Looked at LS tractors for the first time today.

[WH401]

I've been looking into upgrading to a cab tractor. I'm not necessarily brand loyal, would probably like to stay JD, but overall price is a big factor. I've read a lot of good things on here about LS so I decided to go over to the local dealer today. I test drove an XR3037HC, and later an XR4046C. The 3037 was nice, HST worked well, I enjoyed the heat in the cab, loader worked smoothly though it felt like if you dropped it too fast it would jerk the cab, mostly a rear weight issue I think. Only thing that worried me was that i could see past the hydro pedals to the ground and i wondered if that would be a route for dust. Though that could easily be sealed with some sheet foam. I liked the 4046C as well, reminded me of driving my late fathers IH 340 utility, about the same size, which I liked. Shuttle shift worked well, can the direction be changed on the fly without using a clutch like in most shuttle transmissions? I tried to do it today by moving the fwd/rev lever, but maybe I just didn't turn it firmly enough. I could only get it to engage fwd/rev on the fly by holding it in either direction, although when using the clutch it would lock into fwd/rev fine. I liked how the pedals came out of the dash, I thought it made the cab more sealed.

I was quite shocked at how well the price was, once when quoted for the 3037, and again for the difference to upgrade to a 4046, both cabs. :0 Overall I really liked what I saw and felt, the blue didn't initially appeal to me on the net, but in person I liked it. The tractor will mostly be used for pulling a 6' finish mower, with light loader work here and there.

Thanks,

Rick

 

[George2615]

I have the XR3037HC. Bought last Feb. and like it very much. Really nice having a heated cab plowing snow. I'm sure you'd be happy with either model. There is also an XR4040HC in between the 2 you looked at. Maybe the dealer didn't have one on the lot. I also like the larger front tires on the 40 and 46 models but did not have a need for a larger tractor. The 3037 is just fine for me.

 

[Underdog57]

I really like the big front tires on the 40 series!! .

 

[WH401]

Good to know, thanks George. No they didn't have any of the 4040s in the cab version, they may have in the OS version though. The dealer said they had two 4046s, one in cab form and one OS. They hadn't had many bites on the shuttle cab and were trying to move it, quoted me a really nice price. A 3037 would be more than enough for me, and I liked the HST compared to the shuttle, it's just simpler and quicker, but for the price I could easily entertain the 4046C shuttle. I still wonder about the fwd/rev shifting though, the lever is very easy on my JD, but seemed a stiffer on this one. I really like the size of the 4000 series though. Do these come standard with block heaters? The 4046 took quite a few more revolutions to start than the 3037, although it was only one cycle of the plugs and it is a larger engine after all.

Thanks underdog, I agree, I too like the larger tire size.

Rick

 

[George2615]

Good to know, thanks George. No they didn't have any of the 4040s in the cab version, they may have in the OS version though. The dealer said they had two 4046s, one in cab form and one OS. They hadn't had many bites on the shuttle cab and were trying to move it, quoted me a really nice price. A 3037 would be more than enough for me, and I liked the HST compared to the shuttle, it's just simpler and quicker, but for the price I could easily entertain the 4046C shuttle. I still wonder about the fwd/rev shifting though, the lever is very easy on my JD, but seemed a stiffer on this one. I really like the size of the 4000 series though. Do these come standard with block heaters? The 4046 took quite a few more revolutions to start than the 3037, although it was only one cycle of the plugs and it is a larger engine after all.

Thanks underdog, I agree, I too like the larger tire size.

Rick

I believe the block heater is a dealer installed option and not included as a standard option. My tractor is kept in a semi heated garage where it doesn't get much below 40*F. So far this winter only one cycle of the glow plugs and it starts right up.

 

[DK35vince]

Shuttle shift worked well, can the direction be changed on the fly without using a clutch like in most shuttle transmissions? I tried to do it today by moving the fwd/rev lever, but maybe I just didn't turn it firmly enough. I could only get it to engage fwd/rev on the fly by holding it in either direction, although when using the clutch it would lock into fwd/rev fine.

Power reverser type transmissions can be forward/reversed without the clutch.
Synchronized shuttles require the clutch to forward/reverse.
According to the specs. the 4046c is a synchronized shuttle and requires the clutch to forward/reverse

 

[WH401]

Power reverser type transmissions can be forward/reversed without the clutch.
Synchronized shuttles require the clutch to forward/reverse.
According to the specs. the 4046c is a synchronized shuttle and requires the clutch to forward/reverse

Ah, interesting. Didn't know that. Thanks, that makes sense then, appreciate the tip. Thanks.

Rick

 

[WH401]

I believe the block heater is a dealer installed option and not included as a standard option. My tractor is kept in a semi heated garage where it doesn't get much below 40*F. So far this winter only one cycle of the glow plugs and it starts right up.

Thanks. Off hand, does your seat adjust up and down? Felt like I was way too high above the steering wheel at times. Either a longer column or a lower seat would've been perfect.

Rick

 

[Bluesteel]

The seats do adjust for up and down firmness, front to rear sliding positions and the back rest is adjustable.

 

[George2615]

Been working out in the garage till now and just saw your question about the seat.
Bluesteel is correct. There is some adjustment. I noticed I had to lean forward a little to steer when I first got the tractor but you get used to it.

Back to your first post you mention you could see past the hydro pedals to the ground. On mine I can see very little daylight past the pedals. There are rubber grommets the pedals go through on the metal floor then they go through the insulated rubber floor mat so not much light get through. Next time you look at the tractor look under the floor mat and see if the grommets are in place.