Has anyone put on an aftermarket AC compressor on their LS tractor?

[brs78660]

I have an XR 4140 HC and the AC compressor locked up. I was told they use a pretty generic AC compressor, so I don't want to pay the dealer $600 for one and wait on it forever.

Has anyone done this? I would really rather use non-LS parts to fix it.

I have so many issues with this tractor I just have to laugh it off.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Take the compressor to a NAPA store and see if they can match up the mounting and shaft with one of their stock units. With their military or fleet discount you are looking at <$300. If it is a common brand used in the auto industry it should not be a problem NAPA has been my go to place for 50+ years.

Ron

 

[RickB]

AP AIR, INC | Air Conditioning Parts and Supplies

If these guys cannot help you, you cannot be helped.

 

[Walter L]

It a good chance you have metal contamination all through the system if so you will also need the dryer expansion valve along with the compressor and cleaner to clean the system.

 

[brs78660]

Thank you all. I will try these options. Here is a pic of the compressor in case someone knows it right off.

 

[brs78660]

AP AIR, INC | Air Conditioning Parts and Supplies

If these guys cannot help you, you cannot be helped.

Thanks RickB. I contacted them and they asked me to send them pics so they can try and find a match. They did seem very helpful. I now have a go-to site for AC repairs. :drink:

 

[Maxify55]

I've got 910 hrs on the clock on my XR3037HC.
I have spent $2000 on my A/C and, tomorrow, I'm taking the doors off.
Without A/C in a cab tractor in Florida you have a sauna.
I can't afford the loss I would take to sell and repurchase another unit of equal size.
Besides, the tractor runs splendidly.
I just love it. It's just the right size to get under eave troughs/guts & most tree limbs..
It sips fuel and works like a demon.
Is it perfect? Few machines are.
So I'll just keep it and have a very expensive open station tractor & bimini top with a radio.

BTW: I've got an extra a/c compressor if anyone is interested.
There's a leak in a brand new evap unit on the roof evidently.

 

[brs78660]

I've got 910 hrs on the clock on my XR3037HC.
I have spent $2000 on my A/C and, tomorrow, I'm taking the doors off.
Without A/C in a cab tractor in Florida you have a sauna.
I can't afford the loss I would take to sell and repurchase another unit of equal size.
Besides, the tractor runs splendidly.
I just love it. It's just the right size to get under eave troughs/guts & most tree limbs..
It sips fuel and works like a demon.
Is it perfect? Few machines are.
So I'll just keep it and have a very expensive open station tractor & bimini top with a radio.

BTW: I've got an extra a/c compressor if anyone is interested.
There's a leak in a brand new evap unit on the roof evidently.

Sorry to hear of the issues you have. If my tractor worked right I think I would love it too, but its been nothing but issues and nightmares.

The compressor you have, is it from LS or did you find aftermarket parts? I found that the LS compressor is a KDAC and apparently is only available in Korea or something like that.

AC guys say they are not very good and its better to get an aftermarket one, but I can not find an exact match in an aftermarket one. How much do you want for yours?

I am planning on trying to sell or trade my LS for something else, but if for some reason I can't I may take the doors off too. I am in Texas so I totally understand the sauna.

Trade-in for these tractors is so very low.

List the doors for sale when you take them off. I have heard of people needing them because the glass breaks.

 

[TractorGuy]

That compressor probably has a brand name and model number on it you can use to search for a replacement.

I just eyeballed the ports, pulley type, and mount on my NH backhoe and bought a generic Sanyo compressor to put on it. My compressor was missing from the tractor when I bought it. I pulled the expansion valve and drier off so I could blow the system out completely with nitrogen then put it all back together. Ended up having to replace every hose also because they were seeping out the walls. Getting the expansion valve off was a PITA and doing it twice was NOT fun.

I think I got the compressor off eBay for less than $200.

 

[brs78660]

Yeah, the compressor is a KDAC compressor and they can't cross reference it to anything really, but I was told its very close to this one: AP Air Inc - New V5 Daewoo Single Groove Compressor

Its about $300 for that one, but the compressor already has a bracket made for it so that it can bolt on the engine. I am thinking about taking that bracket off and making one to fit like a universal sanden 508 or something. You can get a 508 for like $99.

That way its cheaper to replace later if it fails again for whoever owns it. I don't plan on keeping this tractor, its been a nightmare.

 

[RickB]

You might get a Chinese Sanden knockoff for $99 but the chances of buying a genuine Sanden for that price are extremely slim. You may not care, but at least know what you are buying.

