Enjoying my Mahindra/TYM tractor!

[sideskraft]

I'm just dropping by to share my early experiences as a newbie tractor owner with my new (to me) Mahindra 2540, which is built by TYM in Korea. It appears that for all practical purposes, this tractor is a TYM T394 with a Mahindra badge (excepting for the Mahindra engine). It's a 12/12 shuttle shift transmission with FEL and ROPS. I've moved some snow and dirt with it, pulled a couple trailers (one 7000 lb and the other 8500 lb) with a Titan 3-point hitch receiver, and I'm anxiously awaiting to use my new Titan 48" pallet fork attachment. My initial impressions are positive, with the machine quick to start (in 15-25 degree temps), runs clean and smooth, FEL controls are responsive even at low RPM, tons of torque even at low throttle positions, clutch use and shifting is smooth, and the suspension seat is very comfy. The 40HP engine is unique as it has no DPF (diesel particulate filter) nor does it require DEF, which is unique in the industry. Two issues that I'll have the dealer address are erratic engine operation at higher speeds (dealer says an ECU flash update should cure that) and the 3-point hydraulic lift is jerky when raising (lowering is very smooth). I've crawled all over and under this tractor and I'm impressed with the level of quality and design. It's apparent that TYM has done a great job engineering and building these machines. Time will tell how the "brute" holds up, but since I don't plan to do any PTO/ground engagement work and I rarely will push the FEL to its limits, I expect to have no major issues for as long as I own it. BTW I purchased it a month ago from the original owner with 48 hours (always garaged), and it came with 6' bush hog, 6' front snow plow, and 6' rear blade that was never used. I was leaning toward Branson and LS at the time, but the deal was so good, I'd have been an idiot to pass it up. FYI, the Mahindra 2538 is almost identical to my machine (FEL not quite as stout and no suspension seat), so if you're considering one of the TYM T354 or 394 machines, research the 2538 & 2540 and see what owners are posting about their experiences. I like owning "something different" (it's not green or orange), and I'm sure most TYM owners and potential owners feel the same way.

 

[Btown]

Glad you like your tractor. TYM seems to make a very good product. As far as Mahindra’s use of a DOC instead of a DPF. It is not unique at all. There are several other manufacturers that also went this route. AGCO aka Massey Fergusson makes some tractors with no DPF, so does Branson, some New Holland’s and others. Time will tell which way is better. Hope you have many trouble free years with it.

 

[sideskraft]

Glad you like your tractor. TYM seems to make a very good product. As far as Mahindra’s use of a DOC instead of a DPF. It is not unique at all. There are several other manufacturers that also went this route. AGCO aka Massey Fergusson makes some tractors with no DPF, so does Branson, some New Holland’s and others. Time will tell which way is better. Hope you have many trouble free years with it.

Thanks for sharing about the other tractors not having DPF, I didn't know that. The Bransons that I looked at (30-35 hp) did have DPF (according to the dealer), so there must be other models that use different types of engines.

 

[mcfarmall]

She's a beaut! Keep us posted with periodic reviews.

 

[sideskraft]

She's a beaut! Keep us posted with periodic reviews.

Thanks, and will do -- I'll also post some pics in the coming months of the brute doing "real work" with the FEL and 3-point. BTW I'll be in K'zoo Saturday for my old HS best friend's son's wedding (reception in Plainwell). I don't go to many anymore, but I rarely turn down a chance to party!

 

[s219]

Mahindra marketing has done a good job making people think they magically escaped emissions garbage on the engine, but they just use a DOC instead of DPF. Really just an alternative way to deal with the problem.

 

[sideskraft]

Mahindra marketing has done a good job making people think they magically escaped emissions garbage on the engine, but they just use a DOC instead of DPF. Really just an alternative way to deal with the problem.

Apparently they use a higher pressure common rail direct injection system, along with a DOC as you said. I assume there are other tractors using DOC on their engines? I'd like to know the advantages & disadvantages of the DOC vs DPF.

 

[George2615]

Congrats on the new tractor. Looks like you may need a longer trailer though.

 

[s219]

Apparently they use a higher pressure common rail direct injection system, along with a DOC as you said. I assume there are other tractors using DOC on their engines? I'd like to know the advantages & disadvantages of the DOC vs DPF.

I happen to think DOC is a simpler and more reliable system than a DPF with regens, but both setups are more complicated than previous Tier 4 Interim setups. So to me when I compare to slightly older tractors, I'd rather have the older tractors!

Really, I think we'll need to wait another 5-10 years to really say which of these systems is better, if that's even something we can tell. From what I have seen, the short term issues with DPF systems appear to be related to the computer control, the software, and the various sensors. I think DOC setups are a lot simpler in that regard, but they still have computer control and sensors that older tractors did not, and some of them have had software issues too, as the manufacturers figure things out.

My 2014-era tractor doesn't have a single bit of electronics on it and I sure like the simplicity. When any of these newer machines develop problems that go beyond easy visual diagnosis, you pretty much need a laptop to figure out what's wrong and you'll be somewhat dependent on the manufacturer and dealer to be around to handle software issues. In reality, we've been in that situation with cars and trucks for a while now.

 

[sideskraft]

I happen to think DOC is a simpler and more reliable system than a DPF with regens, but both setups are more complicated than previous Tier 4 Interim setups. So to me when I compare to slightly older tractors, I'd rather have the older tractors!

Really, I think we'll need to wait another 5-10 years to really say which of these systems is better, if that's even something we can tell. From what I have seen, the short term issues with DPF systems appear to be related to the computer control, the software, and the various sensors. I think DOC setups are a lot simpler in that regard, but they still have computer control and sensors that older tractors did not, and some of them have had software issues too, as the manufacturers figure things out.

My 2014-era tractor doesn't have a single bit of electronics on it and I sure like the simplicity. When any of these newer machines develop problems that go beyond easy visual diagnosis, you pretty much need a laptop to figure out what's wrong and you'll be somewhat dependent on the manufacturer and dealer to be around to handle software issues. In reality, we've been in that situation with cars and trucks for a while now.

I totally agree with you on the added electronics. On the automotive side, the volumes are very high, so they can afford to do extensive performance and durability testing with these sophisticated emissions controls. On tractors and other off-road equipment, the numbers are far lower, so the cost per unit to validate is much higher, which can make a big difference in the selling price. I'm all for the simpler stuff -- I have two boats from the early 80s and one from the late 70s that have basic carbs and are easy to work on and diagnose. My '69 Dodge Dart is as basic as they come. I actually looked at older tractors when I began my search, but I really wanted a 4WD and back then there weren't as many around. Plus I wanted to have something with a warranty to work out any bugs in the powertrain. I actually do have an issue with erratic operation (cylinders misfiring and smoke) that starts happening around 2200 RPM, and the dealer advised me he's pretty sure it's a software flash update that needs to be done (under warranty). I've only done loader work with it and haven't needed to go much over 1500 RPM, so I didn't even notice it until I intentionally ramped it up to see how it did at higher speeds.

I'm surprised your 2014 tractor doesn't have electronics -- I thought that was pretty much standard since 2010 or so?