20 Series Question

[dcgrosvold]

Actually, Dougster, I understand your confusion. In my wife's case, she had polio as a child, which left her with a bum right leg. The thing is, that means her left leg has taken an extra load for over half a century, so much so that her lower back has been damaged to the point of constant pain, and her left knee can't stand the strain. When she turned 50, she was struck by post-polio syndrome, whcih is essentuially like having polio all over again. the joints hurt all the time, and the muscles fatigue so quickly that she couldn't hold down a job anymore. We've been to doctors who wanted to just feed her drugs, and we've found that a brace on her right leg now helps her stay less fatigued on the left.

The horse ranch has been a Godsend - it's the best therapy we've been able to find for her. These days, she spends most of her timne outside with the horses rain or shine. And I ride with her when I'm not working.

She's the one who wants to do the horse feeding, scooping up bedding, pasture harrowing, etc. all the time. I'll be doing road maintenance, a bit of construction, and hay baling, most of which requires a lot less of the back and forth stuff. Unfortunately, I'm the one that can handle using the clutch.

Anyway, her overworked left leg is the one that has to use the clutch all the time, and when doing loader work as you know, you drive forward, then back,. Then forward, then back. Then forward, then back...

At any rate, from what Brandi said, the 7520 would require her to depress the clutch, flip the lever forward, release the clutch, go forward, depress the clutch, flip the lever, release the clutch, go backward, dpress the clutch, flip the lever, go forward, etc. etc.

With the "PowerReverser" (or an equivalent feature on another brand,) the scenario would be more like: Flip the lever, go forward, flip the lever, go backward, flip the lever, go forward .. anyway, you get the idea.

As I understand it, she could even hop on the tractor, select a gear, and then flip the lever forward or back without ever having to use the clutch. Now, I may be wrong about that, and I didn't have time to drive it, but that sounds like it would be great for both of us. It's not a hydro, but it's pretty close, and it has the added feature of having the strength of the clutch and gears when needed.

The thing is, like you say, that extra 15K in the pocket could go a long way toward buying all the hay tools I need. I'm going to have to take her to the dealer and have her drive the 7520 to see if it will be comfortable enough for her. Then, we need to shop around some more at other brands, and drive them as well. As far as I'm concerned, an extra 15K is a small price to pay for my wife to stay healthy and enjoy her horses if that's what it takes. The thing is, we will have to sacrifice elsewhere if this is what she needs.

Sorry for the long post. I generally stay on the sidelines and listen - I can learn a lot that way. However, I don't mind explaining my thinking process when someone else is offering help and suggestions. Maybe this will make sense?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Recently, I used a 5425 that belongs to a friend of mine, that is one sweet machine. It had the self-leveling loader, which made it extra sweet. I don't know if Mahindra offers the self-leveling loader option yet, but the $ difference between the two is probably going to be pretty steep. Around here the 7520 with QA FEL goes for about 29000 and the 5425 with the 542 self leveling bucket goes for about 41000.

Mahindra did offer a hydraulic self leveling loader on the 7520 in the past. I have it on my tractor. It was a $900 option at the time. My understanding is that it has been discontinued due to low sales. I was told by KMW that less than 5 had been sold. While it is ok, after having it I most likely would not get it again. It is a hindrance while using the loader for everything except the loader forks. So unless you move a lot of pallets & unload a lot of trucks, I advise against it.

Kubota has a hydraulic self leveling loader on the M series and I believe that it can be turned off & on, I think, not 100% sure though.

 

[joe48]

Actually this is the second time I've had trouble getting anyone at this specific dealership to help. No reflection on Mahindra as far as I'm concerned - these guys have been selling New Holland for years, as well, so they've been in business a LONG time. Problem is, they've also been fat and happy far too long. I like hungry dealers - they understand customer service.

I climbed up on one of those NH tractors yesterday as well. 70HP - couldn't stand the way it felt. I didn't even drive it. So the NH line is out. The largest Mahindra they had was the 6520 - which was the bottom end of what I'm looking for, anyway.

Anyway, there was no one on the lot yesterday morning, so the place couldn't have been too busy. I'd have been far more patient If I'd seen one or two salespeople out on the lot with customers.

Be that as it may, there are other dealers - this one just happened to be the closest - within 68 miles of home, so the other is not that much farther (75 mi - just in the opposite direction.) I had business that way this weekend so that's where I stopped.

