John Deere 3025E vs Mahindra 1626
Quick take: The Mahindra 1626 costs $500 less; the Mahindra 1626 has more engine power (25.9 vs 24.4 hp); the Mahindra 1626 has more loader lift (1,830 vs 1,186 lbs).
| Spec | John Deere 3025E | Mahindra 1626 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $21,000 | $20,500 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (980) | 4.2★ (340) |
| Category | Compact | Compact |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Engine HP | 24.4 hp | 25.9 hp |
| PTO HP | 18.5 hp | 19 hp |
| Loader Lift | 1186 lbs | 1830 lbs |
| 3-Point Lift | 1356 lbs | 1720 lbs |
| Hydraulic Flow | 7.9 GPM | 7.5 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Yanmar | Mahindra |
| Weight | 2354 lbs | 2459 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 8.2 gal | 8.2 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | Yes | Yes |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | No |
| Warranty | 6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain | 7 yr powertrain |
Pros & cons
John Deere 3025E
- ✓You get a full-size 3-series frame, axles, and lift capacity at a price barely above the sub-compact 2025R - it's the value sweet spot in the Deere lineup
- ✓The 1,356 lb 3-point lift and 300E loader make it far more capable with real implements than any sub-compact
- ✓The bigger frame and heavier weight make it stable and confident on slopes and with a loaded bucket
- ✓Yanmar diesel power with Deere's massive dealer network and outstanding resale value
- ✓Standard Category 1 3-point hitch and larger PTO make it compatible with a huge range of full-size implements
- ✓The larger 8.2-gallon fuel tank means far fewer refuels than the 1 and 2 series
- ✓It's frequently the most-recommended first tractor for someone with 5-20 acres on the forums
- ✓Simple, durable eHydro transmission and controls that are easy for beginners to master
- ✗It's the stripped-down E model, so it lacks the deluxe features, hydraulic outlets, and refinement of the pricier 3R models
- ✗Only 24.4 HP - the same power band as a sub-compact - so it's not fast and can bog in heavy tillage or a big rotary cutter
- ✗No mid-PTO or drive-over mower deck option, so it's not the tractor for finish mowing large lawns
- ✗The open-station-only E model has a basic seat and no creature comforts owners of the R models enjoy
- ✗You pay a Deere premium versus a comparably specced Kubota L2501 or Kioti CK, which often cost less
- ✗Loader detach and reattach is more involved than the quick-park systems on the 4-series
- ✗Some owners wish they'd stepped up to the 3038E for the extra 13 HP that costs relatively little more
- ✗Base tires and lack of a loader self-leveling feature are common upgrade complaints
Mahindra 1626
- ✓The 1,830 lb loader lift is genuinely class-leading for the price - it out-lifts a Kubota L2501 and Deere 3025E by a wide margin
- ✓The 7-year powertrain warranty is one of the longest in the industry and a major draw for budget-conscious buyers
- ✓Priced well below a comparably capable Deere or Kubota, delivering a lot of tractor per dollar
- ✓Heavier cast-iron construction gives it a stout, planted feel that owners appreciate
- ✓The 1,720 lb 3-point lift handles full-size implements the sub-compacts can't touch
- ✓Mahindra is the world's largest tractor maker, so the company and parts supply are stable
- ✓For the money it's very well equipped with 4WD, power steering, and a capable loader included
- ✓It's a strong choice for someone who wants maximum work capacity and doesn't care about resale value
- ✗The dealer network is thin versus Kubota and Deere, so warranty and service can require a long drive in many regions
- ✗Only 19 PTO HP despite the 25.9 engine HP, so it's weaker on the PTO than the number suggests
- ✗Resale value trails the Japanese brands significantly - you take a bigger depreciation hit
- ✗Fit and finish is a step below Kubota and Deere, with cheaper plastics and fittings noted by owners
- ✗That big loader capacity can overwhelm the chassis and front axle if you routinely lift near the max
- ✗Parts availability, while improving, still frustrates some owners with longer waits
- ✗The online owner community is smaller, so troubleshooting help is harder to find
- ✗Forum sentiment includes scattered reports of hydraulic and electrical gremlins on some units