Listen up Mahindra- user requested mods

[DiskDoctr]

OK Mahindra fans and owners...

Here's our chance to list all the changes and suggestions for your red beast. Maybe Mahindra will consider them. The best ideas always come from people who actually USE the product!

I am new to Mahindra, just took delivery a few days ago, so here is my list so far.

Disclaimer: I am very pleased so far with my new 3510! These are simply suggestions and comments.

1. Shorter L-M-H range shifter. Sometimes it takes just the right hip movements (think Elvis) to wiggle up from the seat, down from the steering wheel, up and around the range selector, especially low range.

2. Add about 4"-5" extension to 3ph hydraulic lever, tilted forward about 30° starting the angle from the end of the lever. I find it a bit uncomfortable to pull the lever higher than about 4. Have to hyperextend my right arm, well behind the hip to raise it all the way. (This resulted in some "marks" in the concrete garage floor from the tiller because I thought it was all the way up)

3. Slow FEL. Others have mentioned this and were not exaggerating.

4. Headlights with FEL??? Again, others mentioned this. With lights on, very little light beyond FEL with most of it reflecting back in your eyes. I'll be trying some of the customized lighting suggestions by TBN'ers. Already visited Walmart and picked up some offroad 12v lights.

5. Gear shift pattern upside down. I'm not the first to notice this, either. Wonder if spinning the knob halfway would fix this? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

6. "Shuttle clutch" doesn't always engage fully. This is a user error. I find myself pushing it forward until I feel resistance, then figure it's in gear. Drive by feel, like most people. Apparently, there is a "halfway" spot forward of neutral where it feels like it is in gear and will actually make the tractor move a little, but the real position is about 3"-4" further forward. I can/will get used to it, but it seems this could/should be more intuitive.

7. The plastic screen in the fuel filler port seems as if it will be a problem. Using a nozzle like at a gas station, I am afraid of either pushing it into the tank, or breaking a piece off which will float in the tank forever just from the weight of the hose /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Consequently, I removed it to fill. This could be of a better material. Probably okay for a plastic jug fillup, but puts me in mind of the thin (not strong) plastic baskets in which you get strawberries.

I am just under average height, about 5'8.5", so consider that when I talk about ergonomics. I have the seat slightly forward, which affects reach of the 3ph hydraulic lever.

All this being said, I am very happy with my new 3510. I do believe in making a product as good as it can be, and I know from being on the product development side of the picture (no, nothing to do with tractors), I always look for any feedback from customers to make it even better.

I hope this thread can give this courtesy to Mahindra in exchange for the overall excellent machine they sell.

Let's hear your comments- and any suggestions for fixing them or workarounds (customizations) you're using for these conditions.

-JC

 

[KENB]

You can rotate the gear shift indicator so that it is not upside down. I had to rotate mine, it too was upside down from the factory. I have a 4110, and so far I am enjoying it. But at times I get aggravated at a few things. You mentioned most.
I would suggest a higher positioned seat. Can't see the bucket unless you are over 6' tall. A better owners manual would be nice.

 

[shvl73]

I have the 2810HST & a suspension seat would be nice.
I think the headlight thing is similar on most tractors. Some even have the lights mounted lower on the front end, I imagine they would be completely useless. I like the visibility of the sloping hood, the light location seems to be a result of that.

 

[DiskDoctr]

KenB,

I meant the shifting pattern is upside down from most vehicles and tractors that I've used. Instead of 1st being up and left, it is back and left.

My comment about rotating the knob to fix the pattern was meant as a joke /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Sorry for the confusion, I should've stated it better....

Is there anything not mentioned that you don't like? There are lots of people on here that have "tweaked" their tractors- some minor, some major. In any case, lots of good suggestions abound.

I have to move the seat forward a little to see well. I am used to the Case 580K (just under 17k lbs), and I use the suspension seat way up on it.

I wonder if one of the aftermarket seats would fit? Northerntool.com has them anywhere from $99-$200, depending... (from memory, you can look for the one you want on their website- much less than TSC for seats)

-JC

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

All of my gear tractors(just 2) were right and up for first gear.

A change I will make in mine are the safties. When I stall the motor mowing I have to disingage the PTO and put the HST in neutral. Usually the tranny is in a slight bind so I have to push the clutch in to get it out of gear. Then reverse the prosess to get going again. I am going to put a switch on the clutch to over ride the other two safties. When I push the clutch, the tractor will start.

PS You may think I would say more power if the motor is stalling. The motor is dieing in previously uncut grass. I am finnish cutting where I should be hog'n. We have had soo much rain here I have an acre that is usually grass this time of year that is still swampy and unmowed. 2 weeks ago I mowed 1/2 acre for the first time this year. Sence then we have gotten over 6 inches of rain.

 

[Clyde]

I own a 4500 4wd and on my "wish list" to Mahindra, I would like to include the following item. I changed the engine oil and oil filter at the 20 hour mark. I can live with the fact that the driveshaft safety cover to the front wheels has to be removed to get at the drain plug. What I don't understand is why there is a restrictive plate, essentially blocking the flow of fresh oil as you refill the crankcase, in the valve cover. This opening in the valve cover is also where the crankcase breather valve is normally. It took me a FULL half hour to add the 9 quarts of oil required. There is a similar post on this topic on some of the earlier pages where the same problem was addressed. Taking out the dipstick helps the flow of fresh oil into the crankcase somewhat but not appreciably. No - it isn't a big deal but it sure is irritating.

 

[wallace]

All the new 10 series come with suspension and arm rests now

 

[ebeacham]

You would think that Mahindra would at least send me a note and offer me the upgrades to my tractor. While we are dreaming up a wish list; how about a high performance hydraulic pump?

 

[clundog]

Not many complaints so far! However a cup holder might be OK. Also some tie down points on the front of the 2615 would be handy as well. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif