B2620 compared to Mahindras 2015/2415

[gp1200x]

Here are some of my notes comparing the smaller Mahindras to the new Kubota B2620. I thought I had my mine made up and was leaning towards the Mahindra 2015/2710 combo until I talked to a Mahindra mechanic/dealer (same person) who explained why that combo was not the best setup. His comments made me go back and compare all the options again without a 2710 BH (still needed a 7-8' BH though).


After seeing the price differences, I am now starting to think the B2620 may be the better choice unless the Kubota / Woods BH prices are out of line.

Mahindra 2015 HST
WEAKNESSES
older style steering, seems to have excessive play, steering rod is low
joystick mount needs reinforcing, vibrates
loader lines exposed more, hoses rub
backhoe needs it's own seat
large 2710 BH has durability issues
BH and MMM exclusive
MMM takes a while to install
BH mount lowers ground clearance
2 speed tranny with HST
paint does not always match on implements
STRENGTHS
2710 is 7'10"
FEL joints are massive, well designed for size
Position control
Fenders / sheet metal all very strong
BH removes easily but comes off with subframe, needs space
strong rearend, 2K lbs
Wood BH compatible 7ft - $6500

Mahindra 2415 HST
WEAKNESSES
FEL metal joints are the weakest of any I have seen in that size...why?
BH needs its own seat, BH smaller size than 2015 model
Woods BH needs optional hydraulics $600
2 speed tranny, BH/MMM exclusion
STRENGTHS
Newer styling
Better FEL joystick mounting
FEL protected hoses, simplier quick mount style
4HP increase
Position control, heavy fenders, strong rearend, 2k lbs


Kubota 2620
WEAKNESSES
Quarter valving
very weak fenders, floor support
BH only 6.5', Woods options not yet out

STRENGTHS
BH/MMM - no subframe removal required
3 speed tranny
FEL has strong joints, good cutting edge
Seat doubles as BH seat
Lighter weight - fits 5K trailer weight limits- Class 3
paint matches on implements
more HP
More compact BH attachment (14' trailer fits)
Quicker BH removal


I'm sure there are more (in addition to the specs differences) but these are the things that I see when physically looking them over. The 2415 FEL joints really concern me and I don't understand why Mahindra did not use the same style throughout the entire series line.

Quotes so far appear to be as::

13K for the 2015 HST with the FEL
(14 K minus $1K rebate/finance rebate)

14K for the 2415 HST with the FEL
(15K minus the $1K rebate/finance rebate)

It seems that the $1K rebates on Mahindras vaporized back to the dealerships since some seem to have raised prices by 1K!

Woods BH on the M2015 is $6500, $7K on the M2415

Kubota B2360 - looks like around 14K - 15K with the better FEL
Waiting for TLB quote still from two sites but I really want to know what the Woods BH70x and BH80x will cost once it is available in a 4 point mount.

 

[MDM]

First off, the BH80x is too big for that tractor. You are probably looking at the 70x for the particular B series. I have recently done some shopping for te B2320,2620 and 2920. Here are the prices I was give:

B2320 w/304 loader and 60" MMM - $14,800.
B2620 w/364 loader and 60" MMM - $15,800
B2920 w/364 loader and 60" MMM - $16,500

Now, the MMM runs about $2200, so subtract that if you will not be getting the MMM. Backhoes generally run you about $1000 a foot.

The Mahindras are very nice too, but I just can't get past the 2 range tranny. With a BH installed, you are basically looking at 1 useable range. While mowing and pulling some of the hill around here, I suspect I would be limited to Low range. Kubota really has their act together with the new B's, especially when it comes to implement integration. The Mahindra dealer told me the same thing, "removing the MMM is something you only want to do twice a year". Another thing I liked with the Kubota set up was the fact that the mower deck can be pinned up to give you 8" of clearance - all the while you can still run a tiller or any 3pt PTO attachement without having to remove the MMM provided you have enough clearance.

To be clear, my brother in law was the one doing the shopping and I was the tag along. He will have his B2920 delivered in a couple of days. It is just hard to find something better as far as features and price go IMHO. I just think the new B's are sweet little machines. Everyone else must think the same, because the dealer who has 3 locations about 30 miles apart can't hardly keep one in the show room because people are snatching them up so fast.

Good luck in your search.

 

[NEFirewood]

Mahindra 2015 HST
WEAKNESSES
older style steering, seems to have excessive play, steering rod is low
joystick mount needs reinforcing, vibrates
loader lines exposed more, hoses rub
backhoe needs it's own seat
large 2710 BH has durability issues
BH and MMM exclusive
MMM takes a while to install
BH mount lowers ground clearance
2 speed tranny with HST
paint does not always match on implements

I have never noticed any of this excessive play in the steering. My 2015 turns great. The only time I notice a difference is going into or out of 4 wheel drive. I also don't think that the exposed loader lines are much of an issue, unless I was working with brush or downed trees all the time. The one thing I do like is the ease of pulling the loader off with the Mahindra setup.

I spent all day yesterday digging with my 2015 and it does a really nice job, and the best part of all. It used hardly any fuel, considering that diesel is up near $4.30 per gallon where I am. I am still amazed at how much work I can get out of that machine for just a cup of diesel fuel.