You can download Maya PLE 8.5 for free from this link:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?sit eID=123112&id=7635018
It's a Personal Learning Edition but it's works just as well as the full complete version with only a few features missing.
You may have to register your details with Autodesk but it's worth it for what you get because you can then download their tutorials from the website.
If you've never used Maya 3D, it's a steep learning curve.
There's plenty of books and online tutorials available.