Hey there Travelingman,
I've just begun my search for a SCUT or maybe a small CUT and the Max series along with MF GC series, JD and Kubota are all in the running. I was wondering since you guys have had one awhile what do you think of the performance? Would you change your mind between getting the Shuttle vs the Hydro? How does the mowing deck perform? Me personally, I would probably remove the loader for mowing anyway, but given the issue you stated, I would be much more likely to do so because my property is still rough. I just had a house built 2 years ago (which did not include finish grading :banghead3:banghead3:banghead3 ) so needless to say it's a bit rough, not awful, but I certainly have to slow down in order to avoid dental work! That part of the reason for the upgrade in order to straighten out the lawn and do further clearing of my property. So what do you guys like about the Max28 and equally important, what don't you like? And if you don't mind me asking how much did you guys give for the Max 28 with Shuttle Shift, FEL and MMM?
My son bought one last month with fel an belly mower its a impressive machine in lots of ways. But if you are looking at the gear drive modle beware it does not have live power when you push the clutch in the pto stops the HST runs continuious. We did not realize that until we got it home. Power is great hydralics strong even at low rpm handles an rides good an is balanced well . One other issue we've had if you get a belly mower an front end loader is the front pulley hits the cross member for the FEL if you roll over uneven ground that causes the deck too rise enough too get close to a high center condition . These things will climb like a billy goat but don't crest any banks you'll wipe out a pulley with a belly mower. We hope too work out these issues through our dealer an mahindra. The clutch has too take alot of abuse when your mowing if you have many reasons stop pause or slow yourself to adjust speed by useing the clutch kinda like the ole 8N fords . Consider the HST if those things will effect the way you intend too use it.