Just to explain, the JD I was shown was a 5425 and had a 12x12 with PowerReverser - and it definitely had a clutch. The 5425 is an 81HP tractor, not the little ones with hydro transmissions. The only thing close to it in the Mahindra line would be the 7520. I realize that we're talking apples, oranges -- and limes (or is that Mahindras, Kubotas and JDs? )

Brandi, thanks for answering my question about the 20 Series. That does help me quite a bit. I haven't necessarily ruled out the Mahindra line yet, just comparing features right now.

The problem maybe your expectations of how a FARM EQUIPMENT dealer operates if your previous dealer experience has been limited to car dealers and lawn mower dealers. More than likely if as you say they have been a NH dealer for ever is they have a whole different approach to sales because thats what the long time farmers want and how they respond to sales. Most farmers I knew would shut right down if they were confronted by the aggressive car salesman approach. When they're good and ready to talk and deal they'll let you know, and it may be very subtle. Quite often the dealer or salesman will let them make the first overtures.

The dealer may not have several salesman waiting like vultures to pounce on the next customer that walks on the lot and /or the salemen maybe out on the road visiting their regular clientel.

I would suggest YOU approach the owner or sales mgr and strike up a conversation and tell him what you think your needs are, if he's any good he will ask you a lot of questions about you, your operation what you plan to do with the tractor etc. The next step should be after he's helped narrow your choices down based on that info is work out a demo at your place.

Also if the store appears to be busy with old time customers you could try to strike up a coversation with these folks and find out how they rate this dealer for sales, service, parts etc. Warning a few farmers don't say much but most will try to help if youre genuinely interested, then they may talk your ears off. You can gain a wealth of info about tractors, equipment, hay , horses, whatever.

Hope this helps, and I would definitley give them another chance.

 

[bindian]

Actually, Dougster, I understand your confusion. In my wife's case, she had polio as a child, which left her with a bum right leg. The thing is, that means her left leg has taken an extra load for over half a century, so much so that her lower back has been damaged to the point of constant pain, and her left knee can't stand the strain. When she turned 50, she was struck by post-polio syndrome, whcih is essentuially like having polio all over again. the joints hurt all the time, and the muscles fatigue so quickly that she couldn't hold down a job anymore. We've been to doctors who wanted to just feed her drugs, and we've found that a brace on her right leg now helps her stay less fatigued on the left.

The horse ranch has been a Godsend - it's the best therapy we've been able to find for her. These days, she spends most of her timne outside with the horses rain or shine. And I ride with her when I'm not working.

She's the one who wants to do the horse feeding, scooping up bedding, pasture harrowing, etc. all the time. I'll be doing road maintenance, a bit of construction, and hay baling, most of which requires a lot less of the back and forth stuff. Unfortunately, I'm the one that can handle using the clutch.

Anyway, her overworked left leg is the one that has to use the clutch all the time, and when doing loader work as you know, you drive forward, then back,. Then forward, then back. Then forward, then back...

At any rate, from what Brandi said, the 7520 would require her to depress the clutch, flip the lever forward, release the clutch, go forward, depress the clutch, flip the lever, release the clutch, go backward, dpress the clutch, flip the lever, go forward, etc. etc.

With the "PowerReverser" (or an equivalent feature on another brand,) the scenario would be more like: Flip the lever, go forward, flip the lever, go backward, flip the lever, go forward .. anyway, you get the idea.

As I understand it, she could even hop on the tractor, select a gear, and then flip the lever forward or back without ever having to use the clutch. Now, I may be wrong about that, and I didn't have time to drive it, but that sounds like it would be great for both of us. It's not a hydro, but it's pretty close, and it has the added feature of having the strength of the clutch and gears when needed.

The thing is, like you say, that extra 15K in the pocket could go a long way toward buying all the hay tools I need. I'm going to have to take her to the dealer and have her drive the 7520 to see if it will be comfortable enough for her. Then, we need to shop around some more at other brands, and drive them as well. As far as I'm concerned, an extra 15K is a small price to pay for my wife to stay healthy and enjoy her horses if that's what it takes. The thing is, we will have to sacrifice elsewhere if this is what she needs.

