HARD DECISION

[Travis_R]

Here it goes:

I am fixing to buy a tractor within the next few weeks. Here are my choices. I need opinions/advice.

A) 2006 Mahindra 3525 with 130hrs and 2 year warranty left on it for $8000 plus tax.

B) Brand New 2007 Mahindra 3525 with 3 year warranty for $9400 cash price. Or I could go through Agricredit and get a low interest rate.

C) 1999 Massey Ferguson 231 with 450hrs and a 6' King Kutter brush hog, also in very good condition for $10,000. No warranty but was told the tractor is in very good shape- hardly used.

The Mahindra is a 35 engine hp tractor with 27 PTO hp.
The Massey Ferguson is a 38 engine hp tractor with 34 PTO hp.

WHAT TO DO????

Thanks,
Travis R

 

[RoyJackson]

Here it goes:

I am fixing to buy a tractor within the next few weeks. Here are my choices. I need opinions/advice.

A) 2006 Mahindra 3525 with 130hrs and 2 year warranty left on it for $8000 plus tax.

B) Brand New 2007 Mahindra 3525 with 3 year warranty for $9400 cash price. Or I could go through Agricredit and get a low interest rate.

C) 1999 Massey Ferguson 231 with 450hrs and a 6' King Kutter brush hog, also in very good condition for $10,000. No warranty but was told the tractor is in very good shape- hardly used.

The Mahindra is a 35 engine hp tractor with 27 PTO hp.
The Massey Ferguson is a 38 engine hp tractor with 34 PTO hp.

WHAT TO DO????

Thanks,
Travis R

Which brand has the closest dealer?
Which one do you like setting on the most?

When you answer those two questions, you'll know which one to buy.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Easy decision for me anyway. I'll take the Massey Ferguson. I KNOW what I'd be getting there. I've had incredable luck with them over a long haul. The 231 is a great little tractor. It has a sterling reputation, being considered one of the best small tractors ever by many who've owned them. Those Perkins diesels are among the most fuel efficient and durable engines ever built by anyone. If you have an AGCO or Massey Ferguson dealer in your area, parts are easy and relatively inexpensive to get your hands on.

But the #1 feature as far as I'm concerned, those tractors are essentially the same basic technology as some Masseys from back in the late 1950's. It's time-tested, and a proven winner. Almost any decent tractor mechanic can work on every aspect of their drive train, hydraulics, steering, and electricals. They are simple, basic, and uncomplicated. A set of manuals, a box of basic tools, and a shred of mechanical aptitude and you're good to go.

Any tractor is capable and appears to be a good prospect when they're new or relatively new. But they ALL get old in time. Eventually they ALL need repairs and maintenance. At that point, having a tractor that is easy to work on, has good parts availability, and has a wide base of available skilled mechanics is worth its weight in gold. Not saying anything negative about the Mahindra's, but they can't hold a candle to the commonality of the Massey utilities. Those little Massey's are like ants at a picnic. Literally millions of them around. (and for good cause by my experience)

 

[Builder]

The MF has a LOT more PTO HP than the Mahingas. A 6 ft cutter would work a lot better and bog down the tractor a lot less with 34 PTO HP than 27.

MF's are known for having strong PTOs and lots of 3pt lift capacity. Go back to the MF seller and explain to him you can get a newer tractor for less money, maybe he'll let the MF go a bit cheaper. The mower is probably worth 1,000-1,500 used. Also check and see what each tractor weighs to see how much iron your getting for your hard earned money.

 

[Dougster]

Here it goes:
I am fixing to buy a tractor within the next few weeks. Here are my choices. I need opinions/advice.
A) 2006 Mahindra 3525 with 130hrs and 2 year warranty left on it for $8000 plus tax.
B) Brand New 2007 Mahindra 3525 with 3 year warranty for $9400 cash price. Or I could go through Agricredit and get a low interest rate.
C) 1999 Massey Ferguson 231 with 450hrs and a 6' King Kutter brush hog, also in very good condition for $10,000. No warranty but was told the tractor is in very good shape- hardly used.
The Mahindra is a 35 engine hp tractor with 27 PTO hp.
The Massey Ferguson is a 38 engine hp tractor with 34 PTO hp.
WHAT TO DO????
Thanks,
Travis R

Hi Travis - I see you've already got a 5' rotary cutter. Is spending two grand extra to "upgrade" to a used 6' KK something that interests you enough to accept a 7-year older machine with three times the hours and no warranty?

Unlike my esteemed friends above (whose opinions I respect a lot), I was not very impressed by the M-F's I encountered when I was out shopping last year... current models or old in my HP range... so my decision here would be really easy! Then again, I am admittedly 100% prejudiced in favor of the newest Mahindra machines!

Dougster

 

[RoyJackson]

Builder and Farmwithjunk make their livings on tractors. They'd want to most reputable and robust tractor available...makes sense.
Most of us don't make our living with equipment, so we can live with a less robust machine.

So, Travis has to make his decision based upon his usage. I see in his profile he makes extra money doing brush cutting...so the MF may well be the best buy for long term durability.

 

[john_bud]

If that Massy has a Perkins diesel then it's just starting off a long life. Very dependable. 450 hours in 7 years is what, 65 hours a year? It wasn't used hardly at all! I would probably offer $9000 for it as a package.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

6' KK brush cutter is $780 in yesterday's Orscheln's ad. (regional alternative to TSC)
450 hours is nothing for a MF. 7 years old shouldn't be either.
On the other hand, Mahindra makes a fine machine from what I've seen done with a 4110, and while the PTO HP isn't as strong as the MF, 27 HP should be plenty for a 6' KK unless you're hogging through 4' deep brush - and you'd still have room in your $10k budget for a 6' box blade and/or that disk harrow you want.

and then there's Roy's $.02 worth - which I have to agree with. See if you can put in a couple hours seat time on each of the used machines and find out which one feels best.

Either way you get a very nice red machine, right?

 

[Lucky1]

Buy the MF and you will be quite happy. The off brand tractors only stick for a few years, then there gone. Years ago I bought 2 of the larger Satoh tractors, I still own them along with 2 Kubotas and 1 ford. Getting parts for the Satohs is a nightmare and very expensive if you can find them. A MF has been around for years parts are fairly cheap. I priced a seat for one of the satohs a few years ago , it ran around 5-6 hundred dollars plus shipping.

 

[flusher]

Here it goes:

I am fixing to buy a tractor within the next few weeks. Here are my choices. I need opinions/advice.

A) 2006 Mahindra 3525 with 130hrs and 2 year warranty left on it for $8000 plus tax.

B) Brand New 2007 Mahindra 3525 with 3 year warranty for $9400 cash price. Or I could go through Agricredit and get a low interest rate.

C) 1999 Massey Ferguson 231 with 450hrs and a 6' King Kutter brush hog, also in very good condition for $10,000. No warranty but was told the tractor is in very good shape- hardly used.

The Mahindra is a 35 engine hp tractor with 27 PTO hp.
The Massey Ferguson is a 38 engine hp tractor with 34 PTO hp.

WHAT TO DO????

Thanks,
Travis R

The average retail price for that MF 231 (dealer's cost on a clean machine) is about $8400. Don't think a 6' KK hog is worth $1600. Don't know if you're MF is on a dealer's lot or if it's a private sale. I figure dealer prep is worth about $400, so in a private sale I'd figure about $8000 for the tractor and $600 for the hog, assuming both are in good condition.

I've been refurbishing a 1964 MF-135 diesel the past year. It's hasn't been run since last October. Yesterday I finally got all the rewiring done. Turned the start key. The engine spun one revolution and started like gangbusters. Those Perkins diesels are super engines.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The average retail price for that MF 231 (dealer's cost on a clean machine) is about $8400. Don't think a 6' KK hog is worth $1600. Don't know if you're MF is on a dealer's lot or if it's a private sale. I figure dealer prep is worth about $400, so in a private sale I'd figure about $8000 for the tractor and $600 for the hog, assuming both are in good condition.

