I was looking at the Mahindra 2015, 2615 and Kioti CK20, CK25; all geared 4wd's. On paper I was convinced the 2615 and the CK25 were worth the extra price, but this was my first tractor and I didn't have any real praticle experience. I hadn't even ever driven one. I'd sit on different tractors at the dealership, but really couldn't decide. Knowing me I probably would have gone for the best deal. Which I did. This used (30 hrs) 2615 HST just fell into my lap. It was such a good deal I had to take it. And in retrospect, I sure am glad I got the bigger model. I've only put on 17 hrs and I already know this. And, I have really begun to appreciate having the HST transmission. There is a lot to think about if you are a newbie operator, especially if you are working on any kind of slope. HST just makes it that much easier and might possibly even be safer. I'm real happy with the 2615. About the only thing I'd change if I were buying new is I might have gone witht the Ag tires instead of the Industrial.
In the 17 hrs I've used the tractor I've gotten all kinds of things done. I box scraped a couple acres and dragged around a section of chain link fence to make it look all nice and even. I've done some loader work and other odd jobs I've ignored for the last 16 years. I am now in the process of clearing the so called "south forty". Roughly 4 acres of buck brush, digger pines, oak trees, rocks and a lot of uneven ground. It's been a lot of fun just clearing a path for access and safe passsage. The only 2615 limitation I seen so far is pulling the brush with a chain attached to the hitch. Sometimes those tires just want to spin. I seem to have much better luck pushing the brush out with the loader.
HangtownMatt