Sorry for the long post. I generally stay on the sidelines and listen - I can learn a lot that way. However, I don't mind explaining my thinking process when someone else is offering help and suggestions. Maybe this will make sense?

Dcgrosvold,
Y'all definitely have a need for a Power Reverser. I don't like manual transmissions in my truck becasue I work nights and get caught in morning rush hour on my way home. I hate holding a clutch in and waiting. But my 6520 is a sweety and that clutch is smooth for loader work. I do hope she gets to drive a 7520 , but mostly want what is best for her...............and you. If y'all go with the JD and the Power Reverser........work a deal for discounted equipment you need in a package deal. That way you can get what you need at low interest rates. I do wish I would have added more to my "to buy" list when I bought new last spring.
hugs, Brandi

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I climbed up on one of those NH tractors yesterday as well. 70HP - couldn't stand the way it felt. I didn't even drive it. So the NH line is out. The largest Mahindra they had was the 6520 - which was the bottom end of what I'm looking for, anyway.

Just to explain, the JD I was shown was a 5425 and had a 12x12 with PowerReverser - and it definitely had a clutch. The 5425 is an 81HP tractor, not the little ones with hydro transmissions. The only thing close to it in the Mahindra line would be the 7520. I realize that we're talking apples, oranges -- and limes (or is that Mahindras, Kubotas and JDs? ) [/ quote]

I too was not comfortable on the New Holland TN series. Actually felt cramped. The smaller Boomer series felt more comfortable to me, but was to small of a tractor when I was looking.

If you need to go clutch less for changing direction, then Mahindra 20 series isn't for you. Now with that said I have spent many a day on my 7520 and it hasn't been tiresome. You are not warn out after a long days work like you are on some other tractors. In your search for your new tractor, be sure to look at all the specs. When I was looking back in 2004, there was not any 75hp tractor that I could find that specked out as good as the Mahindra 7520. Go up 1 size you would be close, usually had to jump up 2hp sizes to be all out better than the 7520.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

One other thing, and you might already be doing this, try to check out the different models on the Internet before you go to the dealers, it will help you out immensely. Be sure to check out The Massey's, that is what I would have gotten if I had not gotten my 7520. There are many tractors out there that the clutch doesn't have to be used when changing directions.

Once again good luck.

 

[Dougster]

As far as I'm concerned, an extra 15K is a small price to pay for my wife to stay healthy and enjoy her horses if that's what it takes. The thing is, we will have to sacrifice elsewhere if this is what she needs. Sorry for the long post. I generally stay on the sidelines and listen - I can learn a lot that way. However, I don't mind explaining my thinking process when someone else is offering help and suggestions. Maybe this will make sense?

Yep... makes perfect sense. I just didn't pick up immediately on the clutching issue. I was thinking more in terms of mounting, demounting and otherwise caring for one of those very large beasts.

Again, good luck with your search. As Joe48 points out, tractor dealers can be a quirky bunch and not always well-trained or polished in their approach to potential customers. The ones I've dealt with are all over the map. Some run up to you as you walk through the door. Others will let you walk around their lot for hours until you are ready to talk. Depending on your needs, expectations and sense of urgency... any given dealership may seem better or not well-suited to your own situation. In my area, Kubota and Deere dealerships are most like the new car dealers. For whatever reason, Massey, New Holland and Mahindra dealers are much more laid-back.

Dougster

 

[Keith_B]

Even with the power reverser you aren't going to be going clutchless. For the price of the 5425 you can get a smaller loader tractor with HST for your wife to use, and a larger 2WD to use for haying.

 

[dcgrosvold]

All - I certainly appreciate all the advice. I feel I can get more information in one or two posts here than any other place I've found. For all you Mahindra fans - I haven't ruled out a 7520 yet. I'm going to have to have my wife drive one a couple times before we decide - and as others have said, I'm planning to look at orange, red, red, red, orange and more green, and green.

And as Keith_B suggested, I'll look at that possibility as well. The only thing I have a concern about with a smaller tractor and hydro is the lift capacity on the FEL. Not only for round bales, but we have some serious rocks on our mountain. These will need some serious tractor power to move around.

Here's a few examples:

Diamond Bar G Ranch :: House Construction Progress :: Dsc02330
Diamond Bar G Ranch :: House Construction Progress :: Dsc02331

In fact, you can see our little place here as well.

-- Dave