Buying Advice Anyone have LS experience?

[DieselnHooters]

Any LS with thousands of hours on the meter out there ?

 

[TSO]

My friend has a Branson slightly lower in HP to my Case. We have about the same amount of hours and have done similar style work with the units (material movement, grading, post holes, moving hay, moving trailers) but I have operated hay equipment and he has not. Both are stored in barns with closing doors. His has a canopy, mine does not (I'm jealous of this ;-).

His Branson is more stable on hills.

I have changed fluids and filters and lubed.

He has changed fluids, filters, lubed, had to replace hydraulic cylinders, broken hose connections, leaking fuel lines, torn hoses, cracked hoses, worn hoses, FEL issues, beefed up the FEL, welding something in the 3pt hitch. The warranty has covered the cylinders and hydraulic issues. Other things have been out of pocket. He has mad welding and tool making skills.

He will not tell me but I suspect we paid nearly the same amount for our tractors and mine has more bells and whistles.

Which model case do you have?

 

[Bluegill2]

Hi, I haven't pulled the trigger on the MX5100 yet. There is an LS dealer no too far and they have a LS4047HST with FEL for 23,500. Sounds like a good deal but Im wary of the company. Does anyone know about them? Pros? Cons? Any owners want to chime in? Thanks, Shawn

I've been around tractors since the early 80s' and had never heard of LS until I read about them on this site. No dealers close to me. From what the LS owners here report, they seem to be a good tractor and a good value. I personally would pay more for Kubota, but that's just me and I've had great service from Kubota for 30 years...

 

[RKJeepXJ]

Any LS with thousands of hours on the meter out there ?

I've seen a few LS built New Holland Boomers for sale on the used market with 2000h+ on them.

 

[houstonscott]

Those Mitsubishi engines are in all kinds of equipment all over the world, including CAT stuff. I think LS would would bubble to top after more hours, not less. LS are modern new CAD designs assembled in modern new robotic factories, others are running on name, old designs slapped together in a old planet in India. As far as CUT's it's LS, Kubota and Yanmar, Kubota having to catch up with LS in modernization of designs and assembly. Yanmar has turned to BMW for help in their new diesels designs and they are spectacular. I have linked one in a marine application.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?autoplay...uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D0-ZAYPzu33A%26autoplay%3D1

HS

 

[bullockcm]

I paid $21,500 out the door, and going off the quotes, and reports of actual prices paid, on similarly equipped MX-5100s lately, I wouldn't think twice about buying another LS. The MX-5100 is a quality machine, no question about it, so I won't knock it as a product, but people keep saying they're paying over $30K for them. Worse, if you finance it, you have to pay another $1500-2000 in insurance through Kubota. It winds up that people are paying darned near 50% more for a machine that can do a similar amount of work, and I just can't see how that makes sense.

I ahve to toss my 2 cents in here based on my experience which differs from this. First it sounds like you received a really good deal on your tractor. When I bought my tractor a year and a half ago LS wasn't available locally so I didn't look at them but it seems like owners are happy with them. First thing is the insurance, yes it is expensive if you go with Kubota insurance but you don't have to. I have insurance through my insurance agent and it will be $250 total for the life of the 5 year loan so there are other much more affordable options available.

I will start by saying I know I was quoted a better than average deal but I had a quote for a MX5100HST with 2 rear remotes, loaded tires, HD bucket, cutting edge and a couple other things for $28,000. I suppose currently if TierIV really add $4k to the price that would push the price of the MX over $30k like you mentioned.

Last point though really only matters if you are in the position of having/wanting to finance the purchase. Kubota typically offer 0% for 60 months, other people look at it as the interest has already been rolled into the price. I was pretty close to buying a Kioti DK40 until I figured up the total price inlcuding interest since I was in a position of needing to finance the tractor. In the end the Kioti would have been roughly $2k less than the comparablily equipped and slightly more capable MX. Of course if you are in a position to pay cash then the Kubota isn't quite as attractive from a pure price point comparison.

