Buying Advice Current thoughts/feedback on smaller Apollo vs Mahindra/Enfly tractors (Australian)

Bart Mancuso · Jul 12, 2016

Hi all,

I found this forum when looking into buying a tractor, and have got some good threads and info so far.

Following some investigations, I'm leaning towards either an Apollo 35HP (model 354) from Sota Tractors in Victoria or Enfly DQ404 (40HP) from Tanner Tractors. Both seem comparable and I'm hoping to visit the dealers in the next couple of weeks as work allows.

I know I should get a Japanese/Korean/other one, even second-hand, but whilst I'm fairly technically-minded, the attraction of a warranty (even parts for a couple of years) is attractive, along with no unknown service history on a second-hand one. I cant' afford much more than these models, and need a few implements - plus I only have 10 acres, only a few which are worked, so it won't be doing heavy work: landscaping (some minor earthmoving, post holes, etc), raking undergrowth for fire control, shifting soil/gravel/firewood, etc. May only get a few hours work every week so hours will be low and I don't expect to kill it.

I've looked at both tractors on here, and there's a bit more in reviews and feedback on the Enfly (Mahindra) - anything on the Apollo seems at least a few years old so not sure if that's a good or bad thing...

Knowing service is important, I've heard good things about Sota's service but very little on Tanner. Sota is also an hour away, and Tanner just over 2 hours.

So interested in any input - even via PM is fine - from owners (particularly in Australia) with experience in these models or with the dealers.

Or point me towards something else similarly priced I should consider!

Thanks.

richardhorne · Jul 12, 2016

Hi.

I cant really comment on the 2 brands you mention as i only looked at the mainstream Korean etc

Looking at their price points though it may be worth looking at the jd 3038e. The finance % is very low as well so may make it cheaper if financing.

It will depend on your needs though as it is no frills, i nearly bought one but then settled for the jd3033r. It has tons more features and as I financed not much more each week.

As most on this forum will tell you shop for the dealer first. While partly true i shopped for the features i wanted fel lift capacity etc then narrowed it from there. It is also important to see the tractors in the metal as i ruled a couple out just by sitting on them

I live in a wheatbelt so there are plenty if ag dealers around me; I found the jd dealer the best and he didn't try to sell me too much tractor.

I have 27hrs on my tractor now and love it. It hasnt missed a beat or failed to do anything ive thrown at it. I am in 11acres and it is very hilly.

When you get your tractor you will wonder why you didn't get one sooner

Richard in WA

CreekyB · Jul 12, 2016

richardhorne said:
When you get your tractor you will wonder why you didn't get one sooner

Richard in WA

Nothing to add here but had to quote that because it is a reality

Lorre · Jul 31, 2016

Bart Mancuso said:
Hi all,

I found this forum when looking into buying a tractor, and have got some good threads and info so far.

Following some investigations, I'm leaning towards either an Apollo 35HP (model 354) from Sota Tractors in Victoria or Enfly DQ404 (40HP) from Tanner Tractors. Both seem comparable and I'm hoping to visit the dealers in the next couple of weeks as work allows.

I know I should get a Japanese/Korean/other one, even second-hand, but whilst I'm fairly technically-minded, the attraction of a warranty (even parts for a couple of years) is attractive, along with no unknown service history on a second-hand one. I cant' afford much more than these models, and need a few implements - plus I only have 10 acres, only a few which are worked, so it won't be doing heavy work: landscaping (some minor earthmoving, post holes, etc), raking undergrowth for fire control, shifting soil/gravel/firewood, etc. May only get a few hours work every week so hours will be low and I don't expect to kill it.

I've looked at both tractors on here, and there's a bit more in reviews and feedback on the Enfly (Mahindra) - anything on the Apollo seems at least a few years old so not sure if that's a good or bad thing...

Knowing service is important, I've heard good things about Sota's service but very little on Tanner. Sota is also an hour away, and Tanner just over 2 hours.

So interested in any input - even via PM is fine - from owners (particularly in Australia) with experience in these models or with the dealers.

Or point me towards something else similarly priced I should consider!

Thanks.

T

My information will sound like a sales pitch, but I am not associated in any way with any company. I am a retired paramedic out in South West Queensland.
I am just waiting on delivery of my second Enfly DQ404 with a few toys/implements. My first DQ404 was nothing short of brilliant and I sold it about two years ago because I had no further use for it. The bloke who bought it from me is still very happy as well and he does some very rough stuff on his property and has not had a single issue.
We have since bought another property and there is quite a bit of work that I want to carry out and since my first tractor was so **** good and the service was second to none, it was a simple decision.
I purchased my new tractor from AGking at Hatton Vale in Qld from the same bloke, Kelly, who convinced me to try the Enfly in the first place without any hard sell crap.
I could not fault the Enfly as it performed beautifully and reliably. I can't remember how many hours I had put on her, but I can tell you she earned her keep. A few blokes around town borrowed my tractor, and as I discovered later, performed a few jobs that would have tested many a tractor, but this girl was up to the task. I actually stopped lending her out due to the fact that I had no control over her working conditions and every single person who borrowed her left mud caked inside the rims and in the buckets (FEL and backhoe) and they would not top up the fuel, so I decided that no one borrows her again. One bloke broke a mirror, another bloke lost one of the ignition keys and yet another 'lost' the tool kit that came with the tractor and not one of them offered to make good with replacements or repairs. So that is my tale of woe and some good lessons learned.
Back to the tractor. I found her easy to service and she was as strong as an ox and bloody reliable and I have no doubt that the new one will be as good as the first. All I had to do was replace a few 'O' rings as you would with any tractor using high pressure couplings, but that was around the 50 or 60 hour mark from memory. It was such an insignificant event and was just part of a general service anyway.
I'll let you know when I get my new baby which may be within the next week or so.
Lorre. (Errol)