Max 26XL vs LS XJ2025

[yooperdave]

I can get a brand new LS XJ2025H for $14,900 with loader and loaded tires.
The XJ has a SSQA loader & mid-pto. Dealer is < 10 minutes away.

It is my recent understanding that the MAX 26XL also has SSQA loader.
The 26XL HST also seems to have a bigger platform and a tilt steering wheel which would help access which for me is a big deal.

I am hoping to get a quote from the 2 area Mahindra dealers (0.5 & 1 hour away) to see where their prices are coming in.

Are there any other significant differences worthy of note?

TIA

Yooper Dave

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

You'll probably be shocked at the increase in prices for the Mahindra. When we were shopping for our tractor, the wifey was with me at the Mahindra dealer. As soon as she got closer to the tractors, she asked me "are these used?" . We got a price (which was way higher than LS) and left.

 

[tomplum]

If you are comfortable with pricing on both, it would be good to get some seat time and compare the two. We like our little LS. It is really for the most part the wife's tractor. We went with the LS mainly for 2 reasons and bought the TLB. The backhoe on the LS had a separate seat which was better because it made the main (swivel) seat on the Mahindra really uncomfortable for her. 2) The dealer on the red ones didn't have a good way about them and a reputation to boot.

 

[Diggin It]

Funny, I had the same though about the Mahindra's looking used. Somebody else here on this board quipped that they looked like their styling and design had stopped in the 80s. And they were almost the highest quotes of the 5 or 6 brands I looked at.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Just like Tomplum said about their Mahindra dealer, the one here had a serious attitude problem. I went back the following week, just to make sure I wasn't missing something. He reinforced my initial impression, first by telling me " you can either take the price or leave it", then going further and saying: "if you buy from somewhere else, then bring it here for warranty or service, you'll definately be on the bottom of the wait list". With that, I said 'thank you' and left. Somebody else got my business the next day.

 

[mike69440]

Just like Tomplum said about their Mahindra dealer, the one here had a serious attitude problem. I went back the following week, just to make sure I wasn't missing something. He reinforced my initial impression, first by telling me " you can either take the price or leave it", then going further and saying: "if you buy from somewhere else, then bring it here for warranty or service, you'll definately be on the bottom of the wait list". With that, I said 'thank you' and left. Somebody else got my business the next day.

\

Just buy a nice used one privately and also get service manual. (Only buy Mahindra, if your handy)

 

[tmcj]

You need to compare the spec's and see what suits you, and you need to personally try out both. Ergo's are very important for whether or you not you will enjoy spending hours at a time on it. Don't rule out appearance either. So much comes down to personal preference, but compare the spec's.

It looks like the Max 3 pt has about #800 lift advantage. Max advantage + #200 on loader, with much higher breakout force. Things like that can be critical though and worth the extra cost.

 

[mike69440]

You need to compare the spec's and see what suits you, and you need to personally try out both. Ergo's are very important for whether or you not you will enjoy spending hours at a time on it. Don't rule out appearance either. So much comes down to personal preference, but compare the spec's.

It looks like the Max 3 pt has about #800 lift advantage. Max advantage + #200 on loader, with much higher breakout force. Things like that can be critical though and worth the extra cost.

"It looks like the Max 3 pt has about #800 lift advantage."
I concur, 3pt lift is amazing for size of the Max.
Note +700 Lb Iron filled concrete counter weight on the quick attach plus rock in the carry all.
Best features of the Max. is the nice 8 x 8 shuttle and the strong 3 pt. Most times I prefer a shuttle over a 2 speed HST.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

I have some nice pics of both that I'll share for comparison's sake. Make sure you get a universal skid steer quick attach no matter which one you choose!
Travis

Max 26

XJ2025

 

[yooperdave]

I got to sit on the Mahindra MAX 26XL today.
So far, it is my favorite = by far
Lots of room for a big guy and with a tilt steering wheel.
Still needed a mid pto and remotes for 3rd function & rear.
End of year sale was worth another $2,000 discount.

Yooper Dave