Buying Advice Any Mahindra 3540 owners?

[jb1390]

Roger that! I'm still looking.

Kimber,
Where are you located?

I own a 3550 HST. I've had issues with mine, some of which you can find on the forums. In general, my 3550 has been a good machine, with the performance capabilities I was hoping for.

I'm located in CT, I'd be happy to give you some seat time if you're close enough to make a road trip.

Some things to consider:
HST robs a significant amount of power compared to gears - regardless of the brand. If you are doing tasks such as mowing, hay, etc, and not much loader work, I would consider looking at a PST. HST is great for the precision and ease of use for the operator, and excels at loader work. My wife loves driving my tractor - which is extraordinarily helpful for how I use my machine.

I read earlier that you are planning on using this for your woodlot-is that your primary use?

The mahindra is quite a bit heavier than other machines in this class. You can see that in the differential casting, and other areas. This is great for loader work, stability, and longevity, but not so great for going up steep hills really quickly, and not as easy to transport. I liked the extra weight for my intended use, and my truck can easily handle the extra weight. However, consider if extra weight would be good or bad for your situation.

The customer service has been varied. Lately, it's been pretty good. There are people on the forums that are looking out for Mahindra customers, and I have contact information for my area Rep. That said, at times in the past it has been lacking, and Mahindra is working to improve it. At the end of the day, I've been taken care of. All brands are going to have issues one way or another - don't think for a second that a Deere or Kubota will never leak. You can find disgruntled customers on any color tractor you want.

If you'd like to pm me, I can give you my phone number if you want to talk to me further.

 

[Navasot]

Really? Butt hurt? How old are you? You can't just say it's a dealer issue, because guess what, Mahindra does business with the dealer!!! I'm not saying that it isn't a capable tractor, but for $25,000 I expect a product that doesn't come with the issues I have had. By the way - I have contacted Mahindra directly - they didn't really offer the level of service I expected either.

Service is provided through a dealer... and yes... but just a little bit of butt hurt

 

[Kimber1911]

Thanks for the offer jb1390, but I live in upstate SC, so a bit too far. My Father and I are going to look at them Saturday if I have any questions then I might take you up on the pm though. One question now though. I was looking at your past post and was wondering if Mahindra has came up with a fix for the limp mode yet? Thanks!

 

[jb1390]

Thanks for the offer jb1390, but I live in upstate SC, so a bit too far. My Father and I are going to look at them Saturday if I have any questions then I might take you up on the pm though. One question now though. I was looking at your past post and was wondering if Mahindra has came up with a fix for the limp mode yet? Thanks!

Kimber,
The tractor was up at the dealer last week actually, for a fix to this issue. I cannot guarantee that the issue is solved, because I do not have the electronics to check it myself. However, Mahindra flashed the ECM with an update, that should fix it. The rep drove it around for a while at the dealer, and was not able to get a code to appear after the new flash.

While that issue has been an inconvenience, my dealer and Mahindra have shown they are willing to come to my house to correct it, if it comes up. I would check with your dealer, to see if they would be able to offer this kind of service (at least for something simple like this). Also make sure that they have the electronics and some familiarity with the tier 4 equipment. These kind of computer controls have been around for a long time in the automotive world, but it's new to some of the tractor mechanics.

-Jeff

 

[Kimber1911]

Any opinions on the 2555? Looking at it it seems to run about the same price as the 3540 maybe even cheaper but gives me more pto hp than the 3540 for bush hogging and other pto jobs.

 

[jb1390]

Any opinions on the 2555? Looking at it it seems to run about the same price as the 3540 maybe even cheaper but gives me more pto hp than the 3540 for bush hogging and other pto jobs.

I have not seen each of them in person, but here is what I noticed when looking at each of them on the website.

The rear axle casting is much heavier on the 3540. I would imagine that this is consistent throughout - and the reason why the 3540 is almost 1000 pounds heavier. I am not sure for your uses, if the weight would be beneficial, or a drawback.

The joystick control is set on the loader for the 2555, whereas it is installed near the fender on the 3540. I know the loader control is quite ergonomic on my 3550, I can rest my elbow on the armrest while performing work, which is quite comfortable. Not sure if this is important to you.

The loader is much stronger on the 3540. When I bought the 3550, I bought it primarily for the loader strength. Looks like now they use the same loader on the 3540 and 3550.

2555 HST | Mahindra

3540 4WD HST | Mahindra

If possible, it'd be nice to see them side by side if you are undetermined on which model you would like.

What will you be doing with the machine? It might help to know the intended tasks to better determine the tractor characteristics that would be most valuable to you.

 

[Kimber1911]

I believe the dealership I'm going to this weekend has them both on the lot. The first thing I would be doing with the tractor when purchased is cleaning up about 6 acres of woods that is in really rough shape. It is mostly pine and has had a lot of trees fall in ice storms over the years. Most have been laying for several years but it looks like a number fell in our January storm as well. After that it will be used to maintain the property and bush hog about 10 acres a few times a year. I also wouldn't say no to any side jobs that might pop up. Maybe the 3550 is the way to go? The extra hp should run a bush hog better. Just wondering about 35 series reliability, most seem to like them, but those who don't have horror stories. Oh well back to looking.

 

[steve stiller]

i'm assuming the butt hurt guy is from mahindra, well guess what your tech Rubin hasn't once called me back about my issue and slides into dealer and back out without letting them knowing when he will be in. Mahindra is a disgrace for customer service. It doesn't matter how much warranty they give if they keep having problems. my dealer is a hour away and for me to foot the bill back n forth dragging trailers,truck,gas and most important to me time is total BS which is bull **** not butt hurt. ive made a total of 12 trips back and forth yeah its a little hurt. notice the puddles under tractor again in my garage last nite. I would recommend to run from Mahindra, not just walk away.

 

[justinramani]

I forgot to take a picture under my Mahindra, but I'll snap a pic next time I'm at the barn.

 

[Navasot]

i'm assuming the butt hurt guy is from mahindra, well guess what your tech Rubin hasn't once called me back about my issue and slides into dealer and back out without letting them knowing when he will be in. Mahindra is a disgrace for customer service. It doesn't matter how much warranty they give if they keep having problems. my dealer is a hour away and for me to foot the bill back n forth dragging trailers,truck,gas and most important to me time is total BS which is bull **** not butt hurt. ive made a total of 12 trips back and forth yeah its a little hurt. notice the puddles under tractor again in my garage last nite. I would recommend to run from Mahindra, not just walk away.

Im not with Mahindra lol