New LS Sub-Compact

[LS Tractor Owner]

The HST pedals seem to have gotten sloppy. When taking my foot off a pedal they don't return to a side by side position. I also think my travel speed is reduced. It does come to a stop when the pedal is released. I am looking at page 5-13 of the manual about adjusting the HST control linkage.

Yes I had to adjust mine too. I have 49 hours on it and the forward pedal almost returned but not quite. It made it difficult to shift between the high and low range until the pedals were equal. After the adjustment, no problems. I'm still working the heck out of it and no other problems. Make sure you grease everything, when I did the first grease service, one of the loader pivots took a lot before it squished out and I mean a LOT. I'm going to do the first 50hr service tomorrow, I'll post how it goes. I wasn't too happy that it cost me $112 for the filters (I did get 2 oil filters). There are no cross references because it's so new. I did find out that the HST filter is the same as the J2020.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Yes I had to adjust mine too. I have 49 hours on it and the forward pedal almost returned but not quite. It made it difficult to shift between the high and low range until the pedals were equal. After the adjustment, no problems. I'm still working the heck out of it and no other problems. Make sure you grease everything, when I did the first grease service, one of the loader pivots took a lot before it squished out and I mean a LOT. I'm going to do the first 50hr service tomorrow, I'll post how it goes. I wasn't too happy that it cost me $112 for the filters (I did get 2 oil filters). There are no cross references because it's so new. I did find out that the HST filter is the same as the J2020.

See my post under "operating" , what a PIA to change the oil!

 

[dalola]

I need to look at these! Just did some research today, really impressed with the spec's, and have a dealer about 50 miles away. My short list is the Kubota BX2380, JD 1023E, and now the M125. Seems like a lot of tractor for the price, compared to the others on my list. I have the JD priced at $13065 w/FEL, the BX at $14225 w/FEL, and the M125 at $12600 w/FEL.

Other than the very disappointing oil drain plug situation, seems like everyone is pleased so far. I will take a close look at that when I see some in person next week. Makes wonder what other over sites may exist that we can't see so obviously.

I like the blue, too! :thumbsup:

 

[ThirdMan]

I need to look at these! Just did some research today, really impressed with the spec's, and have a dealer about 50 miles away. My short list is the Kubota BX2380, JD 1023E, and now the M125. Seems like a lot of tractor for the price, compared to the others on my list. I have the JD priced at $13065 w/FEL, the BX at $14225 w/FEL, and the M125 at $12600 w/FEL.

Other than the very disappointing oil drain plug situation, seems like everyone is pleased so far. I will take a close look at that when I see some in person next week. Makes wonder what other over sites may exist that we can't see so obviously.

I like the blue, too!

I don't have much experience to compare it to, but I am loving mine. We have about 20 hours on our so far, and it is getting lots done.

 

[dalola]

Looking forward to kicking some tires next week!

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Looking forward to kicking some tires next week!

When I started shopping, went to the green dealer first. Saw and sat on the 1023 and 1025. The fenders were all plastic (not a good thing in the SW). The lift capacities of the fel were less, the BH had less reach, depth and pressure. In order to get the seat w/ armrests, had to get the 1025. The quick attach fel was extra. The green tractor was off the list almost immediately (even the wife was extremely disappointed) went to a Red dealer, (Mah.....) and was just as pricey and the fit and finish was not that great. Checked w/ 3 dealers and none could or would do any better on the price. Went to the orange dealer and left within a few minutes.... They were really proud of the price.... The BH was 20% smaller and the fel bucket was smaller. All of these other tractors were also 22 hp (except the 1025) the LS was 25 hp (same Yanmar that was in the 1025)! Now if you compare the LS has cruise control, tool box, awesome seat w/armrests, grill guard, quick detach fel and BH, and the MMM can be added or removed while BH is attached...Sold me on the LS. I had made a side by side detailed list of all the sizes, specs, hp, etc over 3 days (also included the other orange tractor w/ a K) and they were no comparison to the LS. In one of my previous posts I stated I drove over a 1000mi RT and 22 hrs later to pick up the tractor. I bought it sight unseen after looking at the others. I have not been disappointed! If you look at the project forum, I have pics of a septic system that I dug. My final price was $16,900 for the TLB w/ 12" bucket and post hole digger w/ 9" auger. (Dealer listed $6000 in rebates on the paperwork). My only regret was that I didn't get the mower in the initial deal. It's now gonna cost me $600 more than if I did it w/ the pkg.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Oh, I also liked the "no frills" 6 yr warranty (see LS website)

 

[dalola]

