Mahindra eMax 20S vs Mahindra 1626
Quick take: The Mahindra eMax 20S costs $5,000 less; the Mahindra 1626 has more engine power (25.9 vs 19.4 hp); the Mahindra 1626 has more loader lift (1,830 vs 617 lbs).
| Spec | Mahindra eMax 20S | Mahindra 1626 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $15,500 | $20,500 |
| Rating | 4.2★ (480) | 4.2★ (340) |
| Category | Sub-Compact | Compact |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Engine HP | 19.4 hp | 25.9 hp |
| PTO HP | 14.2 hp | 19 hp |
| Loader Lift | 617 lbs | 1830 lbs |
| 3-Point Lift | 680 lbs | 1720 lbs |
| Hydraulic Flow | 6.3 GPM | 7.5 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Mitsubishi | Mahindra |
| Weight | 1499 lbs | 2459 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 6.6 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 | 5 yr powertrain | 7 yr powertrain |
Pros & cons
Mahindra eMax 20S
- ✓Significantly cheaper than a Deere 1025R or Kubota BX - often the lowest-priced legitimate sub-compact with a loader you can buy new
- ✓The Mitsubishi-built diesel is a genuinely respected engine, not a bargain-bin powerplant, and owners report it runs strong
- ✓Mahindra is the world's largest tractor maker by volume, so the company isn't going anywhere and parts are available
- ✓Longer bumper-to-bumper coverage and a 5-year powertrain warranty give budget buyers peace of mind
- ✓For the price it comes well-equipped - 4WD, power steering, and a loader are all included in the package
- ✓Heavier cast-iron construction in places gives it a solid, planted feel that belies the price
- ✓Twin-pedal HST is easy to operate and comparable to the premium brands for basic chore work
- ✓Great fit for someone who wants a beater work tractor and doesn't care about resale or badge prestige
- ✗The dealer network is thin compared to Deere and Kubota, so service and warranty work can mean a long drive in many areas
- ✗At 19.4 engine HP and only 14.2 PTO HP it's the weakest of the popular sub-compacts, and it shows on the PTO and loader
- ✗Resale value lags well behind Deere and Kubota - you take a bigger depreciation hit if you sell
- ✗Fit and finish is a step below the Japanese brands - some owners note cheaper plastics, decals, and hydraulic fittings
- ✗The 617 lb loader lift is the lowest in this group, limiting how much material you can move
- ✗Parts availability, while improving, still frustrates some owners who wait longer than they would with Kubota
- ✗Forum sentiment is more mixed than the premium brands, with more scattered reports of hydraulic and electrical quirks
- ✗No drive-over mower deck system, so mid-mount mowing is more of a chore to set up
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