New tractor!

[LS Tractor Owner]

I was also shopping around and comparing the similar sized (Kub 2501, Branson 2510, and Mahindra 1526). The Kub dealer literally laughed when I told him the price of the LS, he said he couldn't come down in price over $6K! Same with the Mahindra dealer. At least the Branson dealer was within $2500, but the few added features weren't worth that much to me.

I did look at the Yanmar 424 TLB, it's definitely a little smaller (tire sizes basically the same), but definitely not as heavy. The loader construction looked lighter, same with the BH. Appeared to have a lot less metal and wasn't as 'beefy'. Overall weight was much lighter. Again, the price was still $2K higher.

I was specifically looking for a gear tractor. Not saying the HST is bad, but I felt that going 'gear' was better for my needs/use, plus save another grand off the price (I put that into upgrading the box blade to a heavier one and a better post hole digger). The shuttle shift works great for loader work.

I'm really happy with the LS and very glad to have saved quite a few bucks in the process.

Good luck with your shopping!

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

OH, I forgot to mention that the only plastic on the LS is on the small engine side shrouds and the dash. No plastic anywhere else. Even the front grill is metal.

 

[chas0218]

I was also shopping around and comparing the similar sized (Kub 2501, Branson 2510, and Mahindra 1526). The Kub dealer literally laughed when I told him the price of the LS, he said he couldn't come down in price over $6K! Same with the Mahindra dealer. At least the Branson dealer was within $2500, but the few added features weren't worth that much to me.

I did look at the Yanmar 424 TLB, it's definitely a little smaller (tire sizes basically the same), but definitely not as heavy. The loader construction looked lighter, same with the BH. Appeared to have a lot less metal and wasn't as 'beefy'. Overall weight was much lighter. Again, the price was still $2K higher.

I was specifically looking for a gear tractor. Not saying the HST is bad, but I felt that going 'gear' was better for my needs/use, plus save another grand off the price (I put that into upgrading the box blade to a heavier one and a better post hole digger). The shuttle shift works great for loader work.

I'm really happy with the LS and very glad to have saved quite a few bucks in the process.

Good luck with your shopping!

Yeah my plan was gear but wondered how the HST whine was. My FIL has a JD 3032E and the whine is annoying as heck. That is the only HST I've driven and the dealer I have been talking to doesn't have a HST in stock to compare to. I too was thinking the FEL looked light weight but the specs are close to that of the LS but the LS has higher capacity. I too had a JD and Kub dealer laugh at me and give me crap for asking. "They aren't the same tier of quality as my tractors" is what I kept getting. I've been lucky enough to run a few different brands over the years for ~1000 hours worth of seat time in each brand so it gives me an idea of what I like.

OH, I forgot to mention that the only plastic on the LS is on the small engine side shrouds and the dash. No plastic anywhere else. Even the front grill is metal.

That is good to know, I haven't laid eyes on the 3025 yet but looking forward to in the next month or so. I was told to wait until spring when they come out with some deals on financing. I can buy from P.A. and pay their sales tax instead of N.Y. and save around $500. That will pay for the 3rd function I want.

Thanks for the help, made up my mind long as the tractor is comfortable for the wife and I to run. She isn't intimated by much but she hasn't really ran a gear tractor.

 

[Diggin It]

I too had a JD and Kub dealer laugh at me and give me crap for asking. "They aren't the same tier of quality as my tractors" is what I kept getting.

Ask them what they think of New Holland. When they give those a better rating, tell them that LS makes New Holland.

Personally, I think LS is as good, if not better than Green and Orange.