A 2018 Max 26XL HST is now mine

[TractorNH]

Okay, apparently the hydraulic top link was something my dealer said no one does that around here. He was also surprised I might want a 3rd function and rear remote. He did say he could order and install the latter for me. So, since I don't really know what I'm doing, I've decided to wait for now. When it's time for the 50-hour service, I can have it done then.

No one will admit they wax their tractors?

If you don't have a rear remote, a 3rd function, or a diverter valve then how will you open and close the grapple? Some people run hoses from a rear remote to the loader to do it but a 3rd function is much nicer (though also much more expensive).

I mentioned the top link especially because you said you were getting a box blade. A hydraulic top link allows you to adjust the dig in and then the drag and ultimately the dump of material you're moving with the box blade. Here's a video that explains it:
how to set up a box blade, the angle of the dangle! - YouTube

 

[BlackOps]

i wash and wax mine with mequirs 2x a year.

 

[Squidbait]

Hello GirlWhoWantsTractor,

Your location on your profile states: In the Mountains of Virginia. Where would that be exactly? I live in a town located in Washington County Virginia, but surrounded by the mountains.

"New 2018 Max 26XL 4WD HST with FEL
Mahindra attachments:
5' Heavy Duty Box Blade
5' Standard Duty Landscape Rake
5' Heavy Duty Tilt and Angle Scraper Blade
Rear tires filled w/ WW fluid"


Total price out the door: $17k"

Sounds like you got a good price on your Max 26 XL

I am a bit puzzled. My dad got his Max 26 XL HST, FEL, 60" Mid Mount Mower, with fluid filled tires two years ago for $23,000. I realize a MMM probably costs more than your three rear attachments. He financed his machine, but would that make a 6k difference in price. This is a comment for other Mahindra users too. I think the tractor dealers here must charge higher prices than anybody in the local area and that includes all three major brands: John Deere, Kubota, and Mahindra. I could be wrong though.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Hello GirlWhoWantsTractor,

Your location on your profile states: In the Mountains of Virginia. Where would that be exactly? I live in Abingdon, Virginia - in a town, but surrounded by the mountains.

"New 2018 Max 26XL 4WD HST with FEL
Mahindra attachments:
5' Heavy Duty Box Blade
5' Standard Duty Landscape Rake
5' Heavy Duty Tilt and Angle Scraper Blade
Rear tires filled w/ WW fluid"


Total price out the door: $17k"

Sounds like you got a good price on your Max 26 XL

I am a bit puzzled. My dad got his Max 26 XL HST, FEL, 60" Mid Mount Mower, with fluid filled tires two years ago for $23,000. I realize a MMM probably costs more than your three rear attachments. He financed his machine, but would that make a 6k difference in price. This is a comment for other Mahindra users too. I think the tractor dealers here must charge higher prices than anybody in the local area and that includes all three major brands: John Deere, Kubota, and Mahindra.

Hi Squidbait, fellow SW Virginia guy! I don't want to get too specific on location on a public forum, esp these days, but you're not too far away. We're probably a bit higher elevation than you.

Yes, the MMM is around $3k, which I did not buy. Also, Mahindra is running a promotion where if you buy two implements you get $500 off, and if you buy 3 you get $1000 off. So I got $2100 worth of implements for $1100. Also we got the ag exemption, so no sales tax. That's probably another grand. Also if you choose the 0% financing you pay another few grand up front, which I didn't go that route. Probably all together, that makes the difference.

How does your dad like his Max 26XL? This size seems to be the sweet spot for a lot of folks. Our dealer got 4 new ones in and sold them all in 10 days. And he's very far from a high volume dealer.

 

[Squidbait]

Oh yeah, public forum. You are correct about posting certain details.

That makes sense how your purchase worked. I was just puzzled a bit.

My dad likes his Max 26XL pretty well. I am impressed; it is a solid machine as far as I can tell. He actually started out with an eMax 25 and then upgraded to the Max 26 XL. He would actually like to get a bigger tractor (like a 1526), but in reality bigger is not necessarily better for what he (and I) do. The majority of the work we do is mowing grass (so far) - big lawn. We haven't had enough snow here in the past two years for him to push/shovel snow. Three or four years ago when we had back to back 8 inch snowfalls here he shoveled driveways for us and about four or five neighbors with his eMax 25. He did spread out three loads of dirt with his Max 26, but that is about it so far. I have my own SCUT, but it is of another brand. I am still impressed with the Mahindra tractors though. If I had major dirt moving, tilling, plowing, loader, and blading work to do I would be much more likely to purchase a Mahindra also. Enjoy your tractor GirlWhoHasTractor.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

My dad likes his Max 26XL pretty well. I am impressed; it is a solid machine as far as I can tell. He actually started out with an eMax 25 and then upgraded to the Max 26 XL. He would actually like to get a bigger tractor (like a 1526), but in reality bigger is not necessarily better for what he (and I) do. .......I have my own SCUT, but it is of another brand. I am still impressed with the Mahindra tractors though. If I had major dirt moving, tilling, plowing, loader, and blading work to do I would be much more likely to purchase a Mahindra also. Enjoy your tractor GirlWhoHasTractor.

