Considering LS tractors or not?

[Jwebbfedex]

I'm looking at a LS XR4046 (no cab), I've been looking online for reliability issues on these tractors but haven't found many. It seems like maybe they are so new that some people may not be having major issues yet. The pricing on these tractors are in the right ball park, so any help from you guys would be appreciated.

 

[murphy1244]

Might want to read this thread http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/buying-pricing-comparisons/327108-strongest-korean-brand.html

 

[Jwebbfedex]

Lots of good info Murph. Thx. All other options are welcome. I've been looking at JD,Kubota, NH. But found these LS tractors and have been apprehensive because I haven't heard much about them.

 

[k0ua]

Lots of good info Murph. Thx. All other options are welcome. I've been looking at JD,Kubota, NH. But found these LS tractors and have been apprehensive because I haven't heard much about them.

There are hundreds of threads about LS tractors on this forum. Most people seem to like them and I haven't heard anything seriously negative about them. Keep in mind most of the more recent New Holland Boomers are made by LS. Most people consider them a lot of tractor for the money. They are one of the top two of the Korean brands, the other being Kioti. I own a Kioti, but if there had been an LS dealer nearby I sure would not have hesitated to consider one.

 

[snowbelt geauga]

I am on my second one first was a Farmtrac made by LS.I have a XR4046C .No problems so far 80hrs. Worked hard this spring plowing,discing, and pulling a raised bed mulch layer with no problems. Also use it to blow snow(SB74 Woods snow blower).

 

[George2615]

You can also read a little history about LS here.

LS Tractors - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Threepoint]

Jwebbfedex, welcome to TBN!

 

[Jwebbfedex]

Thank you I'm trying to gather information on purchasing a new tractor.

 

[hutchman]

You couldn't pry my LS R3039 from my cold dead hands.

I got mine used after a friend that told me he would sell me his 19yr old Kubota L2900 for several $K more than he first mentioned. I thanked him because I spent less than $2K over his 'new' price and got a way more capable machine that still had the balance of the warranty left. The warranty turned out to be a good thing because I was like the 3rd person to post on here about the 3039 frame issue which appears to be a design flaw and LS stepped up and replaced my frame and reinforced it at no cost to me.

The features the machine came with are very nice ... telescoping 3pt. lift arms, 2 rear remotes, nice joystick loader control - you can exit off the right side of the machine, suspension seat, highest capacity loader in its class (at the time it came out), awesome 4cyl. Industrial Mitsubishi engine that is in other equipment all over the world.

 

[hutchman]

... and the US factory/HQ is in North Carolina less than 3hrs. from my house so I figured if anything drastic ever happens and I have to yell at someone, I could just show up on their doorstep. Don't know if it really matters but that played into my decision making process too.

 

[Jwebbfedex]

Thx Hutchman, it seems that if you go with a used tractor you don't really know what you are getting. We have an LS dealership not too far from us. So I AM seriously considering the LS 4046 or 4047. Just want to know from everyone if they've had a bad experience with an LS tractor from a mechanical standpoint.

 

[George2615]

The XR4046 is the newer model and has a tier 4 Shibaura engine. The R4047 is the previous model with a tier 4 interim Mitsubishi engine. Tier 4 interim has fewer emission controls if that makes any difference in your choice. Both engines are good.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I think the reason you don't see a lot of reviews is because of the low rate of repairs required. Many folks only do reviews when they have something bad to report.

Take a look at the post here on TBN for LS Tractors and you will see very few problems with most being operator error or improper operation. There have been some design changed required over the years and LS has stepped up and made changes, retrofitted tractors affected at no charge. This and the great 3 year bumper to bumper + 5 year powertrain warranty make for a very good buy. I think only Kioti matches the warranty duration.

 

[hutchman]

Thx Hutchman, it seems that if you go with a used tractor you don't really know what you are getting. We have an LS dealership not too far from us. So I AM seriously considering the LS 4046 or 4047. Just want to know from everyone if they've had a bad experience with an LS tractor from a mechanical standpoint.

True. Mine was 2-1/2 yrs. old when I bought it. I went through it with a fine tooth comb and changed every fluid and filter on it.

The only thing (besides frame) I found wrong with it were cosmetic things. The seat was tore up and I replaced that with a aftermarket seat from Northern Tool. Some parts on the 3pt. hitch were modified for some reason and it took about $100 in parts to put it back to original spec. Overall I feel like I got a very good deal on it and I think it is going to suit my needs just fine.

Our property was just logged and I've used it to fetch large tree trunks the loggers left for me because they wouldn't fit through their whole tree chipper.

I recently got some pallet forks for it and the first large thing I lifted was a new backhoe attachment attached to its steel shipping crate. I estimate everything was around 1800-1900 lbs and I lifted it from the thin side to get it off the trailer since I couldn't fork it from the side due to the trailer having rails .... so all the weight was way out front. Was worried but it did it no problem at all. My rear tires are loaded and I had a 500lb box blade for ballast. Set it down and forked it 'the right way' and put it up without any trouble. I was impressed!

 

[Jwebbfedex]

How many hours do you have on it hutchman ?

 

[hutchman]

How many hours do you have on it hutchman ?

Had 480 on it when I received it. Now has 527.

Previous owner was a Vet. in SC that had a hobby farm. Dealer said he traded up to the R4047 with HST. He basically wanted HST. Mine is gear ... 12 forward/reverse fully synchronized with shuttle.

 

[charles todd]

I bought an LS P7010C in October (2014). I have about 60 hours on it and have had ZERO issues and ZERO regrets.

Who else sells a 72 HP, 4WD, cab, 3 remotes, 5 year warranty, 3500 lb loader capacity tractor for 37k?

CT

 

[hutchman]

.... here is my seat hacking thread with pics:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/ls-tractors/312499-ls-seat-hacking-post3777196.html#post3777196

Must of been a sacrilegious mod putting a Deere type seat on my LS as nobody said a word about it It's more comfortable than the original and doesn't squirt water up my butt.

My thinking is I'd rather pay $90 for a seat I can get local if I mess it up vs. the $300 dealer wanted for the original seat replacement ... that would probably crack again.

 

[Underdog57]

I have 130 hrs on my R4041H that I bought in Oct 2013. Had 1 minor issue, the dealer picked it up, fixed it, and returned it same day. Very happy with mine, it has done everything I have asked of it.

 

[abatis]

I am very happy with my XR4046 to date. Biggest complaint is the cab light auxiliary switches aren't back lit. For the price a cab is very nice to have and makes off better resale.