Buying Advice LS Xr4150c. Yes or no

[Oldguy33]

I have purchased land and now in need of tractor. Land is fairly level with about 9 acres pasture and 3 in woods which I intend to leave wooded. Tractor will be mowing, some loader work and maintaining 600 ft gravel drive. I have owned a couple of Massey痴 and Deere痴 in the past. When I started shopping it was for about 50 hp open station tractor. Looked at and priced the big 3. I have Massey dealer 4 miles from me, Kubota about 12 miles and Deere about 35 miles. My humble opinion was that Deere is now way over priced, Massey is now as expensive as kubota so considering kubota is the only one that does everything in house they were the front runner. The Massey dealer also has carried LS for 5 years. When I initially looked at his place, I was looking Massey and LS never even entered the conversation so he certainly was not pushing them. Somehow in one of my visits the conversation got around to LS, which I knew absolutely nothing about. My dealer interactions with Deere and kubota people have not been positive. The Massey LS dealer is small and family owned. Been Massey dealer since 1985. I have checked around locally and not a bad word from anyone that I can find. They seem to believe LS is doing something right and they almost have me believing it. Never thought I could afford a cab tractor but with the ls this one is in the budget. I have read everything I can find and am very close to pulling trigger on this unit just looking for some last minute advice or experiences, good or bad with this particular unit. Sorry about being long winded, have never posted on a site before but there seems to be a great deal of knowledge and experience here. Thanx in advance

 

[George2615]

:welcome: to TBN

I've owned my LS (older 3000 series) cab tractor since 2014. Other than regular maintenance and a broken mirror I've had no problems. The 4100 series has an LS engine where mine has a Shibaura but so far I don't believe I've read any negatives about the LS engines on this site. My selling dealer stopped selling LS but I was quickly referred and introduced to another local dealer by the LS rep at the local farm show. Very nice Mom and Pop small dealership. I've never needed to take tractor into their shop but they are very quick to get parts and filters as I need them. I'm hope other 4150 owners will express their views to you to help you decide.

 

[3Lfarms]

The only real issue we have heard about them is the turbo seals can fail in cold temps, ie single digits and below. If you need to run the tractor when it’s below 20*f, you need to be running at those temps, use synthetic oil and warm it up properly with a pan heater and let it idle long enough to get the engine warm without putting a load on it.

 

[Oldguy33]

Thanks for the info. I had just begun to see a mention of that. We are in western nc and rarely see temps that cold so hope it inset a problem. I really like that xu model but is a bit out of the budget.

 

[3Lfarms]

I have an XU6168CPS. Zero problems with about 200 hours on the clock. It’s been fantastic and surprises me with how strong it is.

 

[Professor Marvel]

ok yes

 

[Jchonline]

XU might be a bit big for 9 acres (harder to get into any tighter spots you might have). People on these forums have mostly positive comments on LS tractors. They were a close second for me, but I didnt purchase because of the dealer. He sold Kioti, LS, TYM, and a few cars. He could drop any one of those brands at anytime. Deere and Kubota are both forcing dealers to carry their full exclusive lines of machines or they loose the right to sell. How long before Massey does the same and you are out local support? Something to think about.

 

[uphere]

From another "old guy" I have had three LS tractors (if you include the Montana 2740) and have had no major issues other than one with the EZ-shift on my 4041. Presently have a LSXR4140HC which has 180hrs on it over 2 years. No issues so far. As far as the oil spec issue mentioned - yes Id run something lighter in cold climates. Where I am it gets -40C at times but I use the block heater and run 5W40 syn - just let it run a bit and you're good to go.

 

[Oldguy33]

The dealer exclusivity thing is something to think about. Just did dealer search and have 7 or 8 within 100 miles so maybe that helps. You live in great area, I just moved beck from 7 years in Eaton co. Used to 4 wheel other side of red feather!

 

[Oldguy33]

Anybody out there have any cost comparisons? I have been quoted 30,000 even for X R4150C ,loader, loaded tires. 2019 model so 3 rear remotes, then 1600 for Hardee’s 72 inch bush hog. High? Low? About right? Sure do appreciate the help.