LS vs New Holland vs Kioti vs Mahindra

[rgr33]

From what I have read, LS has deep pockets and are in it for the long haul. I bought mine four years ago, and there was only one dealer in the area, now there are four within a 90 minute drive. My g3033 has never been back to the shop, but I buy filters and such off the internet with no trouble.
We all like different things, but of the brands you mention, I didn't love the Mahindra, but I think any of them will serve you well.

 

[PJSprog]

I've looked at most of those brands as well over the last few months, except Kioti (no dealer near me), as well as a couple of others. They all seem to make fine tractors, and all seem to have about the same warranties (except Mahindra, who just upped theirs to 7 years). My exhaustive reading has lead me to the conclusion that whichever tractor you ask about, people who own them generally like them, and people who own something else probably do not. No different than cars/trucks, guitars, home electronics, and pretty much everything else.

As for the longevity issue ... LS has been building tractors for over 40 years now, and seem to be steadily growing. It doesn't look to me like they're in any more danger of going under than any other company.

I am also probably going to buy an LS, likely the XR3135HC ... in spite of others who always try to talk me into spending more for a green or orange tractor, not one of whom have even so much as looked at an LS, much less had any real experience with one.

 

[blb078]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm not necessarily worried about LS or going under which is still the way I'm leaning. It's more what if they stop making under the LS name and make different tractors. Kind of like what they've done with Montana and some other brands. I'm curious how easy it is for people who have these other tractors LS made under different names is for them to get parts or service. I'd feel a lot more comfortable with the purchase if New Holland had one Similar to the 3100 or 4100 series, which I guess their Boomers are just different engines in the newer LS ones. From what I can tell everything else seems the same. I'm probably still going to get the LS because the savings is so much and the dealer is only 15 minutes from me and hopefully he continues to keep the LS line but the NH dealer is only about 20 minutes away in the other direction so I guess worse case I can maybe try to convince them to help me out if something goes wrong in the future or I need something.

 

[CreekyB]

I've looked at most of those brands as well over the last few months, except Kioti (no dealer near me), as well as a couple of others. They all seem to make fine tractors, and all seem to have about the same warranties (except Mahindra, who just upped theirs to 7 years). My exhaustive reading has lead me to the conclusion that whichever tractor you ask about, people who own them generally like them, and people who own something else probably do not. No different than cars/trucks, guitars, home electronics, and pretty much everything else.

As for the longevity issue ... LS has been building tractors for over 40 years now, and seem to be steadily growing. It doesn't look to me like they're in any more danger of going under than any other company.

I am also probably going to buy an LS, likely the XR3135HC ... in spite of others who always try to talk me into spending more for a green or orange tractor, not one of whom have even so much as looked at an LS, much less had any real experience with one.

I bought a Kubota, but was very interested in the LS. I think the LS and Kiota offerings were as good as the Kubota I wound up with. The only thing that made my decision was my pocket, the more expensive Kubota wound up being cheaper over the life of the loan due to the 0% financing. Had I been paying cash then it would have been a different color in my barn now.

At the end of the day it is a tractor, it does a job, does not need to be a specific color to do that(those) jobs.

 

[Threepoint]

blb078, I agree with Piston on dealer proximity. Proximity is nice, but I sure wouldn't decide on brand based on it, unless all other factors were a push. Test drive them all and see what suits and fit you. All the tractors you're considering are very well made these days. There's a good chance you won't even have to use the warranty. :thumbsup: If the tractor does have to go into the shop for warranty work, many dealers will arrange to pick it up for a pretty reasonable haul charge. Ask about that when you're looking at tractors. The Kioti dealer where I found my tractor is 100 miles from me, and the Kubota dealer I use is 45 miles. And parts can be shipped (or drop-shipped) anywhere.

 

[Piston]

FYI, Kubota has 0% for 84 months up through the end of the year.

 

[dickfoster]

I have been looking at getting my first tractor. Looked at Deere and Kubota and almost had my mind made up until I found out about Kioti, LS, and Mahindra. All 3 where cheaper than the orange/green tractors by a lot. I'm leaning towards an LS because the dealer is only about 15 minutes aways vs 90 minutes for the Kioti dealer. The Kubota dealer also deals with NH tractors. My concern with the LS the dealer has only been selling them for about a year. I'm looking at the xr3135hc or xr4140hc. With the dealer only selling them for about a year and LS not being as popular as Kubota or Deere another concern is getting part if this dealer decides to stop selling them or something happens with LS all together. It doesn't look like NH has a comparable to the 3100 and 4100 series yet as their Boomer's where more comparable to the 3000 and 4000 series LS tractors. So do you think NH will eventually have a LS equivalent to the 3100 and 4100 series tractors? Like I said, my main thing is thinking down the road 5-10+ years and getting parts if LS is re branded, no longer around, or something else. Thanks

Brian

Which ever you buy just make sure the dealer you choose is one that will support you and help you to keep your tractor running. No matter how much you spend after the sale, the dealer can either make or break the whole deal for you.

 

[JLwoodworks]

Also note that compared to similar NH machines, you'll find the LS has more features standard. Like rear remotes. Rear lights. Draft control. To name a few

Jay

 

[blb078]

Yea i've noticed they have a few more things that are standard and a lower price tag to start with.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm not necessarily worried about LS or going under which is still the way I'm leaning. It's more what if they stop making under the LS name and make different tractors. Kind of like what they've done with Montana and some other brands. I'm curious how easy it is for people who have these other tractors LS made under different names is for them to get parts or service. .

I think you are looking at this backward. LS Mtron is the parent company and thinking that they would stop making LS tractor brands and just make a rebadged tractor is like thinking that GM is going to stop making Chevy's and start making Kias or Fords.

LS didn't stop making Montana because they went to a different branding. Montana company went under and they were buying their tractors from LS just like New Holland so when Montana USA went under, no longer did LS badge the tractor but parts can be ordered for the Montana if you know the equivalent LS model. I would be more concerned about parts from NH, Massey, Case etc who badge their tractors made by LS. LS Mtron isn't going anywhere with their models but might not see any reason to support the other dealers if they drop their contract (like Montana did).
If you buy and LS tractor, LS is going to support it and dealers are on the rise not on the fall. When I bought my LS 6 years ago, there was only one dealer within 100 miles, now there are 3 that I know of and maybe more. I haven't kept up with pricing of the other tractors of similar HP to LS but when I bought mine, I got 20 more HP (70) for the same price as MF and Kubota 50 HP models AND got more standard equipment. Compared the Mahindra to the LS when I bought and it was like comparing a Chevy to a Mercedes in fit, finish, ergonomics AND accessories.