Thanks.
Short answers... ...they have mentioned no price increase. I believe they did have 2 on the lot when I first contacted them, yet, did not outright say they did.
The "too much information/I am psyched about a tractor" detail... ...I think they had 2 MT342HCs on the lot, but, he couldn't tell me: Mid-November(ish), I had finally narrowed down my decision to the XR4140. After making a few phone calls (looking to buy), I got wind of the MT3 line replacing the XR. There was very (very) little info to be found, salesmen knew little about them, and, pretty much, only mentioned them in passing, if at all. Even the LS site was sparse on info. Funny thing - you could actually get to the MT3 line on their site by using some insight and editing their URLs, but, at that time, they had no working links to the MT342 info. My initial thought was, "OMG - I thought I was done with all of the spreadsheeting analysis" - I didn't really feel like starting it over again. Luckily, for me, the MT342 is pretty much a direct replacement to the XR4140, with a few notable fixes and upgrades - the MT342HC then became my choice. So, it worked out like this - that 'final' dealership that got my business was one who was knowledgeable and friendly, with the following timing/circumstance - I had first called about the XR4140HC - they had one on the lot, we priced out delivery and implements, and he gave me great info on the MT3 line that was replacing the XR. He didn't 'push' the MT342 on me (just gave me good info). We left that phone call with, "thanks for all of your time setting me up with the XR, however, let me check out the MT line and get back to you." Other dealerships had mentioned the MT3 line, "my" (eventual) dealer gave me good detail about the differences (made the extra effort). When I called him back the very next day, he said the XR had sold, though he had two MT342HCs on the lot, but, it looks like someone is in the process of buying one of them. I got the other one. He also mentioned a new factory order would be quick as the factory had them ready to go. This tells me (I am presuming) the dealers have an agreement not to push the MT3 line until they sell out of their comparable XR model being replaced (seems logical enough). Every dealer I called that had an XR in stock was happy to sell it to me. The dealers that had no XRs in stock had no MT3s, yet, were happy to set me up with ordering an MT3 (but, apparently, didn't know enough about them to hook me). So, day 1, my (now) dealer set me up with an XR4140HC and did not mention he had any MT342HCs on the lot (we spent a good amount of time and effort setting up the XR purchase) - day 2, the XR4140HC was sold to someone else, and he had 2 MT342HCs in stock. I doubt it was coincidence that 2 MT342HCs showed up on his lot the moment someone purchased their last XR4140HC. Regarding price increase - he set me up with the MT342HC at the same price as the XR4140HC that we priced out the day before. This definitely worked, for me, because the MT342 appears to offer nice upgrades that I would not have seen had I went for the XR less than 24 hours earlier (I wonder about who bought that XR - could have been me). Timing seemed to work in my favor, for a change.
A couple of months later, now, the info on the MT3 line is well more available and the differences between the XR4140HC and the MT342HC can be found, though I'll mention a few here (forgive me if I am a little off the mark - my ears are bleeding tractor info from self-induced overload - I am sure you can now find exact info with a little Googling)... ...MT all but takes care of the floppy bucket syndrome. I think they are using smaller hydraulic lines to keep more stable pressure level (I am not a hydraulic engineer - my Harry Homeowner guess). The XR (apparently) would have a slight 'stall' in the bucket movement when the weight would shift between lift/dump. MT takes care of tight-turn-tire-rub. Apparently the XR front tires would catch the lower end of the loader braces when making tight turns. Loader removal - the MT3 has spring-loaded release latches on the arm stands, the XR did not. MT has a seal/gasket where the front of the cab meets the tractor body, the XR did not. MT has easier access to, and cleaning of, the dust filter at the coolant/radiator. MT has better fitment of interior plastics (less rattling and shift, so I hear). MT has adjustable lower link sway 'chains' (it is a pinned bar). MT has a different turnbuckle latch system and telescoping lower links (not sure about the XR, on this one). MT hitch lift cap is 2755, XR is 1808. MT is a little longer, a little heavier, and has a little bigger wheelbase. MT loader lift cap is 500lb more than the XT. MT exterior lighting is said to have slightly heavier-duty housings. MT has rear windshield wiper standard (option on XR). MT has a couple more horsepower on its Direct Injection engine. I think the MT regen system has been modified a little. MT has the S-HST - synchronizes the RPM to Hydrostat pressure - you can set it so the RPM will automatically self-adjust (raise) as you apply pressure to the foot (forward/reverse) controls. I think the MT comes standard with a stereo/CD player with BT, the XR it's an option. MT has a new bucket with reinforced push bar that has pre-drilled (teeth) holes. MT hydraulic pump is horizontally mounted (better clearance) where the XR is vertical. MT rear remote mount has additional (empty) mounts stubbed out for additional remote valves (not sure about the XL). I had the dealer add wheel ballast (alcohol and water) and add a front remote with joystick button controls. I think the MT might have a more robust PTO shroud/cover.
Sorry, not sorry, for the "too much information". I think this message was cathartic for me.
