Looks like it's been a while since there's been any comment here, but having just purchased an eMax22 with 60" MMM and rear blade, I can give my first impressions if y'all are interested. I have to start out by noting that my first 2 minutes were not good. The front MMM attachment came loose from the tractor and the mower deck flailed about some, ripping out the fuel line. Dealer has now returned the unit (at their cost btw) and all seems right with the world. But we still don't know why the front cradle came off the tractor without mangling the J-pin. In any case, now mows again. The mower deck is big at 60" for this size of tractor, but runs very well. Even at very high RPMs does not vibrate or act wonky. Since the unit was out of service for a couple of weeks in the spring, had to cut 2 acres of 12" high grass, which it did perfectly. No re-cut needed. Seems quite well made out of pretty significant steel.
The tractor speed control is probably not as precise as I had on my 30 year old Kubota and the ranges are a bit odd (slow is SLOW and fast is FAST - not much in the middle). Have not had to use the 4WD at all as the tires are very grippy. The power steering is very smooth and responsive. Fit and finish are OK. It's not the tank my Kubota was, but it is adequate. The black paint chips pretty easily. The hood design is OK, but the mandated stupidity on the air intake is a mess. Cleaning the screen is a significant process since you have to disassemble things. [insert rude comment about the government here].
The ROPS on this thing is gigantic [insert 2nd rude government comment here]. so getting close to trees is out. The pin holes are a bit off so holding and unfolding sometimes take a rubber mallet - but just one hit. The friction of folding took the paint of the upright piece - not a big deal, but not quite as classy as some other tractors.
The steering wheel seems to be upside down (the logo is anyway). Not a big deal, but sort of the thing that suggests fit and finish could be a bit better. The 3 point stuff is well made and works grand. Nice they throw in all the parts and a tow bar. Cute little link to hold the top link in place. Lot of thought went into this.
Still getting used to a tractor with brake lights, turn signals and a horn(!). The lights are GREAT. First tractor ever that had useful headlights.
Starting generates some black smoke. Bit surprised at that, as my Kubota with like 3,000 hours didn't. Stopping, done with the key instead of pressure release, is a bit bumpy - but not atypical for this kind of engine. Dashboard indicator lights are useful and LARGE. Tends to want to go backwards a bit when run for extended periods and no foot on the pedal. I've seen this before on other tractors (my Kubota sometimes did that too), so not alarming. You hear the hydraulic whine after things warm up - but again this seems to me to be pretty typical.
The off-the-seat stop is very sensitive and will scare the **** out of you the first time. Despite what the manual says, the tractor engine stops too. Probably not surprising since the mower deck lock is fighting the transmission.
Still getting used to the 2 pedal thing. Must have tried to go backwards with my heel at least a 100 times.
Idle is a bit rough, though again not atypical for this kind of device. But engine is very smooth at speed. Not having a top mounted exhaust is wonderful. No more noise/hot air at face level. Cup holder is ok..... (yeah, it has a cup holder).
The manual is, shall we say, not really much help. And it contains some contradictions. Despite another member, and the Mahindra site, telling me where the hydrostat filters are, they aren't there. So the 50 hour is probably going to be at the dealer with me watching.
Would I buy it again over the competition? I think so. The complaints here - other than the escaping MMM - are really minor. Be great to have an ACTUAL manual that has ACTUAL information in it (or something online - hint, hint Mahindra). But price, warranty and my dealer have made it a good choice for me.
