5500 vs 6500 vs 6520 advice

[jrchafin]

Hey all,
I'm taking the Mahindra plunge soon. I just need to decide where to jump in. I know I have to make up my own mind, but would like to hear some thoughts.

Here's the prices I've been quoted. !Price Check!
5500 4WD with loader: 31200
6500 4WD with loader: 34900
6520 4WD with loader: 39000

1. I'm moving to a 450 acre farm with about 150 acres of pasture. I want a tractor that can handle whatever I might want to do. It seems to me that running a baler is the largest load, and my Mahindra dealer has suggested a 5500, which can run a 4X4 baler. He says that a 6000 or 6500 won't really add that much, and probably isn't worth the extra money. Sound right?

2. I will be doing a fair amount of logging and tree work, and a must have good lift capacities on the loader and 3pt hitch. This is what actually led me to Mahindra in the first place. The 5500 has 3150 pound capacity at the pivot pins to full height. 6000 and 6500 have the same. But the 6520 has 3900 (drool). 5500/6500 has 3968 at the 3PH, and the 6520 has 5100. Man, that extra capacity would be nice. Also, when logging you tend to get on and off of the machine frequently, so the platform is important. Isn't the 6520 going to be superior in this respect?

3. So price wise, it's 8 grand more to go from 5500 to 6520, but for that 8 grand I get 10 more hp and significant more lift capacity, plus more comfortable setup and easier on/off. 0% at 36 months = $222 more per month. Are there other pros and cons I should be thinking of?

Keep in mind that I plan to live at this farm for many years to come, and will probably be doing everything possible to do with this tractor, and then some.
Also, I'm going to check some of them out at the dealer soon, but haven't actually seen these models up close yet.

 

[bindian]

Hey all,
I'm taking the Mahindra plunge soon. I just need to decide where to jump in. I know I have to make up my own mind, but would like to hear some thoughts.

Here's the prices I've been quoted. !Price Check!
5500 4WD with loader: 31200
6500 4WD with loader: 34900
6520 4WD with loader: 39000

1. I'm moving to a 450 acre farm with about 150 acres of pasture. I want a tractor that can handle whatever I might want to do. It seems to me that running a baler is the largest load, and my Mahindra dealer has suggested a 5500, which can run a 4X4 baler. He says that a 6000 or 6500 won't really add that much, and probably isn't worth the extra money. Sound right?

2. I will be doing a fair amount of logging and tree work, and a must have good lift capacities on the loader and 3pt hitch. This is what actually led me to Mahindra in the first place. The 5500 has 3150 pound capacity at the pivot pins to full height. 6000 and 6500 have the same. But the 6520 has 3900 (drool). 5500/6500 has 3968 at the 3PH, and the 6520 has 5100. Man, that extra capacity would be nice. Also, when logging you tend to get on and off of the machine frequently, so the platform is important. Isn't the 6520 going to be superior in this respect?

3. So price wise, it's 8 grand more to go from 5500 to 6520, but for that 8 grand I get 10 more hp and significant more lift capacity, plus more comfortable setup and easier on/off. 0% at 36 months = $222 more per month. Are there other pros and cons I should be thinking of?

Keep in mind that I plan to live at this farm for many years to come, and will probably be doing everything possible to do with this tractor, and then some.
Also, I'm going to check some of them out at the dealer soon, but haven't actually seen these models up close yet.

Jrlogan,
Where do you live? I ordered my 6520 4WD in Feb 2007 and it was $26,300, but I am only 45 minutes from the (then) Tomball distribution facility.
I know prices and shipping have gone up...........but a $12,700 difference in 14 months? Is this price including more than a loader?
Okay on a 5500 pulling a 4x4 baler. But what if you want to go to a bigger baler later on. Or yours is down for parts and you need to bale now, but the only baler you can borrow is too big for a 5500? Add some growing room here or another words go bigger then you need. You will not regret it later.
Logging........I have been cleaning up a loggers mess on and off for 3 years. Bigger is better.....more lift......more weight.....more clearance bouncing over logs and stumps. You can get on and off in your sleep on a 6520. It's deck is wide open and I even exit and enter on the right side.
The 6520 has a foot operated pedal that can tilt your steering wheel. Great for on the go standing and sitting while mowing or grading/backblading. The 6520 has 12 speeds that gives you more options for different ground engagement speeds. The 6520 has the adjustable lower arms on the 3PH to make hooking up impliments easier. The only thing I don't like about the 6520 is the cup holder is too small for a 20 ounce Gatorade bottle!
The 6520 has a 45 amp alternator. The 5500, 6000, and 6500 have 36 amp alternators. The 6520's battery box swings out of the way to access the hyd. filters. I am not sure about the 00 series battery box(s).
You might want to take a look at the 30 series Mahindras also. Whichever model you decide on...................get the Skid Steer quick attach loader bucket option so you can use all the attachments made for a skid steer loader, but you will be limited to 11 gpm hyd. pump capacity unless you go with the 17 gpm in a 7520. Also get two rear remotes. Factory remotes tend to be cheaper than adding later, I have heard. The 6500 & 6520 have two standard.
hugs, Brandi

 

[jwcinpk]

