Dealer Model 5520 Availability at local dealers?

MtnViewRanch · Nov 2, 2009

It looks like Owenslee went with Kubota.

Owenslee · Nov 2, 2009

MtnViewRanch said:
It looks like Owenslee went with Kubota.

I did...

I found a M5040HD that had been stored indoors in a dealers inventory since Jan 2008. It looked newer than a three month old 2009 model sitting outside. Final price with FEL, skid steer QC bucket, one rear remote, Hydro shuttle, filled rear tires, free delivery and free 50 hr inspection was $27,200. That price was $2600 less than the lowest quote for an identical 2009 model.

The final decision was not easy, however the factors that made up my mind were:

1. Three Kubota dealers within an hour of my farm. One is 28 miles away. The selling dealer is 5 mins from my home and 45 mins from the farm. The closest Mahindra dealer is over an hour and the Mahindra dealer I would have bought from was 197 miles one way.

2. Electric over hydraulic PTO on the Mahindra was not as desirable in my opinion as a manual hydraulic valve on the Kubota.

3. The M5040HD Kubota had 20% larger engine displacement (154 cu in vs. 186 cu in) with 5.5 more engine HP and 7 additional PTO HP.

4. The Kubota had a Hydro Shuttle Transmission over the standard Syncro Shuttle of the Mahindra. The Hydro Shuttle was a $1K option that had it been omitted would have brought the Kubota price much closer to the Mahindra.

5. The Kubota came with AG tires which for my purposes was preferred for better traction over R4 tires on the Mahindra.

6.The Kubota loader had a 21" higher lift reach.

7. The Hydro Shuttle Kubota has a multi disc wet clutch compared to a single disc dry clutch on the Mahindra.

8. Kubota was offering 0% 60 month terms vs. 0% for 48 months on the Mahindra.

9. The Kubota has a bucket level rod I like, similar to that on my HD6G track loader that I'm used to.

10. Comparing platform room, control locations, seat comfort and "feel"...it was very close with the Kubota having a slight edge IMHO...

Final difference in price was $4150. It would have been $3150 for equal Syncro Shuttle transmissions. For the additional features, increased displacement and HP and much closer dealer support...it was an added cost I felt was justified.

Having said that...I still Liked the 4535 series Mahindra. I like the 5 yr warranty, the longer 75" bucket, the higher FEL lift capacity of 3090 lbs, the extra 330 lbs of tractor weight, I even like the color better.

I was a very close call....but one that I spent a LOT of time deciding. It could have gone either way.

Regardless, I appreciate the input and information from the Mahindra owner's who helped me make an informed decision.

Kerry