 

[Maxify55]

I bought from a local New Holland dealer. Theirs was half priced to LS's and an exact match to mount properly.

 

[brs78660]

You might get a Chinese Sanden knockoff for $99 but the chances of buying a genuine Sanden for that price are extremely slim. You may not care, but at least know what you are buying.

Ah, you may be right on that. I did not real close. I will have to find out how soon I want to sell this tractor.

 

[brs78660]

I bought from a local New Holland dealer. Theirs was half priced to LS's and an exact match to mount properly.

The AC compressor? My new holland dealer was just a little less than LS quoted me. Like $530 from New Holland and $560 from LS.

I would be more open to the New Holland order if it was $300-ish.

 

[Maxify55]

The AC compressor? My new holland dealer was just a little less than LS quoted me. Like $530 from New Holland and $560 from LS.

I would be more open to the New Holland order if it was $300-ish.

My LS dealer here quoted me ~$900 for a new compressor.
This was AFTER he'd had the tractor for 2 1/2 mos & couldn't fix the system.
I'm afraid that LS has a dealer problem here in north florida.
We've had 2 close their doors and this one is FAR more interested in repairing the ag equipment for off branded locals, than caring for LS customers. {I can't blame him, either.}
It's really sad too.
It's a GREAT tractor.
Just a poor dealer network in the outlying areas.
I'll just keep it. As the resale value is hardly worth my selling it.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I keep hearing “ resale value is horrible “. Are you talking trade in?
Yes trade in will be down the drain.... dealers anticipate it sitting on the lot taking up space, paying sales commissions, doing minor repairs, time to do the paperwork, then still make a profit. They cannot sell it at the same price as new, at least 3k less than new to even get anybody to look at them.

I sold my 2 1/2 year old, 225 hour LS for $1,000 less than what I bought it for. Trade in value was $6000 less. AND the guy drove 550 miles to come pick it up. My neighbor sold his 3 month old tractor for about $500 less than what he paid (he did buy another LS, just a bigger one).

Trade in value will never come close to a private sale.

 

[Maxify55]

I'm not looking to sell or trade in.
I've got far too mny attachments and a $1K 3rd function kit added on this Ole Gal.
I'm dancing with her till the music stops.

 

[brs78660]

My LS dealer here quoted me ~$900 for a new compressor.
This was AFTER he'd had the tractor for 2 1/2 mos & couldn't fix the system.
I'm afraid that LS has a dealer problem here in north florida.
We've had 2 close their doors and this one is FAR more interested in repairing the ag equipment for off branded locals, than caring for LS customers. {I can't blame him, either.}
It's really sad too.
It's a GREAT tractor.
Just a poor dealer network in the outlying areas.
I'll just keep it. As the resale value is hardly worth my selling it.

I totally agree. If my dealer could actually fix the issues, I would not be so bent on this tractor. Its one thing to have issues, but to keep going back and forth for years and not get things fixed is insane. Then after the warranty goes you are stuck with fixing what they could not out of pocket.

BUT, these dealers represent LS Tractor USA. You should be able to contact corporate and work it out. LS blew me off and only talked to the dealer.

 

[brs78660]

BTW, I have found the aftermarket replacement AC compressor for my tractor. Its the same compressor they put on the 1999-2002 Daewoo Lanos. I ordered one on ebay for $120 new.

 

[5030]

I have an XR 4140 HC and the AC compressor locked up. I was told they use a pretty generic AC compressor, so I don't want to pay the dealer $600 for one and wait on it forever.

Has anyone done this? I would really rather use non-LS parts to fix it.

I have so many issues with this tractor I just have to laugh it off.

Pretty much a worthless video. Replace the compressor with an aftermarket one, flush the system, pull it down with a vacuum pump, add some PAG 46 to replace the oil lost in the component change (If your tractor takes PAG 46 that is), recharge with R134a and call it good. I'd add some fluorescent leak detector as well. When you replace the compressor, renew the 'O' rings as well. Not just any 'O' ring either. Refrigeration systems take specific 'O' rings.

You will have to determine the correct amount of 134 from LS, too much and it will destroy the compressor or rupture a line. Too little and it won't cool properly. Because the compressor locked, I'd say you also have metal in the receiver dryer to. replace that as well. That compressor is a piston compressor. Scroll compressors are smaller and not as long physically.

I'd be cleaning the rad and the evap under the hood as well and probably the condenser under the cab roof too.