I gots questions...

[TBJolly]

1. I've read about some frame problems with LS tractors. Is that still a problem?
2. Is there any difference between the Yanmar engine found in the MT125 and the one found in the Deere 1025R?
3. My closest LS dealer is about 25 miles away. I have a LS distributor about 35 miles away. The second is a much larger dealership. Assuming prices are the same, does buying from the bigger dealer offer advantages?

 

[Walter L]

TB the LS is a 3TNV80F 24.7 HP, the JD is a 3TNV80 23.8 HP according to tractor data on JD.
I think the frame problems were the older and larger LS tractors.
Your call on which dealer?

 

[Roadworthy]

Walt did the engine comparison based on information from Tractor Data - usually an excellent resource. I suspect the data found there is from the manufacturers' specification sheets, not actual test data of each model. Assuming both tractors in question use Yanmar engines, the power can differ a bit from model to model and from year to year. The engines can both be mechanically identical with horsepower variation due to injector settings, airflow, etc. Without having more specs to sort through or the knowledge of a mechanic who has worked on both it's really hard to tell. Of course Yanmar tractors will also use a similar engine. Don't assume prices are the same at both dealers. You may be able to work back and forth to negotiate a lower price. It depends on which one REALLY wants to make a sale.

 

[Diggin It]

My JD X-300 has a Kawasaki FH491V engine. If you go to a Kawasaki parts distributor, they can't find that number in their system. They'll argue that it doesn't exist. Until you tell them it's in a JD machine. Then they'll say they can't get those parts and you have to go to a JD dealer.

However, if you tell them it's a FH451V, they'll pull it up easily and probably have the parts in stock.

It's the same engine, but JD had them change the number to make people buy parts from JD.


I'm not saying that's the same situation with the Yanmar engines, but I don't trust JD due to that type of manipulation.

 

[Walter L]

Yes Roadworthy i got the JD info from tractor data and the LS from LS web site , i know that the under 30 hp in the past and now under 25 hp tractors play with the hp ratings to keep from having to add the pollution junk .
I had a mahindra 3016 with a Mitsubishi S3L2 80.4 ci engine rated for 28 hp, i see the same engine rated for under 25 hp now??

 

[rider7767]

LS has fixed the frame issue at their cost on all of the 3025s out there. Understand, there were only like one percent of people have problems with the frame flexing causing the oil pan to leak on the engine. Most had no problem at all. I suspect the ones have the problem were working them to the limits. Either way, LS beefed up the frame and paid to have them installed on all the tractors. I am a be LS fan, but even if you are not, that says a lot about the company. There are like 10 people with videos out there who damage the LS name. Looking at the tractors in the videos, most of them abused the tractors.
The Yanmar engine in the JD 1025R and the LS MT125 are the same model number.
I would make sure the dealer is going to be around for a while. Other than that I go with the dealer I like the most. I would pay $100 more to a dealer I trust. If you trust both, buy the best price. Tony