 

[TSO]

I ahve to toss my 2 cents in here based on my experience which differs from this. First it sounds like you received a really good deal on your tractor. When I bought my tractor a year and a half ago LS wasn't available locally so I didn't look at them but it seems like owners are happy with them. First thing is the insurance, yes it is expensive if you go with Kubota insurance but you don't have to. I have insurance through my insurance agent and it will be $250 total for the life of the 5 year loan so there are other much more affordable options available.

I will start by saying I know I was quoted a better than average deal but I had a quote for a MX5100HST with 2 rear remotes, loaded tires, HD bucket, cutting edge and a couple other things for $28,000. I suppose currently if TierIV really add $4k to the price that would push the price of the MX over $30k like you mentioned.

Last point though really only matters if you are in the position of having/wanting to finance the purchase. Kubota typically offer 0% for 60 months, other people look at it as the interest has already been rolled into the price. I was pretty close to buying a Kioti DK40 until I figured up the total price inlcuding interest since I was in a position of needing to finance the tractor. In the end the Kioti would have been roughly $2k less than the comparablily equipped and slightly more capable MX. Of course if you are in a position to pay cash then the Kubota isn't quite as attractive from a pure price point comparison.

Yeah, 0 % can be tricky. Most companies now offer 0 % financing, including LS, but then you don't get the free loader. I went through outside financing myself and got the lowest cash price. I paid around $21700 mine. Does Kubota also offer a lower cash price, instead of 0% ?

 

[TSO]

Sorry, phone made a duplicate post

 

[murphy1244]

I ahve to toss my 2 cents in here based on my experience which differs from this. First it sounds like you received a really good deal on your tractor. When I bought my tractor a year and a half ago LS wasn't available locally so I didn't look at them but it seems like owners are happy with them. First thing is the insurance, yes it is expensive if you go with Kubota insurance but you don't have to. I have insurance through my insurance agent and it will be $250 total for the life of the 5 year loan so there are other much more affordable options available.

I will start by saying I know I was quoted a better than average deal but I had a quote for a MX5100HST with 2 rear remotes, loaded tires, HD bucket, cutting edge and a couple other things for $28,000. I suppose currently if TierIV really add $4k to the price that would push the price of the MX over $30k like you mentioned.

Last point though really only matters if you are in the position of having/wanting to finance the purchase. Kubota typically offer 0% for 60 months, other people look at it as the interest has already been rolled into the price. I was pretty close to buying a Kioti DK40 until I figured up the total price inlcuding interest since I was in a position of needing to finance the tractor. In the end the Kioti would have been roughly $2k less than the comparablily equipped and slightly more capable MX. Of course if you are in a position to pay cash then the Kubota isn't quite as attractive from a pure price point comparison.

Kioti has been offering 0% for a long time. And I beg to differ on which can do more and features.

 

[houstonscott]

I've been around tractors since the early 80s' and had never heard of LS until I read about them on this site. No dealers close to me. From what the LS owners here report, they seem to be a good tractor and a good value. I personally would pay more for Kubota, but that's just me and I've had great service from Kubota for 30 years...

Understand you maybe in the same the position of someone in 1974 with Kubota when looking at LS today.

 

[High Brook Hills]

Which model case do you have?

Case IH Farmall 60, Shibaura engine but assembled in Georgia with the build sheet included with my tractor. LS360 (Case) FEL

 

[bullockcm]

Yeah, 0 % can be tricky. Most companies now offer 0 % financing, including LS, but then you don't get the free loader. I went through outside financing myself and got the lowest cash price. I paid around $21700 mine. Does Kubota also offer a lower cash price, instead of 0% ?

Kioti has been offering 0% for a long time. And I beg to differ on which can do more and features.

I guess I should have been more specific on sales promotions. What I found was 0% was the only Kubota promotion, Kioti and Bobcats best deal promotion was the free loader program which meant finding other financing with the best deal at the time for me being 2.5%. TSO, I believe Kubota has at times offered a cash incentive but based on what I have read here I don't think it happens frequently so it almost seems like they are penalizing a cash customer relative to other brands who offer different promotions.