I really don't feel the 20 series offers anything more than a little more comfortable platform and 4 more gears. The only thing I can think of I could use more gears for is tilling. I have the 6000 and the 7010 cab. I've done everything imaginable here on our 172 acre poultry/cattle/goat/tree farm with my 6000. The 7010 only has 50 or so hours on it. The 6000 has been the only tractor for my operation until this winter. I run a Vermeer rebel roller, a fort disc mower, square baler, and countless other implements with the 6000. The loader has plenty of power. Actually sometimes I think too much. I can't count the times I've pulled the back tires off the ground. If all you ever plan to do is roll 4x4's the 5500 will do the job. I have seen a 4500 2wd running a Vermeer roller. The 00 series is sheer bulletproof simplicity at it's best. No electrohydraulic anything to fail. I am a huge fan of that! The 30 series is very similar, they've just moved some things around to improve it a little. They also added some to the price.
The prices you're quoting seem way high. Hopefully a dealer close to you will jump in here with more realistic prices. If not I'd highly recommend another dealer close or even an internet dealer. You could correct a whole lot of problems (if you have them) with the 8-10 grand you'll save.
It's difficult to say what tractor is right for you. I know noone wants a bull in a china shop, but if I had 450 acres I would definately be waiting on the 8560 that's in the pipeline. I feel for that many acres it or atleast a 7520 is warranted. Heck, if they'll ever get that 8560 cab out I might make you a good deal on a 7010. If you feel like the 7520 is too big take a look at the 6500 or 6530.
Like Brandi said make sure you get the skid steer quick attach and atleast 2 rear hydraulics. Easier and cheaper to do it now.

 

[jrchafin]

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like I need to do some shopping around!

jwcinpk, the real reason I'm interested in the 20 series is the increased lift capacities. I will be doing lots of logging, lots of HEAVY white oak, and a 18' 32" log can weight in the 7000# range. The heaviest I'd run into may be 9000. Obviously I'd be skidding these with the 3PH, but the 5500 wouldn't be able to lift the front of a 9000# log, where the 6520 could. The extra gears, comfortable platform and additional HP are just gravy.

 

[bindian]

It's difficult to say what tractor is right for you. I know noone wants a bull in a china shop, but if I had 450 acres I would definately be waiting on the 8560 that's in the pipeline. I feel for that many acres it or atleast a 7520 is warranted. Heck, if they'll ever get that 8560 cab out I might make you a good deal on a 7010. If you feel like the 7520 is too big take a look at the 6500 or 6530.

Joel,
I wanted to mention the cab 8560, but have been too disappointed with even getting a photo of it.
hugs, Brandi

 

[RedRiver]

Wow! Where are you located? Hawaii? seriously......those prices are about $10K over what most dealers are selling their units for.

For what you are doing I would suggest the 65204wd due to just the weight, lift capacity and deck.

 

[Bobvt]

If you are going to do any sort of serious logging get the 6520. The higher lift capacity is worth it. The bigger platform will make life a lot easier. You are continualy mounting and dismount when you log. I have a 6500. My logging tool belt is always getting caught on something when I dismount and it is hard to move my big feet around the gear shift and clutch.

My 6500 will pull a lot more than it can lift. I don't like hearing the relief value squeeling when I'm pulling out a big hitch. Even if you can lift the hitch while your stationary, once you start moving, the friction from the end of the logs (I pull out full length) puts additional down pressure on the draft arms causing them to fall.

Bob

 

[bindian]

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like I need to do some shopping around!

jwcinpk, the real reason I'm interested in the 20 series is the increased lift capacities. I will be doing lots of logging, lots of HEAVY white oak, and a 18' 32" log can weight in the 7000# range. The heaviest I'd run into may be 9000. Obviously I'd be skidding these with the 3PH, but the 5500 wouldn't be able to lift the front of a 9000# log, where the 6520 could. The extra gears, comfortable platform and additional HP are just gravy.

Jrlogan,
Another thought....which ever you buy.......be sure to drive it for "fit" and operate the loader. The 6520 and 7520 have the same loader and same lift weights, but the 7520 loader is faster to rise. If you can wait on Mahindra to get the 8560 out to the dealers, check it out also.
Lifting the weights you mentioned.............I would lean toward the 7520/6520. Don't know the lift weights for the 8560. I do know it based on the 20 series, so it should be a heavy lifter.
But check with another dealer as the prices you quoted are way high. Where is your farm?
hugs, brandi

 

[jwcinpk]

Joel,
I wanted to mention the cab 8560, but have been too disappointed with even getting a photo of it.
hugs, Brandi

I'm disappointed too! I can't wait to see the finished product. Specifically the cab. Don't think I will ever be without a cab tractor again. I'm already spoiled!

You guys need to be telling jrlogan he needs a slightly used 7010.

Crazy me has been thinking about trading big time. I think I would get a small backhoe if I could get a leftover 3015 HST and get a Woods Groundbreaker hoe on it.

I'll have to decide between small tractor and skid steer for cleaning out the poultry houses soon.

 

[jrchafin]

First of all, you guys rock. Thanks for all your input.

I checked with the next closest dealer, and get this:
5500 4WD with loader: 24940 (was 31200)
6520 4WD with loader: 31135 (was 39000)
7520 4WD with loader: 33370

At these prices, I will at least get a 6520, but I'm thinking about the 7520 now. It lifts 5500 at the 3PH, and with the higher capacity hydraulic pump I will have more flexibility in the future.

What PSI do these hydraulics run at? Couldn't find it on the website.
Is the 20 series transmission still a manual? How does it work? I need to get to the dealer soon and do some test runs!

My farm is in Buckingham Virginia, 1 hour south of Charlottesville.