Chinese Mahindra?

[sseelhoff]

Bluechip seems to have good info. The engine is unique, the original engine that was used by Lenar wasn't of adequate quality. The tractor went through a lot of testing and redesign, then they made a few and sent them to the USA for testing by some dealers. Some 80+ issues were identified on the first cut. All of these items were redesigned/changed/corrected and another small batch of tractors came out. This time there were around 25 items, mostly minor, but some were still very important. One item was the starter, which is now a reliable modern compact unit, plus some ergonomic issues, routing of hoses, some labeling and paint preferences, things like that. Those items were fixed and then we did another cut at it, dealing with clutch and brake pedal feel, shape of the three-point lift lever, size of fuel tank filler, etc. I went to China with another dealer and we tested the final product for three days. We ran a tiller, loader, etc.

The tractor is heavy as is typical of a Chinese tractor, plus it has the wide R4 tires standard and rear wheel weights. It uses the Kansas built KMW loader which is strong and well made.

They do make some older looking models for the Chinese market also, but I doubt we well see them here.

It's a good little tractor. Fully synchro shuttle and 4-speed. Non-synchro to change ranges. It's easy to use and fairly ergonomic...not to the extent of the Japanese models, but very good for the guy that uses it for a few hours here and there, like most 5 and 10 acres guys.

We'll soon find out about the 2525. I took the afternoon off yesterday to test drive new tractors. Drove the 2415 (Way too small-strikes me as a scut-I feel like Shaquille O'Neal riding a shetland pony), the 2615 (liked it), New Holland TC30 (Awkward layout, the JD 2305(?) (eh). Was about to buy the 2615, when I saw the brochure for the 2525 sitting on the salesman's desk. We looked at it, compared the specs to the 2615, and he called his GM to get pricing. (This dealership doesn't even have them in stock yet-8 coming by the end of the month).

They are offering a package deal-2525, FEL, 4wd/, 8 fwd/reverse synchroshuttle, 5ft cutter, and 5 foot box blade for just under $14,000. That's more than $2,000 under the 2615 package, and includes the box blade, which the 2615 package did not. The 2615 package was for gear drive. The 2525 has a greater FEL lift capacity, and is 1000lbs heavier (+/-) Seemed like a no brainer to me, so I have reserved the first 2525 out of dealer's initial shipment. They are not sure of the arrival date, but have promised delivery by the end of the month (Mahindra promised they would receive their first allotment "in February") Of course, if I don't like it, I can still get the 2615, so it's all good. Either way, I'll have a new Mahindra in the shed very soon.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Sounds like a good deal. A similar Jinma setup properly with all those options would be 12-13K and a JD would be 17-20K so they are in a perfect spot on the price point for this unit.

Chris