Buying a Solis 20 & 26: purchase advice (MVL3E/MVS3L2)
Buying a Solis 20 & 26: experiences, strengths and weaknesses
Are you thinking about buying a Solis 20 or Solis 26? These are two of the most popular compact tractors in their class: modern, affordable and equipped with a Japanese Mitsubishi diesel engine. In this buying guide you'll learn what kind of tractors these are, how they differ, what they cost, what owners report in practice, and what to look out for when buying a used one.
Suitable for the entire series: Solis 20, Solis 20XL, Solis 26, Solis 26XL and Solis 26HST (hydrostatic). Note: there are versions from before and after 2017 with a different air filter — more on that below.
What kind of tractor is the Solis 20 and Solis 26?
Solis is the tractor brand of Sonalika (International Tractors Limited) from India, one of the largest tractor manufacturers in the world. Unlike the Japanese classics you often encounter as grey imports, Solis is a modern brand that's currently available new. The compact models 20 and 26 are built for gardeners, growers, horse owners and private individuals with a large yard: mowing, mulching, tilling, transport and light ground work.
The heart of both tractors is a Mitsubishi three-cylinder diesel engine. That's immediately the biggest advantage: these engines are known to be sturdy and economical, and parts are readily available. Both models come standard with four-wheel drive.
Solis 20 versus Solis 26: the real difference
The names look similar, but these are two different tractors with a different engine and a different build. That's important to know — not just for your choice, but also for the parts you'll need later.
| Point | Solis 20 | Solis 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine (Mitsubishi) | MVL3E — 952 cc, 3 cylinders | MVS3L2 — 1318 cc, 3 cylinders |
| Power | ± 18-20 hp | 26 hp |
| Gearbox | 6+2 (sliding) | 9+9 shuttle (synchro) |
| Brakes | Drum brakes | Oil bath brakes |
| Steering | Manual steering | Power steering |
| Lift capacity | ± 499 kg (indicative, external source) | 600 kg |
| Weight | 810 kg | 1120 kg (with driver) |
In short: the Solis 20 is the true subcompact — light, simple and agile, ideal for a spacious garden or small nursery. The Solis 26 is a more full-fledged compact tractor with more power, power steering, oil bath brakes and the comfortable 9+9 shuttle gearbox, which lets you switch between forward and reverse without shifting gears — handy for loader work and tilling.
Because the engines differ (76 mm bore for the 20, 78 mm for the 26), engine parts such as the head gasket, V-belt, water pump, thermostat, starter motor and alternator are not interchangeable between the two. The filters are largely shared, though. Keep this in mind when ordering.
What does a Solis 20 or 26 cost? (recommended price)
Since Solis is sold new, there is a guide price. The amounts below are indicative and excluding VAT (unless stated otherwise) and based on current dealer offers. The final price depends on the version, transmission, tyres and whether a front loader is included — and varies per dealer.
| Model / version | Indicative new price (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Solis 20 4WD (base) | from ± € 8,650 (± € 10,450 incl. VAT) |
| Solis 20 4WD with front loader | ± € 9,000 – 12,000 |
| Solis 26 4WD (base) | from ± € 10,150 |
| Solis 26 9+9 Shuttle XL | ± € 11,250 |
| Solis 26 HST (hydrostatic) | ± € 12,000 |
| Solis 26 4WD with front loader | ± € 12,950 – 13,885 |
| Solis 26 HST with cabin | ± € 16,250 |
Used Solis 20 or 26: what do you pay?
Solis is a relatively young, modern brand. As a result, the used market is still limited and often consists of fairly recent machines with low hours — these are priced close to a new one. Older units or tractors with many hours are noticeably cheaper. As a rough guideline:
| Model | Indicative used price |
|---|---|
| Solis 20 (used) | ± € 6,000 – 9,000 |
| Solis 26 (used) | ± € 7,500 – 11,000 |
What determines the used price? Year of manufacture and hours weigh the heaviest. After that come into play: the transmission (an HST/hydrostatic is generally more expensive than the regular gearbox), the presence of a front loader, the type of tyres (lawn, agri or industrial) and the overall condition and maintenance history. A tractor with demonstrable maintenance and a known hour count is often worth the extra cost.
(All prices — new and used — are indicative and based on current market and dealer offers. Not an appraisal or official factory recommended price.)
Strengths
- Reliable Mitsubishi engine. Economical, simple and mechanical — most 20/26 models have no complex electronics or ECU, which makes maintenance and roadside repairs much easier.
- Available new with warranty. Unlike grey-import classics, you buy a Solis new, with a dealer network and good parts availability.
- Four-wheel drive as standard. Great on wet grass, slopes and uneven terrain.
- Favourable price-performance ratio. A lot of tractor for relatively little money.
Weaknesses and points of attention
Let's be honest — a Solis has its points of attention too. Owner experiences reveal a few recurring issues:
- Cold start and battery isolator. Some starting complaints are not caused by the engine itself, but by a main switch (battery isolator) that loses conductivity in the cold. Check this point and the battery terminals before suspecting anything more complex.
- Hydraulic and oil leaks. When viewing, check for wet spots near hydraulic lines, couplings and seals.
- Front axle and 4WD. Regularly change the front axle differential oil and check the hub play — it's in the maintenance schedule for a reason.
- Finish. Watch out for loose bolts, bodywork and wiring; checking and tightening everything prevents rattling.
What should you look out for with a used Solis 20 or 26?
- Which year of manufacture? Models from before and after 2017 use a different air filter. Not sure? Check the air filter: the older type has OEM 10055911AA, the newer model the Donaldson P604457.
- Hours and maintenance history. Ask about oil changes for engine, transmission and front axle, and about replaced filters.
- Cold start. Have it cold-started and watch the glow plug indicator. Blue smoke that doesn't clear or difficulty starting points to injector or fuel system maintenance.
- Leaks. Look underneath the tractor for oil and coolant traces.
- Lift and hydraulics. Test whether the lift rises smoothly and holds its height.
