3550 hst problems,cheap built,lemon?

[brasco426]

This is a shame please keep us posted. I like mine and my dealer is great with a thriving growing dealership, DavesTractor is a valuable resource and seems to be able to get results even if it's not his client. Hang in there.....

 

[farm boy00]

Last resort is to walk into the dealership With a lawyer and see what you can discuss. Will cost some but I'm the end you might end up roping the dealer into paying for the lawyer

 

[DavesTractor]

It's frustrating for me when we see a Mahindra problem that is a couple thousand miles away and out of our reach. Pretty much all tractor problems are solvable, but if things linger too long, disappointments mount and it gets to the point that there is no fixing the relationship, even if the tractor is repaired.

The dealer profited on the initial sale, he needs to hang in there to resolve the issues. Now I do not know if there is "another side of the story", there often is, but even so - if a rep or a dealer says he will call or come pick up the tractor, and then doesn't do so, that can't be good for customer satisfaction.

Steve, sorry you are having such poor results.

 

[dickfoster]

It's frustrating for me when we see a Mahindra problem that is a couple thousand miles away and out of our reach. Pretty much all tractor problems are solvable, but if things linger too long, disappointments mount and it gets to the point that there is no fixing the relationship, even if the tractor is repaired.

The dealer profited on the initial sale, he needs to hang in there to resolve the issues. Now I do not know if there is "another side of the story", there often is, but even so - if a rep or a dealer says he will call or come pick up the tractor, and then doesn't do so, that can't be good for customer satisfaction.

Steve, sorry you are having such poor results.

Seems to me Mahindra should drop that dealer like a hot potato. I wonder how many folks have been put off a Mahindra from just this thread. Maybe some maybe none but this kinda stuff should not go on. If it were me, I'd take the gloves off and brutalize them. No excuse not to make contact and get it taken care of.

 

[brasco426]

Atleast one good thing is on this thread dealer wise is Daves Tractor. The guy try's to help at what ever he can, even if it's not his customer. Thank You Dave for reading these threads and offering advice, and just doing what you can to support the Mahindra product. I hope Mahindra takes notice of the Good Dealers like yours.

 

[dickfoster]

Atleast one good thing is on this thread dealer wise is Daves Tractor. The guy try's to help at what ever he can, even if it's not his customer. Thank You Dave for reading these threads and offering advice, and just doing what you can to support the Mahindra product. I hope Mahindra takes notice of the Good Dealers like yours.

I'll second that. He help me with all my greenhorn questions even when he knew I was likely to buy the tractor elsewhere. Helps keep Mahindra's rep up there.

 

[DavesTractor]

Atleast one good thing is on this thread dealer wise is Daves Tractor. The guy try's to help at what ever he can, even if it's not his customer. Thank You Dave for reading these threads and offering advice, and just doing what you can to support the Mahindra product. I hope Mahindra takes notice of the Good Dealers like yours.

Thanks, and Mahindra has been very good to me.

 

[3550hst]

Is it me or did I get a lemon or are these tractor cheap? bought this tractor back in jan-feb traded in a new Holland 45tcda on paper this tractor has more pto hp which isn't reason of buying it. bought it because of its superior lifting fel (which it does great at) tractor is back for its 5th time of problems lack of power, excessive cranking for start up, staling issues ,parking brake doesn't hold ,hyd fittings leaking. its been at shop this time going on a month with hyd problems leaking again also. the mahrindra rep Rubon is to come look at it again. This tractor will only cut in low gear using the same woods 6 foot mower I could cut 5-6 mph on the new Holland. I can use 2 gear which they said should be no problem on flat or going down hill, soon as you get to any grade it boggs down if your not in low gear. who wants to cut at 2mph? they cant seem to find a problem or at least that's what there computer is telling them. looking for some help if anyones had same problems not with the hyd leaks as it seems everyone is having those problems on these tractors. thanks in advance

