John Deere vs Mahindra

I was looking at plain utility 2 wheel drive tractors today. Both tractors are made in India. John Deere model 5055D, a 55 hp tractor quoted out delivered, with oversize rear tires, and new JD winter coat for me at $15,750.00.
Mahindra, model 5525, a 55 hp tractor was quoted out delivered at $13,700.
Both tractors are new, and have the Tier 3 engines. I think the John Deere would hold a higher re-sale value, but I don't know. Your advice?

What about the warranty on both? I bought a 8560 Mahindra new in February of 2013. Cab, loader and 4WD. About $6,000 cheaper than the comparable Deere. Also priced Kubota, New Holland and Case IH. Mahindra was cheapest and with it I got a 5 year Powertrain warranty. All the others only had a 1 year.

The engine in the John Deere I am 99% certain is a tier 2 - which IMHO is better. From personal experience with tier 2, 3029 powered generators, this engine IMHO would be the #1 reason to buy the Deere. In fact, I just bought a 5055d and knock on wood, so far, so good. Ping a few more dealers, your price is higher than mine - I took the cash deal and $2500 rebate though.

I've used mine for bush hogging chores and making square bales and one of these days will add a 4x4 baler to the mix. I got the 16.9x28 rear tires and filled.

The tractor is a no frills machine - but fine with me on that as the less electronics, IMHO, the better. The 8F/4R tranny's speeds lined-up nicely with the ground speeds on my MF50 (which I still have) and it is very easy to use. I thought the two levers beside the seat would be somewhat confusing, but it's been really nice.

Tool box is kind of a joke, cat 2 is kind of a hassle with cat 1 implements, but I'm getting use to it with the pin bushings. Ground clearance is great, visibility is great. Tractor is somewhat loud, but a bottom exhaust is available as an option. Power steering is terrific, independent PTO can be feathered-on so jolting an old baler is not a problem. If you search the 5055e and 5065e models (and maybe a few others too) some folks were having trouble with the hydro circuits getting hot enough to melt a hold in the adjusant fuel tanks - google this for more info. So far so good with mine.

I never really considered a Mahindra (or LS, Branson, etc.) not because there is anything wrong with them, in fact, I read a lot of great posts - especially with Mahindra. The problem I had in my neck of the woods is the lack of mature dealers - i.e. ones that have been around (and still around) for any length of time. With Deere, MF, etc., I get a dealer with a service bay or two or three or more, inventory of many parts and feel that I can get Deere parts 20 years from now without a hassle.

Good luck with your choice.

Bill

Mahindra does have a better warranty than Deere. 5 years on powertrain and two years on everything else. Deere offers two year warranty on everything. Mahindra has steel fenders and hood. Deere has steel fenders and plastic hood.

Thanks Bill for the great information!
I don't think this dealership is offering me their best deal. What do you think the tractor should be worth. I was thinking more like 12-14.

Mahindra is/was started the tractor line with British IHC models made under license- full IHC support from Britain to stay in Indian market. Mahindra was a military supplier-- customer complaints about equipment might come from a officer in a tank with main gun still working and aimed at company executive offices- so quality control is usually fairly good for basics. Some Mahindra parts are exact match for IHC and have the same part number on box- and some IHC dealers will have them in stock as Case/IH/NH/Fiat whoever gets them as needed at warehouse. Sometimes a little toy shows up in box- elephant headed figure, Ganesh(?) supposed to be good luck in business, good fortune. RN

In 08 when I compaired JD and Mahindra, it was jd 5303, 64hp, 6500 Mahindra same hp. Same size tires, quick tach loader on both, Mahindra had dry brakes, jd had wet, Mahindra had live pto, jd had independent. Mahindra engine was 4cly, jd was 3 with turbo, Mahindra had 8 spd, jd had 9, and not much difference in price, Mahindra 19 something, jd 21 something, I went with the jd.

A friend of mine anguished over buying a snowplowing tractor. He settled on a Kioti 4x4 with cab, loader, and snow-blower. Paid in the $30's. Sold up here by the Bobcat dealer.

I'm currently using an older Kubota 50 hp. Well satisfied. Off and on, I have wanted to buy a SAME. Now they are sold as Deutz Fahr. Their smaller models are now also built in India. There is also an Indian manufacturer of classic Ferguson tractors, and another that makes versions of the old Volvo tractor. They once made versions of Ford tractors, but now have a New Holland tractor factory. Dealerships are a problem.

Not sure why, but I'm thinking JD too.

Mine was $15,250 out the door.