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archwoodholding
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I'm simply going to have to go to the Mahindra dealer. Hard to get a feel for anything without touching it.
Kubota B2650 vs Mahindra Max 26XL ... Which is the better buy?
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s219
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Those are such different size tractors, it's really hard to compare in terms of value. The Max 26/28 is a little smaller than a Kubota B2601/2620 (maybe closer to the 2301/2320). The 2650 (and the equal sized 3350) are almost the size of an L3200/3301/3800/3901). There will be a pretty big price difference between the Kubota B2650 and Max 26 just based on size and feature content.
My neighbor has a Max 28, and other than some issue with the fuel system that caused it to shut off spontaneously, it's a solid tractor. But fit and finish and paint quality is notably worse than what I am used to from Kubota and Deere. The seat is really basic (think sears lawn mower) and uncomfortable. And the hydraulic controls for the front loader lack a fine touch compared to what you'll find on more deluxe tractors.
If I am remembering right from your other post that you're 6'4 and 400#, you might not have enough room on the Max. While it has the specs of a compact, it's closer to a subcompact in size. That's why I recommended the B2650 over the 2601, since it's a bigger tractor with more space.
Not sure what to say about flex when climbing on. I got that on my B2620 and have it on my L3200. I'm 6'1 and 200-210# depending on the time of year and my wife's cooking. In over 4 years with those tractors, I never saw a real problem with the flex in terms of usage or durability. It would sure give a better impression if the step and platform was rock solid, but I can't say it seems matter.
My neighbor has a Max 28, and other than some issue with the fuel system that caused it to shut off spontaneously, it's a solid tractor. But fit and finish and paint quality is notably worse than what I am used to from Kubota and Deere. The seat is really basic (think sears lawn mower) and uncomfortable. And the hydraulic controls for the front loader lack a fine touch compared to what you'll find on more deluxe tractors.
If I am remembering right from your other post that you're 6'4 and 400#, you might not have enough room on the Max. While it has the specs of a compact, it's closer to a subcompact in size. That's why I recommended the B2650 over the 2601, since it's a bigger tractor with more space.
Not sure what to say about flex when climbing on. I got that on my B2620 and have it on my L3200. I'm 6'1 and 200-210# depending on the time of year and my wife's cooking. In over 4 years with those tractors, I never saw a real problem with the flex in terms of usage or durability. It would sure give a better impression if the step and platform was rock solid, but I can't say it seems matter.
oldpilgrim
Elite Member
you are correct.
BlackOps
Platinum Member
i agree with the original first post of old pilgrim - i did all the research and went with the max 25 hst. I am most pleased. Other tractor owners are envious. Much better tractor than the bx 26060 or whatever you stated. i checked into that one close and max 25 won it outright.
oldpilgrim
Elite Member
My brother has a Kioti which he loves. It's a great tractor, well made and tough. But when he was going around to the different brands of dealers with me, and he saw the Mahindra I wanted, he said that if he'd known about Mahindra before he bought his, he would have gotten the one I got. He's not into the internet and didn't really check out a lot of stuff, but wishes he had.
OP
archwoodholding
Member
The flexing is one thing but the rear axle looks very thin on all the "B" series. I saw the B2301 and B2601 and also got the opportunity to see the B2650 but all had that flexing of the fenders and platform which stopped me dead. My L3540 never flexed or ever gave me the impression of any lacking in quality but it was also very heavy very hard if not impossible to operate in confined areas. The reason I'm looking smaller is that I want a solid but versatile tractor that is light enough to mow with and not destroy my lawn yet big and powerful enough to move snow, mulch, soil, etc... as well.
Luke'sScreenName
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If you are talking tier4 and want 20+ years, I would consider the R&D budget/expertice/time difference. Kubota has orders of magnitude greater resources to put into these new, complex systems.
s219
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Axle may be a perception issue -- can't say I ever had worries about that. And I don't think I have ever heard issues here on TBN with the axles failing or not being able to handle the rated loads or 3-pt hitch capacity. Considering the zillions of B models sold over the years, I am sure we would have heard about rear axle issues if there were any (front bearings on other Kubota models are occasionally mentioned).
There certainly is a whole lot more to axles than diameter though, including material and treatment. I think the best we can say is that Kubota has engineered the axles appropriately, since a lot of people here are using B models up to and beyond their rated capabilities.
OP
archwoodholding
Member
The axle thing is a perception issue not one that I have stated truly exists. It's the same too with the flexing ... some will say as long as it doesn't break off no harm no foul ... what I'm saying is that I would have expected flexing from a cheap tractor company (if there is such a thing) but certainly not from Kubota ... I guess it also goes to confidence in the quality. I'm sure they engineered it and someone some where at Kubota knows about this issue but money prevailed and a little thicker sheet metal or extra support was deemed unnecessary in favor of profits or power to weight ratios etc... For what they are asking for these machines, IMHO, they should be solidly constructed. With that said if Kubota and the dealer will stand behind the product ... noting my concerns, I would certainly reconsider the "B" series. I'm a bigger guy so metal does fatigue and don't want the operators platform or fenders breaking loose over time.
OP
archwoodholding
Member
I did make it to a Mahindra Dealer today. I sat on the Max 26XL and found it to be rock solid. It was a little rougher around the edges than Kubota so hard to see why their pricing is so similar but seemed to be constructed well just a bit cruder but still a good solid machine the only things I didn't care for was the platform isn't completely flat but liveable, the loader control seems cheap just a ball on a threaded rod and the hydraulic fittings in a few places where actually touch which will be obvious failure sites just from vibration but this could be addressed. The real problem was the dealer. This dealer sold used cars as well and none of the salesmen there seemed to know or want to take any interest in the tractors (the tractors were probably priced higher than many of the cars on the lot) I've also asked them for quotes via their website over the past week and have gotten no response. If they are this difficult to try to buy from them then certainly don't want to find out their response should a problem exist. The other Mahindra Dealer is just too far for me to travel. Yesterday, I visited the John Deere dealer down the road, but they were overstocked with 1025's and just looking at them they appeared cheap. The gas guage is on the plastic filler cap. I didn't see any with 4WD or a knob to engage or disengage if it had it. Everything was plastic all around the operators platform and most all implements if they didn't have MADE IN CHINA on them said ASSEMBLED IN USA. I saw a 2025 but it too had a hood and everthing else made of plastic. The frames on these tractors were also much thinner than all the other brands that I have looked at and I'm sure would be amoungst the most expensive. I doubt very seriously I'll ever own anything else that is green.
