LS tractor
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TBN Support
TBN Support
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- 4,560
:welcome:
Welcome to the forum!
:tractor: I'm going to move this thread over to our LS section to see if we can get you some feedback.
Welcome to the forum!
:tractor: I'm going to move this thread over to our LS section to see if we can get you some feedback.
George2615
Super Member
Welcome to TBN.
I've owned my LS XR3037HC since Feb 2014 and now at 200 plus hours it is still working as it should. Never been back to dealer for any problem. I went with LS because they have been building tractors for many brands over the years and since marketing their own line they give the most bang for the buck. They have more standard included options than other brands and have been lower priced as well.
I don't see LS tractors being more problematic than others. All tractor brands will have occasional problems that require dealer repairs. I give LS a thumbs up.
I've owned my LS XR3037HC since Feb 2014 and now at 200 plus hours it is still working as it should. Never been back to dealer for any problem. I went with LS because they have been building tractors for many brands over the years and since marketing their own line they give the most bang for the buck. They have more standard included options than other brands and have been lower priced as well.
I don't see LS tractors being more problematic than others. All tractor brands will have occasional problems that require dealer repairs. I give LS a thumbs up.
Gary Fowler
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2008
- Messages
- 11,998
- Location
- Bismarck Arkansas
- Tractor
- 2009 Kubota RTV 900, 2009 Kubota B26 TLB & 2010 model LS P7010
I bought my LS in 2010 and other than a leaking fuel tank which was replaced by a new design I have had no issues caused by a bad design.
I did break a drawbar hitch trying to pull out a fully loaded dump truck (also replaced under warranty with a new design) and broke the front drive shaft trying to pull out a stump when I broke my 3/8" grade 70 chain. The rapid unloading of the drive train sheared the front drive shaft which dealer replaced at no charge.
At the time of my purchase, my tractor was about $10K under a similar Kubota or JD. I don't know what the costs are now compared to other brands but you do get more tractor upgrades as standard equipment than other brands. Stuff like extra hydraulic remotes & extendable 3 PH lower arms come to mind and depending on the size you may also get draft control standard.
I did break a drawbar hitch trying to pull out a fully loaded dump truck (also replaced under warranty with a new design) and broke the front drive shaft trying to pull out a stump when I broke my 3/8" grade 70 chain. The rapid unloading of the drive train sheared the front drive shaft which dealer replaced at no charge.
At the time of my purchase, my tractor was about $10K under a similar Kubota or JD. I don't know what the costs are now compared to other brands but you do get more tractor upgrades as standard equipment than other brands. Stuff like extra hydraulic remotes & extendable 3 PH lower arms come to mind and depending on the size you may also get draft control standard.
Snowman87
Bronze Member
From a person that recently chose LS, here's why I did (not an any particular order):
- They've been making tractors for some time now, including the well known New Holland Boomer and Workmaster series.
- I've got a local dealer that has been good to work with (not one of the typical pushy/slimey salesman). He threw in a fair number of freebies to sweeten the deal - LS jacket, LS coffee cup, LS T-Shirt, free 50 hour service, fluid filled tires, quick attach 3 point setup, free rentals on a few implements, etc.
- Local dealer hasn't been selling LS for too long (a little over 2 years), but already has 60+ tractors out in the field and has had very limited service calls/repairs. The mechanics in the shop said the same thing when I solicited their input the first time I checked out the place when the salesman wasn't there.
- Warranty looks good on paper, but more importantly the dealer feels well supported by LS when issues arise (used to be a John Deere dealer for 20 years and was less than impressed by some of their poor customer service)
- Dealer pricing - you can tell it was my dealers goal to move tractors not turn a huge profit. His pricing was better than the other dealers I looked at in ~100 mile radius (specific to LS)
- Cost - for the type of capability I was looking for, the LS was considerably less than the other well known brands John Deere, Kubota, New Holland, Etc. With my somewhat set budget, this is how I was able to justify a slightly larger cab tractor vs. a smaller open cab.
- Standard features - didn't have to pay extra for things like rear remotes, SSQA FEL, draw bar, etc.
- Capability - again in the realm of what I was looking to spend, this tractor had more FEL lift capacity, larger tires, etc. (understand other brands of the same size may have similar capacities but cost more, putting them above my budget)
If you do a quick search you can find my 25 hour review that covers everything I've learned so far. I'm happy with my purchase and would make the same one today.
