New XR4155HC on its way!

[Underdog57]

Yes, I will be happy to share. I will be taking it off soon for paint and will get pics and dimensions to post up.

I have already tested it out with the bush hog and it works perfect. Zero damage to the skid or undercarriage.

Thanks, I really want to see it also! :thumbsup:

 

[Cataclysm]

Here's pics and dimensions of my skid plate. It's 1/4" steel, 30" wide by 42" long. For attachment I drilled 4 holes. 1 in each corner. 2" from the end and 1" inboard. I drilled 1/4" holes in the plate first then used a jack to push the plate up against the loader subframe. Then I used the 1/4" holes as a guide and drilled through the subframe. Then I put the plate on top of the subframe and bolted it down. The 1/4" plate is pretty stiff already. When I bolted to the square tubing of the subframe it became very ridged. I don't believe brush or the occasional dirt pile can bend it at all. I am going to pick up some grade 8's for the bolts. These were what I found in the bolt box for now.



Sorry for the blurry pic. I can get a better one if needed, at least you can get the basics from this one. This skid covers all the vitals under the tractor except the oil pan which appears to be heavy cast aluminum. I have considered cutting a tounge and bolting it to the front of the skid.



I still need to take it back off and paint it. I am considering cutting holes for the drains and filters but it should be pretty easy to simply take it off for servicing the tractor.

 

[1stDeuce]

Not sure you're still checking this thread, but I'm curious if the Industrial tires rub the frame at full lock... I test drove a 4150 with ag tires and the do in fact rub. The treads being semi-flexible, it doesn't seem to hurt anything, but it seems odd that they'd let them rub like this...

 

[Cataclysm]

Just came back to check the thread. My R4's industrials do not rub anywhere. I am pretty sure the rims are different with R4's compared to R1's.

FWIW 266hrs now. Lots of loader, boxblade, bush hog and flail mower work. Zero problems. Super pleased with the tractor and would buy again.

More and more LS tractors are showing up around here.

I was in Mancos a long time ago. Is that tracked jeep still sitting at the pawn shop?

 

[Cataclysm]

Here's an update on the LS 4155HC. Right at 500 hrs and no issues. Tractor is running great and meeting all my expectations! The tractor is pretty fuel efficient even when working hard.

I installed the WR Long 3rd function kit some time ago and now have a Everything Attachments 72" twin lid Wicked Root Grapple! I call it the Wicked Twin and almost always keep it on the tractor. I have multiple posts/pics in the EA Wicked Root Grapple thread but here's one anyways.

 

[Cataclysm]

Pic's of the skid since fotochuckit got silly.

 

[eonblue]

Man, I have been shopping Kioti and Kubota for a few weeks now and just started considering LS because Im a "bang for your buck" kind of guy. Just wanted to say that this thread is awesome and definitely helped nudge me in that direction. To be honest, the LS pricing for the specs is so good I feel like there has to be some kind of catch. Seems like a lot of tractor for the money.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Man, I have been shopping Kioti and Kubota for a few weeks now and just started considering LS because Im a "bang for your buck" kind of guy. Just wanted to say that this thread is awesome and definitely helped nudge me in that direction. To be honest, the LS pricing for the specs is so good I feel like there has to be some kind of catch. Seems like a lot of tractor for the money.

I’m on my second LS and very happy with my decision. Do you have a local LS Dealer.

What size tractors are you looking into? There’s alway plenty of help on TBN. We can spend other’s money pretty well here.

 

[eonblue]

I started this thread a few weeks ago:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/buying-pricing-comparisons/393144-30-acres-20-years.html

Since I made that thread I've been to look at machines in person and I agree with the notion that I need to go up a frame size. That put me looking at the Kioti DK45(new one coming with HST in May), Kubota L4701/MX series. But then I started reading about LS and specifically that 2017 dealer survey looked real good. Thats got me looking at the XR4145H. I got a quote on one that seems pretty good, especially compared to Kubota pricing(which is ridiculous).

As far as dealers go, unfortunately the only tractor dealers close to me are New Holland. Kioti, Mahindra and LS are all right at an hour away. The LS dealer is a family operation that has been in that location for 34 years. The only thing that kind of worries me talking to them is that they don't have much experience putting on 3rd function and said that they would likely outsource the work. He said they usually tie them to remotes. If I need to make a new thread so as not to hijack this one I can do that.

 

[Snowman87]

Man, I have been shopping Kioti and Kubota for a few weeks now and just started considering LS because Im a "bang for your buck" kind of guy. Just wanted to say that this thread is awesome and definitely helped nudge me in that direction. To be honest, the LS pricing for the specs is so good I feel like there has to be some kind of catch. Seems like a lot of tractor for the money.

I've got an LS XR4155HC that I bought in the fall of 2017 and the main driver for me going down the LS path was really the amount of tractor for the money. I've got about 155 hours on so far with a wide variety of usage - moving round bales, moving a lot of dirt with the FEL, moving snow with the FEL, mowing with a finishing mower, running a box blade, running a landscape rake, and pulling a disc. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase, with LS it seems like you can go up a frame size and add a cab for about the same money as a smaller open platform Kubota.

Overall pluses:

- The cab is great for working dry ground in the summer (AC is awesome!!) and winter plowing (cab keeps me too warm!!)
- I love the HST - it's an awesome feature that helps this tractor act more like a skid steer or lawn more when needed. It's especially handy for fine work unloading trailers vs. a gear drive tractor.
- The larger frame size helps move more material (dirt, rocks, snow, bales) faster considering it's still a "small" tractor. I couldn't imagine trying to move round bales with a smaller tractor...
- 2 sets or rear remotes stock is awesome for top/tilt applications or running a low usage grapple setup.
- 4wd is a must in my mind for the tractor size and what I use it for
- My dealer swung me a bunch of extras - fluid filled tires, free equipment rentals, etc.
- Regen hasn't been an issue at all. Seems like it happens every 50 hours like I was told it would, and it has had zero effect on my usage during that time

Overall minuses:

- While my tractor paint looks great I've got some rust spots on the loader welds and have I've blasted off some weak adhesion on the cylinder rod ends while washing it with my pressure washer. I bought some touch up paint and am not overly concerned, but not ideal for something so new....
- I'm still working on using the vents to keep the glass from fogging while I clear my driveway in the winter. It's not bad at all when my tractor sits in my heated shop, but if it's sitting outside for the day it seems like I have more interior fogging than I'd like.
- I feel like the loader is too slow when trying to run 2 motions at the same time, say lift and curl. I know Kubota advertising on YouTube talks down the New Holland (LS) tractor on this. That said, I don't really "make money" with my tractor so while I feel it's slower than I'd like it still gets the job done and cost way less than the "faster" Kubota setup.

Best of luck!

Nate