3550 hst problems,cheap built,lemon?

[Jabonee]

Jabonee,

Denver is the DSM in my area. I am going to try and get linked up with him today. To his credit - he did try to stop by one day a few months ago when I was out of town. Since I missed him the dealer took the tractor to their shop and attempted a fix. What is a realistic expectation? I have never dealt with an issue like this before. On the surface - it sounds simple enough - just fix the leaks, but it has not been that easy. Combine that with issues with the cruse control and dash panel, and I'm about up to my eyeballs in frustration.

Be patient with your DSM. All those guys are stretched thin. Mahindra is aware of the problem and is working to improve it. It also doesn't help that 2 of the DSMs our out of Canada and have been having problems getting into the country. I'd be working the dealer side of it and contacting Mahindra directly. Let the know in detail your issues and your dissatisfaction with your dealer.Your tractor should be made right and your issues corrected. It just sounds to me like your dealership is not up to snuff. I would ask to see the techs. service school certificates.

 

[DavesTractor]

This shouldn't be that hard. What we have found on difficult leaks is we first fix the leak, then do a pretty good test cycle. We run the tractor on the dyno for 1/2 hour at a pretty good load while running the loader up and down. Basically, work it, get the oil hot and give it a little time to see if the leaks are really fixed or not. Some leaks can be tough to fix, but if a tractor comes back for the leak that you thought you had fixed, a dealer needs to make certain the second fix isn't a failure.

This week is the Louisville Show and also the World Ag Expo in CA. I bet many of the DSMs are at these shows. I know it's always a tough week to get in touch with the MUSA folks as they are traveling or at shows, where they try to manage emails and calls on their phones while dealing with dealers and customers at the shows. A busy week for them.

 

[jb1390]

update got back and within 3 hours it stalled again no ck eng light today, leaking hyd fluid again by pump on right side of motor extremely bad design as there is metal plate in front of large nut to tighten up, third time tilt is broke and steering wheel is straight up, brakes don't hold it period. any one want a like new 3550 cheap? over 4yr warranty left but you will have thousands of dollars invested taking back and forth from dealer to home repeat home to dealer repeat, repeat,repeat lol

Steve,
Where are you located? I looked in your profile but did not see it listed.

I am a 3550 HST owner as well, and my machine has not been without it's issues in the year and a half I've owned it. I understand your frustration - believe me.

Here's what I have to offer for what it's worth:
The cap on the fuel tank is the only vent for the tank. If installed tightly, it will collapse the tank. When this happened to me, it led to very difficult starts due to the high vacuum. Mahindra knows about this issue, though they have yet to introduce a new cap. My tank was replaced under warranty. I cut slots in the rubber seal for the cap, so that it cannot form a perfect seal even if over-tightened. If you would like pictures of my modification, I'd be happy to provide them. I'm not sure if this is related at all to your stalling, but it might be worth a check. Loosen the cap and see if the tank hisses, indicating it was under a vacuum.

The brakes are adjustable, and there are multiple catch points. On a steep hill, I need to hit the 3rd click to hold it tight. In reality, if I have to park on a hill, I try to drop the loader or weight to help hold the machine in place. Most of the time I don't set the brake that tight, but it will hold the machine. It takes lots of foot pressure.

The steering wheel tilt cylinder is not the greatest design. I've had issues with mine. On my machine, the issue stems from the fact you can over-extend the pedal, which ends up bending the end of the gas cylinder. The gas cylinder contains a latch inside of it, which is supposed to hold the column when the foot pedal is released. If the end of the cylinder bends, that latch is permanently held open - which will obviously not allow the steering wheel to hold the downward position. Mahindra replaced one under warranty, and I was able to fix the second one when it happened again shortly after. I intend to include a stop on the pedal to fix it permanently.

I have only had minor hydraulic line leak issues, nothing that could not be quickly solved with a couple wrenches. I have not returned mine to the dealer for those - it's far more hassle for me to move the machine than to tighten a fitting. I will look at the main pump line later today, to see if I can offer you any advice on how to better access the fitting.