I too have a 3550hst with fuel problems. Barely 100 hrs and it has spent more time at the dealer than in the field. Dealer says these tractors just don't have those problems. Did I say it has the new tier 4 mrcde engine. Starts, runs 8 seconds and dies. Long crank and it does it again. Very long crank and it does it again. With the 7 foot cutter behind it it can barely move sometimes. I know it can pull this cutter because it has before. It just loses most of its power and can't haul the thing back to the shop. You know the drill. High rpms stopped and bogs down and can only move in Low. I think the dealer has had it five times now. I don't blame the dealer, just the technical people at mahind--. They tell us this has not happened to other tractors. Multiple other things have happened. relay fell off and left us stranded in a creek crossing. Pathetic parts like pedal covers have to be wire tied on. Position control gets stuck or is soo loose it is worthless. Tilt mechanism had to be relplaced 4 or 5 times. It is in the shop right now for the fuel pressure problem again. Oh, I forgot--the hydraulic leak. Man did that thing leak. Right at the hyd pump. Dealer couldn't get a wrench on it because the fel covers it up. They used a chisel to turn the nut. I could have done that, but I knew it would just show up as a split nut in a couple years.

 

[Jabonee]

I too have a 3550hst with fuel problems. Barely 100 hrs and it has spent more time at the dealer than in the field. Dealer says these tractors just don't have those problems. Did I say it has the new tier 4 mrcde engine. Starts, runs 8 seconds and dies. Long crank and it does it again. Very long crank and it does it again. With the 7 foot cutter behind it it can barely move sometimes. I know it can pull this cutter because it has before. It just loses most of its power and can't haul the thing back to the shop. You know the drill. High rpms stopped and bogs down and can only move in Low. I think the dealer has had it five times now. I don't blame the dealer, just the technical people at mahind--. They tell us this has not happened to other tractors. Multiple other things have happened. relay fell off and left us stranded in a creek crossing. Pathetic parts like pedal covers have to be wire tied on. Position control gets stuck or is soo loose it is worthless. Tilt mechanism had to be relplaced 4 or 5 times. It is in the shop right now for the fuel pressure problem again. Oh, I forgot--the hydraulic leak. Man did that thing leak. Right at the hyd pump. Dealer couldn't get a wrench on it because the fel covers it up. They used a chisel to turn the nut. I could have done that, but I knew it would just show up as a split nut in a couple years.

That 8 second run and shut down sure sounds like a bad inlet meter valve or unpowered state. The long crank and start sounds like a cam sensor. both share the same electrical circuit on that engine.:confused3:

 

[DavesTractor]

Jabonee, this is good info about the sensors. I would add that if the tractor has black braided fuel hoses instead of the new grey hoses, they could be sucking air and that will cause long crank, very poor performance, etc. I suspect this tractor has the newer hoses though. But if not, I'd replace every hose before fixing another thing on the tractor. If it has the new grey hoses, I'd make sure we have good strong fuel flow and if so, go for the sensors. As for the tilt mechanism, I'm not going to defend Mahindra on that...it is a poor design, subject to bending unless it is gently used. Why have a big strong tractor with a fragile tilt wheel mechanism? Silly.

 

[Tster73]

Hi folks, this is my first post. I'm in the market for a new tractor now that I've got 20 acres and my Dad's MF 231 doesn't have front hydraulics. I'm looking hard at the Mahindra 3540 or 3550. Seeing posts like Steve's makes me nervous, but I've been around long enough to know there are lemons for every brand/model. Posts like Dave's help!! Knowing there are dealers that stand by what they sell and are willing to help resolve issues. It also helps confirm the idea of how important your dealer is!! My two local Mahindra dealers are Vanco Outdoor Equipment in Henderson NC and Holder & Sons in Durham. Once I look around the forum, I might post asking about their reputability. Same for the local Kubota/Massey dealer, Louisburg tractor. Anyway, just wanted to thank everyone who takes the time to respond and help people resolve issues... this forum is great! Now I just have to figure out the right tractor for me... and I think these things to death. Steve, I hope your issues get resolved! Please let us know how it turns out.

 

[tbzep]

I'm starting to think I got lucky. I bought my 3550 last fall. I did about 20 minutes of bush hogging, then fed hay with it all winter along with moving a little dirt with the bucket. I just finished about 3 solid days of bush hogging and haven't noticed any leaks, but I haven't gone over it with a fine tooth comb yet.

