2538 question re: longevity of exhaust system

[Tater John]

I bought a 2538 hst about 7yrs. ago, and selected a Mahindra tractor because at the time they were about the only dealer
that offered compact tractor without dpf exhaust and regen system. However, at the time the dealer told me to run the
tractor at least 1800 - 2000 rpm to keep the exhaust system cleaned out and keep the catalytic converter like component
from getting clogged up and needing replacement. Now that the tractor is getting a little age on it I am wondering if other
2538 owners have had any problems (had to replace any exhaust parts). Also wondering if other 2538 owners operate
their tractor at lower rpm's without any problems. Just curious how things are going with the 2538's and this issue (and other
Mahindra tractor models that had similar non regen engine), if it is an issue. I have generally followed the advice I was given
and have had no problems. What about others?

My tractor has been a real work horse. It does have a hard seat though. Any recommendations for a better seat that will fit.

 

[duffer]

I've had my 2538 since beginning of 2016. Not any exhaust problems, or any problems for that matter, other than a FEL cylinder seal that needed repacking. I've got 1750 hours on mine, all of them moderate to hard working hours. Probably 800+ of them on the FEL.

My dealer told me to run it at 1600+ rpm for the hydraulics to work properly. My engine "smoothes" out at 1800-2000 rpm, where it's in the power range (you can hear the difference in the engine). The only time I run it over 2000 rpm is when I'm using the PTO for my 7' mower. See no need to run it over 2000 rpm otherwise. It does whatever I want it to between 1800-2000.

Took me 4 years to finally replace the seat with a suspension seat I got online. Wish I had done it 4 years earlier. Only thing you need to be careful of when getting a new seat is to make sure it's narrow enough to fit between the PTO gear lever on the left, and your 3 pt hitch draft lever on the right. I had to DQ several seats I found on line because they were too wide (I think they were semi truck seats). The 2638 suspension seat is touted as being a good one, but I think it's pushing $800 for it. I got mine for like $350-$400. But that was before the "transitory" inflation kicked in....

 

[1tandem]

I've had my 2538 since beginning of 2016. Not any exhaust problems, or any problems for that matter, other than a FEL cylinder seal that needed repacking. I've got 1750 hours on mine, all of them moderate to hard working hours. Probably 800+ of them on the FEL.

My dealer told me to run it at 1600+ rpm for the hydraulics to work properly. My engine "smoothes" out at 1800-2000 rpm, where it's in the power range (you can hear the difference in the engine). The only time I run it over 2000 rpm is when I'm using the PTO for my 7' mower. See no need to run it over 2000 rpm otherwise. It does whatever I want it to between 1800-2000.

Took me 4 years to finally replace the seat with a suspension seat I got online. Wish I had done it 4 years earlier. Only thing you need to be careful of when getting a new seat is to make sure it's narrow enough to fit between the PTO gear lever on the left, and your 3 pt hitch draft lever on the right. I had to DQ several seats I found on line because they were too wide (I think they were semi truck seats). The 2638 suspension seat is touted as being a good one, but I think it's pushing $800 for it. I got mine for like $350-$400. But that was before the "transitory" inflation kicked in....

What seat, where did you it, and any installation issues? Thanks

 

[1tandem]

I bought a 2538 hst about 7yrs. ago, and selected a Mahindra tractor because at the time they were about the only dealer
that offered compact tractor without dpf exhaust and regen system. However, at the time the dealer told me to run the
tractor at least 1800 - 2000 rpm to keep the exhaust system cleaned out and keep the catalytic converter like component
from getting clogged up and needing replacement. Now that the tractor is getting a little age on it I am wondering if other
2538 owners have had any problems (had to replace any exhaust parts). Also wondering if other 2538 owners operate
their tractor at lower rpm's without any problems. Just curious how things are going with the 2538's and this issue (and other
Mahindra tractor models that had similar non regen engine), if it is an issue. I have generally followed the advice I was given
and have had no problems. What about others?

My tractor has been a real work horse. It does have a hard seat though. Any recommendations for a better seat that will fit.

I agree with what duffer said. Only little over 500 hours, virtually no problems, replaced battery under warranty, replaced 1 pto switch under warranty, 3rd function control had a couple of minor leaks. Would definitely do it again.

 

[duffer]

What seat, where did you it, and any installation issues? Thanks

I don't remember where I got it, but it was on line. (not TSC, or Amazon) Had to do a little fabrication for mounting it, but not brain surgery, pretty remedial. I used PT 2x6's laid flat for adjusting the mounting bolt pattern. Also raised the seat 1½" which was good for me. Got rid of the stupid seat safety switch.

Mine has an adjustment for the tension, based on your weight. Some do, some don't. Depends what you want/need.

 

[duffer]

Thought some more about your original question on the exhaust system and the longevity of it. IIRC, there's only about 6" of pipe and the muffler with a 4" "tailpipe" aimed at the ground. That's the extent of it. If it ever goes kaput, should be a piece of cake to put a straight pipe on it if you want. Who's going to inspect it for a catelitic converter? Not like you need an EPA inspection sticker every year...
(I don't even know if it has a CC. I think it's just a muffler. Could be wrong on that.)