What's the Deal??

[rufus]

What\'s the Deal??

I've not much experience w/ tractors but I'm now looking for a 4WD with approx. 30 HP and had been really impressed with the Kubota 3130. But after checking out the local Mahindra dealership I realized I could move up to the Mahindra 3510 which seems to be nearly as good a tractor (while certainly bigger) for $900 less. The Mahindra rates bigger, heavier, more loader lift capacity and the salesman assures me the quality is there too. It does seem to be a bit rough around the edges compared to the Kubota (not nearly as comfortable a seat, seatbelts not so accessible on the model I checked out, no fancy dash, and the lay-out maybe not quite so comfortable although I think I'd get used to it. Probably other differences too). The salesman says that it's all the tractor the Kubota is (if not more) but for less money.

My Question is this: what is up with Mahindra?? I've heard that they built the motors for IH years ago, that they've been building tractors for many years, that these tractors are currently built in Korea and the quality is just as high as the factories in Japan . Why have I not seen many of these tractors? For how long have they been around? if I have this tractor for 10-20 yrs, will they continue to be around?? Will parts and service continue to be? Does the reliability of the Mahindra compare to the reliability of Kubota? I've been told that the resale value of the Mahindra won't begin to compare to the Kubota when it's time to upgrade or pass it on? To be honest I think I like the Kubota more, but like to save money where I can too. But the $900 savings and 3HP upgrade doesn't seem like such a big difference if the Kubota seems more comfortable and better designed. (not to mention the long-standing reputation for reliability) , and especially if the resale value is so much greater for the Kubota. Am I wrong here? Does anyone have any experience with the 3510 and/or know more about Mahindra? and do you have any thoughts on these issues? The help for this 1st time tractor owner is much appreciated.

 

[Woodbeef]

Re: What\'s the Deal??

Mahindra(M&M) started out as being a licensee for IH in India. They have been selling tractors in the US since the early 90s,and are now rapidly expanding their dealer network across the US. They are here to stay,as is witnessed by the new models of utility tractors,and the addition of more CUTs. Mahindra is working on larger tractors at this time,and they were one of the top bidders recently for Valtra. The 10 series is sourced from TYM in Korea with Daedong(Kioti) engines. Some Mitsubishi offering are also in the pipeline,if not already available.

The $$$ are your's. I'd go with what I feel most comfortable with myself.

 

[OkieNCognito]

Re: What\'s the Deal??

As Woodbeef mentioned, Mahindra built tractors for International Harvesters until IH merged with Case in mid-to-late '80's. At that time Mahindra purchased the rights to continue the IH design under their own name. Mahindra has built tractors, cars and jeeps in India since the 1940's.

I would probably agree that a Kubota will currently carry a higher resale value than a Mahindra since much of the market wonders the same as you - what's the deal with Mahindra and will they be around. But then again, the same use to be said about Kubota.

I feel comfortable that with Mahindra's long track record that they will be around. I believe you can often get a better value with the lesser known brands, at least until they achieve the market status as the Big-3, but go with what you are comfortable with.

 

[NIXON]

Re: What\'s the Deal??

Rufus I went the 3130hst route . But that doesn'tmean I'd not Like Mahindra . The only reason I went the way I did was for the Hst. Other than that I was very impressed with the Mahindra machines . And , too be Honest the Mahindra dealer ( Turner ) seemed to me more buyer freindly
John

 

[DennisFolsom]

Re: What\'s the Deal??

Rufus -

While I am a relatively new member of the TBN forum, I have been reading it for several months now. If you dig through the older posts, you will find more on the history of Mahindra.

I think Mahindra is one of several up-and-coming Korean brands that are here to stay. I looked them over at a New Hampshire dealer on a Sunday when they were closed. (I happened to be passing through that day.) I did a bit of research on the internet and that's what got me started in TBN.

Since that first encounter with Mahindra, I have become very interested in the Century tractors, another Korean brand. I drove a couple of Centurys for the first time yesterday. I thought they were great. You might want to check into them as well as Mahindra. You can get a 35 hp Century with R4 tires and a very rugged C-50 loader for about $4,000 less than my local New Holland dealer wants for their most equivalent tractor.

Good luck in your tractor shopping!

Dennis