Murphy, not sure if you didn't understand me or if you are just being overly brand sensitive. I wasn't knocking the Kioti at all, just when comparing the Kioti DK40SE to the Kubota MX5100HST the MX does have some additional capacity, specifically in HP, hence my "slightly more capable". If there had been a DK50 available then I would have given the nod to the Kioti for having some extra standard stuff like draft control and better ergonomics like tilt wheel, seat, and loader control.

I didn't end up buying either tractor anyway, being somewhat allergic to bees I was on the bubble for a cab to brush hog with. Kioti dealer claimed he couldn't get me a cab and the Kubota dealer made me an even better deal on a L4240 with a cab then he did on the MX. It paid for itself this summer when I found a ground bees nest and had the cab get swarmed. I will add that dealer support played a role in my decision, I have 4 Kubota dealers closer to me than the nearest Kioti dealer which is a mom and pop type place that I don't think is going anywhere soon but you never know. The next closest Kioti dealer is 2 hours away.

 

[ucfd070]

Thanks everyone, Ill be making my decision soon. The LS dealer does not have the HST on the lot but is supposed to have them next week. The Kubota is still available as of now so one way or another Im getting a tractor.

 

[murphy1244]

Well the Kioti has a stronger loader than the Kubota and the MX is a standard machine as the DX is a caddy. Not Brand sensitive at all. The DK is equal to a Grand L.

 

[ucfd070]

I have looked at the Kiotis, like them the dealer close is a butt to work with. Doesnt seem like he cares.

 

[murphy1244]

I have looked at the Kiotis, like them the dealer close is a butt to work with. Doesnt seem like he cares.

Sounds like the JD dealer by me. Good luck in your search.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have looked at the Kiotis, like them the dealer close is a butt to work with. Doesnt seem like he cares.

If he doesn't care if he sell a tractor, I wouldn't care if I bought one from him in fact I for sure wouldn't
. We have walked out on more than one snotty salesman who lost his commission because of it. Wife had a Sears salesman that gave her a cold shoulder like she likely couldn't afford to own one of his appliances that she was asking about, (she is Hispanic). We were looking and bought a whole house full (Pro model Double oven and range (over $3K in those alone), washer/dryer, refrigerator, freezer, garbage disposal, dishwasher) from a different store who treated us like a neighbor. Just because we don't wear diamonds and gold daily (we do have them) is not reason for a salesman to be uppity with me or my family. I go looking to buy something usually wearing my work clothes and shoes that may have some cow poo on them and if I am treated well and price is right, I buy but I don't return to a business that wont give me the time of day. There is a fine line between being disinterested in a sale and high pressure salesman (I don't buy from them either)

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Nah. Never touch the stuff myself.

 

[the old grind]

I've mentioned this elsewhere, but always check out "0% financing" vs a cash price. In my case (~$18K) there was a $1500 difference and not a penny would be saved by paying any portion early.

My choice of dealer had much to do with trade-in value and service/support. That I chose for familiar ergonomics vs bang for buck was the main reason I didn't buy an LS, and the features/$$ that I gave up are many ..(say vs a R3039h..)
R3039H Standard Equipment:
Hand and foot throttle control
Hydraulic draft and position control
Telescopic Stabilizer & Drawbar
7-pin Rear electrical connector
Remote Control Valve (2 pair))

That their aren't more used LSs out there says that folks are hanging onto them, ... or finding buyers among friends who have seen them in action. If I had it to do over ....

 

[TSO]

I've mentioned this elsewhere, but always check out "0% financing" vs a cash price. In my case (~$18K) there was a $1500 difference and not a penny would be saved by paying any portion early.

My choice of dealer had much to do with trade-in value and service/support. That I chose for familiar ergonomics vs bang for buck was the main reason I didn't buy an LS, and the features/$$ that I gave up are many ..(say vs a R3039h..)
R3039H Standard Equipment:
Hand and foot throttle control
Hydraulic draft and position control
Telescopic Stabilizer & Drawbar
7-pin Rear electrical connector
Remote Control Valve (2 pair))

That their aren't more used LSs out there says that folks are hanging onto them, ... or finding buyers among friends who have seen them in action. If I had it to do over ....

Trying to remember what you have now .. Ford 1520?