Mahindra or NH ?

[MKM1111]

I'm looking at buying a new tractor w/FEL hopefully in the next week. I found this site today and have to admit, you guys are the most honest and informative bunch I've come across.
Also, I'll apologize now for being long winded in my post.

My scenario is that I have a 225 acre ranch in Central Texas. Terrain is flat to rolling hills. Soil is mostly sandy loam, with some patches of concrete (clay).

Some of the uses I'll need this tractor for are:

1. Moving round bales. I feed approximately 100-125 round bales each winter.

2. Discing with a 6' disc. Sometimes it will be light discing to aerate and spread coastal runners, other times it will be heavy discing in pastures that were recently root plowed (rough terrain).

3. Shredding with a 5' shredder.

4. Post hole digging.

5. Road maintenance and general leveling of areas.

Today I was able to look at the 4500, 5500, and 6000 Mahindras and at the NH TC40. I liked the weight and general look of the Mahindras. I liked the sloped hood design of the NH in regards to using the FEL.

The Mahindra 5500/2WD(54hp) w/FEL price was $23,350.00

The NH TC40/4wd w/FEL was $19,825.00

Questions:

Do these prices seem fair ?

How far can I ( or can I at all) expect them to come down on these prices ?

Will the 54hp Mahindra be enough punch for the work and implements I have now and would it still be enough for me to go to say an 8ft shredder and 9-10' disc in the future?

Can someone explain ( in simple terms) why I should want Synchro Shuttle as opposed to gear ? I've read some posts about it but still don't understand fully.

4wd or 2wd?????? I'm undecided on this. Some have said 4wd is a must with a FEL, others say not unless you're in sandy soil or on inclines? It's 4k to 5k more with 4wd so if I don't need it ............. . On the other hand, I would hate to begin using the FEL and find out I should have got it.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[johnsonauto]

You shure that price for the Mahindra is not a 5500 4wd with loader? I would double check with your dealer. You say syncro shuttle? the 4wd come with the syncro shuttle, the 2wd does not. A syncro shuttle is a gear trans, it has 4spd, hi/low range, so a total of 8spd, then you have the "syncro shuttle" which is a shifter up on the left of the steering wheel for forward and reverse, you have forward and reverse in any of the 8 gears. You do have to clutch to change directions but you can be rolling a little and no grinding, being it has syncro's, helping the gears mesh without grinding: (syncro shuttle). 4wd is alot nicer by far with a loader and would not consider one with out it, at least in our area of the country. The Mahindra should do everthing you ask its alot more of a tractor than the TC 40, The TC 40 compare closer to the 4110 Mahindra, just to compare like to like.

 

[MKM1111]

My mistake, too many numbers today. Yes that was for the 4wd model. Seem fair ?

 

[Keith_B]

The Mahindra 5500 is going to give you a lot more for your money. The utility size is more robust, has better hydraulic rates, and is going to be able to do a lot more work.

 

[Unclebuck257]

mkm11,

I just bought a new Montana 5740C with a FEL, and as I do with my ATVs and P/U trucks, I figured I wouldn't need that 4WD all the time, but when I did need it, I'd be out somewhere alone and REALLY need it!! I used the 4WD on the tractor I just sold a number of times, so in my opinion, there's no question, get the 4WD model. That First time you'll need it, you'll be very thankful you have it!!..Especially with the FEL and the sand you have.

 

[KiotiJohn]

The Mahindra price seems fair, as does the NH.
If you like the weight of the Mahindra, and the sloped hood of the NH, then you should also check out the Kioti DK55 as it has both.
To answer a question or two, yes the Mahindra should very well handle the implements you have now, and larger. The TC 40 would have more difficulty handling much larger implements in the future than would the Mahindra. This applies to the Kioti as well. They both are large enough, have enough power and weight to carry what you mention.
If you want to compare carefully, take into account the the DK55 has a 3pt lift lever at the rear of the tractor as well as beside the operator's seat. Makes hook up VERY easy.
It also comes standard with the hydraulic valve and Joystick for a loader. Most other brands charge several hundred dollars extra for that.
I hope you don't mind my bringing in another brand, but since you like features of both models, and Kioti has them both, I thought you may be interested.
Good luck and keep us posted. John
EDIT: Many CUTs including the Kioti offer switchable 2/4 WD. So you can use what you need when you need it. John

 

[Dargo]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( take into account the the DK55 has a 3pt lift lever at the rear of the tractor as well as beside the operator's seat. Makes hook up VERY easy.

EDIT: Many CUTs including the Kioti offer switchable 2/4 WD. So you can use what you need when you need it. John )</font>

The additional 3 pt lever in the back would be a great idea! I've not seen that before. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Also, I've never seen a 4wd tractor that does not have the ability to switch to 2wd. Are there such tractors? I can't imagine such. How would you operate the thing on paved surfaces? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The additional 3 pt lever in the back would be a great idea! I've not seen that before. Also, I've never seen a 4wd tractor that does not have the ability to switch to 2wd. Are there such tractors? I can't imagine such. How would you operate the thing on paved surfaces? )</font>
I thought you had looked at the DK65??? It has the same type lever on the rear outside. This is on both cab and rops models BTW.
I was actually referring to the point that some CUTs are only 2 WD, but I'm fairly sure all 4WD tractors today switch 2/4. Sorry if I wasn't clear about it. John

 

[Dargo]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I thought you had looked at the DK65??? It has the same type lever on the rear outside. This is on both cab and rops models )</font>

No, the only "local" dealer I had was only interested in quoting me full list plus, and he didn't have one on his lot. I have not actually seen one in person; thus all my questions. The dealer only had a few smaller tractors on the lot and he obviously didn't care to keep them clean and presentable, nor did any salesperson show any interest at all in showing me anything. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif That's why I haven't had the warm fuzzy feeling for them where I live. I also don't have a local Mahindra dealer. A dealer I like started to carry Mahindra, but some other dealer (I think) 75 miles away complained loudly and my dealer didn't get them.

The big 3 really have a strangle hold on my area and deeply cut each other's prices. Apparently that makes it harder for the other makes to get a toe hold around here.

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( No, the only "local" dealer I had was only interested in quoting me full list plus, and he didn't have one on his lot. )</font>
I'm sorry, you had posted that before and I forgot. I just thought maybe the dealer didn't point it out to you, and that would be a shame as it's one of the great selling features to me.
On the new DK65, I also really like that the whole dash follows the tilt of the sterring wheel with a foot operated lever. It's too cool. John