Things I've noticed: I found that I had to feed hay in 4wd because the big bales made the rear so light that I couldn't get traction (industrial tires full of fluid). I bent the steering tilt cylinder right off the bat. It was an easy fix but I felt the mechanism was a bit cheesy. One big issue has to do with the loader, which isn't made by Mahindra. I can't grease the top zerke on the loader because I can't get a straight shot on the zerke. I can get it on, but not straight enough to seal so it just squirts out around it. Other than that, my biggest issue is that I'm tall and I have to reach for the wheel to have my legs comfortable and to have my arms in position for the 3pt hitch lift levers, or scoot the seat up to be more comfortable with steering and shuttling, but have my legs cramped up. I'm thinking about rigging an extension on the steering wheel tilt cylinder to get it to tilt farther back. I'll have to open it back up to see what it will take to get more travel.

 

[3550hst]

We got the tractor back. There was a band on the steering wheel that just says "seems to be ok". The dealer implied the problem was operator created by overloading and high load shut-downs. He said the computor was running slow because there were 400 codes stored in it. It runs great sometimes. I aknowledge that. My dad isn't a bona fide, liscensed, lifetime superfarmer. But one shouldn't have to be so careful with a tractor that is supposed to be the toughest out there. I stayed in the shed for 2 weeks since it came back. Went to start it and it started right up. Eight seconds later, I went to move the throttle and it died. I just don't like the long crank it takes to get the thing started again. Am I better off modifying the feul cap to see if the fuel line doesn't suck in air? Tell me more about the cam sensor. It's a nice tractor. We paid a lot more for the top of the line model and this is what we get?

 

[DutchUncle]

If you guys really want to *****, complain to the EPA and their precious Tier IV engine requirement. All the pollution in the world, and our Tier 3 engines are to blame? Give me a break.

 

[JerryK]

I'm starting to think I got lucky. I bought my 3550 last fall. I did about 20 minutes of bush hogging, then fed hay with it all winter along with moving a little dirt with the bucket. I just finished about 3 solid days of bush hogging and haven't noticed any leaks, but I haven't gone over it with a fine tooth comb yet.

Things I've noticed: I found that I had to feed hay in 4wd because the big bales made the rear so light that I couldn't get traction (industrial tires full of fluid). I bent the steering tilt cylinder right off the bat. It was an easy fix but I felt the mechanism was a bit cheesy. One big issue has to do with the loader, which isn't made by Mahindra. I can't grease the top zerke on the loader because I can't get a straight shot on the zerke. I can get it on, but not straight enough to seal so it just squirts out around it. Other than that, my biggest issue is that I'm tall and I have to reach for the wheel to have my legs comfortable and to have my arms in position for the 3pt hitch lift levers, or scoot the seat up to be more comfortable with steering and shuttling, but have my legs cramped up. I'm thinking about rigging an extension on the steering wheel tilt cylinder to get it to tilt farther back. I'll have to open it back up to see what it will take to get more travel.

If you put a steering wheel spinner on the wheel, it will stick out 3" and you will not have your reaching problem. I recommend the Council Bluffs ball bearing one, it is an old school tractor spinner, I have one on all my tractors. You have to be creative with a ball peen hammer to ' adjust ' the metal clamping halves and maybe bend the direction of the rod the spinner mounts on, but she is a great addition to any tractor. You only steer with one hand, anywhilst, while your right hand is moving levers and scratching stuff.

Steering Wheel Spinner Knob | Agri Supply, 2229

The Kansas Machine Works loader zerk you are having trouble with, put a 45 degree zerk in each and you will be a happy camper. I found in life that it is easier to fix things to your liking than set around and ***** about it.... I actually like my 5035, she is a beast. Moved three big truckloads of bank run gravel/clay with her yesterday...

 

[tbzep]

If you guys really want to *****, complain to the EPA and their precious Tier IV engine requirement. All the pollution in the world, and our Tier 3 engines are to blame? Give me a break.