I've been refurbishing a 1964 MF-135 diesel the past year. It's hasn't been run since last October. Yesterday I finally got all the rewiring done. Turned the start key. The engine spun one revolution and started like gangbusters. Those Perkins diesels are super engines.

Average retail probably ISN'T based on a tractor with 450 hours though. Good clean one-owner VERY low houred utility tractors like that don't grow on trees. No matter if it didn't have ANY hours, it's only worth so much though. I'd try to get the price down a bit. Hard to say what it's worth exactly without seeing it.

I'm right there with you on the value of th KK mower. You can buy new ones for not much more.

The Perkins in my 150 starts so quick you bump the key and let off as quick as you can and it STILL starts. HOT or COLD.

 

[HEC]

I bought an off brand tractor several years ago,the dealer went under leaving me high and dry with no service etc. etc. etc. , out of what you have listed I'd go with the MF ,as already stated those perkin engines sound nice run even better.I would try and get the price down a little,450 hrs. is nothing on a diesel tractor providing it was well taken care of.I would try and get the previous owners name and give him a call and find out what you can about the tractor.I do believe you would appreciate the little extra pto HP also.

 

[BamaRob]

All you folks calling Mahindra an "off-brand" need to do a little homework. Granted, Mahindra isn't as popular here in the US as MF, JD, or Kubota (yet), but they are one of the largest tractor manufacturers worldwide. They manufactured tractors for IH for many, many years. I certainly wouldn't consider Mahindra an "off-brand" and certainly wouldn't put them in the same class as grey-market Satohs etc. Getting parts for Mahindra tractors (even older units) is not a problem that I've heard any owners complaining about.

If I'm not mistaken, Travis R has some experience with Mahindra, so he knows they're quality units. And, there's no doubt (in my mind at least) that the MF is a good one (at a very attractive price). I suspect that's why he's having a tough time making his decision. He's confident that either will suit his needs and be a tough, reliable tractor. He just has to decide which to buy.

As others suggested, it's hard to be a little seat time in each to help make up your mind.

Good luck,

BR

 

[Dougster]

All you folks calling Mahindra an "off-brand" need to do a little homework. Granted, Mahindra isn't as popular here in the US as MF, JD, or Kubota (yet), but they are one of the largest tractor manufacturers worldwide. They manufactured tractors for IH for many, many years. I certainly wouldn't consider Mahindra an "off-brand" and certainly wouldn't put them in the same class as grey-market Satohs etc. Getting parts for Mahindra tractors (even older units) is not a problem that I've heard any owners complaining about.

Yeah, with all due respect (and yes, there's still plenty of it) to my crusty "old school" friends, unless you can get past the "Mahindra = Off-Brand" mentality, your decision is already made for you. No sense in even debating it. Economics or anything else me darned... go with any old rust bucket tractor that will still fire up and that's either lime green or faded blue or M-F's shade of red. Might be a few others that pass "old school" muster as well... and if those are still running, consider them too! To heck with them silly 3-year warranties!!! What can possibly go wrong with a mere 8-year old tractor??? And I'll bet that 6-foot KK is awfully dang sweet!!!

We *real* tractor men don't need no stinkin' warranties!!!

Dougster

 

[Builder]

I would base my decision on (not necessarily in this order) if the units are similar in price/condition:

1.HP (obvious reasons)
2.PTO HP (it will run your hog through deeper brush with less wear/stress)
3.Weight (heavier usually means stronger, usually less apt to break)
4.Which dealer (MF or Mahindra) stands in terms of service, parts. That can make owning an out-of-warranty tractor much more enjoyable.

Everything I read about Mahindra sounds pretty good. If the mahindra was higher in HP & PTO HP and weight I'd go mahindra, but it sounds like the MF is more powerful & heavier..

 

[Travis_R]

WOW!

THANKS FOR ALL THE REPLIES!

Well, I found another deal! But still considering the other ones.

