Help Choosing a Tractor: Mahindra 1126 vs. 2126 on Hilly 5-Acres

[Marty889]

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a new house on 5 acres, and we’ve decided to invest in a tractor for property maintenance. After shopping around and visiting a few dealers, we’ve narrowed our choice down to Mahindra, specifically the 1126 and 2126 models. I’m hoping to get some advice from those who have experience with either or both.

Our planned uses are pretty straightforward:

• Dragging small trees for firewood
• Moving firewood with the front loader
• Tilling a small garden
• Shoveling snow from the driveway with the front loader
• Mowing grass with an attachment

The Property:
The main challenge is that a lot of our property is on a steep incline. The current owner is leaving us his zero-turn mower, but he mentioned it’s useless on the steep grass behind the house because it just slides downhill. He said the only way to mow back there is with a tractor going straight up and down.

He currently has a Massey Ferguson GC2300, which he’s owned since new. He loves it and said it’s the perfect size for the property, but unfortunately, he’s taking it with him, even though I offered to buy it. We wanted to keep the dealer somewhat close to us. That limits our options to JD, Kubota, New Holland, and Mahindra. We looked at new/used at every dealer and we are very much leaning towards Mahindra.

The Dilemma:
I’m leaning toward the 1126, as I think it’s plenty of tractor for the occasional projects we’ll be doing. The smaller size would be nice for maneuverability, especially for tight spaces or smaller tasks like moving compost/dirt.

However, I like the idea of the larger 2126 for added stability, especially on the steeper parts of the property. The extra size and weight seem like they might provide more confidence and safety when tackling inclines. Of course, the tradeoff is that it’s bulkier to store and maneuver, and it costs a bit more upfront.

The Question:
For those of you who own a Mahindra (or something similar), do you think the extra cost of the larger model is worth it in the long run? Is stability on hills something where bigger really is better, or would the smaller model be just fine for what I’ve described?

I’d love to hear your experiences and any advice you have! Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Mike1955]

Just from my experience I would choose the larger. I bought small the bigger and really just wasted money on the first purchase. You know what you want, and I think it’s the bigger one

 

[2manyrocks]

How steep are you talking about?

 

[camshawn]

You will really want the extra HP for the hill. A little bigger bucket capacity, easier to move snow(especially the heavy wet stuff that always comes), less trips to the compost pile or back from the soil pile. We went from 15 hp yanmar to a 36hp Mahindra. I was going to get the 26hp Mahindra but the boss told me we are getting the bigger one. I am glad she insisted as we got a quick change bucket that I can put a crane pole or pallet forks on in as long as it takes to get on and off the machine twice and the extra HP is great if we get slushy snow or a huge dump of powder.

 

[M59]

We wanted to keep the dealer somewhat close to us. That limits our options to JD, Kubota, New Holland, and Mahindra. We looked at new/used at every dealer and we are very much leaning towards Mahindra.

Marty889, You mention you have 4 different tractor dealers to choose from. Was machine cost the deciding factor or were there other factors that made Mahindra the preferred choice?

 

[Marty889]

Just from my experience I would choose the larger. I bought small the bigger and really just wasted money on the first purchase. You know what you want, and I think it’s the bigger one

After reading more online I totally agree. For the few extra bucks I think this is the way to go.

 

[Marty889]

How steep are you talking about?

I'm not sure, but its difficult to even walk up. I would say probably around 30% or so

 

[Marty889]

Marty889, You mention you have 4 different tractor dealers to choose from. Was machine cost the deciding factor or were there other factors that made Mahindra the preferred choice?

To be honest largely, yes. I just don't think that with the little we will be using it, that it would be worth the extra money. This isn't a tax expense like it is for farmers, so this is right out of pocket, and I don't care of it breaks down for a while. Its not as though I'm going to be in the middle of a harvest and need my tractor fixed right away. While annoying to wait for parts, it isn't the deal breaker. Plus it is the largest Mahindra dealer in the area, and they 5 tech's working full time and a large parts counter. So I am optimistic about parts availability.

Is there something you would recommend? There is a Rural King nearby and we were thinking about checking out a RK24 or something there, but not sure if we want to go that low with parts and service.

 

[rumwrks]

I'm not sure, but its difficult to even walk up. I would say probably around 30% or so

That would push my pucker factor over the limit on most any tractor honestly.

