Plus loader specs are wrong half the time also. The marketing departments love their numbers and love making things look better than there are. The pivot pins measurements are the dumbest numbers to go by, but marketing likes that number because it is "bigger." Most people on the forum know that when you are using your loader's bucket, it is 500mm (19.7") out from the pivot pins, just like the 3PH true lift capacity number is 24" out. Going by the pivot pin loader capacity is a mistake many newbies make. If the literature only states loader pivot pin capacity, then take approximately 23% off that number and you should be around the correct loader capacity for your loader when using a bucket. Also this estimate is only for standard loaders and not self-leveling loaders. So the LS can lift ~2600lbs at the pivot pins, that would mean it could potentially lift ~2000lbs at 500mm (19.7") out with the bucket attached. That is still not a bad lift capacity for the LS loader.
As for the warranty, you should have two warranties for the tractor: the general warranty (like a bumper-to-bumper warranty) and the extended power train warranty (engine and transmission warranty). LS, Kubota and John Deere all have the same "2 year general warranty," but the hours are not the same on those warranties. LS's warranty is 2 years or 750 hours, Kubota's is 2 years or 1500 hours and John Deere's is 2 years or 2000 hours. As the for the extended power train warranty, LS's is 5 years or 1500 hours, Kubota's is 3 years or 2000 hours and John Deere's is 3 years or 2000 hours. While LS gives you a nice long 5 year warranty, if you use your tractor a lot, the warranty might only be good for two or three years if you go above the "hours" mark. The devil is always in the details with the warranty stuff.
Lastly, I am impressed with the new LS XR series compact tractors especially with LS now using the Shibuara engines. However, when you pay more for the Kubota and John Deere, you will be paying for name and reputation, but also for the components and engineering they put into the tractors. On the surface, the LS, Kubota and John Deere might look the same and have some similar specs, but it is when you dive deeper into what components are used to make the engine, transmission, hydraulics and etc, that is what makes the difference. I would imagine LS uses some good components in their tractors, but Kubota and John Deere are known to use higher grade components in their L Grand and 4000 Series tractors which does drive costs up, but will also hopefully provide more durability and longevity for the tractors. The key is that you do not pay for something that is over-engineered for your uses. The LS tractor might not use the highest grade components like Kubota and John Deere, but that LS tractor might meet most people's needs at a good solid price point.
