New here - Should I care about written specs?

[Don87]

Don,
In post #85 when I said "trashing" I was referring to sidetracking the threads, it seems everytime the Max28 is mentioned lately there is a ongoing debate about whether this tractor is a sub compact or compact tractor.

About the lift specs well I can buy a bottle jack that is light weight and can lift 10 tons rather easily, but if you were to put wheels under it and drive it around then stability would be a more important consideration than lift capacity.

I haven't seen any place where the Max 28 is listed as a subcompact, only the 22 and 25.

And as far as the specs, I just repeated your words.....................if you want to change them now, it's ok, but it's too late to edit them.

Regardless as to whether we agree or disagree, the Max 22 and 25 are definitely compact tractors, slightly redisigned and mareketed in a category that they don't belong in......................................and this is why 'specs matter'

That has been my only point in this thread, and has been stated clearly with every post.

 

[radrock]

I haven't seen any place where the Max 28 is listed as a subcompact, only the 22 and 25.

And as far as the specs, I just repeated your words.....................if you want to change them now, it's ok, but it's too late to edit them.

Regardless as to whether we agree or disagree, the Max 22 and 25 are definitely compact tractors, slightly redisigned and mareketed in a category that they don't belong in......................................and this is why 'specs matter'

That has been my only point in this thread, and has been stated clearly with every post.

I checked out the max 28 before I bought my Massey. I remember the brochure saying it was a mid- compact. I guess they are trying to capture both sides of the line. I drove it but i didn't care for it.

 

[jenkinsph]

Don.
I don't see any need to change my posts but I rest my case because I could care less what classification any of the aforementioned tractors fit into. Anyone shopping for a tractor should give them a good looking over and decide if it fits the bill for them.

 

[madmax12]

I always use ballast/counter weight. If the forks are in the front, the finish mower is on the back. If I'm using the bucket on the front, I have either the finish mower or the forks on the back. Today I moved a pallet of bricks and a pallet of slate with the forks on the rear, and I was using the bucket on the front for dirt work. I don't drive far and I don't drive fast.

The day I moved that boulder on the rear, I had the bucket filled with logs, for front counter weight.

Some have cautioned overworking/overloading the tractor. I think that is wise advice. That wise advice is for all brands and all operators on this forum or anywhere else.

As Don mentioned, there are threads where people are buying tractors smaller than their needs, and then are researching ways to increase its abilities. The mahindra specs are far more than my daily needs. I got a tractor powerful enough to do the heavy things I need to do occasionally... And it can do some serious stuff.

Today I also drove the loader bucket lip 4 inches under grade resting against an old rotted stump around a foot in diameter and just curled the bucket. Out it came

I don't care if no one likes the Max series.

I do. And I think all people looking to buy a tractor ought to give mahindra a real good look before choosing something else.

I think the specs matter a lot. I also think the advice to be cautious and not over work any machine is wise advice. And I appreciate any advice that will keep me and others safe, and keep equipment in good working order.

 

[madmax12]

What you just cited, is the other reason that some of us have been 'bashing' Mahindra as you call it.
The Max25 weighs in at 1693, but can lift 1400 at the rear. That's quite a bit over your 50% mark, and is possibly risking someone getting hurt. The FEL lifts 900 lbs.......on a 1693 lb. tractor, to a height of 75 inches. That's a tad higher than the cometition who appear to be keeping operator safety in mind.

I have an idea that the court system is going to have a field day with the dealers, and the manufacturer, in a relatively short period of time. As has been stated on this forum on numerous occassions....................although the current subcompacts are capable of doing so much more, the manufacturers cut them back for safety reasons.

There is thread after thread on this forum on how to increase the hydraulic output of these subcompacts, but, it's operator beware on every one.

And with what I and jenkinsph have written above, are why specs are important.


While I'm at it...........I'm going to disagree with Messick's (unless I read the post wrong). If one reads the specs on the Mahindra 1816, and the 2216( I have not physically compared the tractors), it appears that they used the same basic tractor..........added smaller tires and a larger enigine ........and called it a MAX series subcompact.

I personally feel comfortable lifting evey ounce my Massey is capable of in it's original, factory settings. I would not consider altering it to lift more, bacause after using it for 2 years now............I can see where it could become extremely unsafe very quickly, with alterations.