I didn't test drive any Kubota tractors but I believe they make some really nice machines. I like that they seem to have more of their parts being sourced and more manufacturing happening in the sates, but I just couldn't justify the extra cost up front for personal use. I understand the whole resale bit, but... If I were to start using this for a business I might look less at the cost delta as there is a Kubota dealer 5 miles from my house... I also didn't test drive any Kioti tractors, but they were next on my list to check out after LS. Problem for me there was that while pricing seemed to be a little closer than the bigger OEM's, the dealer support was quite a ways away...
Best of luck in your search,
Nate
- They've been making tractors for some time now, including the well known New Holland Boomer and Workmaster series.
- I've got a local dealer that has been good to work with (not one of the typical pushy/slimey salesman). He threw in a fair number of freebies to sweeten the deal - LS jacket, LS coffee cup, LS T-Shirt, free 50 hour service, fluid filled tires, quick attach 3 point setup, free rentals on a few implements, etc.
- Local dealer hasn't been selling LS for too long (a little over 2 years), but already has 60+ tractors out in the field and has had very limited service calls/repairs. The mechanics in the shop said the same thing when I solicited their input the first time I checked out the place when the salesman wasn't there.
- Warranty looks good on paper, but more importantly the dealer feels well supported by LS when issues arise (used to be a John Deere dealer for 20 years and was less than impressed by some of their poor customer service)
- Dealer pricing - you can tell it was my dealers goal to move tractors not turn a huge profit. His pricing was better than the other dealers I looked at in ~100 mile radius (specific to LS)
- Cost - for the type of capability I was looking for, the LS was considerably less than the other well known brands John Deere, Kubota, New Holland, Etc. With my somewhat set budget, this is how I was able to justify a slightly larger cab tractor vs. a smaller open cab.
- Standard features - didn't have to pay extra for things like rear remotes, SSQA FEL, draw bar, etc.
- Capability - again in the realm of what I was looking to spend, this tractor had more FEL lift capacity, larger tires, etc. (understand other brands of the same size may have similar capacities but cost more, putting them above my budget)
If you do a quick search you can find my 25 hour review that covers everything I've learned so far. I'm happy with my purchase and would make the same one today.
I didn't test drive any Kubota tractors but I believe they make some really nice machines. I like that they seem to have more of their parts being sourced and more manufacturing happening in the sates, but I just couldn't justify the extra cost up front for personal use. I understand the whole resale bit, but... If I were to start using this for a business I might look less at the cost delta as there is a Kubota dealer 5 miles from my house... I also didn't test drive any Kioti tractors, but they were next on my list to check out after LS. Problem for me there was that while pricing seemed to be a little closer than the bigger OEM's, the dealer support was quite a ways away...
Best of luck in your search,
Nate
atomchaser
Bronze Member
I have about 40 hours on my tractor and really haven't had any issues. I would buy it again. I'm going to have to talk to my dealer about my free t-shirt and coffee cup, though! He only gave me a hat.
jaydee325
Veteran Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2013
- Messages
- 1,206
- Location
- Casco, Mi
- Tractor
- John Deere X584 Garden Tractor & LS R3039H
My LS R3039H has been solid. Purchased in July 2013. Only had a minor issue that the dealer quickly took care of under warranty.
I used to be a heavy equipment service tech. In my opinion, the build quality of LS equipment is as good or better than the big well known manufacturers.
I used to be a heavy equipment service tech. In my opinion, the build quality of LS equipment is as good or better than the big well known manufacturers.
PJSprog
Elite Member
I'll jump on this bandwagon as well. We bought our LS about a year ago (mid-September), and it's been everything we've hoped for out of a tractor. If you've already found them, then you probably already know their history. They are a very experienced company.
Pretty much every major manufacturer makes very good tractors. LS makes them, too, and sells them for considerably less.
Pretty much every major manufacturer makes very good tractors. LS makes them, too, and sells them for considerably less.
Olympus
Platinum Member
My first LS was so good that when it was time to upgrade to a larger machine, I went with LS again!
alexsbuddy
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2016
- Messages
- 331
- Location
- Diamond, MO
- Tractor
- LS XG3037 w/ LS LL3109 FEL Kodiak SD5 Mower, Speeco Model 65 PHD, Bush Hog BX-600 Box Blade, Titan 42" Skid Steer Pallet Fork/Hay Spear Combo
Bought my XG3037 in April 2016 and now have 220.0 hrs on it. Before I purchased my LS, I spent many,many hours researching all models of all makes that fit my needs. In the end, I chose LS due to high satisfaction ratings by dealers, owner reviews, affordability, standard features, reputation of my local dealer, and, lastly, how it performed during the test drive. I have only had one minor issue, loose suction pump bolt, and am absolutely happy with my decision. The fit and finish is as good, if not better, than the other makes and it is a real workhorse. I call it my Blue Mule!
bwalley
Member
Bought an LS Xg3032 in the summer of 2015. I use it mainly for moving wood. 220 hours on it with no complaints. Would purchase again.