Mahindra has been pretty good lately in helping me sort out the issues on my machine. I would not give up on your machine just yet, these all sound like issues that can be resolved, and you will not find a more capable machine for loader work in this HP class.

-Jeff

 

[steve stiller]

thanks jeff, jabonee this is there problem, not ours. ive been having problems since day one for a year and Mahindra and there reps, how long do you want me to wait?? I'm from western pa and my tractor normally sits in my heated garage, as I walked back through it last night I noticed diesel fuel now leaking from fuel filter housing area and oil from the oil cooler thinking as front diff is all wet and its right above it. so from day one with rubin involved there dsm and no one including him self can fix problems, also the cruise doesn't work as another guy stated. but in my case it wont work with the under powered tractor. At this point the rep needs to come get my tractor and either refund my money or replace with another tractor. I have no faith in this tractor period. I'm not a farmer and use this tractor to mow my 20 acre field which I mow around total 4 acres and also am a powersports dealer and use it to lift new machines in crates which it does well and main reason that I bought it. but with all the problems and short comings this thing has had I want my tc45da new Holland back!! was 8yrs old, never had a leak and powerful. I really do think I should be able to mow in 2nd gear 4-5mph with ease just like my new Holland and it just stalls out at slightest grade. I have to mow in first at 1-2mph which is a joke. I hate attorneys as a business man but looks as i'm going to have to pay one to get this pos out of my garage.

 

[davesl708]

thanks jeff, jabonee this is there problem, not ours. ive been having problems since day one for a year and Mahindra and there reps, how long do you want me to wait?? I'm from western pa and my tractor normally sits in my heated garage, as I walked back through it last night I noticed diesel fuel now leaking from fuel filter housing area and oil from the oil cooler thinking as front diff is all wet and its right above it. so from day one with rubin involved there dsm and no one including him self can fix problems, also the cruise doesn't work as another guy stated. but in my case it wont work with the under powered tractor. At this point the rep needs to come get my tractor and either refund my money or replace with another tractor. I have no faith in this tractor period. I'm not a farmer and use this tractor to mow my 20 acre field which I mow around total 4 acres and also am a powersports dealer and use it to lift new machines in crates which it does well and main reason that I bought it. but with all the problems and short comings this thing has had I want my tc45da new Holland back!! was 8yrs old, never had a leak and powerful. I really do think I should be able to mow in 2nd gear 4-5mph with ease just like my new Holland and it just stalls out at slightest grade. I have to mow in first at 1-2mph which is a joke. I hate attorneys as a business man but looks as i'm going to have to pay one to get this pos out of my garage.

If the dealer won't work with you on this it is time to check the lemon-laws in your state. No excuse for paying for a tractor to set at the dealers shop. I would also demand credit for all the time it has been in the shop.

 

[Diggernut]

I have a 3540 that hasn't got 15 hrs on it yet and so far I have fixed a pain in the butt to get to oil leak,upper radiator hose coolant leak,re engineered the bolt setup on the backhoe frame so I could actually use the lift arms after removing the bh.When the dealer installed the bh frame they put some bolts in backwards making it impossible to pin up the lower lift arm balls.The low beam headlights stayed on all the time so the dealer drop shipped a new light switch to me and I installed it to get that fixed.On the plus side I have hooked it to a heavy duty 7ft box blade with a hydraulic top link that I rigged up and graded our 700ft rock driveway,moved a bunch a dirt,dug up a couple of stumps before I took the bh off,moved my trailers around with a new ball hitch I made for the bucket,installed a WR Long third function valve and a sun guard top complete with stereo system.With 14 hrs and a half tank of fuel burned this is where Im at with mine and I really like it.The way it looks,the weight,lift capacity and easy operation appeal to me so Im gonna keep mine and keep working on it for sure. :thumbsup:

 

[Jabonee]

If the dealer won't work with you on this it is time to check the lemon-laws in your state. No excuse for paying for a tractor to set at the dealers shop. I would also demand credit for all the time it has been in the shop.

