Tractor Sizing Large Compact or Small Utility Tractor

[audsp98]

audsp98, have you had any issues with your 3550. I was looking at this unit as well, the dealer and MFG support though makes me nervous. I have heard mixed reviews. I priced a Mahindra 3540 PST last fall with loader, weighted tires and rear remotes, open station and they wanted $34,553 with 0%/84mos and for the 3550 PST $37,830 with 0%/84mos. These prices are higher than the MX5200.

I've not had any significant issues, couple of hydraulic leaks that were caused by loose connections so no big deal. I'd heard the same things about Mahindra dealers and MFG support and took it and the price into consideration. In the end I decided to go with the 3550 HST. You can look around on this forum, as an example, and find issues with every color of tractor. The odds are greatly in your favor that you'll never need dealer support regardless of color.

As far as price, prices vary from region to region for whatever reason. I was quoted about $29k for HST and FEL, "cash price". The dealer loaded the tires for free with water and anti-freeze and for that model of tractor 1 set of remotes are standard. I do know that all manufacturers who do 0% financing options add a few thousand to the prices. A "good" price will be 15-20% off MSRP based on what I found in my research before buying this tractor.

 

[newbury]

I can most definitely see where hst transmission has it's benefits, and to be quite honest I'm still between the two. I'm now wondering if I take the $10k for a backhoe and invest into a mini ex in lieu of? The only issue is loosing out on the 0% financing that most companies are running right now.

Since you are planning on getting a trailer ANYWAYS check into seeing if you can rent one in St Albans (or maybe Essex Junction) Franklin Rentals shows a mini-ex on their webpage. In my area I can rent a $60K 11,000 lb class mini-ex for about $400/day or $1K/week. And the $400/day can usually be Friday afternoon till Monday morning. That will dig 12 feet deep. A prime reason I bought a backhoe for my tractor was that where I'm going in Mississippi with it the closest rental agency is a 2 hour plus drive. And with my dually and trailer that's about $150 mileage costs.

 

[Rmart30]

As far as the HST, my dad has a Deere one series 1026 HST and what I don't like about the HST is your constantly adjusting throttle, I guess I could leave it at the higher RPM's.

HST are not made to be worked by the throttle like a gear machine. Thats why they dont have throttle pedals.
Almost all construction equipment, dozers, excavators, bobcats are a form of (HST) hydraulic drive.
You set the throttle to a RPM and use the treadle pedal to set your speed.

Newbury is right about renting a mini X or even a full size backhoe over buying the attachment unless you have a lot to do with it. Down here we rent regular size backhoes for $1250-1500 for a whole month and pay between 75 and 125 delivery each way.

 

[hamdog]

So I've finally settled on a MX5200HST, still negotiating prices. What size attachments would work best with this tractor 72" or 84"? Thanks!

 

[audsp98]

So I've finally settled on a MX5200HST, still negotiating prices. What size attachments would work best with this tractor 72" or 84"? Thanks!

In terms of what "fits", the size of the loader bucket is good gauge. In practical terms, it depends on what you're doing and what works best for your situation.

If you have tight working conditions, you may want a 5ft implement to help keep from banging into trees, etc. If you're cutting wide open pastures that are just grass/small brush. You could use a 7 or 8ft rotary cutter.

For ground engaging implements (box blade, scraper, disk, tiller, etc.) I like to have tire coverage.

 

[Goose69]

So I've finally settled on a MX5200HST, still negotiating prices. What size attachments would work best with this tractor 72" or 84"? Thanks!

... I have a similar size tractor, and stuck with 72" for my box blade, tiller, and rotary cutter, as I have lots of tight places to squeeze into, but they still cover my tire tracks.

And they cost less. LOL

....I'm happy with the box blade and tiller size
.... If you are going to do a lot of cutting, I would recommend a bigger cutter, as I already get bored running the cutter.

 

[hamdog]

Wider implements for grading might be best for leveling? Also take less time but on the other hand more expensive.

 

[hamdog]

What did you guys pay for your MX5200 HST 4x4?

I'm at $36,100 with the following:

-L1065 Loader with 3rd function
-72" heavy duty bucket with bolt on cutting edge
-3 welded hooks onto bucket
-dual rear remotes
-loaded tires
-block heater
-front and rear LED lights on separate switches

Thank you!