We had been planning to do a review of the Mahindra 3616, but after contacting Mahindra Marketing, were persuaded – albeit easily – to take a look at the all-new 4010. For those looking forward to that 3616 review, don’t fret…it is forthcoming.
The Mahindra 10 Series, built by TYM in South Korea to Mahindra specifications, is a design and engineering departure from the somewhat bare-bones though unquestionably functional tradition of the 16 and 35 Series tractors. Carrying a tractor-only MSRP of $20,000 in HST form and $18,750 gear, the 4010 model makes an ultra-competitive splash, especially when you consider its built-in niceties.
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Approaching and circling the 4010, the first impression is that this is a substantial tractor. Tall tires, an imposing wide, squat stance, and the use of metal even where plastic would do, all convey a heavy-duty feel. Climbing up onto the operator’s platform, aided by the drop-down footsteps and grab handles located on both sides, the wide platform and flat deck help expand on that first impression.
The 4010 operator’s station includes a high-back seat with fore/aft adjustability, a suspension system that can compensate for weight, and a tilt steering wheel. We found the controls comfortably spaced and the color-coded levers ergonomically placed. As on the Mahindra 5010 we tested last October, the 4010 uses twin side-by-side pedals to control the hydrostatic transmission, which offer infinite control over the three-speed ranges. What we didn’t see on the 5010 is the clutch pedal positioned on the 4010 right floorboard just left of the hydro pedals. The clutch allows hydro range selection as well as engages/disengages the PTO, the latter of which has automatic and manual settings. A nice feature associated with the automatic setting is that it allows the operator to have the PTO disengage automatically whenever the 3PH is raised, which is especially nice when doing tasks such as brush hogging.
Powering the 4010 is a 3B183LW 111.4 ci naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine that makes 38 gross horsepower at a wear-reducing and thrifty 2600 rpm. PTO horsepower is 31, which is plenty to run any implement matched to a tractor of this size. The dual hydraulic pumps on the 4010 send 4.5 gpm to the power steering and 8.2 gpm to the implement (12.7 gpm total). This translates into plenty of power for steering functions even under heavy loader operations while still giving the 4010 three-point hitch (3PH) a whopping 2,646 lbs lift capacity. Position control is standard with adjustable stops so an implement can be returned to the exact position each time. The 4010 rear PTO reaches 540 implement rpm at an engine speed of 2650 rpm. Unlike some of the competition, a mid-PTO is standard and reaches 2000 implement rpm at the same 2650 rpm. The three-range hydrostatic transmission offers the right speed to power ratio for any condition: low for heavy loader work, medium for tasks such as mowing, and high for transport.
Our test tractor was equipped with Mahindra’s model ML141 loader. The ML141 is controlled by a joystick mounted on the right side loader stanchion and offers good control over the entire range and has float. The loader is of a quick attach/detach design and the bucket itself attaches and detaches easily using two levers and is skid-steer compatible. Using the ML141, we were immediately impressed by the responsiveness of the hydraulics and lift height capability even at idle – though best performance will be somewhere between 1800 and 2600 rpm. Mahindra rates the ML141 to lift 2041 lbs to the full lift height of 102.2”. Cycle time to full lift is 3.8 seconds and dump 3.1 seconds. Our only comment was that without a backhoe as our test tractor was outfitted, the loader responsiveness was so quick and the lift height so high that the tractor felt a bit tippy. When we spoke to the dealer, we were told us that they won’t let a 4010 without a backhoe go out the door without loading the rear tires. Fair enough; and we’re sure this would cure any perceived issues.
Dislikes or things we would like to see changed? It would be nice if the 3PH lower arms were of a telescoping design, which makes it much easier to attach a rear implement. And the fuel tank location behind the rear seat is high enough that unless the operator is of Hulk Hogan size, a step ladder or platform will be necessary from which to fill from. That’s about it. Of the two nits, the first is admittedly minor and can be fixed by a relatively inexpensive universal quick hitch such as Pat’s Easy Change System, and the second can easily be addressed by a simple pump available for as little as $39.99 from suppliers such as Northern Tool.
The 4010 rides on 10-16.5 front and 43×16-20 rear industrial (R4) tires. Ag (R1) tires are an option. With an overall length of 119.3” and an overall width of 59.8”, the 4010 tractor-only tips the scales at a substantial 3065 lbs. Mahindra stands behind every 4010 with a five-year powertrain warranty. The dealer we used for this test quoted us $23,000 for the 4010, ML141 loader and rear tires loaded with Rim Guard (beet juice). That’s quite a price for a truly capable tractor. If you’re in the market for a machine of this size, check out the 4010. We won’t be surprised if it finds its way to the top your list.
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2012 Mahindra 5010 HST Cab Review
2012 Mahindra Max 28 XL HST Review
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