Comparison Looking at buying new tractor, LS vs Kubota

[MtnViewRanch]

Well I think the pricing is close to 25%. Here is what I found when I bought an LS U5030, compared to Kubota.

I got 3.3L engine, first Kubota in line with that much displacement is M6040.
Now lets compare, M6040 comes up short on loader, 2400lbs vs. 2900lbs for LS
Rear hitch on Kubota is 3300lbs, LS is a little over 4000lbs.
4x4 is standard on LS, extra on Kubota.
second rear remote is extra on Kubota standard on LS.
self leveling is standard on LS, extra on Kubota
LS has 16 speed trans, Kubota has 8.
Weight both are 4600lbs.
LS works class I and II attachments, not sure on Kubota.
Now the Kubota has 67hp vs 57 for the LS but the S4s engine by Mitsubishi in the LS is a world class engine in all sorts of equipment all over the world and is hands down a better diesel. Just means its not being pushed as hard and would be a 5000+hr engine between rebuilds.

Kubota is 40K, LS was 28K and came with a box plow and HD 72" mower. Not a wonder their selling.

HS

HS, to be fair, some of those lift ratings are taken at different locations. Kubota usually takes their ratings out away from the pivot point while most everyone else takes their ratings at the pivot point. There is a fair amount of difference with the different types of ratings.

Hey, some of your comparisons don't match up with the current websites either, are your figures from when you had bought your LS?

But then again I think that you should be comparing to a Kubota L5740 and my guess would be that Kubota would come up short there also.
But what do we know?

 

[houstonscott]

Looked at sites to be right before posting about info, not seeing where I am wrong. Info is from both manufactures sites. If you can identify a mistake go ahead but I think I'm right. The other Kubota L5740 engine is not anywhere near 3.3L, so not really in the U5030 class or even close, it doesn't compare in any way except price and it may be more.

HS

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Looked at sites to be right before posting about info, not seeing where I am wrong. Info is from both manufactures sites. If you can identify a mistake go ahead but I think I'm right. The other Kubota L5740 engine is not anywhere near 3.3L, so not really in the U5030 class or even close, it doesn't compare in any way except price and it may be more.

HS

LS website says U5030 has 55HP
Kubota website says M6040 has 63.5HP

Among other small differences that I see. As far as comparisons, your way is one way that the tractors can be compared (weight and size) vs HP ratings. Yes your way is a fairer comparison other than HP.

Maybe the websites have different stats at different locations? :confused3:

 

[houstonscott]

Yeah, I have seen 57, and 55 on LS sites, US and Korea's sites both. Not sure which number is right, most of the S4s engines in other heavy machinery are rated at 63 so it must be detuned for the U5030, to me that's good, means the life of the engine is longer. Not sure on Kubota I thought I saw 67 that may have been for the direct injection version in the M7040. Your numbers bring the two tractors closer, 8hp difference vs 10 for mine. You have to admit the U5030 stands tall against the Kubota in stats and price. I think LS is selling below cost to get into the market now, good for all of us who recognize this and buy now. The U5030 has jumped $2000 since my purchase in March but remains a great value when compared to others. My bet is that LS prices will be much closer in 2 years. If you need a utility tractor at the bottom of the utility capabilities the LS is clearly the best buy for the money and I am not convinced its quality is not at the top too.

HS

 

[Dargo]

Well I think the pricing is close to 25%. Here is what I found when I bought an LS U5030, compared to Kubota.

I got 3.3L engine, first Kubota in line with that much displacement is M6040.
Now lets compare, M6040 comes up short on loader, 2400lbs vs. 2900lbs for LS
Rear hitch on Kubota is 3300lbs, LS is a little over 4000lbs.
4x4 is standard on LS, extra on Kubota.
second rear remote is extra on Kubota standard on LS.
self leveling is standard on LS, extra on Kubota
LS has 16 speed trans, Kubota has 8.
Weight both are 4600lbs.
LS works class I and II attachments, not sure on Kubota.
Now the Kubota has 67hp vs 57 for the LS but the S4s engine by Mitsubishi in the LS is a world class engine in all sorts of equipment all over the world and is hands down a better diesel. Just means its not being pushed as hard and would be a 5000+hr engine between rebuilds.