Thank you Squidbait! You must be a fisherman (me too).

I loved the 1526. Same exact engine but much bigger tractor. Also you get the 3-range tranny, better seat, and a couple of other perks. Bigger also was not better for me. A lot of tight spaces. I actually went up a size from what felt comfortable and will have to widen my trails. I was following the advice here, and it does make sense. I feel pretty good about my choice.

What tractor do you have? Maybe a Power Trac, since you're close to them?

 

[mike69440]

You are going to find project you had not thought off!

I hope Mahindra has finally added a real suspension seat to the Max26. I modified the seat to my max 28 so at least the rear is mounted on springs and real jounce bumpers.
So much nicer ride.

5" wide tool box fits nice behind the seat.

Extra Led Lights on the Ropes. You can tap into the 3 Amp line in the rear fender, and there is another one rated 2 Amps.

A carry all for the 3pt hitch lets you "Carry All"

The FEL Lift is plenty strong if the hydraulic pressure is up to snuff. I added an 0.030" shim washer and a pressure gage.

If you want the loader to be as strong as a larger tractor, replace the curl cylinders with those from the 1526. (Or have a hydraulic shop make you ones with 1.75" Pistons)
Wait a year for the FEL warranty to expire.

You will need more counterweight.

Search the forum for my posts on my Max28XL shuttle if interested.

Also cupholders and a nice umbrella to block the sun.

PS

A lot of good advice on the other threads.

$17K was a decent price. You did good.

Shovels are for the young. Lot to be said for a little "Chore" tractor. 306 hours and mine seems to be holding up.

 

[mike69440]

i wash and wax mine with mequirs 2x a year.

Really,

Wish I could say that for my 03 Cobra, never mind a tractor? My equipment are lucky to see a hose twice a year.

 

[Squidbait]

I loved the 1526. Same exact engine but much bigger tractor. Also you get the 3-range tranny, better seat, and a couple of other perks. Bigger also was not better for me. A lot of tight spaces. I actually went up a size from what felt comfortable and will have to widen my trails. I was following the advice here, and it does make sense. I feel pretty good about my choice.

GirlsWhoWantsTractor: I am glad you feel good about your choice. It is important that you feel like you made a good purchase.

What tractor do you have? Maybe a Power Trac, since you're close to them?

No I don't have a Power Trac. I just learned about Power Trac Machines this past winter I think it was. I got a couple of quick looks of an older fellow driving a little green front loader around a couple of times. I didn't see a brand name on it or anything. I just come across them on the computer by accident.


My SCUT is (I am afraid to say here is) a JD 1025R with FEL and 60" Mid Mount Mower Deck - commercial grade "7 iron deck" as they call it. I mow my church's four acre yard most every week (or at least I try to - (depends on the weather of course). When the fall months start rolling around it is usually dark when I finish mowing. I don't get started till after I get off work. My 1025R has the extra fender lights included which is great to have when mowing when the sun goes down. I have the auto connect deck so I don't have to lay on the ground and try to manually hook or unhook my mowers PTO shaft to the tractor. That can be a pain at times. I am pretty happy with it. I prefer a tractor with all steel fenders and engine panels, but this should do fine if I'm not rough with it.

A carry all for the 3pt hitch lets you "Carry All

Hey Mike69440 a Carry All seems like something I would like. I always want to have a bunch of stuff with me whenever I am mowing. I currently don't have a good way of carrying a weed eater, or blower with me when I go to mow. I don't have a good way to carry my loppers around if I need to trim tree branches out of my way either, or even a spare fuel can. Having a selection of tools with me could be very handy also. I should check into a Carry All sometime soon. Sounds like a good investment.

I guess I should add my tractor to my profile description; I just haven't yet. I just got it at the start of the year.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

You are going to find project you had not thought off!

I hope Mahindra has finally added a real suspension seat to the Max26. I modified the seat to my max 28 so at least the rear is mounted on springs and real jounce bumpers.
So much nicer ride.

5" wide tool box fits nice behind the seat.

Extra Led Lights on the Ropes. You can tap into the 3 Amp line in the rear fender, and there is another one rated 2 Amps.

A carry all for the 3pt hitch lets you "Carry All"

The FEL Lift is plenty strong if the hydraulic pressure is up to snuff. I added an 0.030" shim washer and a pressure gage.

If you want the loader to be as strong as a larger tractor, replace the curl cylinders with those from the 1526. (Or have a hydraulic shop make you ones with 1.75" Pistons)
Wait a year for the FEL warranty to expire.

You will need more counterweight.

Search the forum for my posts on my Max28XL shuttle if interested.

Also cupholders and a nice umbrella to block the sun.

PS

A lot of good advice on the other threads.

$17K was a decent price. You did good.

Shovels are for the young. Lot to be said for a little "Chore" tractor. 306 hours and mine seems to be holding up.

Thank you! I will read your thread with interest.

I am planning on upgrading the seat. I believe starting in the next year they will be upgrading all the seats. The brand new Max 20XL (tiny little tractor) comes with it standard now. Hoping my 500+ lb box blade will be a pretty good counterweight.

Glad you're happy with yours.