Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like

   / Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like #11  
Hooks on the bucket would be great - I'll weld some on if it ever warms up in NH - congrats on the new tractor ☺
 
   / Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like #12  
Re: Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like, my 3-1/2 cents.

Hooks on the bucket would be great - I'll weld some on if it ever warms up in NH - congrats on the new tractor ☺
It will be August before the snow piles are gone. Heaven has froze over.


My review with all of 3.6 hours on the Max and +4,000 hours on other equipment.
2013 Mahindra Max 28XL Shuttle, So far I have 3.6 hrs on machine.

I like the transmission. While not as nice as the GST of a bigger Kubota, the 8x8 forward and reverse with synchronized gears, a separate reverser, and Hi-Low ranges is really nice to work, compared to the 2 Speed HST's and 3 x 2 Gears boxes of the typical competition.
Build quality is decent, hoverer paint has no primer, brittle as glass, and from what I've seen, Mahindra paint has little UV protection.
Max28 tractor specs extremely well against even larger tractors, I was looking for small. This tractor is a largish small compact.
The bucket is sure tiny and like all CUTS, wimpy. I may hang weights off the front bracket so the front has more weight back-dragging. A little more iron in the loader and bucket would make me happy. (Search for my post with Photos of reinforced bucket)

As the Loader does not have a 4 bar link, the dump angle is limited.

This tractor should fit in real well taking its place as the new small tractor on the farm.

Other than the suggestions below this is a great value in a small tractor.

Even though my suggestions would increase the cost of the tractor maybe 10 % tops., these suggestions would make the Max a really great overall tractor regardless of size.
If the following improvements were made, I壇 be trading in to get these features.

Cup holders, yeah cup holders!

A soft Cab Option with Hard FOP roof, Side panels easily removable, at a reasonable adder for those who cant swing the $$ for a hard cab.

LED Light bar rack On ROPS.

Accessory outlets, and labeled wiring harness extra tie in points.

Tether the fuel cap. Better filter in fuel inlet neck. Move fill to an easier to reach spot, like offset it some.

A real suspension seat on the base model would be appreciated. SThe seat leaves a lot to be desired.

The Loader seriously begs for a 4 Link QA system at the bucket.
The loader curl strength is good for its size, but seems not a strong as the spec would indicate. Larger curl cylinders would help in the toughest going. A little more iron in the loader and bucket would make me happy. (Search for my post with Photos of reinforced bucket)

25x8.5-14 or 25x8.5-15 front tires in place of 23x8.5-12, for better floatation & traction.

A bit more hydraulic pump capacity.

An easy way to remove the lower hitch drawbar links.

A 3 Speed HST or variable transmission for the (Automatic Models)

Make all common service components really easy to access. (Like checking oil.) Quick release engine side panels, while your at it.

A really good paint system with well bonded prime coat/ extra tough durable finish.

If anyone is interested, the Mahindra Max 28 Manual can be downloaded direct from:

http://www.mahindradispro.com/manuelOperateur/Mahindra/Max28/MAX 28 XL_OM_en.pdf
http://www.mahindradispro.com/manuelOperateur/Mahindra/chargeur/ML205/ML205_OM_2011.pdf
http://www.mahindradispro.com/manuelOperateur/Mahindra/Backhoe/BackhoeMB63_Max28_en_2011.pdf

Finally, some questions for the long time max owners:
1.) Could someone tell me/ Post photos of where you check the engine oil level?
2.) Also what is the easy way to remove the engine side panels?
3.) Filter interchange info.
 
Last edited:
   / Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like #13  
Why are the side panels hard to remove? On my 2615, all you have to do is raise the hood, prop it up, unlatch the side panel, lift it off, pull the dipstick, check oil, reinsert dipstick. While the hood is up is a good time to take a look at everything else in there. It takes a whopping 2-3 minutes.
 
   / Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like #14  
Why are the side panels hard to remove? On my 2615, all you have to do is raise the hood, prop it up, unlatch the side panel, lift it off, pull the dipstick, check oil, reinsert dipstick. While the hood is up is a good time to take a look at everything else in there. It takes a whopping 2-3 minutes.

My eyes are bad, Where are the Side panel latches?
 
   / Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like #15  
To the OP; thanks for the input. JD, I think improvements could be made as you suggested and hope that the Powers that be see this and take note.

