh will be. It's most likely between the front and rear tires and will counter any rear ballast, doubtfully enough to make a real difference though.

 

[IndyIan]

I wouldn't expect the extra weight of the Mahindra to help you for loader work. You want ballast behind the rear tires and that's not where the extra weigh will be. It's most likely between the front and rear tires and will counter any rear ballast, doubtfully enough to make a real difference though.

For digging work though, 1000lbs more tractor weight pretty much equals a 1000lbs more pushing force delivered to the bucket edge if you are using 4wd... Not insignificant in clay soil I'd think.
I went with heavy is better theory as I didn't plan on finish mowing with it, and so far I don't really see and downside for me atleast.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Rule of thumb is 1 HP per 100# of weight...
Kubota's and Yanmar's will typically be under that before ballast...
My NH 1720 compact weighs 2800# before loading tires and has 28 HP...
My old Yanmar YM 1700 had 20 HP but only weighed 1550#...
Most Mahindra's and Kioti's will be a little over that general 100# rule...
For moving dirt you want more weight...
For mowing less...
That is why the B and BX models from Kubota are excellent mowing units...
Very light weight...
Don't get hung up too much on it...
Get the tractor you like best for your intended purposes...
Most all major manufacturers make excellent units...
Dealer support is important in my opinion if you need service...

 

[mikehaugen]

not sure about the weight but if i remember correctly the massey's have pretty big front tires.

 

[eagle107]

Which Mahindra tractor are you looking at? Are you looking at the 5010 HST or the 5035 HST? There is a difference between the two tractors. The 5010 is actually a TYM tractor made for Mahindra while the 5035 is an actual Mahindra tractor. The 5035 is a beast and is considered a compact tractor by Mahindra, but with a loader, that tractor weighs almost 7,000lbs which can be heavy for a lawn though good for your other work.

 

[jlsmith]

Have you looked at any on the MF. You might want to check out the MF1652L.
Jeremy

 

[streamin]

I was looking a the 5035hst. the dealer near me said he hardly ever sells those because people are not that concerned with hst as they are with the price difference. he was trying to go with the shuttle shift on different models. I find that hard to believe. He also said their hp ratings are way under what they really are compared to Kubota, he sold Kubota for years. I always have a herd time believing these salesman as they want to sell what they have on the lot.

 

[94BULLITT]

I don't know how the Mahindra weighs so much more than comparable tractors. Were you looking at a Grand L Kubota, they are really nice. This L4240 has plenty of power for what I do. I checked underneath my L4240 and with a magnet, and it is all cast iron. The 5035 is a slightly larger looking tractor to me.

 

[jenkinsph]

I don't know how the Mahindra weighs so much more than comparable tractors. Were you looking at a Grand L Kubota, they are really nice. This L4240 has plenty of power for what I do. I checked underneath my L4240 and with a magnet, and it is all cast iron. The 5035 is a slightly larger looking tractor to me.

I should say I think Kubota and Mahindra both build good tractors. I also suspect but can't prove that Kubota has spent more time and research developing their line of tractors and have worked out the castings and designs to a more efficient use of the materials. That is to say they (Kubota) have reduced the unneeded weight and are using high quality materials so that they can maintain a high degree of durability and strength in a lighter weight tractor. R & D and high technology cost more than the raw steel, you can add water or Rimguard for ballasting but it is hard to remove extra built in weight. Mahindra builds a heavy casting much like older tractors but with a lower level of technology I suspect but can't prove. I would say in Mahindras' defense that they are catching up fast though and will become higher tech tractors in the short term. You work with what you have and at this stage in Mahindras' development they are selling weight. I have only seen a few Mahindra tractors but they appear to be good solid tractors but lack some of the refinements of Kubota and Deere.

 

[DarkBlack]

I should say I think Kubota and Mahindra both build good tractors. I also suspect but can't prove that Kubota has spent more time and research developing their line of tractors and have worked out the castings and designs to a more efficient use of the materials. That is to say they (Kubota) have reduced the unneeded weight and are using high quality materials so that they can maintain a high degree of durability and strength in a lighter weight tractor. R & D and high technology cost more than the raw steel, you can add water or Rimguard for ballasting but it is hard to remove extra built in weight. Mahindra builds a heavy casting much like older tractors but with a lower level of technology I suspect but can't prove. I would say in Mahindras' defense that they are catching up fast though and will become higher tech tractors in the short term. You work with what you have and at this stage in Mahindras' development they are selling weight. I have only seen a few Mahindra tractors but they appear to be good solid tractors but lack some of the refinements of Kubota and Deere.

I agree with the above post, and would add that the type of steel used , and it's quality and , its treatments, or lack of, can make a lighter machine much stronger and higher quality than a heavier one. Junk "heavy" steal can be made that is barely stronger than sand glued together.

 

[94BULLITT]

I should say I think Kubota and Mahindra both build good tractors. I also suspect but can't prove that Kubota has spent more time and research developing their line of tractors and have worked out the castings and designs to a more efficient use of the materials. That is to say they (Kubota) have reduced the unneeded weight and are using high quality materials so that they can maintain a high degree of durability and strength in a lighter weight tractor. R & D and high technology cost more than the raw steel, you can add water or Rimguard for ballasting but it is hard to remove extra built in weight. Mahindra builds a heavy casting much like older tractors but with a lower level of technology I suspect but can't prove. I would say in Mahindras' defense that they are catching up fast though and will become higher tech tractors in the short term. You work with what you have and at this stage in Mahindras' development they are selling weight. I have only seen a few Mahindra tractors but they appear to be good solid tractors but lack some of the refinements of Kubota and Deere.

It is not just Kubota that they are heavier than. Check out this chart. i could understand them being 4000 or 4200lbs but to be almost 1700lbs heavier than the closest competitor, something somewhere is wrong. 1700lbs is a lot of iron. They say it weighs 5389 but I am wondering if it is a typo and supposed to be 3589? I have seen mistakes like this before on their site.

 

[94BULLITT]

I agree with the above post, and would add that the type of steel used , and it's quality and , its treatments, or lack of, can make a lighter machine much stronger and higher quality than a heavier one. Junk "heavy" steal can be made that is barely stronger than sand glued together.

Just like some aluminum alloys are way stronger than cast iron.

 

[jenkinsph]

It is not just Kubota that they are heavier than. Check out this chart. i could understand them being 4000 or 4200lbs but to be almost 1700lbs heavier than the closest competitor, something somewhere is wrong. 1700lbs is a lot of iron. They say it weighs 5389 but I am wondering if it is a typo and supposed to be 3589? I have seen mistakes like this before on their site.

I have about 1100 lbs of iron weights on my 4520 and can say that it doesn't take up much space, that would be fairly easy to add in to a 50hp tractor. I should also point out that in the link you referenced Mahindra brings up the heavy components aspect three times on the front page. As I mentioned above they are selling weight with thicker metal, I have no reference as to the quality of that metal that is above my pay grade.

 

[streamin]

thanks for all the imput, so many more points to consider. I am going to find a dealer that stocks them and get a hands on look.

 

[k0ua]

If you are looking for a 50 horse class deluxe tractor look at the Kioti DK50se with hydro. See if it fits you. I don't know about the Mahindra either. They sure look tough. I wish I knew about the lighter weight better quality steel vs the heavy weight, perhaps lower quality steel argument, but I am thinking that would take a lab analysis to know that for sure. Everyone will have to admit that the Mahindra 5035 with those big meaty industrials on it, is one badazz looking tractor.!

James K0UA