Buying Advice New To Tractors: Trouble Deciding LS MT235E HST or Mahindra 1635HST

[bigmikega]

The tractor will be used to keep up out 20 acres around our home.

Mainly brush cutting, moving fallen trees and leveling some areas of land.

I have service centers within 40 miles of my home for both the LS and the Mahindra.

I am not really sure what questions I should be asking the dealers or what are some of the most common things needed on tractors.

Pretty much going to be a one-man show when it comes to using the tractor so I know I am wanting a fairly easy way to remove and add implements.

I think the Mahindra does not require regen still not sure on the LS will find out when I go test drive the tractor. Not sure how big a factor regen is or if it causes any downtime.

Would like to hear comments from those who own either of these makes on the pros and cons of each and also from all others on what are somethings that you feel are must-haves.

Any and all advice appreciated.

 

[shooterdon]

Personally, I think you are on the small side if you intend to do much tree work.

I wound up with an LS based on the dealer and price. No regret but it is also a new machine so too early to tell. Re-gen does not cause downtime. Some people hate them, but I am OK with it. Don't see a 20 minute re-gen every 50 hours as a big deal.

I also have 20 acres and have the 4140. Seems about perfect for me but I process firewood and blow snow. If you move a lot of logs and brush, a grapple is handy. Mine is an MTL - cost $1000 - plenty good for homestead use. Another option is to add a grapple attachment to a set of SSQA pallet forks.

 

[Peter 315]

Same here on the small side maybe a 45hp tractor would be better On the two you listed the pto hp is low for brush cutting, a 5 foot mower for 20 acres is gonna take awhile , Its about 1 foot for every 5 pto hp on a mower

 

[ericm979]

Depends on how much of the 20 acres will be mowed. I only mow an acre of my 20 acres. Eventually I may mow two or three but never the whole thing. A 5' rotary has been fine, and it's easier to manuver around trees. Our land is steep and mostly covered with forest or brush. Someone on a flat 20 acres with few trees will have different needs.

I'll second the grapple recommendation. I use mine to carry logs to my log processing area, and to haul cut brush around. It's also pretty good at ripping up poison oak. If you want to carry larger diameter logs you'll want a heavy tractor and a loader with a good load capacity. I've maxed out my loader more than once. You don't need HP for that though, just weight. But generally size and weight go up as HP does. My Branson's 5000 lbs with loader, plus another 500 or so from loaded rear tires. The only task I could use more power for is running a PTO chipper when chipping larger size material.

 

[kthompson]

First being new stop and really think what you need to do and make that list and then what you want to do and make that list. On your list if you want to rough cut 20 acres write that down and take a few pictures of the area you want to cut or rough cut so the dealer has a good ides of the mower you need. If you will be moving fallen trees have idea on the size of them so again they can have idea on what size machine you need to do that job.

Now find a dealer who will take the time to begin with your must have and your wants and begin with the implement you need for each job. You need idea on price one. Ask for their recommendation on the implement as to your options and with your comment you want easy way to hook up be sure you are buying implements that work with a quick hitch. When the work is known and the dealer has recommendation on implements and you have decide on those, now you are ready to look at a tractor for now you know the horse power and other options such as front end loader or options needed for the work you are facing.

As to the brands you mentioned, I have no first hand knowledge. I have casually looked at both but not enough to make any suggestion. You do want a dealership who has a good service department. Do they really work on tractors there? Or they a used care lot with some tractors on it. Take your time and would suggest talking with two since you are totally new to tractors. Now if their recommendations are very close that is great, if widely different then find one more. A good dealer will be very pleased to help educate you on your needs.

Be careful, go slow till you are very comfortable with each implement and the tractor. Wear hearing and eye protection.