Kubota is 40K, LS was 28K and came with a box plow and HD 72" mower. Not a wonder their selling.

HS

If you just want to look at paper specs, I believe a Tractor King sold at Rural King will be well past your LS for a LOT less money, a WHOLE LOT less money. Generally, most guys want to look at more than paper when buying.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

If you just want to look at paper specs, I believe a Tractor King sold at Rural King will be well past your LS for a LOT less money, a WHOLE LOT less money. Generally, most guys want to look at more than paper when buying.

Dargo, I think that the OP had decided on LS or Kubota, not any Chinese stuff.

A person has to start somewhere and for the most part everyone knows that the Chinese tractors are of lesser quality even though they spec out pretty good.

I know that you know that the Koreans are right up there as far as quality goes, thus the fairer comparison between LS and Kubota. Both are very good tractors as are most tractors these days. I am fairly sure that each manufacturer has their economy and deluxe models and that seems to be where a lot of people do not compare apples to apples.

 

[Dargo]

Dargo, I think that the OP had decided on LS or Kubota, not any Chinese stuff.

A person has to start somewhere and for the most part everyone knows that the Chinese tractors are of lesser quality even though they spec out pretty good.

I know that you know that the Koreans are right up there as far as quality goes, thus the fairer comparison between LS and Kubota. Both are very good tractors as are most tractors these days. I am fairly sure that each manufacturer has their economy and deluxe models and that seems to be where a lot of people do not compare apples to apples.

Well, some people may take offense to saying Chinese isn't up there... I believe Diamondpilot would say that his Chinese made tractor is right with LS on quality and durability.

You're right, as you know, I think highly of Korean made products. On the same token, the OP stated that he "knows for a fact" that Mitsubishi diesel engines are far better than Kubota diesel engines. I could not disagree with him more based on what I've seen in the last 20 years. And, the Mitsubishi engine isn't even made in Korea. I've personally had extremely poor service from Mitsubishi engines in tractors and forklifts. I currently have a Clark forklift that has a Mitsubishi engine in it and I cringe every time I hit the starter. It has had two major failures in the first 1800 hours. While chasing parts, I found such was very, very common. To knock Kubota diesel engines just doesn't make good sense. I'd say Kubota and Yanmar make the absolute best diesel engines in the world.

So, my assumption is that somewhere along the line, someone fed the OP a line of Bravo Sierra and guided him towards areas that are not the best to use when comparing tractors. Just like vehicles, I can show you product lines that look fantastic on paper yet it would take Bill Gates to afford to keep them running. I would just say that making your buying decision on advertising propaganda isn't the best method of buying. I couldn't tell you about an LS tractor because I've never seen one except in pictures. As in a lot of areas, they just don't have any representation in my area.

 

[houstonscott]

Not sure what to say here, main point is that engine in the LS is a top notch engine. No one said or touted it was made in Korea. The point is the engine in LS is not some odd ball engine it is well known and is in all kinds of heavy equipment all over the world. Sorry to here you had an issue with a Mitsubishi engine, I wonder if it was an S4s? Even Mitsubishi has levels of quality products. Go look at at Kabota threads if you want to single out stuff, there are hundreds. I too like Iseki and Yanmar engines they are great. I would love to own a tractor with a westerbeke in it, now your talking quality diesels. I'm not bashing Kubota I may buy one someday when direct injection and common rail high pressure diesels hit the compact tractor market. But the idea that they stand at the top in quality and pricing is just not so, in the compact market MF 1600's made by Iseki blow Kubota out for quality, design, fit and finish.

HS

 

[DwightD123]

I did my research and bought the R series LS Tractor. Very beefy and heavier than most. I think I would be happy with either as I am pretty realistic and understand that niether one is a bad tractor. For me it was the fact that I could get more tractor for the moolah with LS than any other "known" brand. My dealer left a bit to be desired but I can always find someone I like a bit better to service it. Bottom line is no matter which you choose you'll be pretty dang happy the day it comes pulling down the drive. Be safe and enjoy!

 

[7th Angel]

...Kubota is 40K, LS was 28K and came with a box plow and HD 72" mower. Not a wonder their selling.
HS

Congratulations on your new tractor and thank you for supporting the competition. :thumbsup:
If everyone were to buy a Kubota, I would've had to pay a LOT more for mine.