Maxify55
Gold Member
Our XR3037 has been rock solid for ~680 hrs.
With the money you save by buying Blue you get to buy more attachments.
Plus with ther standard dual hydraulic hook ups off the back it saves even more for an added chipper or back hoe
for future expansion.
You'll not find better machinery for the price.
Spring for the third function off the joystick mod. and get a grapple.
It's hands down the most used piece off the front.
While the mower gets the nod off the back use.
With the money you save by buying Blue you get to buy more attachments.
Plus with ther standard dual hydraulic hook ups off the back it saves even more for an added chipper or back hoe
for future expansion.
You'll not find better machinery for the price.
Spring for the third function off the joystick mod. and get a grapple.
It's hands down the most used piece off the front.
While the mower gets the nod off the back use.
taters435
New member
I own a 2015 LS XR3135 geared unit with backhoe, I have 100 hrs on the unit, it is a 35 Hp 4 tier unit. I have used it to plow a new road with the front loader, and I added a tooth bar for digging. I have pushed over 30 foot pine trees in Mo. with no problems. I have dug out stump with the backhoe. Some were very deep in dirt and rock soil. I have bushed hogged very deep deer grass and cut sap lings up to two inches with the Bush hog Brand BH 15. I have also used it to box blade and grade my driveway allot after heavy rain storms.
The first 50 hr service was a simply task, filter are a bit pricey. You will need a bucket of transmission fluid when you change the hydro filter as there is no shut of valve. I love my LS tractor XR3135. I own 21 acres and and this baby is a powder house/work horse. I looked at many brands but LS beat them out on price and warrant. Now I am only one owner, do your research and ask for more advise.
The first 50 hr service was a simply task, filter are a bit pricey. You will need a bucket of transmission fluid when you change the hydro filter as there is no shut of valve. I love my LS tractor XR3135. I own 21 acres and and this baby is a powder house/work horse. I looked at many brands but LS beat them out on price and warrant. Now I am only one owner, do your research and ask for more advise.
donaldj
Bronze Member
I got an LS XR3135H last month. I own 13 acres of barely cleared land (about 3 was cleared to figure out where we wanted our house). My needs include:
My area had Massey Ferguson (expensive and dealer was far away), Deere (expensive!), and LS dealership nearby. After comparing these tractors (25 PTO HP was my threshold), the MF was just too darn expensive, the Deere and LS were close in price once incentives were taken into account, but the Deere was a 2000 series while the LS was the equivalent of a Deere 3000 series. So, LS had far more tractor for the money.
Deciding factors included:
As of now, I have about 25 hours of seat time on it. I have cleared paths through overgrown areas, cleared overgrowth from the sides of the driveway, uprooted tons (literally) of grapevine and Asian Bittersweet vine that was swamping the apple trees, picked up and moved very large rocks (one was about 1200 pounds, estimate), moved very thick logs (3' diameter) of oak for firewood, box scraped and landscape raked about 2 acres of (eventual) yard to even it out, and started pulling apart a massive pile of old trees that were stacked when the property was cleared.
The LS XR3135H has performed all these tasks as I have asked it to (I am still learning how to do them all). I have had no issues so far, and some of these tasks were very demanding.
Hope this helps. Not sure if you've owned tractors before, but getting one has enhanced my sense of ability and accomplishment. Tasks that were 'a huge undertaking' immediately shifted to 'gimme 5 minutes'. The added capability of one of these machines is exactly what is needed for more self sufficiency and large-lot maintenance.
- Leveling the ground
- Running some shallow trenches for downspouts to drain away from the house
- Eventually putting in and maintaining a berm for target shooting
- Handling scores of downed trees for property clearing
- Handling firewood (house heat is an outdoor wood boiler)
- Rotary cutting existing land
- Clearing additional overgrown land to access the 25+ apple trees on the property
- Snow removal of about a 1000' driveway (cement and gravel)
- Eventually putting in lawn
- Making a walking path through the wooded area of the property
- All other odd jobs that come up
My area had Massey Ferguson (expensive and dealer was far away), Deere (expensive!), and LS dealership nearby. After comparing these tractors (25 PTO HP was my threshold), the MF was just too darn expensive, the Deere and LS were close in price once incentives were taken into account, but the Deere was a 2000 series while the LS was the equivalent of a Deere 3000 series. So, LS had far more tractor for the money.