When I started shopping, went to the green dealer first. Saw and sat on the 1023 and 1025. The fenders were all plastic (not a good thing in the SW). The lift capacities of the fel were less, the BH had less reach, depth and pressure. In order to get the seat w/ armrests, had to get the 1025. The quick attach fel was extra. The green tractor was off the list almost immediately (even the wife was extremely disappointed) went to a Red dealer, (Mah.....) and was just as pricey and the fit and finish was not that great. Checked w/ 3 dealers and none could or would do any better on the price. Went to the orange dealer and left within a few minutes.... They were really proud of the price.... The BH was 20% smaller and the fel bucket was smaller. All of these other tractors were also 22 hp (except the 1025) the LS was 25 hp (same Yanmar that was in the 1025)! Now if you compare the LS has cruise control, tool box, awesome seat w/armrests, grill guard, quick detach fel and BH, and the MMM can be added or removed while BH is attached...Sold me on the LS. I had made a side by side detailed list of all the sizes, specs, hp, etc over 3 days (also included the other orange tractor w/ a K) and they were no comparison to the LS. In one of my previous posts I stated I drove over a 1000mi RT and 22 hrs later to pick up the tractor. I bought it sight unseen after looking at the others. I have not been disappointed! If you look at the project forum, I have pics of a septic system that I dug. My final price was $16,900 for the TLB w/ 12" bucket and post hole digger w/ 9" auger. (Dealer listed $6000 in rebates on the paperwork). My only regret was that I didn't get the mower in the initial deal. It's now gonna cost me $600 more than if I did it w/ the pkg.

All valid points, and I've come to a very similar conclusion myself. As far as value, based on paper, the LS is hard to beat. I also appreciate your real world experience thus far.

My concerns are based on lack of product out there for a broad base of problem awareness. Since they are relatively new in the NA market, parts inventory may be an issue, along with dealer support. On the plus side, they've kicked butt in the last two years of mfg'r/dealer surveys, so they must be working hard to do things the right way. That's encouraging.

If I'm satisfied with the "live" product, and the dealer, I'm really leaning this direction. The (perceived) value is hard to walk away from.

Current quotes for my top three are: (all include quick mnt FEL, no MMM, no tax) MT125 - $12,600, JD 1023E - $13,065, & Kubota BX2380 - $14,225

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

All valid points, and I've come to a very similar conclusion myself. As far as value, based on paper, the LS is hard to beat. I also appreciate your real world experience thus far.

My concerns are based on lack of product out there for a broad base of problem awareness. Since they are relatively new in the NA market, parts inventory may be an issue, along with dealer support. On the plus side, they've kicked butt in the last two years of mfg'r/dealer surveys, so they must be working hard to do things the right way. That's encouraging.

If I'm satisfied with the "live" product, and the dealer, I'm really leaning this direction. The (perceived) value is hard to walk away from.

Current quotes for my top three are: (all include quick mnt FEL, no MMM, no tax) MT125 - $12,600, JD 1023E - $13,065, & Kubota BX2380 - $14,225

I don't think you would go wrong with any choice. You have very valid points about the support of dealers / parts. I'm a hands on person... Haven't taken a vehicle to a mechanic for 30 yrs.... I'll fix it myself.. I understand that repairs and service aren't for everyone. I have 2 sons, 18 mos apart, one has restored a 74 jeep pickup and even converted it to a military diesel in the driveway w/basic tools. The other doesn't know how to use a screwdriver... Go figure... I looked at the tractors from a totally different perspective. Sit on them, play with the controls, see which one is comfortable for you. It needs to "feel good" to you. Good luck with your choice.... Keep us posted on what you get

 

[dalola]

I don't think you would go wrong with any choice. You have very valid points about the support of dealers / parts. I'm a hands on person... Haven't taken a vehicle to a mechanic for 30 yrs.... I'll fix it myself.. I understand that repairs and service aren't for everyone. I have 2 sons, 18 mos apart, one has restored a 74 jeep pickup and even converted it to a military diesel in the driveway w/basic tools. The other doesn't know how to use a screwdriver... Go figure... I looked at the tractors from a totally different perspective. Sit on them, play with the controls, see which one is comfortable for you. It needs to "feel good" to you. Good luck with your choice.... Keep us posted on what you get

Have to wait for the "hands-on" for an honest assessment of the MT125, but I agree that I would probably be happy with any of these. My goal is to pick the best of the best, so to speak.

Like you, I also fix & maintain my own stuff. So, the concern is just getting the parts I might need, and if there were any serious warranty work that would require dealer involvement. I think I'll get a good feel for that once I visit with the dealer for a bit.

Will definitely keep everyone posted as I move along....hoping to decide & make the purchase in the next week or two.

Appreciate the honest feedback!