Mahindra’s new OJA tractor range packs a host of features into a compact package, with value and versatility among the standouts
After several years without introducing a new tractor to the Australian market, Mahindra wanted to ensure the model which changed that fact would be a winner.
Thorough planning and attention to detail are evident with the manufacturer’s new OJA range, which is now available through Mahindra’s national dealer network.
Comfort, versatility and a selection of ‘wow features’ has both Mahindra’s local and global teams excited about the impact which OJA can have for Australian farmers.
The range – which initially includes three models – was launched to the brand’s dealer network at an event on the Gold Coast in September, although the OJA range has already had about 18 months in the United States market.
Mahindra says several of OJA’s unique features have proven successful with American customers and expects similar positivity Down Under.
The Australian launch was held at a golf course, an appropriate location given the tractors fit into the subcompact and compact categories and will likely be popular for maintenance and landscaping jobs, along with hobby farmers.
The range’s name – OJA – comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘powerhouse of energy’ and provides a clear indication that Mahindra views these as tractors as offering plenty of power and strength despite their compact size.
Stacking up
Mahindra has initially brought the 1123 HST, 1126 HST and 2126 HST into the Australian market.
The 1123 offers a 23hp engine, which steps up to 25hp on the 1126 and 2126 models.
Otherwise, the 1123 and 1126 both fit into the manufacturer’s 1100 series and share several similarities including overall machine size and weight, along with a two-range hydrostatic transmission.
Both the 1123 and 1126 also share a 420kg loader lift capacity, 25L fuel tank capacity, 28.7L/min pump capacity, 11.7km/h maximum speed and Category 1 three-point linkage.
Mahindra’s 2126 has an increased 580kg loader lift capacity and is a heavier overall unit at 980kg compared to 735kg for the 1100 series models.
The 2126 also has three-range hydrostatic transmission, along with a boosted 42.3L/min pump capacity, plus a faster maximum speed of 17.9km/h.
All tractors in the range are 4WD, which Mahindra says will be particularly important in agricultural settings where extra power is required to the wheels in muddy conditions.
Mahindra offers each model with the choice of cabin and foldable ROPS options.
Across the OJA range, there is also a three-year comprehensive and six-year Powertrain warranty as standard.
“Multiple features are best in class at a very competitive price,” Mahindra Australia national manager Ankit Taneja says.
“The weight of the tractor is one of the highest in that segment, and the lift capacity is one of the best in the segment as well.
“We are offering a great value proposition, plus a phenomenal warranty proposition so that it brings peace of mind to farmers.”
A list of specifications only tells part of the story though, as it is clear the large list of features outweighs the compact nature of the tractors themselves.
Wow factor
When introducing the OJA series to Australia, Omkar Nabar – Mahindra’s head of international product planning for all markets outside India – highlighted multiple ‘wow features’.
One of these is the presence of both telescopic and tilt steering, allowing operators to customise the steering position to maximise comfort.
This ties in well with the car-like pedal shift, for simpler gear changes which reduces operator fatigue.
“The seat is comfortable and feels like that it belongs,” he says.
“A big Australian farmer who wears a size 13 shoe can easily fit on to the tractor and can comfortably operate it.”
There is push button PTO, enabling rear and mid-mounted implements to be activated quickly, along with mid PTO as standard to allow mid-mowers to be attached with ease.
“The mid-mount mower decks are ideal for golf courses, and you have two different sizes of decks available for these tractors, which you can quickly attach,” Nabar says.
“The four-in-one bucket, which is unique to Australia, is something we offer as standard.”
Ergonomically placed controls are complemented by the Hydrostatic Drive System, which offers infinite speed control.
Colour-coded pedals allow smooth forward and reverse movement and are one example of Mahindra’s attention to detail when designing the tractor, along with other colour-coded controls to distinguish areas such as PTO controls from motion controls.
Another thoughtful touch comes via a feature called start assist, which has been implemented in recognition of the fact many OJA buyers may be first-time tractor owners.
This feature requires four ‘green lights’ on aspects which must be in neutral before the engine will start, providing an easy reference point for inexperienced operators to know how to smoothly start the unit.
This smart indicator is one area which has received positive feedback from United States customers, Mahindra says.
“The OJA range also offers foldable ROPS so it is very easy for someone who wants to put it up in their barn, and it can easily go in small places where you want to mow,” Nabar says.
“There are good loader capacities and you have increased power so you can do more jobs in less time.
“All these elements cover your versatility and are what we call ‘wow features’.”
Strong backing
The stature which Mahindra has in global agriculture should also never be forgotten.
As the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, any new release has been carefully planned and aimed to suit markets around the world, including Australia where the company has over two decades of experience.
The example of considering the comfort of “the Australian farmer who wears a size 13 shoe” shows that Mahindra has not just given Australia a one-size-fits-all tractor, while the fact OJA has already been proven in the United States has Taneja feeling confident it will be a local success.
“OJA was launched in the US roughly around 18 months ago and we have seen a very strong customer acceptance, with a market share of around 10 per cent in that segment,” he says.
“We have already sold around 4,500 units there in the last 18 months and that, to us, is a big testament of the acceptance of this product in a Western scenario – and that’s why we are very confident with this product here.”
Mahindra also acknowledges this market segment is particularly price sensitive, which is why Taneja is excited by the “phenomenal” price available on the tractors.
The 1123 is available with a Euro-hitch loader and four-in-one bucket for $23,490 – a figure the company describes as best-in-class – with the 1126 listed as $25,490 and the 2126 at $27,900, each with the loader and bucket. These are recommended list prices, excluding pre-delivery and freight.
“We have been in the Australian market for 20 years and now, with the launch of this modern range of tractors which are technologically savvy and very comfortable and ergonomic, we feel that we have an ideal product at a phenomenal price,” Taneja says.
“This is a very strong value proposition, which will definitely appeal to an Aussie consumer.”
The OJA range is available through Mahindra’s national dealer network.
For more information, visit www.mahindraag.com.au