If you think you will not be keeping the Max for 7-10 years, get the Kubota. (PS the Max will turn pink if left in sun.)
I really like the excellent Shuttle shift on my Max28, as it is far better than my old Kubota's 3 x 2 Straight gear transmission. I prefer 8 speed shuttle to a 2 speed hydro.
In my case, I bought a leftover Max28, saving more than $5000 over a new
B2650 Kubota.
I "plan" on keeping whatever tractor for years/decades to come. We are pretty settled in our home based on house size, property size and location. That is even considering IF I ever got the job I've been applying for for some time now. Living arrangements should not need to change.
I really fear the "pink" look of the Mahindras. I'll keep it in my 30x40 insulated metal building though and that should alleviate the color change. Why can't Mahindra use a better paint like autobody quality? I had a red f150 for 9 years that lived in the texas sun it's whole life and it didn't fade in the slightest. Washed it monthly and waxed it twice a year.
It's hard to beat the seat comfort, the refinement and ergonomics of the control layout, plus the smoothness of engine and hydraulics for the
B2650.
That had Kubota not quite ruled out, but I don't need the scoop of dirt to have a smooth ride while the loader is being picked up. I know it'll make the entire tractor more jerky, but I will be able to live with it. I didn't notice anything uncomfortable about my neighbors 75hp JD loader controls and I felt the Max26 was smoother than that beast during my test drive. Would a kubota be that much smoother to notice if not driven back to back comparing to the Max?
Ultimately the price difference is a factor. At first I was figuring they come out the same after the Mahindra dealer offers 5.24% financing for 84 months and the Kubota dealer offered 0% financing for 60 months. I'd get lower monthly payments on the Mahindra, but the two tractors (
B2601 and Max 26) end up costing nearly the same after 84 months paid on mahindra and 60 months paid on Kubota. Actually the Mahindra cost $848 more than a 2601 7 years later.
Then I may have discovered a cheaper route on the Mahindra, waiting for a reply from the dealer. Here's what i came up with
Max26 0% = $20,405 (total paid @$298.71/mo for 72)
+ $535
B2601 = $20,940 (total paid @$349.00/mo for 60)
+ $848
Max26=$21,788 ( total paid @$259.84/mo for 84 )
+ $772
B2650 = $22,560 (total paid @$376/mo for 60)
all those prices include a canopy and tax in case they looked high to anyone.
Good point and maybe that is part of the answer; MATEMIKE, you may prefer a shuttle shift in either Mahindra for FEL work.
Set on HST. I feel a shuttle shift, although miles ahead of a rudimentary box transmission, could cause left leg fatigue for myself or my wife if using the tractor for hours at a time and even more so if being used days and days in a row.
