Mahindra 1626 vs LS MT225S
Quick take: The LS MT225S costs $2,000 less; the Mahindra 1626 has more engine power (25.9 vs 24.7 hp); the Mahindra 1626 has more loader lift (1,830 vs 1,067 lbs).
| Spec | Mahindra 1626 | LS MT225S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20,500 | $18,500 |
| Rating | 4.2★ (340) | 4.3★ (380) |
| Category | Compact | Compact |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Engine HP | 25.9 hp | 24.7 hp |
| PTO HP | 19 hp | 19.3 hp |
| Loader Lift | 1830 lbs | 1067 lbs |
| 3-Point Lift | 1720 lbs | 1896 lbs |
| Hydraulic Flow | 7.5 GPM | 9.3 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Mahindra | Yanmar |
| Weight | 2459 lbs | 2094 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 8.2 gal | 8.7 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | Yes | Yes |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | No |
| Warranty | 7 yr powertrain | 6 yr powertrain |
Pros & cons
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
LS MT225S
- ✓It's powered by a proven Yanmar diesel, so the core engine has an excellent reliability reputation despite the value price
- ✓The 1,896 lb 3-point lift is remarkably strong for the price, beating a Kubota L2501 and Deere 3025E
- ✓LS builds the New Holland Workmaster tractors too, so the engineering is proven and mainstream, not fly-by-night
- ✓It's one of the lowest-priced legitimate compact tractors with a loader you can buy new
- ✓Comes loaded with standard features - telescoping stabilizers, quick-attach loader, and 9.3 GPM hydraulics
- ✓The 6-year powertrain warranty gives budget buyers solid peace of mind
- ✓Owners praise the value proposition, saying it does the same work as a Kubota for thousands less
- ✓The Yanmar engine and stout build make it a genuinely capable little workhorse
- ✗The LS dealer network is the thinnest of the major value brands, so service and parts can be a real challenge in many regions
- ✗Resale value is the weakest in this group - LS depreciates hard because brand recognition is low
- ✗Fit and finish trails Kubota and Deere, with cheaper plastics and switchgear noted by owners
- ✗Only 19.3 PTO HP, so it's modest on wider PTO implements
- ✗Brand awareness is low, so some buyers worry about long-term support even though the tractors are solid
- ✗The loader lift of 1,067 lbs is lower than the impressive 3-point figure, creating a capability mismatch
- ✗The owner community is small, so online troubleshooting help is limited
- ✗Some owners report longer waits for parts than they'd get from Kubota or Deere