There are a number of things I like about the 2126 better, the front end lift capacity is a lot higher (which if you haven't use a tractor with pallet forks on it.. I can't begin to describe how useful that's been), the higher ground clearance would be nice, and I think you'll appreciate the 3 speed HST vs the 2 speed.

Having said all that, IDK 30 degrees is damn steep.. how much space do you actually have to mow there? On something that steep I'd be looking real hard at how not to go up there with a tractor and at alternative management strategies.

 

[Oldstuff]

For tractor, storage sheds and air compressors I recommend to get one size bigger that needed for the job!

 

[bearthebruce]

@Marty889 we have property where we mow slopes with 22-25 degree slope. We run a Massey 1533 - 33 ponies no hyrdro - gear machine.

On the steep sections, up and down is the way to go. Yes, first time mowing will cause seat pucker.. with a brush hog or mower on the rear, the front will feel very light. Hang some weight out there.

Problem with hanging more weight - you need more ponies to climb. When mowing, I often have to slow the machine to climb the hill and trust me, you don't want to be changing gears on the hill. Ask how I know!

If one takes their time and knows their machine, I think you will have no trouble. But, 33 ponies is light for the hills we do as the hog eats most of the power. We are supposed to have 28 PTO HP. Cutting 3 foot grass, Missy bogs down if I don't run her slower.

36 HP sounds to be the minimum for what you have described. Just remember to keep the tractor in all wheel drive. I learned that lesson too!

Some on here will tell you running all wheel puts wear on your tractor and it does. But without all wheel, those slopes are really dangerous. You want the machine to be able to hold on the hill with all 4 feet...

 

[M59]

To be honest largely, yes. I just don't think that with the little we will be using it, that it would be worth the extra money. This isn't a tax expense like it is for farmers, so this is right out of pocket, and I don't care of it breaks down for a while. Its not as though I'm going to be in the middle of a harvest and need my tractor fixed right away. While annoying to wait for parts, it isn't the deal breaker. Plus it is the largest Mahindra dealer in the area, and they 5 tech's working full time and a large parts counter. So I am optimistic about parts availability.

Is there something you would recommend? There is a Rural King nearby and we were thinking about checking out a RK24 or something there, but not sure if we want to go that low with parts and service.

Marty889,
Sorry for not responding sooner. Weather in NC is abnormally cold and wind chill is brutal even for someone who grew up in New England and likes to go skiing when every one else flees from the slopes due to the cold. You can ski faster when the slopes are clear of obstacles.

I can only provide my experience with the machines I own or have spent ample time on my personal property or help a friend in need as I do not do commercial work or farm. The Mahindra Max 24 TLB ( closer to 2123 and 2126 model than the 1126 ) is clearly a machine where cost to consumer was paramount and Mahindra cut some very significant corners when compared to the Kubota B26TLB.
Kubota uses metal tubing in hydraulic runs and hose where flex is needed whereas Mahindra uses long runs of hose everywhere and hose is more prone to damage than tubing. When damaged the time and cost to repair these long runs is expensive.
Mahindra does not protect the hoses underneath the machine. I know this because I ran over a stick, breaking it and the stick penetrated the hydraulic return line and the entire resevoir of hydraulic fluid quickly dumped itself onto the ground.
Kubota's backhoe valves are set up so that multiple actions can occur at the same time ( ie boom sweep and bucket curl) whereas Mahindra's valving only allows ONE action at a time so the motion is very jerky.
The FEL ( Front End Loader) on the B26 will roll back much further than the Mahindra which allows the B26 to carry a full volume closer to the ground and thereby the machine is more stable. The Max 24 FEL must be raised substantially higher to carry the same volume without spillage and machine is less stable due to higher weight.
The Max 24 throttle is a lever on the steering column that requires significant effort, even when new, to change the throttle setting whereas the B26 is smooth and easy even after a decade.
Kubota is very conscientious about ease of machine maintenance so the grease nipples are well positioned for ease of greasing and nipples are protected by steel collars so they are unlikely to be damaged. Mahindra Max 24 grease nipples are not protected and are pain to access Ive got one nipple on Max 24 that requires a very small right angle bend in the grease gun nipple clamp to access the nipple.
Ive broken the hoses off of the Mahindra's outrigger ( stabilizing legs on backhoe) becasue the hose connection to the piston was not protected. Kubota adds protective metal shields where hoses and connections are at risk of damage.