While I do think the EPA is an overbearing 500 lb gorilla, I also like being able to start my tractor in the barn, let it idle, and not choke on soot, get a CO headache, or leave the area with my clothes smelling like diesel exhaust. All of that and I don't have to fool with BlueDEF. :thumbsup:

 

[3550hst]

Back again. Yes, the tractor is back to the dealer again. It is frustrating that have the thing at the shop more than we get to use it. (3550 tier 4) The darn thing just doesen't like to stay running at first. I think we shoud get a pallet of spare starters for the thing if I'm going to have to grind the starter so much. Got a few p1803 codes. This thing is a tractor shed queen. Oh, position control is too loose. Cost me a new pto shaft guard again on ground auger because there is no way to keep the thing in the air even with the wimpy lock on the lever thingy. Tried tightening the nut on the lever, but was afraid of breaking it and incurring huge expense to overhaul the rockshaft case. Did get 40 post holes dug. Now, no four wheel drive. No one has mishandled the engagement lever either. (Subtle note to dealer who seems to blame the operator) I almost swamped it in a pond because the rear brakes cannot stop on an 18% slope without four wheel drive and gravel in the bucket. Does this beast even have brakes in the front? Probably not, so the 4wd needs to work. I do not like to take tractors swimming. What do Missouri lemon laws cover? Still like the thing when it actually works. Does anyone know the phone # of the tech in central Missouri? I would like to talk directly to him. Been wanting to brush hog this summer. For the amount of time the thing actually works right it might be cheaper hiring a mechanic to run the thing when it is needed; just like early horseless carriages were. Nothing else is broken yet. They did a great job early on to the steering tilt cylinder that just kept bending. Got a fancy cradle that doesn't allow a heavy foot to apply more force. {{advice to poster above: Pull steering wheel toward you, then gently depress the pedal and release to lock the position.}}

 

[3550hst]

I also like the tier 4 thing. No acrid smoke burning the face, lungs and eyes.

 

[dickfoster]

Back again. Yes, the tractor is back to the dealer again. It is frustrating that have the thing at the shop more than we get to use it. (3550 tier 4) The darn thing just doesen't like to stay running at first. I think we shoud get a pallet of spare starters for the thing if I'm going to have to grind the starter so much. Got a few p1803 codes. This thing is a tractor shed queen. Oh, position control is too loose. Cost me a new pto shaft guard again on ground auger because there is no way to keep the thing in the air even with the wimpy lock on the lever thingy. Tried tightening the nut on the lever, but was afraid of breaking it and incurring huge expense to overhaul the rockshaft case. Did get 40 post holes dug. Now, no four wheel drive. No one has mishandled the engagement lever either. (Subtle note to dealer who seems to blame the operator) I almost swamped it in a pond because the rear brakes cannot stop on an 18% slope without four wheel drive and gravel in the bucket. Does this beast even have brakes in the front? Probably not, so the 4wd needs to work. I do not like to take tractors swimming. What do Missouri lemon laws cover? Still like the thing when it actually works. Does anyone know the phone # of the tech in central Missouri? I would like to talk directly to him. Been wanting to brush hog this summer. For the amount of time the thing actually works right it might be cheaper hiring a mechanic to run the thing when it is needed; just like early horseless carriages were. Nothing else is broken yet. They did a great job early on to the steering tilt cylinder that just kept bending. Got a fancy cradle that doesn't allow a heavy foot to apply more force. {{advice to poster above: Pull steering wheel toward you, then gently depress the pedal and release to lock the position.}}

OBDII 1803 code "Transmission Clutch Interlock Safety Switch Short Circuit To Ground"

Probably some wire chaffed somewhere or maybe some water in the wiring from the cheapo amphenol connectors they use instead of weather pack connectors like they should for a tractor meant to work outdoors in the weather.

 

[JerryK]

I've used the krap out of my 2011 bought 5035 [ well over 400 hours, a lot of it moving gravel/clay and other dirt, dug a lot of big stumps/hauled them with the FEL forks ], and she has been a beast.... Not saying your tractor is not a lemon, but you have to admit there are lemon owners, too... Sometimes it is a two way street. Just like some marriages just don't work out.