need advice

[roxynoodle]

Well, don't underestimate the value of neighbors. If you live in a rural community these people have grown up with tractors and they know a lot. Something else they may know is who works on tractors, does a good job and does it much cheaper than the dealer. This will probably not be so important until it is out of warranty. I bought a used tractor so the knowledge my neighbors have is very important. It is probably good you bought a new one because hopefully you won't have a problem for a long time. The people on this forum are also very helpful. When you have time, read as much as you can here about operating the tractor, using implements and about any problems they have had with their Massey or Mahindra. They may also be able to tell you about others in your area who could be helpful. Happy tractoring!

 

[roxynoodle]

Well, don't underestimate the value of neighbors. If you live in a rural community these people have grown up with tractors and they know a lot. Something else they may know is who works on tractors, does a good job and does it much cheaper than the dealer. This will probably not be so important until it is out of warranty. I bought a used tractor so the knowledge my neighbors have is very important. It is probably good you bought a new one because hopefully you won't have a problem for a long time. The people on this forum are also very helpful. When you have time, read as much as you can here about operating the tractor, using implements and about any problems they have had with their Massey or Mahindra. They may also be able to tell you about others in your area who could be helpful. Happy tractoring!

 

[Dex]

Even if you do not get Pat's EZ chance think about getting telescopic draft links and a hydraulic top and side link. This will also make changing implements easier for you.

 

[daTeacha]

I'm going to part from the crowd and suggest the Massey and wheel weights rather than the Mahindra. Reason? You already feel pretty good about the Massey dealer and are a little spooky about the Mahindra man. Massey has been around the country a long time and is more likely to look like something your neighbors can relate to than the Mahindra, regardless of where each was made.

Being that you are female, mechanically not too familiar with tractors, and like me, approaching middle age, I think you want to get to know the dealer and the tech guys pretty well, even if you do your own work. The time will come when you are wearing out and the tractor isn't and you will need someone to service it whom you know you can trust to treat you right. A dealer will look at you as not only a long term customer but also a good PR statement for their business and will take good care of your machine.

 

[Soundguy]

Massey is pretty decent technology.. though the newer models aren't nearly as tried and true as the ones from just a few years ago.. that had been using essentially the same technology for about 50 years. I always consider MF as one of the 'Big 3' ( JD, NH, KUB & MF ).

Soundguy

 

[citytransplant]

The Massey dealer is closer and more reliable but the tractor is lighter.Both at same price with loader !6,800--this is NE.

Hi PK1. I am curious to know where you stand with your tractor purchase.

I am in the market for a new (first) tractor and have all kinds of literature. One thing I noted that conflicts with your statement above is that the "operating weight" for the Mahindra 3015HST is 2,601 lbs. per the glossy specification sheet I received from the dealer while the Massey 1533 "shipping weight" is 3,025 lbs. for the platform model, 3,384 lbs. cab model.

I believe these are weights w/out loader. Were you misinformed about tractor weight or am I missing something?

Finally, was the price you indicated above !6,800 actually $16,800? If yes, that seems like a good price, at least for the Massey.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Farmwithjunk]

What is involved with a 50 hour service? Changing fluids and filters? If so, I suggest you learn how to do that yourself. I am also a female and new tractor owner but most of my neighbors know how to work on tractors. So I had a neighbor show me how to do all of that so I will be able to do it myself from now on. $500 seems like a lot of money. Does the service need to be done by the dealer because of the warranty?

Just speculation on my part, but I'd venture a guess that a 50-hour service check-up would be VERY important ESPECIALLY to a new owner who's a little "out of the loop" anyway, in regards to knowing what to service and what not to.

A TRAINED mechanic can spot problems that the average individual would pass right over. With todays crop of "modern" tractors (electronics, ect) there are a good many things that the shadetree mechanic down the lane might just miss.

AFTER that initial 50 hour service, it would be a good thing to know how to do ones own service, even if you DON'T do it yourself. Major mechanical "events" are best left to someone who knows their way around under a tractor hood. The "routine" stuff is best monitored by the every day operator.

DISCLAIMER: I'm just passing on something my father used to tell me here. I'm NOT claiming it's right OR wrong, just commenting. He always said no one should get near a tractor unless they knew how it worked and how to take care of it. That's sort of vague, but there's a few important concepts in that statement.

And my vote for tractors? I'm a died-in-the-woll Massey fanatic. (2nd choice Ford/New Holland and/or John Deere) Hard to argue against the #1 selling brand name in the world.

 

[pk1mk1]

I have been having trouble logging on. I thought I posted two more messages but they disappeared. At any rate with much ambivalence I made a decision and especially after the last post think I may have made a big mistake but I have decided it is a tractor not a husband and I am only committed to payments for the rest of my life. I went back to both dealers and still felt the Mahindra was sturdier, has higher ground clearance which is a big issue for me so I put down the proverbial deposit and it will be here Friday. I read the book, bought a grease gun, some yellow storage containers, diesel fuel and a new wrench. I think on the one hand I have no business on a tractor and on the other hand nothing ventured etc. I will let the dealer do the fifty hour service and hope I can learn to do some basics. I do have neighbors who will help and assured me by saying if nothing else it will be the best wheelbarrow I ever had.

 

[roxynoodle]

Glad to hear you made a decision. I doubt you made a mistake, the tractor will be nice and new, and I really liked the Mahindras when I was looking. Just to be fair, I liked the Masseys too. If I had bought a new one, it probably would have been the Mahindra.

I also recently had "a midlife tractor crisis" and am also a woman. You will learn fast. There is a lot of good info on this forum. Just remember, if you are working with your tractor and something seems like it might be dangerous, stop, and either decide on what might be a better way to do it, or don't do it at all. I recently learned that just because my neighbor's old very wide stance Oliver can mow side to side on the little incline up to my barn didn't mean my narrow little Yanmar could. I felt like it could tip, I stopped, and decided to go up and down. It took more time but I felt better about what I was doing.

If you haven't bought the Pat's EZ change system yet or something similar, I recommend that. Those implements are HEAVY and I have found as a woman they are just too much to wrestle with.

Glad to hear you have some neighbors who can help. Enjoy your tractor!

 

[Soundguy]

I agree with the previous poster.. I don't think you made a mistake. You have bouight a new 'good' brand of tractor..

Soundguy

I have been having trouble logging on. I thought I posted two more messages but they disappeared. At any rate with much ambivalence I made a decision and especially after the last post think I may have made a big mistake but I have decided it is a tractor not a husband and I am only committed to payments for the rest of my life. I went back to both dealers and still felt the Mahindra was sturdier, has higher ground clearance which is a big issue for me so I put down the proverbial deposit and it will be here Friday. I read the book, bought a grease gun, some yellow storage containers, diesel fuel and a new wrench. I think on the one hand I have no business on a tractor and on the other hand nothing ventured etc. I will let the dealer do the fifty hour service and hope I can learn to do some basics. I do have neighbors who will help and assured me by saying if nothing else it will be the best wheelbarrow I ever had.