What would you do? 2540-several major problems - dealer issues?

[kthompson]

It was not a Mahinda dealer was told about, think know the brand but does not matter. Was told they only ordered parts every so often don't remember the reason but it either for shipping cost or such. Might be what you are finding with the dealer you are dealing with. It is not impossible they owe for parts or tractors they are not paying and can only get parts prepaid even. The big difference in getting parts along with might be someone taking it over soon fits along with they are having employee turn over.

I would get copies as has been advised and be in touch with the company ASAP by registered mail to prove your notification while in warranty. I would want them to agree with the notification is enough during warranty they will repair even if it expires before they do. IN WRITING. Email or test messages if saved with also give you written proof. Sorry for your issues but in my area think correct we have the third dealership as they were disappointed with Mahrinda and stopped with their product.

 

[Citydude]

It pains me when these treads pop up from time to time. Every manufacturer has a few lemons they produce. How some dealers respond to these situations is abhorrent.

I had a similar experience with a GM product in the late 80’s. The only way I got the situation resolved was contacting corporate. The dealer I was working with was totally worthless.

Fast forward to the early 2000’s. The brand new diesel ford I bought wouldn’t start on cold mornings. Dealer “ couldn’t find intermittent glow plug issue” so returned it. Next morning it wouldn’t start so I called corporate. An hour later the dealer sent a roll back truck to pick it up and changed the glow plug relay. Which, they should have done in the first place.

No matter where you end up taking the tractor, Mahindra needs to know the history of this machine.

 

[ruffdog]

Get it fully repaired, and completely avoid the dealer system you worked with the first time, because it appears the 3-stooges are working at that dealer.

^^I agree with that statement!

 

[jb1390]

Todays update: Called and got a new guy (3rd day on job), said he remembered talking to me and that I wanted to get my tractor serviced...... So after explaining everything AGAIN, he said someone else was supposed to call yesterday, which obviously they didnt.
He then talked to a mechanic in the background who said "we need to look at the tractor" NO **** and advised that the wait time would be 4-5 weeks to even pick it up, then of course 3-4weeks for parts.
The new guy advised that the dealer 'might be changing hands' and that I should 'call again in a few days and see what they tell me' Thats all good and fine, but I dont have time for this and the warranty is running out.

So i called the next closest dealer. Service dept. guy there said they could work on mine in a week, but if i needed parts then the wait time for that is 1 week currently. He didnt know where the other dealer was getting nearly a month wait time for everything, and said he'd be pissed too if he was me.
They can come pick it up and drop it off also. Problem is, they will charge mileage so I will be eating a few hundred bucks to transport it because my car hauler cant take handle it.

I called the first dealer back and asked about them buying it back or me trading for something else comparable in there. The same new guy answered and said he could give me a good deal on some other model (16 something, cant remember) for $27800...... I told him that i cant afford a brand new tractor. He said he was going to call the other dealer and check the used inventory there and GIVE ME A CALL BACK. I laughed, because I knew he wouldnt. And he didnt lol


Now iam thinking I may have to bite it and have the far away dealer come get it and fix it. Think its worth trying to get anymore out of the closest dealer? I havent tried the regional manager yet though. Assuming I need to get that persons contact info from the dealer?
Thanks for the advice so far. The saga continues....

Any chance you could take a few more pictures of the front wheel? There is a known issue on some models - I'm curious if that is the same issue on your machine.

The used aspect of this will likely make it tougher. I am not aware of lemon laws for used stuff - and even then, the lemon laws take quite a bit to come into play, and the COVID aspect of this will make it tougher even for a very competent shop. For the issues on my machine when it was new, I did end up with Mahindra regional manager support, though it took a bit of effort to get there - and there were multiple issues that the local dealer could not solve (needed design changes, software updates, etc). So, for something like this, that is repairable locally once they can get it into the shop - the regional manager path for a repair might be tough.

