Ballast Question about weights

[MessickFarmEqu]

I read today that Mahindra includes a front weight block and wheel weights in the "tractor weight" specification of all the brochures. Can anyone verify this? Seems the weight advantage of Mahindra machines maybe way overstated.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Not sure, but when I bought my 6000 it came with 240+ lbs of suitcase weights that I have never used (I use a couple on the lawn aerator every fall). Never needed more than that, but then I had the rears filled with fluid before I took possession. BobG in VA

 

[Tim_in_IA]

Since the weights are now optional on most of the new models I don't see how they could. This may have been true before though. musa_marketing would know.

 

[knute_m]

I read today that Mahindra includes a front weight block and wheel weights in the "tractor weight" specification of all the brochures. Can anyone verify this? Seems the weight advantage of Mahindra machines maybe way overstated.

I'd sure be surprised if that were the case.

I can't verify the numbers, and I never compared the brochure weights, but I plunked my butt on a number of compact tractors before I bought my Mahindra. Certainly test drives on new 20 - 30 hp tractors, the Mahindras sure seemed a lot heavier than the comparable Masseys and New Hollands.

I was strongly tending toward the Kubota B2630 and hadn't even considered Mahindra because I wasn't familiar with the name. When I finally looked at the Mahindra 2615, it certainly felt like it was a lot more tractor than the Kubota B2630. As I recall the specs were fairly similar. The weights sure seemed different. I didn't drive a Kubota 3030, but the Mahinra 3215 sure was a heavy sturdy beast.

I actually went down to the 20 hp Mahindra 2015 -- and even without the loader and loaded rear tires, it is one heavy little tractor. The other 20 hp tractors I looked at, like the Kubota BX series, and I don't remember the NH and Massey models, but they really seemed lightweight.

Knute

 

[DavesTractor]

Neil,

Perhaps that is or was true on the Indian built machines, I really don't know.

But it isn't the case for the 15 series or the 10 series. The Mitsu built 15 series are just built heavier. If you look at one next to a lighter built competitors machine, it is obvious.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I agree that there is pretty well no question that they are heavier, but how much? I'm just curious if this is really true. One of our venders is circulating a competitive comparison document that is very critical of the way Mahindra takes their specifications. It specifically said that the weights in the brochures include a front weight block and rear wheel weights. However thats never stated anywhere. Now a paragraph later they say they are really unsure what some of the specs are because the measuring techniques are inconsistent. It could be that there is just one model where this happens, maybe are painting with a rather broad brush. I'd like to know.

 

[DavesTractor]

I agree that there is pretty well no question that they are heavier, but how much? I'm just curious if this is really true. One of our venders is circulating a competitive comparison document that is very critical of the way Mahindra takes their specifications. It specifically said that the weights in the brochures include a front weight block and rear wheel weights. However thats never stated anywhere. Now a paragraph later they say they are really unsure what some of the specs are because the measuring techniques are inconsistent. It could be that there is just one model where this happens, maybe are painting with a rather broad brush. I'd like to know.

As far as I know, they do not even have rear wheel weights or front weights available for the 15 series. It sounds like the vendor is just creating confusion, intentionally or not.

As far as weight differences, I think our 20HP model weighs about the same as the Kubota B series 30HP model, which is somewhere around 1900lbs without the loader. Steel is expensive, so it surprises me that Mitsubishi continues to build these so robustly. It would be cheaper to knock a third of the weight off, use a formed steel frame, smaller axles, lighter housing, etc. I think it is just a different mindset or perhaps going after a different "usage". They probably are a little heavy for finish mowing, but they sure do lift and push.

I suppose the other issue is where to measure lifting forces. That has been thoroughly discussed. The key is to clearly state the measurements. From the pins, bucket center, etc. The important thing is to compare apples to apples.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

As far as I know, they do not even have rear wheel weights or front weights available for the 15 series. It sounds like the vendor is just creating confusion, intentionally or not.

. . . They probably are a little heavy for finish mowing, but they sure do lift and push.

I suppose the other issue is where to measure lifting forces. That has been thoroughly discussed. The key is to clearly state the measurements. From the pins, bucket center, etc. The important thing is to compare apples to apples.

Wow, it sounds like you guys are inviting me to join this thread to whip you into shape with all my facts & figures

Don't worry, I won't get into that (this time).

But one of my major issues is with manufacturers who use their versions of the spec sheets to make other manufacturers look bad when in fact the claims are often nothing more than misleading.

I have to give Neil credit here. He came here to ask a simple question. Several of the posts are non-answers or vague opinions. But it is nice to that a dealer is actually interested in ferreting out the 'truth' in the numbers. And as Neil is not a Mahindra dealer, and as it sounds like Neil represents the company that is making some 'questionable' claims, it is nice to see that he is 'double checking' the brand to make sure the numbers are accurate. That shows a nice level of integrity that is not often seen.

Its a shame that so many people still take the word of the company or the salesman, and its a shame that word is not worth much.

Neil, I hope you get an answer to your questions.

 

[Tim_in_IA]

Hopefully this isn't a non answer as Mr Skurka stated before, but I know when I bought my 6500 it came with weights standard. If they want to list the total weight of standard equipment on their brochure that is fine with me, as thats what I got.

I was pointing out that they have since changed their sales options and the weights and extra remotes are now an option and not standard. I would hope that the brochures would reflect this change but who other than the mahindra marketing would know for sure? I think we would all be speculating.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Hopefully this isn't a non answer as Mr Skurka stated before, but I know when I bought my 6500 it came with weights standard.

That Skurka guy is really picky sometimes