Mahindra 3550

I used the 3550 late this morning to scrape the ice off the driveway, barn door area. And then did behind the barn to make it better for the horses. The ice chains made the job a piece of cake.





I just turned 300 hours and it’s running great.

 

Getting a little of this and a little of that done.

And just getting some exercise with walks through the woods.
Good for the soul.

 

Glad all is well with Ol Red. How was your snowfall this year?

 

Not too bad. But. We have had enough snow as far as I’m concerned. Thankfully, most of it has melted away in the last few weeks. It’s almost all gone besides the banks. Yeah!

 

Gas that machine treating you well?
I came close to buying one used but the dealer was ~80mi north of me
I'm an orange owner for now and probably until I die or sell the property

 

I use to be an Orange owner. I’ve owned two of them. Really liked them. Went Red this time. When everything is working correctly I’m impressed with it. But I’ve had more than a few problems that resulted in A LOT of down time. If I ever buy another tractor, I’ll go back to Orange. My plan when I bought this new tractor was to keep it. We will see how it behaves ......

 

Kind of what I saw from reviews around the web - warranty was a bit of a Hassel.
you win some you lose some, establishing a "brand" in USA has a ton to do with customer service and reliability. Kubota started that in the late 70's/early 80's, but they literally own the CUT market down here.
Deere tried to follow the trend by out sourcing to Yanmar and have followed the downward trend from user experience

 

Gasifier I just got done reading through the thread, I'm glad they finally got your tractor working properly. It's a fine looking piece of equipment, but primarily when it's working as it should and getting dirty.

A "clean" tractor is one that isn't being used for some reason or another. In the USAF we called them 'hangar queens'.. prettiest planes on base.. because they never left the ground.

I also think you are owed more than a free (minimum) service for all the aggravation and loss of use that you went through.

I certainly don't need as much tractor as you, but until I read this I was looking at the lower size Mahindra's. After your ordeals, I will look closer at a Kioti or Kubota. I'm sure they have their share of problems also, so my reading will continue.

I really could use something with a small backhoe and front end loader for moving dirt/rocks/wood, and drainage ditch maintenance. A rear box blade would be beneficial for grading out the logging trail that gets heavily rutted.

Thanks for chronicling the "adventures" with your new tractor.
Hopefully the story will have many good chapters from here forward for you.

Chaz

 

Can he wash mine & fix a tire while he's at it?

 

I stand corrected. I contemplated editing that out, but eh.

True enough that many people take exemplary care of their equipment and wash/clean it often, as well as greasing all fittings afterward.

I can honestly say that I wish I were that steadfast when it comes to equipment upkeep.
I am better than I used to be, but nowhere near where I should be.

I can't even remember the last time I took the hose out on the ATV, I'm pretty sure I did at least once this past summer, but it's almost constantly in mud around here so I'd spend half my time on cleaning it rather than enjoying/using it.

I do try to hit the grease fittings once per year, but with the punishment it takes, I should likely hit them twice or better.

This year it's geting new wheel bearings, already have them on hand.. just waiting for better weather.
Next year is time for new tires I think.

I'll now enjoy my adult beverage and contemplate the error of my ways.
this could take some time..

Chaz

 

I like to clean them up once in a while to keep them looking nice but I'll still get them dirty.

 

Do you have AAA?

 

Oh. It’s just a few “little” holes in the yard honey.

 

I’ve been mowing around these four old Pine stumps in the back yard long enough! Time for them to go. Don’t ask me why I waited so long.

Less trips through the yard if I drop them over the fence. Then get them from the camp road on the other side.

 

I’ve been working this area off and on for a while now. The Echo CS680 and Mahindra 3550 have been doing chores. Lot of brush cut out of here and hauled off with the tractor and grapple. I’ll need to work along the edge of the clay and rock filled area and pull stumps, bury rocks, etc., so I can grade off a nice tapered edge and then bring topsoil in and get things finished off nice.

 

You have some work ahead of you, that's for sure.