Also FWIW, from what I know Mahindra has 3 lines in the compact utility range. The 3500 series is Mahindra built. The 2500 series is TYM, with a Mahindra motor. These machines tend to have the most issues in the Mahindra line from what I've seen. The 1500/1600 series are Mitsubishi built, with a Mahindra motor, and are a very nice machine. They do command a little higher price point, though there is a reason for that.

I do think that something to consider is an upgrade to another machine. You'd probably have the best luck with the original dealer that you purchased it from. There are also opportunities for financing if initial cash outlay is difficult. But I would take a look at what they have in inventory, and decide whether the machine you have (once corrected), will be exactly the machine you want. There may be other features you would find desirable in another model. If this is a path that seems potentially desirable to you, then I would definitely try to pull in the Mahindra regional manager to try to get some help on pricing. Seems with the issues, they owe you something to get you back and moving sooner than later.

I would recommend that you try to keep your cool - and make sure you take notes of who you talk to, and when. And if you do get it in for repair, make sure to get copies of the service records.

 

[Aaron0187]

Hey all sorry for the delay again. Was out of town, and still can't seem to get the login button to show up on here using my phone.

I ended up playing phone tag some more, called back the next morning and got the same new guy. He said he would call back, and to my shock he did (!!!). He said the owner told him to offer a Massey 1739E they had at another location as a direct swap. He said to think it over and give a call back. He didnt know what transmission or how many hours were on the 1739, but that it was a 2018 model so 2 years newer and he said the pics he saw it looked nice.
I was all set to jump on it if I could find out the trans (gear or hydro) and hours etc. Iam guessing it was a gear unit, as the HST commands a premium and I only paid $16k for mine.
I did not take it only due to the lighter weight, nearly half the loader capacity, and it not having a shuttle if indeed it was gear. I plan to put a grapple on and move logs in the future, and was afraid i would just destroy that unit by putting too much strain on stuff. Will i regret it? Possibly
I called back to tell him, and the new guy told me the offer stands as long as he has that unit. He also said that the dealer is changing owners in the next few days, that he is actually going to be the manager, that he has 3 top notch mechanics lined up ready to bust out all the backlogged tractors and that he will 'have this place straightend out' in the next few weeks.
He said he could schedule me, but even with his new guys it will be a few weeks.

So I decided to have the far-away dealer come get it monday. I did not get to take another pic of the wheel, was already out of town when I checked this post on my phone, sorry! What is the issue they seem to have that you mentioned?
They (far away dealer) will take over the trans and axle (warranty) stuff, also do a pressure check on the loader, and give it a good general check over because the previous mechanic work is suspect.
I will eat the tow bill for now, and probably the loader test and labor for the checkover. After it is fixed and returned, I will give the other dealer a few weeks and go check them out and see if indeed they got everything figured out.
Might just be a case of poor management and/or poor local workforce. We shall see.
The far-away dealer, when i mentioned having 'issues' with the other, without giving details, the guy just laughed and said 'we wont talk about those guys, ha!" so perhaps they have made a name for themselves lol.

Edit* Ive kept my cool for the most part so far. Especially with the new guys on both ends, as they have just walked into this dumpster fire and don't have anything in it. Nobody wants to be 'that guy' going ballistic on the phone haha

Iam keeping track of the phone calls and conversations ive had with everyone so far.

 

[jb1390]

Hey all sorry for the delay again. Was out of town, and still can't seem to get the login button to show up on here using my phone.

