Comparison Choices, Choices, Too Many Choices

[mike69440]

I stay out of the tractor wars, but am curious, having seen this mentioned a few times: what are the "rough edges" and "cost cutting" you have observed? Thanks!

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-100-hrs-service-look-over.html?highlight=100

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-mahindra-max28xl-shuttle.html?highlight=28XL

Paint, plastics, labels decals, electrics, fasteners, ergonomics, smoothness are a little bit to a lot better on most Kubota's or other premium tractors, but by no means are the Mitsubishi tractors junk. The 8 x 8 shuttle is a gem compared to most other tractor manual transmissions and the 3 Pt hitch is stronger than a lot of larger tractors.

PS I have 334 hours to date. Only one trip for dealer service/warrantee.

 

[Diggin It]

I stay out of the tractor wars, but am curious, having seen this mentioned a few times: what are the "rough edges" and "cost cutting" you have observed? Thanks!

I can't exactly explain it, but standing next to a 1025R and a Max 24 within an hour of each other there was just a sense that one was somewhat less than the other. It may only have been appearance things that made no functional difference. That may not make sense to some people, but if the pricing is close enough, I'd end up going green. And I'm not partial to green. I have some issues with the company, but at the $15-20K range, I need to be comfortable and 'feel' the difference.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

The loader valve sucks. The brakes suck. The manual transmission versions suck. At least that痴 my experience with Mahindra.

Hmmm, mine seem fine. Which years/models did you have?

 

[Diggin It]

That said, we all know that JD intentionally makes parts to odd specs so they're less available from third parties. There are a lot of parts you can get ONLY from them. Since these Max models seem to be made by TYM and the engines by others, can y'all tell me if the TYM and engine parts are more generally available from third party suppliers?

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-100-hrs-service-look-over.html?highlight=100

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-mahindra-max28xl-shuttle.html?highlight=28XL

Paint, plastics, labels decals, electrics, fasteners, ergonomics, smoothness are a little bit to a lot better on most Kubota's or other premium tractors, but by no means are the Mitsubishi tractors junk. The 8 x 8 shuttle is a gem compared to most other tractor manual transmissions and the 3 Pt hitch is stronger than a lot of larger tractors.

PS I have 334 hours n trhttps://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/asset.php?fid=488045&uid=19607&d=1525749400actor to date. Only one trip for dealer service/warrantee.

Thanks for the links! I really appreciate your thoughtful comments, especially since you're an engineer. I feel that all of your points are well taken, and it seems you are impressed with the tractor overall. Everyone says the loader valve lacks finesse and I can second that. However, with practice it's "smooth enough" for my use. I can see that someone with finer tastes in tractors would expect a cushion valve or some such refinement. As far as some of your other points about paint and such, yours was I believe a 2013; I wonder if you've checked out the more current models? Some of the older models had components manufactured in India or by various other manufacturers; mine (2018) seems all Mitsubishi and I'm not seeing some of the defects you point out. Also I was all over the tractor with a magnet and found no aluminum. Interesting discussion, and I am always wanting to learn more about the fine points on these tractors. However, the important thing is it starts up easy, runs smooth, and does everything I ask of it.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

I can't exactly explain it, but standing next to a 1025R and a Max 24 within an hour of each other there was just a sense that one was somewhat less than the other. It may only have been appearance things that made no functional difference. That may not make sense to some people, but if the pricing is close enough, I'd end up going green. And I'm not partial to green. I have some issues with the company, but at the $15-20K range, I need to be comfortable and 'feel' the difference.

Appearances can be deceiving..... Bring a magnet with you next time.

 

[mike69440]

Hmmm, mine seem fine. Which years/models did you have?

2013 Max28XL shuttle""
"The loader valve sucks. The brakes suck. The manual transmission versions suck. At least that's my experience with Mahindra"

Loader valve does suck, then again my other machines cost a lot more new than the Max did.

Brakes? it's a tractor, I'm not doing hot laps.

Transmission sucks compared to a Mazda Miata, but compare the shuttle to other manuals on small tractors. 8 x 8 shifts well.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

I can't exactly explain it, but standing next to a 1025R and a Max 24 within an hour of each other there was just a sense that one was somewhat less than the other. It may only have been appearance things that made no functional difference. That may not make sense to some people, but if the pricing is close enough, I'd end up going green. And I'm not partial to green. I have some issues with the company, but at the $15-20K range, I need to be comfortable and 'feel' the difference.

That was my FIRST impression too. Take a closer look and check the specs. There are *reasons* why it lifts/pulls less. IMO Deere used to be a fantastic tractor, and they have a TON of brand loyalty--almost rabid loyalty--but they are now coasting on their reputation while other makers are outdoing them in almost every way.

This is all talk. Test drive them all and then get back to us. (One of my "tests" was can the FEL lift the tractor off the ground in idle. Also bring a magnet; cast aluminum is no substitute for good steel. Compare the number/size of the FEL cylinders. etc.)

Agree the "proprietary" FEL/attachments is a major bummer.

 

[Diggin It]

There's a shop not too far from me that has a used BX for sale that he also rents. I'm thinking it might be worth it to rent it for a day to see what it will do on my hill. It doesn't have a mower, but I could still get a feel for driving up and down the hill and try out the BH a bit on some of the other things.

I've never used a SCUT of any kind, so this would at least give me a feel for the type of machine regardless of brand.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

There's a shop not too far from me that has a used BX for sale that he also rents. I'm thinking it might be worth it to rent it for a day to see what it will do on my hill. It doesn't have a mower, but I could still get a feel for driving up and down the hill and try out the BH a bit on some of the other things.

I've never used a SCUT of any kind, so this would at least give me a feel for the type of machine regardless of brand.

Yes! Do it.