Steve are you dealing with Blair Auto in Altoona? Rueben is a great DSM and its hard to believe that he's not gotten your issuses resolved. I really think the dealer is the biggest problem. Just sounds like they are not doing a good job.Thats why you need to contact Mahindra directly and let your displeasure be known.:thumbsup:

 

[steve stiller]

never heard of blair auto before. I have contacted Mahindra 8 times and never a call back I did walk in on rubin once at dealership and left multiple messages with him on voice mail with Mahindra and never a call back. again the tractor stalled just after they replaced fuel tank and hoses and etc. no eng light on, it did before when new. leaking at a few places, temp gauage doesn't move unless its 80 degrees out, tilt system for steering wheel out. cruise doesn't work. tractor just is under powered, im going to try to find a dyno to put it on and try that. the dealer said they took it to a tractor place before and it was fine although they couldn't or wouldn't give me a name of place and never told me they took it to a place until last time I picked it up. i'm very well known in tri state area and own stiller motorsports, and are known for our customer service and live on rt422 hwy. thinking its time to put big sign up and park tractor out front for 45,000-50000 people to see it daily. hate to do it but still dealing with stuff from day one. its a shame as the tractor does lift extremely well and no tractor in this size does that much lifting. just need to mow more than 1-2mph and not to keep buying fluid for leaks

 

[Jabonee]

Boy Steve, That just doesn't sound like Rueben or Mahindra not returning a phone call. I'm sure your aware that there are 2 other dealers in your area. Have you considered them?:thumbsup:

 

[DK35vince]

i'm very well known in tri state area and own stiller motorsports, and are known for our customer service and live on rt422 hwy.

I know exactly where you are.
I've stopped in your place a time or 2.

 

[DavesTractor]

never heard of blair auto before. I have contacted Mahindra 8 times and never a call back I did walk in on rubin once at dealership and left multiple messages with him on voice mail with Mahindra and never a call back. again the tractor stalled just after they replaced fuel tank and hoses and etc. no eng light on, it did before when new. leaking at a few places, temp gauage doesn't move unless its 80 degrees out, tilt system for steering wheel out. cruise doesn't work. tractor just is under powered, im going to try to find a dyno to put it on and try that. the dealer said they took it to a tractor place before and it was fine although they couldn't or wouldn't give me a name of place and never told me they took it to a place until last time I picked it up. i'm very well known in tri state area and own stiller motorsports, and are known for our customer service and live on rt422 hwy. thinking its time to put big sign up and park tractor out front for 45,000-50000 people to see it daily. hate to do it but still dealing with stuff from day one. its a shame as the tractor does lift extremely well and no tractor in this size does that much lifting. just need to mow more than 1-2mph and not to keep buying fluid for leaks

Steve, I sent a note into Mahindra and asked them to read this post. Not getting a call back is a show stopper. You own your own business, and I bet you call people back, even unhappy people. I'm a dealer and not a Mahindra representative, but I apologize on their behalf anyway. I hope the note I sent prompts some action.

As mentioned before, your 3550 has almost the exact same PTO power as your old Ford/New Holland, but is a hydro not a gear and it is heavier by a long shot, so I would expect a little less performance as far as ground power when mowing, not more performance. But it ought to be very close, and what you are describing seems to indicate an issue. It ought to handle a 6' mower easily. As far as leaks, it sure shouldn't have any.

This thing needs to go on a dyno to look at power issues. If it has plenty on the PTO shaft, then we need to make sure there is not a hydro issue or a brake dragging issue. Then solve the leaks. The tilt system is easily damaged by pushing too hard and bending the cylinder. It takes a gentle touch, yet is foot operated. I think if it takes a gentle touch, the lever should be up where you push the lever by hand, not with a big heavy boot.

Steve, I wish you well on this and hope the dealer and Mahindra come through for you.