I ended up playing phone tag some more, called back the next morning and got the same new guy. He said he would call back, and to my shock he did (!!!). He said the owner told him to offer a Massey 1739E they had at another location as a direct swap. He said to think it over and give a call back. He didnt know what transmission or how many hours were on the 1739, but that it was a 2018 model so 2 years newer and he said the pics he saw it looked nice.
I was all set to jump on it if I could find out the trans (gear or hydro) and hours etc. Iam guessing it was a gear unit, as the HST commands a premium and I only paid $16k for mine.
I did not take it only due to the lighter weight, nearly half the loader capacity, and it not having a shuttle if indeed it was gear. I plan to put a grapple on and move logs in the future, and was afraid i would just destroy that unit by putting too much strain on stuff. Will i regret it? Possibly
I called back to tell him, and the new guy told me the offer stands as long as he has that unit. He also said that the dealer is changing owners in the next few days, that he is actually going to be the manager, that he has 3 top notch mechanics lined up ready to bust out all the backlogged tractors and that he will 'have this place straightend out' in the next few weeks.
He said he could schedule me, but even with his new guys it will be a few weeks.

So I decided to have the far-away dealer come get it monday. I did not get to take another pic of the wheel, was already out of town when I checked this post on my phone, sorry! What is the issue they seem to have that you mentioned?
They (far away dealer) will take over the trans and axle (warranty) stuff, also do a pressure check on the loader, and give it a good general check over because the previous mechanic work is suspect.
I will eat the tow bill for now, and probably the loader test and labor for the checkover. After it is fixed and returned, I will give the other dealer a few weeks and go check them out and see if indeed they got everything figured out.
Might just be a case of poor management and/or poor local workforce. We shall see.
The far-away dealer, when i mentioned having 'issues' with the other, without giving details, the guy just laughed and said 'we wont talk about those guys, ha!" so perhaps they have made a name for themselves lol.

Edit* Ive kept my cool for the most part so far. Especially with the new guys on both ends, as they have just walked into this dumpster fire and don't have anything in it. Nobody wants to be 'that guy' going ballistic on the phone haha

Iam keeping track of the phone calls and conversations ive had with everyone so far.

Nice detailed reply, and sounds like you are handling this well - I hope this dealer can get things sorted out for you.

I agree on the tractor weight, when I bought my 3550 I tried to get the largest,heaviest machine I could get in a hydrostatic. Especially for logs and rocks, you'll want the larger frame size. Extra lift capacity, height, and reach doesn't hurt either.

Getting off topic, but a smaller machine that's hydro could outperform a larger shuttle in some tasks, due to maneuverability and nearly instant changes in speed. So for mowing in close quarters, loader work in close quarters, etc. My neighbor has a full size 410 extendahoe I can use, but if I have a pile of material to move, I jump on my 3550 - at less than half the weight, it's still faster. However, when I need to move a big rock, I use the heaviest machine I can.

I think the front axle design is different with the 2500 vs the 3500/4500 series, but on the 3500 original design, there are three bolts that hold a large washer, that keeps the spindle in place. Those bolts can break. Mahindra updated the design so new machines are no longer like that - they use a snap ring and a much larger single bolt. My tractor had one side upgraded, parts alone are about $1200 if I remember - luckily mine went under warranty.

 

[Aaron0187]

Sounds like we were on the same page when tractor-shopping.
One of several things that pulled me to Mahindra was the overall heavier build on them at a given HP compared to some others vs price.
Agreed a HST could run circles around me mowing in tight spots or doing loader work. I was not opposed to a HST (was looking at 2538's), but kind of stumbled on this 2540 with the shuttle. Figured the price was right, and extra few HP/lifting capacity couldnt hurt.
Have not done hardly any loader work and no woods work yet, but I know the HST would be much better in the woods.
The only time Iam thinking my shuttle would be better is mowing 10-15acres like I do. The constant climbing up and down hills would probably be hard on a HST I would think?

Ive been using a manual gear older tractor, although without a loader, just dragging a trailer around and sawing up stuff I find and loading it. Hoping to perfect this system with the new unit and (hopefully) a grapple to save my back this year lol.

I will post up what the dealer finds broke on the front end. Iam curious as well what happend. Assuming mine will be covered under the drivetrain warranty like yours.