I view equipment in this way. Initial purchase is one cost BUT, in my opinion, the ease of use is a much bigger cost because if the machine is easy to use then you will be much more productive and happy with your machine far into the future. I will not buy another Mahindra product but I will and have bought more Kubota product ( a KX080-5 two months ago). I've had the Kubota M59 since 2012 and it works as well now with thousands of hours as it did with 230 hours. The B26 is just a smaller version of the M59 and it is as smooth and well laid out as the much more expensive and larger M59.

I've added Max 24 pic to show the hose runs. If you carefully look at the 2123 and 2126 you will see the same type of hose runs.

ps. A tractor used for mowing a 30% incline is going to have much higher center of gravity than a zero turn lawn mower. I personally am not fond of trying to make a tractor do what a lawn mower can do better UNLESS you have lots of nearly flat land and are farming. Cutting and bailing hay is not mowing the lawn

pps. Here is link to % grade and within the article is information about the hosepower to climb various grades. Somewhat applicable to your mowing and similar to another answer about needing lots of horsepower to both climb and power a mower. I'm still of the position a tractor is not a good lawn mower.

HILL CLIMBING ABILITY RATIOS SLOPES CALCULATIONS

How to calculate the gradient hill slope or beach climbing ability of AmphiMax transporter vehicles

www.blue-growth.org

Hope this helps.

 

[yanmars]

I have a larger Mahindra, made in 2004. My issue has been when I need parts it takes months often to get them, now my repair dealer is not a Mahindra dealer so that could be the issue.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I'm sure my answer doesn't directly respond to your question - But:
Change the tires on the zero turn mower to Carlisle A101 tires. That'll end your traction problem.
I would not buy either Mahindra. Kubota would be by far, my choice for many reasons.

 

[2manyrocks]

You can buy an inexpensive digital level to measure the steepness of your slope. If it really is 30, that is where few machines are rated for that. That is where Ventrac, Steiner, and Power trac machines are rated.

Cub Cadet also makes some slope mowers but I don’t recall if they make one rated for 30 slope.

 

[404nouser]

I'd prefer to buy a tractor that is made by the company selling it.
If the two companies have a falling out parts availability suffers.
Also deere won't sell yellow parts from a green dealer and vise versa, Kubota won't sell parts for a tractor they say shouldn't be in America.

 

[kneedeep]

Bigger is always better,
Fill tires with fluid.

 

[Mike1955]

Bigger is always better,
Fill tires with fluid.

Thank you for serving

 

[Marty889]

That would push my pucker factor over the limit on most any tractor honestly.

There are a number of things I like about the 2126 better, the front end lift capacity is a lot higher (which if you haven't use a tractor with pallet forks on it.. I can't begin to describe how useful that's been), the higher ground clearance would be nice, and I think you'll appreciate the 3 speed HST vs the 2 speed.

Having said all that, IDK 30 degrees is damn steep.. how much space do you actually have to mow there? On something that steep I'd be looking real hard at how not to go up there with a tractor and at alternative management strategies.

I had asked the exisiting owner the same thing. He just used an old Massey Furgesson he had. My wife and I have talked about not even bother mowing that part and just letting it grown in.

 

[Marty889]

@Marty889 we have property where we mow slopes with 22-25 degree slope. We run a Massey 1533 - 33 ponies no hyrdro - gear machine.

On the steep sections, up and down is the way to go. Yes, first time mowing will cause seat pucker.. with a brush hog or mower on the rear, the front will feel very light. Hang some weight out there.

Problem with hanging more weight - you need more ponies to climb. When mowing, I often have to slow the machine to climb the hill and trust me, you don't want to be changing gears on the hill. Ask how I know!

If one takes their time and knows their machine, I think you will have no trouble. But, 33 ponies is light for the hills we do as the hog eats most of the power. We are supposed to have 28 PTO HP. Cutting 3 foot grass, Missy bogs down if I don't run her slower.

36 HP sounds to be the minimum for what you have described. Just remember to keep the tractor in all wheel drive. I learned that lesson too!

Some on here will tell you running all wheel puts wear on your tractor and it does. But without all wheel, those slopes are really dangerous. You want the machine to be able to hold on the hill with all 4 feet...

Good to know thank you!