I know nothing about an LS tractor. But are you saying it has all the features of the Deere or Kubota?? Think about that carefully before answering. Not picking on your tractor, just saying I've heard this conversation before. Then when it gets right down to comparisons the difference list seems to grow.
No need to think all that carefully about it...it's not exactly life or death
I'm certainly not a tractor information database, but from what I can recall, the Deere and Kubota have less standard features, in general. If you compare a shuttle-shift version of the Deere, Kubota, to an LS or Kioti, the latter two will have more features standard. When you look at the Deere, and Kubota, some of their optional features are more complex than a similar feature on the LS or Kioti, and are often different enough to be considered a separate feature by itself (i.e. HST+ is a more complex HST system). I guess it depends on whether you want to look at standard features, or possibilities.
Still, even if you give the Deere (or Kubota) all of the optional features the math doesn't make much sense to me. Just take the Deere to LS comparison, for example. Both are 4x4 CUTS, that come with 3-range HST transmissions, differential locks, FEL, 540 PTO and 3pt. The Deere 4120 has 43hp, 35hp at the PTO, 3pt lift of 3,130 at the ends, FEL lift of 2,339lbs to max height (111"), and weighs 3,700lbs without the FEL. The LS R4047H has 47hp, 38hp at the PTO, 3pt lift of 2,755lbs at the ends, FEL lift of 2,638lbs (website is wrong) to max height (96"), and weighs 3,813lbs.
Both have tilt steering, two-pedal HST controls, adjustable seats, electronic cruise control, and folding ROPS.
The LS also comes with telescoping link arms standard, dual rear remotes standard, rear work light standard, larger wheels/tires, a 7-pin trailer plug standard, and a 5yr powertrain warranty.
As best I can tell, the Deer only exceeds the LS in FEL lift height, 3pt lift max, a self-leveling loader bucket, and an HST system that offers two modes not found on the LS.
The LS has more power, more PTO power, more FEL lift capacity, bigger wheels/tires, draft control, and 3yrs more warranty coverage.
Seriously, I can see where there is some value/utility in a self-loading bucket, or the eHydro features, but an extra $10K?
Know what I did with the $10K savings? I bought another tractor (in a new color) to dedicate to mowing! :drink: