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

 

[Tim_in_IA]

That Skurka guy is really picky sometimes

I know what you mean! But he seems to know what he is talking about though.

 

[knute_m]

Maybe I'll be comparing apples (red Mahindras) to banannas (yellow Cub Cadets). But, to the best of my knowledge a Cub Cadet 7200 is virtually the same tractor as a Mahindra 2015 4WD, and a Cub Cadet 7260 is virtually the same as a Mahindra 2615 4WD.

From their respective web sites (MTD Products and Mahindra USA):

The specs for the Cub Cadet 7200 shows a weight of 1819 lbs.
The spec sheet for Mahindra 2015 4WD shows a weight of 1819 lbs.

The spec sheet for a Cub Cadet 7260 shows a weight of 2315 lbs.
The spec sheet for a Mahindra 2615 4WD shows a weight of 2315 lbs.

Knute

 

[Tim_in_IA]

knute_m,

You mean Cub Cadet is doing it to!! It's a conspiracy!!! ha ha!

Sorry, just having a little fun

 

[fish_wisperer]

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 apoligize if im wrong, but arent you that kubota dealer that often posts on this mahindra site cutting down mahindra? i really cant remember for sure but your screen name looks familiar, i think ive seen this funny buisness before. if you have any questions about weight and stability test drive a mahindra in the same class "hp and frame size" as another brand. what i found,,,"and i was looking at full ag tractors",was the case jx series were the only ones comparable around hear but they were much more expencive.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

i apoligize if im wrong, but arent you that kubota dealer that often posts on this mahindra site cutting down mahindra?

Yea, I'd probably be that guy, but I'd hate to think I have a reputation for cutting anything down, I just tend to point out the numbers. Infact, we are a dealer of the Cub Cadet compacts which are made by Mahindra/Mitsubishi. I'm just asking for validation of somthing I'm being told. Could one of the Mahindra dealers check the bill of lading for some of the machines and see if its inline with the marketing materials? That would be an easy way to check.

 

[Dargo]

...arent you that kubota dealer that often posts on this mahindra site cutting down mahindra?

I think posts like that create some biased issues. I'm a pretty big Mahindra fan and, when I've made some posts here asking questions, I've been attacked as being "anti-Mahindra". If you really want to turn people off to a brand, just create the atmosphere where someone is attacked if they just ask questions. Because of the attitudes like what you are exibiting, if I do buy a Mahindra, I likely won't admit it for fear of being associated with the paranoid crowd that acts like they are hiding something or that they over react because they are sensitive about what they bought because of doubts.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

I haven't looked at the specs lately but my 6000 4wd with the FEL weighs in at over 8000 lbs. Why would I care if the 242 lbs were included as suitcase weights? Oh, I had about 1400 lbs of fluid put in the rears as well....don't need no stinkin' weights....BobG in VA

 

[DavesTractor]

Yea, I'd probably be that guy, but I'd hate to think I have a reputation for cutting anything down, I just tend to point out the numbers. Infact, we are a dealer of the Cub Cadet compacts which are made by Mahindra/Mitsubishi. I'm just asking for validation of somthing I'm being told. Could one of the Mahindra dealers check the bill of lading for some of the machines and see if its inline with the marketing materials? That would be an easy way to check.

Neil,
I've not weighed the India based 00, 20 and 25 models, but I can verify that the 15 series and 10 series weights are as listed and do not include wheel and bumper weights. I have over 300 of the 15 series in stock as we distibute for the west coast, so we know what they weigh for sure.

Although I often take issue with your anti-Mahindra comments, I think on this post you are asking a fair question and asking it in a fair manner. I appreciate that.

 

[knute_m]

I almost hate to post again on this thread.

I guess I'm kind of like a home for wayward tractors. I could be doing dogs, cats, wolves, birds -- but I provide a home for wayward tractors.

There are tractors I like better than others, but except for a miserable few made since about 1955, the vast majority are really good. Like ugly dogs or moody cats, there is always somebody who will come to the aid of even the nastiest critter -- and they'll love it till it dies.

Today's tractors are all so good, it is up to the potential buyer to decide what makes them happy -- and weight is just one thing.

I currently have two orphaned machines in the yard.

One is a major name brand 30 hp machine. I consider it just rude. It reminds me of Gilbert Godfried, the loudmouth comedian. It has a hydro transmission. It runs at the top of its lungs. I bushhogged with it for about three hours yesterday. It did a great job. This afternoon I thought I'd use it to pop a stump on the way back from the barn to the house. I love the easy non-shift forward-reverse. What a dud. The tires just spun. Just to see if it was me or the tractor, I went back and got my 20 hp Mahindra and popped the stump first try.

I've also got a larger 45 hp machine. It is really nice, but much larger than I need for what I do. It has a shuttle shift. I moved and stacked a few logs with it yesterday. It is a nice machine, but it is just way too big for what I do. Does this color machine weigh more than a different color machine? I don't know. It is a nice tractor, but it is not for me.

I guess I'm try to say that the consumer will decide what is important. A few might be color blind. A few might be nationalistic. Some might be novices now, but they won't be in a couple of years.

Salesman can tell all the stories they want. The consumer will buy what they want.

Let's not let this thread make enemies out of friends.

Knute.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Neil,
I've not weighed the India based 00, 20 and 25 models, but I can verify that the 15 series and 10 series weights are as listed and do not include wheel and bumper weights. I have over 300 of the 15 series in stock as we distibute for the west coast, so we know what they weigh for sure.

Although I often take issue with your anti-Mahindra comments, I think on this post you are asking a fair question and asking it in a fair manner. I appreciate that.

Thanks Dave. Any way to check the Indian models? The Mitsubishi's are your biggest sellers right?