Too Funny. :laughing:

I don't think you are shopping for a tractor, but I thought you mentioned being interested in the Max series, had it been offered when you were shopping. Above, you seem to indicate that you haven't seen the various models in person. :shocked:

While being a complete newbie, I have seen these models in person. Some of your perceptions (tire size?) don't match the side by side I saw at the dealer. I don't think the Max 22/25 series tires are smaller than the models u mention above. And the Max28XL has larger tires than the 22/25.

Your comments over the last few months come across as a very strong (dare I say, passionate?) DISLIKE for Mahindra... though I thought you found the Max series one to have considered if it were available when u were shopping.

I've been tracking Mahindra threads since months before I bought one. I have found all the back and forth somewhat humorous... and educational.

There was a thread in the last week, with a post of a flipped BX. Was that because the specs were way off? I sure hope Kubota is ready for all those lawsuits ... :confused2:

Weeks before that, there was a thread about a Large John Deere tractor flipped in a field. John Deere must be humiliated that they spec'd that tractor all wrong, and now they'll be sued too... :ashamed:

Caution is needed with all tractors. Caution is needed with all cars, tools, whatever... and when descending a flight of stairs, hold the banister... keep drinking in moderation... and smoking is bad for you.

All useful tools can be great. All useful tools can be extremely dangerous.

And if you are going to have strong opinions on something, it may not hurt to go see that something in person.

Just sayin' :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::confused3:

 

[tkappeler]

Well, the variance was approved so it's full steam ahead with the construction plans. I am even MORE convinced that we need the tractor ASAP. The suggestions I have read here at TBN have made me realize all of the uses it can help with. After all, I'm not 21 anymore. So the first option that will go with whatever color we buy will be a set of forks for all of the materials that will need to be offloaded, lifting old cement sidewalks, some partially buried curbing, even assisting with the teardown of the existing home that is already coming down on it's own.

My mind is reeling with the possibilities. I am sure that this will be one of the smartest purchases that I will have ever made.

 

[radrock]

I always use ballast/counter weight. If the forks are in the front, the finish mower is on the back. If I'm using the bucket on the front, I have either the finish mower or the forks on the back. Today I moved a pallet of bricks and a pallet of slate with the forks on the rear, and I was using the bucket on the front for dirt work. I don't drive far and I don't drive fast.

The day I moved that boulder on the rear, I had the bucket filled with logs, for front counter weight.

Some have cautioned overworking/overloading the tractor. I think that is wise advice. That wise advice is for all brands and all operators on this forum or anywhere else.

As Don mentioned, there are threads where people are buying tractors smaller than their needs, and then are researching ways to increase its abilities. The mahindra specs are far more than my daily needs. I got a tractor powerful enough to do the heavy things I need to do occasionally... And it can do some serious stuff.

Today I also drove the loader bucket lip 4 inches under grade resting against an old rotted stump around a foot in diameter and just curled the bucket. Out it came

I don't care if no one likes the Max series.

I do. And I think all people looking to buy a tractor ought to give mahindra a real good look before choosing something else.

I think the specs matter a lot. I also think the advice to be cautious and not over work any machine is wise advice. And I appreciate any advice that will keep me and others safe, and keep equipment in good working order.

I did go and give the max 28 a serious look. I was impressed with the tractor. I even made a pro an con list to help me make up my mind. I like the side by side pedals. Mahindra was front to rear and the seat was not comfortable. Couldn't slide it back far enough. My Massey even has a cushion suspension. The Massey has three range hydro. The Massey has cruise and not on the mahindra. Massey has throttle incorporated in the foot pedal. Much like a regular foot throttle. It seemed like the low range on the mahindra was awful slow. It was a lot slower than my old Massey and I work it that range a lot there were more things. I think I even figured it out dollar per pound. I don't like orange or blue. So mahindra work there. My Massey only cost me $150 more than the mahindra. I did this with all the tractors of the same caliber. It's all in a personal preference. Not going to say they aren't any more or less of a good tractor.

 

[radrock]

Well, the variance was approved so it's full steam ahead with the construction plans. I am even MORE convinced that we need the tractor ASAP. The suggestions I have read here at TBN have made me realize all of the uses it can help with. After all, I'm not 21 anymore. So the first option that will go with whatever color we buy will be a set of forks for all of the materials that will need to be offloaded, lifting old cement sidewalks, some partially buried curbing, even assisting with the teardown of the existing home that is already coming down on it's own.