Deciding factors included:
- Reliability. I noticed a distinct lack of complaints and gripes about LS when compared to others. It just had the reputation of being a no-nonsense, reliable tractor.
- Cost was very competitive. This was the best *value* machine of the 3 looked at.
- Implement costs were reasonable. This was partially financed so implement cost was important. While this is not a pure LS vs other comparison, it was a factor in my decision.
- Skid-steer compatible front end loader. I wanted a bucket and pallet forks, and might want a grapple soon. Having an industry-consensus front connection was important.
- Controls were intuitive. They were intuitive on all 3, actually, but everything worked as expected.
- HUGE: The back of the XR series has 3pt hitch controls, hydraulic ports, and extendable 3pt hitch arms that make hooking up attachments far easier.
As of now, I have about 25 hours of seat time on it. I have cleared paths through overgrown areas, cleared overgrowth from the sides of the driveway, uprooted tons (literally) of grapevine and Asian Bittersweet vine that was swamping the apple trees, picked up and moved very large rocks (one was about 1200 pounds, estimate), moved very thick logs (3' diameter) of oak for firewood, box scraped and landscape raked about 2 acres of (eventual) yard to even it out, and started pulling apart a massive pile of old trees that were stacked when the property was cleared.
The LS XR3135H has performed all these tasks as I have asked it to (I am still learning how to do them all). I have had no issues so far, and some of these tasks were very demanding.
Hope this helps. Not sure if you've owned tractors before, but getting one has enhanced my sense of ability and accomplishment. Tasks that were 'a huge undertaking' immediately shifted to 'gimme 5 minutes'. The added capability of one of these machines is exactly what is needed for more self sufficiency and large-lot maintenance.
alexsbuddy
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2016
- Messages
- 331
- Location
- Diamond, MO
- Tractor
- LS XG3037 w/ LS LL3109 FEL Kodiak SD5 Mower, Speeco Model 65 PHD, Bush Hog BX-600 Box Blade, Titan 42" Skid Steer Pallet Fork/Hay Spear Combo
Excellent review, donaldj.
taters435
New member
Good Morning people!!
I have done a little research on the backhoe for the XR3135. The backhoe is the same one used on the Kioti CK35 and others. I contacted S&H Farm Supply INC in Rogersville Mo. I asked about the Big Foot Dirt Cleats and was told they could get them, so I order a set. I went there yesterday and took along one of my backhoe shoes. Well guys they matched the bolt hole pattern on my backhoe shoe nicely. I mounted them yesterday afternoon, looks great. I have not had the chance to try them out as of yet. The total price was fair, total price $170.87 with tax. They saved me the freight charge by ordering them when the made a parts order. Kioti can order the parts also come with complete mounting hardware, ie: (nuts,bolts washers) I will try to post a couple of pictures now.
I have done a little research on the backhoe for the XR3135. The backhoe is the same one used on the Kioti CK35 and others. I contacted S&H Farm Supply INC in Rogersville Mo. I asked about the Big Foot Dirt Cleats and was told they could get them, so I order a set. I went there yesterday and took along one of my backhoe shoes. Well guys they matched the bolt hole pattern on my backhoe shoe nicely. I mounted them yesterday afternoon, looks great. I have not had the chance to try them out as of yet. The total price was fair, total price $170.87 with tax. They saved me the freight charge by ordering them when the made a parts order. Kioti can order the parts also come with complete mounting hardware, ie: (nuts,bolts washers) I will try to post a couple of pictures now.
Attachments
taters435
New member
Hello:
I am going to post a few more pictures of my 2015 LS XR3135 w/backhoe and Big foot Dirt Cleats. The place where I got them sells New Holland Tractors good people to work and deal with guys. Now the pictures:
The part number of the Big Foot Dirt Cleat is 293061 as seen in the picture.
Have a good !!
:thumbsup:
I am going to post a few more pictures of my 2015 LS XR3135 w/backhoe and Big foot Dirt Cleats. The place where I got them sells New Holland Tractors good people to work and deal with guys. Now the pictures:
The part number of the Big Foot Dirt Cleat is 293061 as seen in the picture.Have a good !!
:thumbsup:
BoylermanCT
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2013
- Messages
- 1,519
- Location
- Barkhamsted, CT
- Tractor
- Montana R2844, New Holland TC29D, Hustler X-One
I have a 2008 Montana 2844R, and other than two hydraulic hose leaks, I have never had an issue with my LS. I went with Montana because it has much greater specs (front end loader lift and 3 point lift) than any other tractor in the same HP range. Bought it used with 175 hours for $9K.
