Need help with a Tractor upgrade

[Doc Snerdley]

This is from a guy with three equipment sheds full of green and yellow, seriously consider Kubota for your choices in the utility tractor and compact classes. Especially if the cost of repairs is an issue. In the Kubota lineup, stay with models that are current and planned for continued production.

Spend seat time in what you are considering, try the controls, and if considering a front end loader really pay attention to the turning circle. Do not get bedazzled by touch screens and computer controls, they are fragile and expensive to repair. Not a big deal for a production farmer that can bury costs of repairs in the business expense, but for the hobby farm those expenses are not allowable and out of pocket, so avoid that flash and bang.

Good luck.

 

[Ffphil]

Ok, there is a new dog in the race. Just looked at a LS XR4145H because people on this site seem to like them. At first review you get a 45hp tractor that weighs more than the Kabota and JD, will need to get home to verify the numbers on this. Sounds like the FEL has quite a bit more lifting capacity. For less money (still waiting for them to send me a bid). Any of you have first hand experience with this brand?

 

[Ffphil]

Thanks Doc,
Think JD is out of the running on price alone. The Kubota L4060 and this LS XR4145H are on the top of the list now. Going to schedule time for the wife and I to drive both and remove and reattach the FEL, attach other implements to the FEL and hook up equipment to the 3pt. We will talk about doing the same with the JD. Will have to crunch the numbers on weight, power, lift capacity and ease of adding other implements later.

 

[ericm979]

There's some Branson dealers in your area. Bransons are a pretty good deal. I'm happy with mine. I bought a lot of implements with the savings vs an L4060.

 

[JB13502]

Thanks Doc,
Think JD is out of the running on price alone. The Kubota L4060 and this LS XR4145H are on the top of the list now. Going to schedule time for the wife and I to drive both and remove and reattach the FEL, attach other implements to the FEL and hook up equipment to the 3pt. We will talk about doing the same with the JD. Will have to crunch the numbers on weight, power, lift capacity and ease of adding other implements later.

Listen to your gut when you are at the dealer... which one seems more eager for your business, which service department gives you a better feeling? A good dealer/service department is as important as a good tractor.

 

[Doc Snerdley]

I would consider the LS as long as the dealership was the real deal. A former big established high volume JD dealer here locally sold their JD franchise a few years back because JD was no longer competitive in the big AG tractor market, and far too expensive in the small tractor niche. They picked up the LS brand for the smaller (up to 100 horsepower) tractor market. The dealership has a stellar reputation along with a full service department.

Seat time, maneuverability, and the ergonomics along with service you can expect are going to be the greatest help in your selection.

I am due to replace two 25 horse and a 45 horse diesel tractors this year or next, your questions and the good responses from the LS owners are sending me to chat with the folks at Ernst about the LS.

 

[3Lfarms]

Ok, there is a new dog in the race. Just looked at a LS XR4145H because people on this site seem to like them. At first review you get a 45hp tractor that weighs more than the Kabota and JD, will need to get home to verify the numbers on this. Sounds like the FEL has quite a bit more lifting capacity. For less money (still waiting for them to send me a bid). Any of you have first hand experience with this brand?

Make sure when comparing price, that the machines are similarly equipped. Adding one extra rear remote can be $900. The cabbed LS models are all very well equipped. A Kubota dealer that knows he is being shopped against an LS is going to price out a tractor with less features to keep the price difference closer. Things like suspension seat, grill guard, hydraulic remotes, mirrors, rear wipers, radio are the options that will add to the cost pretty quickly.

 

[johncanfield]

One of the most critical elements when choosing an expensive piece of equipment is the servicing dealer. Check out their shop, is it clean and organized? Talk to a couple of mechanics, ask how long they have been with the dealer. Do they like working there? Will they pick up the tractor for service? How much $$? What's their non-warranty labor rate? Do they have a well stocked parts department?

 

[Sawworcs]

Plus one for shopping for a good dealer. I would buy the LS before a JD or Kubota as long as they are an established dealer. Better yet go check your local KIOTI Dealer!

 

[MoCoHogHunter]

I love my LS XR4040CH - it’s done everything I’ve asked of it and more (from land clearing to moving gavel and 100 or so post holes). Only 150 hours on it, but so far not one issue.

I’m 6’2” and 250 on a good day, and fit quite comfortably in the cab, though it is a bit tight when my 5 year old goes for a ride too. My wife is 5’4” and she can get in/out and run it without issue.

Hydro is a must.

Blue bragging time - I had to move a fallen tree for my neighbor when his Kubota couldn’t. Ok, so it’s not apples to apples (his is a 2650 and the tree was about a 28” diameter oak), but it still felt good