Comparison Mahindra 2538 or Kubota 3901 anyone have experience with both.

[Garandman]

Now your are revealing industry secrets. In the Mahindra world, the Mitsu S3L2 engine has been used in many models rated at 24, 25, 26 and 28 HP. The only difference that I see is the rated RPM. A little more speed, a little more HP. The new 1526 is nearly a twin to the old 3016, but rated at a lower HP to get under the 19kw Tier IV norms. It is smart to consider these models if they are adequate for the job.

Before a lawsuit, the saying was that Briggs and Stratton built "Six engines and 200 decals."

I had an Ariens Sno Thro Pro 1124 rated at 11.5 hp and the exact same engine [Tecumseh 318cc OHV] was put on a Sno Thro Pro 926, rated 9.5hp.

 

[mike35549]

Well I decided to buy the 2538 guess I wont know if I made the right choice until 15-20 years down the road. The reason I chose the Mahindra was me and other people I know like the dealer a little better and they are a little closer also because of the DPF on the Kubota I talk to two people I know that make there living working on diesel engines that both said they would not buy the one with DPF. Here is what I bought and final price we can see how it compares to other people that have bought same tractor. Financed using the 0% down which was a few dollars a month cheaper when you figured in all the implements. Honestly I was about tired of looking and comparing and worrying about making wrong decision. Maybe I didn't get screwed to bad if I did don't tell me.

Tractor with FEL
18' Trailer
Mahindra 5' Medium Duty CUTTER Model - KRCMD60SC
KODIAK 5' tiller Model - TS-5
Mahindra 5' Box Blade
Atlas 5' HD Disk Model - 16X18

Total Price Tax Inc - 31,518.56

 

[DavesTractor]

Well I decided to buy the 2538 guess I wont know if I made the right choice until 15-20 years down the road. The reason I chose the Mahindra was me and other people I know like the dealer a little better and they are a little closer also because of the DPF on the Kubota I talk to two people I know that make there living working on diesel engines that both said they would not buy the one with DPF. Here is what I bought and final price we can see how it compares to other people that have bought same tractor. Financed using the 0% down which was a few dollars a month cheaper when you figured in all the implements. Honestly I was about tired of looking and comparing and worrying about making wrong decision. Maybe I didn't get screwed to bad if I did don't tell me.

Tractor with FEL
18' Trailer
Mahindra 5' Medium Duty CUTTER Model - KRCMD60SC
KODIAK 5' tiller Model - TS-5
Mahindra 5' Box Blade
Atlas 5' HD Disk Model - 16X18

Total Price Tax Inc - 31,518.56

Congrats, that's a nice package.

 

[prichard]

Congrats! I'm sure you will be very happy with your tractor. Don't forget we want pics.

 

[Snowback]

Well I decided to buy the 2538 guess I wont know if I made the right choice until 15-20 years down the road.

After all the research you did and advice you received I think you made the right choice given your particular situation. Also - had you picked up the Kubota you would have also made the right choice there as well.

Simply put - there is no wrong choice when getting a tractor when the two choices are both excellent machines with great factory support and a large customer base.

Enjoy your new machine!

 

[Jonathan70]

I'm going through negotiations right now for 2538 HST with loader / backhoe & a few other implements .. from what I've read of your posts, your quite satisfied correct? I'm looking to move rocks, dig out stumps, landscape my yard. Move lots of logs & move processed & un processed firewood.... it's been a real circus negotiating... almost where I want to be... I've used Kubota & have seen them do the unthinkable...... but lift capacity, axle construction, beefier build of the Mahindra is drawing me to it.... any buying tips? I'm looking at 0% & 3.9% options.... just curious how far I can push to get cost down...

 

[Snowback]

I'm going through negotiations right now for 2538 HST with loader / backhoe & a few other implements .. from what I've read of your posts, your quite satisfied correct? I'm looking to move rocks, dig out stumps, landscape my yard. Move lots of logs & move processed & un processed firewood.... it's been a real circus negotiating... almost where I want to be... I've used Kubota & have seen them do the unthinkable...... but lift capacity, axle construction, beefier build of the Mahindra is drawing me to it.... any buying tips? I'm looking at 0% & 3.9% options.... just curious how far I can push to get cost down...

Your list of "to do's" are basically what I was looking to do. I too studied the L3901 just like Mike did. (Just had seat time on the lot though.) That is a very nice tractor as well, but my primary needs involve a lot of loader work and moving trees and stumps around. The 2538 is just a little beefier in the areas I was concerned with. I would also recommend you strongly consider a grapple and third function kit for your stated needs. Below are a few of the things you can do with the 2538 HST and a 60" EA Single Lid Wicked Grapple. With a backhoe you could go after even bigger and badder stumps.

Again - the Kubota is a great machine as well. I think there is a youtube video out there somewhere comparing a 2538 HST with a JD 3038 and a Kubota L3901. All would make fine choices, so perhaps get a little seat time in each one. Good luck!

 

[RNeumann]

I was looking at the same sized tractors. Kioti, Kubota and Mahindra peaked my interest and had good local dealers. I was very close to purchase when I was offered deals on the 1538- it was my understanding it was a Mahindra rebate. I don't have the backhoe but I did look and Mahindra has one for that model. The 1538 is a Mitsubishi machine with the Mahindra engine. The 1538 has a few extra features when compared to the 2538. With so little info on the 1538 I made a few short videos and posted them to YouTube.

Ditto the post above on the reasons I went with Mahindra.

The Kioti would have been hard to beat but the dealer had no clue with regards to the extra hydraulics I wanted.

 

[Jonathan70]

Your list of "to do's" are basically what I was looking to do. I too studied the L3901 just like Mike did. (Just had seat time on the lot though.) That is a very nice tractor as well, but my primary needs involve a lot of loader work and moving trees and stumps around. The 2538 is just a little beefier in the areas I was concerned with. I would also recommend you strongly consider a grapple and third function kit for your stated needs. Below are a few of the things you can do with the 2538 HST and a 60" EA Single Lid Wicked Grapple. With a backhoe you could go after even bigger and badder stumps.

Again - the Kubota is a great machine as well. I think there is a youtube video out there somewhere comparing a 2538 HST with a JD 3038 and a Kubota L3901. All would make fine choices, so perhaps get a little seat time in each one. Good luck!

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Thank you for the reply. Along with pics of The 2538 in action... hopefully I'll hit my sweet spot number this week with the dealer $$$

 

[fried1765]

Thank you for the reply. Along with pics of The 2538 in action... hopefully I'll hit my sweet spot number this week with the dealer $$$

I would think that this time of the year (Christmas) would be the perfect time to beat the dealer up a bit.
January might be even better.
It is cold in CT this time of year, and buyers everywhere are saddled with Christmas expenses.
I doubt that there are many tractor buyers lurking around his lot right now,.... or next month.
Hang tight..... I think it likely the dealer will come around.
Can you buy it in NH, and save the tax?