AD in the paper: 231 Massey Ferguson, Great Condition, 475 hours $8000.00

That sounds even better.

Also, the other MF i am talking about is from an individual- not a dealer.

Travis R

 

[Farmwithjunk]

WOW! The Mahindra boys are T.O.U.C.H.Y. 'bout their tractors!

Not to be commenting on post's by others, but you didn't hear ME say anything NEGATIVE about them. Just POSITIVES about a known excellent product from Massey Ferguson. After ALMOST an entire lifetime around this sort of tractor, I know where I'd bank MY money.

Warranty being what it is, I STILL think the MF is a better buy, ESPECIALLY if you can get one @ $8000 or under w/ low hours. These tractors are rock solid. If there was any issues they would have surfaced by now. Sure, there's still a chance of a little part breaking, but a SLIGHT chance, unless there's abuse in the future. These are just that sound of a small tractor. In the end, you'll have a tractor that is well known to hold its value for several generations, not just a few years. You'll have what is considered THE BEST small diesel in its class. Mahindra's might be a good tractor, but that particular model of Massey is a GREAT tractor with a GREAT reputation, known far beyond the normal circles of tractor experts/enthusiast's. That great rep translates into re-sale value.

Point being, take 'em both, use 'em hard for 10 more years and see which one will best return your investment.

I'm still using a 36 year old rendition of that Massey Ferguson almost every day in my mowing business. I'd stack it up against most any NEW tractor for reliability, dependability, fuel efficiency, and ease of operation. You're look at one of the all-time greats as far as small utility tractors go.

 

[Jae]

Odly enough I had this same dilema when I was first looking at a new tractor for our ranch. Namely what was the best way to spend my limited budget on a relaiable tractor for our farm. I absolutely needed it to work, and work well as we had been experiencing delays with broken equipment.

At the time my budget was ~$17,000.00 to get a tractor with a loader and a larger mower. I personally couldn't justify spending 8-10,000 on an out of warranty machine. I would rather put the money down on a newer in-warranty unit as I would have an avenue to get it fixed and working if somthing were to go wrong. I had this debate with my family (as it is a family business), and it was decided to be more prudent to just go ahead and get a new machine and pay the extra few thousand bucks for the warranty. I don't doubt at all that the MF's, JD's, and other unmentioned "old iron" are darn rock solid reliable in most cases, the problem is I couldn't justify spending 8-10 thousand dollars on a used unit that very wall may die the next day and leave me without a tractor and with no recourse to getting it fixed aside from laying out a few thousand more in repairs.

I just couldn't justify the gamble...

Reliable or not as the reputation goes, It isn't 100% conclusive that "all" MFs or any brand for that matter are rock solid reliable. So when it came down to new iron versus used, I had to choose new.

 

[shvl73]

Travis, I posted this in your other thread but, maybe its more suited for over here. MASSEY FERGUSON 231 Tractors Agriculture North America
These aren't real close to you but, it gives pricing comparisons.
If the other 231 you've found is in real nice shape and you can make an offer of a little less, it would seem like the way to go. They're holding value for a reason. I run a 5' light duty cutter with 22+ pto hp and wouldn't think of doing it commercially. If you're looking for a 6' cutter for commercial mowing, I would think 27pto hp is a bit light, depending on local conditions. Good luck.

 

[Builder]

Travis, I posted this in your other thread but, maybe its more suited for over here. MASSEY FERGUSON 231 Tractors Agriculture North America
These aren't real close to you but, it gives pricing comparisons.
If the other 231 you've found is in real nice shape and you can make an offer of a little less, it would seem like the way to go. They're holding value for a reason. I run a 5' light duty cutter with 22+ pto hp and wouldn't think of doing it commercially. If you're looking for a 6' cutter for commercial mowing, I would think 27pto hp is a bit light, depending on local conditions. Good luck.

He's right. Like I said before, 27 PTO HP is kinda low for running a 6' hog on a regular basis. Especially if you have a lot of diifferent customers some having difficult weeds, brush to cut you'll want more PTO HP, no matter what brand.