I have found that its low center of gravity and smallish size has been invaluable in tight spaces, whether navigating trees in a forest or simply getting close to building's. The fact that even though it looks like every other tractor- it is still based on old school design. Look under one and you see cast iron front to rear all bolted together like it has been done for years. Still rough around the edges and without luxury, is part of what attracted me to it. I needed a "do everything" tractor and it has come up short. I have worked it to its limits and needed a bit more from it at times. Should have got a bigger tractor? Nah, then I would lose turning radius and it would struggle navigating the forest. So I guess somewhere there is a compromise when you choose one. I chose versatility over size. Mine has plenty of power for box blade work it will pull till it loses traction (tends to be a lightweight in that area). Mowing although not recently went smoothly and never bogged down. Loader is strong and with teeth added seems to add more capacity when digging GA clay- that stuff is sticky even when dry. I am happy with it and would get another but like it has been said before, 20grand is a lot of money..... Another reason for the purchase, it is simple to work on and for those that cannot afford to buy a new one every so often- this one should last a lifetime.
I am just an average guy in a average job... Bmw or Mercedes is not parked out front of my home. I own an old ford truck and am quite happy without all those Bells and whistles. Still- it was tough to spend that kind of money on a lawnmower/shovel/garden implement. Fingers crossed, it will give me the same service as my fathers 50's era tractor.

I do agree that it needs a longer oil dipstick tube (one that is bent/extended) and easier to reach with just the hood popped. Zerk fittings with caps? I know that I would be to lazy to reinstall them, I never put them back in place when bleeding brakes. Quick Attach would be nice though, I do envy those other brand's in the same class that have them installed from the factory.

This is my take on that tractor- nothing more.
 
   / Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like #16  
My eyes are bad, Where are the Side panel latches?
On the 2615 their are two latches, front and rear. They are made of rubber and simply snap over the lip on top of the panel. How are the max side panels secured? I've never seen one up close.
 
   / Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like #17  
The side panel pops right off to check the oil. Never had a problem with it. Agree on the seat but its a sub compact.. most that buy these wont be using it enough to care. Did you put a set of remotes on the tractor? what fittings are open? They cost about $3 from tisco. Only thing I would change is the turn buckles.. even though most the equipment is small enough you can move it to the arm by hand the sway bars would have been a nice ad on. Good review though.. but I think your more or less worried about the little things.
 
   / Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like #18  
OH! the new Max 26 has a cup holder on the rollbars left side... you can order one and they will fit up... I seen a few 28s with it also
 
   / Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like #19  
The side panel pops right off to check the oil. Never had a problem with it. Agree on the seat but its a sub compact.. most that buy these wont be using it enough to care. Did you put a set of remotes on the tractor? what fittings are open? They cost about $3 from tisco. Only thing I would change is the turn buckles.. even though most the equipment is small enough you can move it to the arm by hand the sway bars would have been a nice ad on. Good review though.. but I think your more or less worried about the little things.

I wonder how hard it is to install stabilizers on this thing?
Regarding the engine side panels,
By Pop off do you mean just give them a hard tug? Scared something will snap in Sub zero weather.

I tend to be heavy handed and in my old age have learned its easier to break it than fix it, so I try to be gentle with stuff.
 
   / Max28xl shuttle Things I like and don't like #20  
Haha right when I seen the first ones I thought the same thing but its actually a stout little system. open your hood and lift the loader and you will be able to see how it works. What happens is you pull up a bit on the front of the panel (front of the tractor) and you will feel it slide then just pull out and the back slide up and forward.. once you get use to it you can do it all in one motion easily. You would have to really try to break it.

There is no option for the sway bars so it would have to be the exact same length to fit the adjustments. Its not impossible but I cant advise you to do so ha.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

Ezflow 500 Gravity Box W/Cart (A50774)
Ezflow 500 Gravity...
2016 GMC Terrain SLE1 SUV (A50324)
2016 GMC Terrain...
Informational Lot - Financing (A52128)
Informational Lot...
2016 Ford Explorer AWD SUV (A51694)
2016 Ford Explorer...
UNUSED KIVEL MINI SKID STEER PALLET FORKS (A51244)
UNUSED KIVEL MINI...
2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum AWD SUV (A50324)
2015 Cadillac...
 
Top