 

[Jsupport]

Hey Guys,
Sorry I have not been here for a while. I did get Dave's email forwarded to me.
I have been working for Mahindra almost 10 years so lots of folks on here have my contact information.
I will post it again and i will contact Mr. Stiller myself. According to my records I spoke with him almost a year ago on 04/24/2015.

 

[steve stiller]

Thank you Dave, my new Holland was hst also. and going from salesman and my self 5hp more should be better if not the same. never had the slightest of being underpowered before though. I do love the front end loader with forks its a beast and lifts very good! I just got a call from Brenda! so hopefully we will be hearing back from ruben soon as he is in school and she forwarded the link. as of right now problems are
stalled out just sitting there again. last time at dealer they were bringing it around and stalled before they could load it up on trailer. it did start right back up only few revolutions
hyd leaks behind big nut from hyd pump & seems to be back along right rear wheel also, been a on going issue since new and have personally seen other tractors at dealer same problem
cruise doesn't work
tilt steering broke again, steering wheel stuck all the way up
temp gauage doesn't move unless your mowing and its 90 out, seen on here they are to be coming out with a fix?
diesel fuel on garage floor around filter housing and lines
oil leaking out of cooler I'm thinking as front diff is soaked in oil & puddle on floor
lack of power can only mow in lower gear and rpm goes down on slightest grade
controller for front end loader sticking or froze up for some reason, it was below freezing, but never had issue on other tractors

 

[ktmhans]

Ewwww, I hate these kind of threads

 

[ktmhans]

My dealer has been great with the issues I've had.

If your thinking of buying and with in a day's drive or 2 of Dave's Tractor. I'd make the drive with a smile.

Never met him. I'm on the other side of the country. But he's an ambassador to Mahindra and customer service.

Thank you

 

[steve stiller]

it was nice to talk to Brenda on 2/16/2916. Honestly seem concerned I thought. She was to have Rubin to call me and or get back to me as he was in class, still waiting as normal with no call back from anyone?? hmmmm great customer service right there! Ive seen the posts saying the rep's are real busy i'm starting to know why, there are so many issues with these Mahrinda's they can't hire enough rep's to help out?

 

[DavesTractor]

Steve, I understand the sarcasm as you are frustrated. At our dealership we will go months without the need for a visit or even a call into our service rep, and we are a volume dealer. A time or two a year we get a situation that stumps us, and we need help and find the reps to be quick to help. But we have trained techs and more importantly we care enough about our customers that we will not let a situation simmer. That being said, there is no excuse for the dealer or the rep to not stay engaged on this. Ignoring an unhappy customer never solves the problem. We never turn the customer over to the rep. We figure that we sold it and it is our issue to solve, and the rep is a tool in our toolbox to help us solve issues. Is your dealer out of the loop?

 

[Jsupport]

Hey Guys,
I have contacted Mr. Stiller again and I also contacted the dealer and spoke to the service manager. He was not aware what was going on so I filled him in and he will contact the customer and make arrangements to get the tractor in for service and repairs. Sorry about all the confusion and frustration!!! Please let me know if I can be of further assistance to any of you.

 

[TSO]

I can't believe all the problems you guys are having with your Mahindra built machines ... Seems completely unacceptable to have all these leaks. I've had 5 new machines from 3 different manufacturers, and none of them had chronic issues like these.

Steve... engine HP really means squat. Depending on how they publish their HP, those two tractors (TC45 & 3550) could be much closer than you think. It could be that NH listed the TC45 at 45 net HP, while Mahindra listed that 3550 at gross HP, which if that was the case, the net HP would probably be closer to 47. Someone already mentioned parasitic losses, and it could also be that the TC45 has less driveline loss than the 3550, especially since the TC45 was listed at higher PTO HP.

 

[steve stiller]

well, got a call from rubin last Friday. we went over a lot of things and was going to call dealer to come and pick it up for no charge and get back to me. seems there are some problems with my dealer. Well week later and no call backs. I told him at this point get me out of this tractor with my cash back or get me a new one as this is totally unacceptable on there behalf. waiting for someone to call me back! Brenda can you start a buy back for me? or get me another tractor?