My mind is reeling with the possibilities. I am sure that this will be one of the smartest purchases that I will have ever made.

Good luck in your venture. One thing to keep in mind is that often you can buy a bigger tractor for just a small amount difference in price. I bought my Massey 1526 for $15025. I really like it and I didn't need or want anything bigger. I could have bought a 1529 sitting right next to it for $450 more with the same transmission (hydrostatic). And if I wanted to go to a shuttle shift it was almost a $1000 cheaper. I think there is a bigger price on compacts and subs because of the demand. Be sure you get one big enough to handle the chores you want to do with for the time being. You can alway sell and get you a smaller tractor when you get your place built or even buy a riding lawn mower for the mowing part haha

 

[madmax12]

Well, the variance was approved so it's full steam ahead with the construction plans. I am even MORE convinced that we need the tractor ASAP. The suggestions I have read here at TBN have made me realize all of the uses it can help with. After all, I'm not 21 anymore. So the first option that will go with whatever color we buy will be a set of forks for all of the materials that will need to be offloaded, lifting old cement sidewalks, some partially buried curbing, even assisting with the teardown of the existing home that is already coming down on it's own.

My mind is reeling with the possibilities. I am sure that this will be one of the smartest purchases that I will have ever made.

I would highly recommend forks. The kodiak/mahindra forks I got, are actually too strong for the Max. They are better suited for a far more powerful tractor. They can lift 2500lbs and they weigh (I think) 350lbs. On the Max28XL, 350lbs of forks really takes a bite out of what u could be lifting. And mine work on 3pt or loader. I do not have SSQA, but I don't know if SSQA forks would work on a 3pth... And I like being able to use them front or back. I've also used them like a grapple... It is wicked cool!!!

If money were no object, you could actually buy a real forklift attachment for the 3pt hitch. They're on YouTube. There was a brand new one on eBay a couple nights ago, too, for under $7000...

I don't think u can pick a bad brand. But u might want to get something bigger if u have lots of land and heavy pallets to move, etc. Mahindra would allow u to have the smallest/strongest size. But that doesn't mean u should buy a small mahindra. Whatever brand u choose, get the strength/ability/size tractor u need. The advice of others here that overworking equipment is dangerous and foolish... Well, they are correct.

If I read your excitement correctly, you might find even the Max28XL to be to little for what u want. That doesn't eliminate mahindra (they make big tractors too )

Whatever brand u choose, if u pick the correct model, I don't think u can go wrong.

 

[madmax12]

I did go and give the max 28 a serious look. I was impressed with the tractor. I even made a pro an con list to help me make up my mind. I like the side by side pedals. Mahindra was front to rear and the seat was not comfortable. Couldn't slide it back far enough. My Massey even has a cushion suspension. The Massey has three range hydro. The Massey has cruise and not on the mahindra. Massey has throttle incorporated in the foot pedal. Much like a regular foot throttle. It seemed like the low range on the mahindra was awful slow. It was a lot slower than my old Massey and I work it that range a lot there were more things. I think I even figured it out dollar per pound. I don't like orange or blue. So mahindra work there. My Massey only cost me $150 more than the mahindra. I did this with all the tractors of the same caliber. It's all in a personal preference. Not going to say they aren't any more or less of a good tractor.

I'll never need it, but the Max28XL has cruise control. And tilt steering. On every other point, though, your reasons for choosing something else make sense to me. I would prefer side by side pedals, too. It was too crowded for my feet on the 22/25, but the 28 has plenty of leg/foot room for me to use the front/back setup.

If you are really tall, I could see the seat being an issue. However, if you get a backhoe on the Max28XL, it is a totally different seat, which would give a tall person many more options. That's demonstrated on YouTube.

3 range might be needed for many. For me, I almost always have it in low. It is slow, but for what I do, slow and steady keeps me right side up.

I'm not a mahindra person, per se. When I was shopping, if bobcat had better lift capability, I could walk to them...and drive the tractor home. If they were the strongest, as they claim on their website, I would have bought a bobcat. They compare others on their site... No mention of mahindra. Funny.

I wanted the most strength for the size. I really didn't care what brand that was, when I began my research. At the end of research, I had one choice. Mahindra. In 6 months...that might be different... It depends on what other brands design.

You made a great choice and have some features on yours that I like better than mine. Like u said, I think I made a great choice, as well.