The Standard Newbie Question...

[OffBalance]

I took a look at the Power Trac, Ventrac, and Steiner websites today. I really like the idea of an articulated tractor on my slopes, but don't think that any of these units can do everything I want.

I thought that the Power Trac were really fine units. However, they don't offer a 3PH or a chipper/shredder. The BH capable units are considerably more expensive too. The Ventrac had a 3PH option (non-PTO), The Steiner had a chipper/shreddr, but the loader seemed wimpy (300 lbs).

All in all, these came out to be a little more expensive when the accessories were added. None of them had everything I wanted. Also, I would rather have a dealer close by, and would like the ability to try before buying (without flying to VA, OH or WI).

So if I run into one used, cheap, I will try it out, but probably won't focus on these for now. If I had more time and money, I would consider making my own with the features I want!

 

[SCB]

Thirty miles north of seattle? Heck, we are neighbors. Lots of good tractors out there to choose from. I live in granite falls and have the same conditions. Or did. I cleared my three acres of trees, brush, blackberries, and salal bushes with a BX23. If you would like to test one out on land instead of a dealership, I would be happy to show you what the BX will do in reference to all the other good machines out there. Send me a P.M. if you want to set something up. I've got some pictures in the link by my signiature that you can check out if you want.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

OffBalance . . . I certainly understand your concerns about the dealers. For what it is worth, Steiner & Ventrac implements are mostly interchangable as both brands use the same front mount system. I agree the loaders are lighter duty.

As for the Power Trac, I think you may be selling them short. While they do not currently have a chipper, it is my understanding that one was being developed??? At least I thought I read that here on TBN. As for the other implements and working them, I think you have to clear your mind on how a traditional tractor works and get your mind around the Power Trac mentality that is obviously different.

In any case, you may want to visit the Power Trac forum here on TBN before you dismiss them completely. Post some questions and concerns. It is not a machine for everyone, but it is an amazing machine.

 

[OffBalance]

Thanks Bob, while I was at the Power Trac website, I ordered their brochures and videos, so I haven't summarily dismissed them. Based on what I have seen so far, I definitely think they are fine and capable machines. However, I am not likely to buy one until I can see it in action. I will take your advice and post in the PT forum later, when I post in the other specific forums as well.

 

[ByronBob]

IF you plan on keeping this unit for a long time you could go with the BX23. Your property will only be worked on about half of the 5 acres. The BX will dig anything you have planned, has a smaller footprint, is 4wd and even the kids won't be intimidated by it.

 

[OffBalance]

That's true, ByronBob. After I get the initial heavy work done, most of the time I will be doing stuff that a sub-CUT like the BX will have no problem with: mowing, brush hog, moving mulch, planting the occasional tree.

I have read here that the used CUTs and sub-CUTs are desirable items, and sell for near new prices. Therefore, I suppose I could buy (or even rent) a CUT for the initial work, and sell/trade it for a sub-CUT later! Although, it would be hard to downsize! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[RickO]

OffBalance,

Don't buy anything until you look at the Mahindra 2015. I have been looking a while and it seems to be a great tractor. It has the weight to do real work and small enough to be a good mower for your trails. If your an engineer you will appreciate this fact... Mahindra is the only tractor company to have won the Deming prize for quality. I sat on a couple at the power show in Columbus, OH. I can tell you they are made well. It out lifts most tractors in it's class with loader and 3pt. I had planned on buying a 2015 before finding a good deal on a used Kubota B7800.

Mahindra also has a 98% referral rate.

They are the best selling tractor in India and if you talk to people from India they will tell you that Mahindra over there is like JD here in the US.

 

[CajunRider]

I've checked out the Mahindra 2015HST vs. the CK20HST. 2 things that I noticed was that the rated lift capacity of the CK is higher and the Mid PTO was listed as standard for CK20 and optional for the 2015.

 

[RickO]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I've checked out the Mahindra 2015HST vs. the CK20HST. 2 things that I noticed was that the rated lift capacity of the CK is higher and the Mid PTO was listed as standard for CK20 and optional for the 2015. )</font>

Not to be disagreable but... The Kioti only beats the Mahindra at full-height lift capacity. If you compare the Breakout capacity the Mahindra wins. Mahindra also wins at 3pt. lift capacity. The lift capacities, between the two, are so close they are not even worth mentioning though.

What is worth mentioning though is the larger displacement motor of the Mahindra 2015 and...

The Farm Equipment Sector of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. received the coveted Deming Application Prize for 2003 - considered the Nobel Prize for manufacturing, for establishing Total Quality Management in all business operations. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. is the only tractor company in the world to achieve this honor.

Do a little research on Deming and you'll understand how big a deal that is.

Now... having said all that I do like the Kioti CK20 and considered it also. I also really like the way it looks and believe it is a very good tractor. I don't think you would go wrong with either one. However, I think dealer locality should play a big factor also. If you don't have one of those dealers fairly local, I would buy one of the big name tractors that is local.

You see, I think there are a lot of good makes of tractor and there is a lot more things to consider than just the make and model of the tractor. For example, I bought a Kubota though I liked the Mahindra, if a Kioti would have been a better deal I would have bought that, or a CASE DX or a JD or a New Holland or enough said... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[glawall]

Cajunrider, The Mahindra 2015 HST has mid pto standard, the 2015 gear drive mid pto is optional. as far as loader lift capacity the CK20 has larger lift cylinders on the loader, which gives it more lift capacity but it also slows it down. You have to choose between loader speed or lift capacity.

GLaWall
Your Mahindra Tractor Dealer
Batavia, NY