 

[Aaron0187]

Latest update:

New dealer called about a week or so after picking it up saying they needed 3hrs labor approved to diagnose the issue. I gave the ok- they said they would be calling back in a day or so.
I waited little over a week, called, they said I needed to approve 3hrs labor for them to diagnose the issue. I told them i already approved it...... Apparently it got lost in translation some how the first time?!

So another week or so, i call, front axle and hub is mangled due to the wrong size front tires being installed (i DID NOT install them), Mahindra will fix it but are trying to decide rather to send parts or a whole axle assembly. I also need to change the front tires.
Another week+ go by, Mahindra STILL deciding about what parts to send.
Called again today, they STILL cant get an answer, and will be calling Mahindra in the morning. Supposed to call me after that (they wont)
This is just to get the tractor to where it can move. Not even fix the jumping out of gear, hydro issues, etc.

So i grab my original paperwork from when I bought the tractor and drove to the original dealer. The new owners(?) and family(?) were in there, stated they were trying to get everything turned around.
I told them again of my issues, they wondered why i took it somewhere else, i said because the last group that owned that dumpster fire claimed 5+weeks wait time. They laughed and said i should have brought it in, since they are 'all caught up' other than waiting on parts.
I told them i need to find a way to get rid of this tractor ASAP, asked if it could be returned or sold back outright. Was told "if i saw it in person, once everything is fixed, i may be interested, but i cant say i'd give ya anything for it".
Started getting heated then, told them ive only gotten to use it a few times since April and just got the blank "I dont give one iota of a **** about your problem" stare from the whole family followed by awkward silence.
They then said i wont find anyone who is not backed up and claimed Mahindra parts need to be quarantined when showing up at the docks etc.
I repeated i want rid of this thing, they said bring it by when its fixed. My trailer is still tweaked from last time and ill be damned if i tow it there just for them to give some BS offer.

Now pissed, i left and called the customer care number i got from google. Had a very nice lady explain that this is all because of this VIRUS and everything is delayed. I tried explaining that iam still waiting on them to DECIDE what parts to SEND. Asked how to get rid of this tractor, she said it would be up to the dealer i got it from rather to buy it back change it out etc. Stated that it sounds like I am ''getting it from both ends!" down here. :laughing:

Called the dealer that has my tractor, the owner (nice guy) told me he does not take trades himself, but there is a traveling tractor-buyer man that he will contact and see what offer i can get. Sure it will be a good one, ha!
The owner also said he is done with Mahindra and wont be a dealer after a few more weeks due to never being able to get parts. His personal tractor has been apart since April waiting on some shim to show up.
I Stopped at a LS dealer, owner there told me he sold Mahindra for a while but got away from them because he couldnt get parts. Liked the tractors, but said the company was horrible with parts and to deal with.
Talked to a further away Kioti dealer, said he too, sold Mahindra back in the day and changed brands due to hating dealing with them or getting parts.

Any other options? Iam absolutely out of time and need a unit ASAP. I was behind in April when i bought this disaster, now its just unreal.:mur:

Unsure what else I can do besides bend over and take it until/if i get it back then try to sell it on the used market. Can't imagine anyone giving much for trade value if tractors are anything like cars/trucks.

 

[rademamj1]

Wow. Sorry to hear the Mahindra dealer installed wrong wheels. I never heard that happening before.

I own a Kioti and love the reliability. Parts orders even for Kioti now take 2 weeks to arrive at the dealership. The entire process has just slowed down due to the Pandemic.

My humble recommendation would be to exit the Mahindra ownership as soon as your tractor is repaired. Get on down to your Kubota dealer and trade in the Mahindra for a brand new ultra reliable Kubota. You just may get equal to what the Mahindra dealer would offer on a buy back. Finance the remaining amount using Kubota 0% for 5 years. Enjoy stress free tractor ownership this way. Life is too short. Discuss directly and honestly with them about your situation, even while your Mahindra tractor is being repaired.

 

[ruffdog]

Sometimes, the more expensive paint color is the cheaper way to go. :frog::turtle::grinch: