What DON'T You Like About Your New LS

[PaxMan]

I've got a 2017 XR4145HC and honestly couldn't have asked for a nicer tractor. When I began looking for a little utility tractor to buy, I had never really looked into LS, although I was looking at New Holland Boomers. I had spent quite a bit of time on my in-law's My father in-law told me to check out the LS XR as it is the same tractor as the Boomer and the Case models and quite a bit less. Anyways, that's what I did. I did as much homework as I could for about a year and half on LS, not only the XR, but every model I could find information about through forums, websites, and Facebook pages. There isn't a single complaint from me on this model. I've added a radio and beacon for less than half the cost as it would've cost from a dealer as well from resources I've found online. The information is out there if you put in a little time and willing to put the time and effort in. Good Luck in your decision. I don't think you'd go wrong with an LS.

 

[Avenger]

I find it hard to come up with things I dont like about the tractor. I have the 2018 LS XR4145C which is a medium size tractor with the LS engine. If I had to sit here and ponder the things I dont absolutely love about it, it would be hard, but here is my short list (after writing the list, maybe not so short):

- the size. I though it would be big enough to do what I need it to do. I should have gotten a bigger tractor. That said, this tractor is powerful and adequate for what I do, but I am an American so everything should be the biggest and best I can get.

- The hydraulics. I wish the pump and/or the control valves were better. I cannot raise the 3pt and work the FEL at the same time. I cannot really curl and lift the FEL at the same time. I must run higher RPMs to avoid the 'sloppy bucket syndrome.' If LS would put the hydraulic technology into their tractors as other manufactures like Kubota or Deere, then this tractor would be near flawless.

-Space in the cab. For me, there is not much space for things like a lunch box or a dog. Plenty of space for my small size (5'9" ~200lbs) but nothing else.

-Lack of tool box. I made one and made a mount for it.

-Everything is Metric. This is not a huge problem for me in terms of tools. However, in terms of having bolts and nuts and things like that, my supply is all standard size. I find myself running to the hardware store everytime I need something like that.

-Ground clearance. With the sub frame, there is not much space between the frame and the ground. Working in the forest (at home), I have to be cautious of what I am running over. I have almost gotten high centered on a stump!

-Clearance between top the rear tires and fender. The reason this is an issue, is what I just did this weekend. I threw on chains. The rear chains weigh about 100lbs, Lifting them up and trying to shove them over the tire with only about 2 inches of clearance, what a nightmare! I got it done, but I am sore today!

- Plastic fuel tank. The location is great for filling! Just in front of the step to get into the tractor. However, being plastic, I am always aware of things that could poke a hole in it or simply rip it off. I have yet to experience this particular problem, but knowing what it is and where it is, is always on my mind when I am breaking though the brush.

- no standard third function. Sure, I could have added it when I purchased it, but the dealer wanted my right arm, left leg, and only my second born. I would probably have a grapple bucket and snowplow for the FEL if the third function came with the tractor.

-FEL lift height. Not horrible, but wish it was higher for the extra times when i need to dump higher.

With that, I am really reaching for things I dont like. The biggest thing is the lack of hydraulic power. The tractor has done everything I have asked it to do, it might just take longer. When coming up with this list, I found myself asking myself over and over again "what dont I like? what dont I like?" To be honest, there is nothing I really dont like. I can live with those short comings, especially when I look at the price tag I paid compared to the other tractors with less features or specifications.

 

[mred2]

I have the XR4150, shutter. I like the tractor very well. I knew from reading what it would and would not do. My dealer is great.
I do wish at times they hydraulic pumps had more flow. But they will do what I expected. I do not have a cab, but wish I had mirrors. I know that the models they sell in other parts of the world would have rear view mirrors.
I think to answer your question, yes there are things that I might change, but it will do everything that I purchased it for. Get a good dealer and do enough research to pick the best size and options on your tractor.

 

[elbowroom]

XR3135H with about 170 hrs.

Will echo a lot of other comments here. The tractor does me well with a 74" Farm King snowblower, Tomahawk grapple, Kodiak rotary mower, Bobcat box blade and King Kutter 72" tiller.

Engine has been solid, no driveline issues, done everything I've needed. The amount of work I can get done is remarkable compared to years past with a higher degree of safety.

Biggest complaint is loader valve and lift height. Since I'm not trying to make money with it, I can put up with it but the more you use the more you realize the deficiencies. Would like LS to improve some designs in this department. Maybe a customer or upgrade option.

Bottom line: **** yeah I'd buy again. The options that come with the XR are impt to me (rear remotes, nicer seat, extendable links, SSQA, etc.) and price/value was great providing they continue to stand behind they product and offer high customer service.

 

[Diggin It]

Maybe my biggest complaint so far is how they set up the 3PT lift arms. They seem to want you to take them off when attaching the BH. In my case, that was a huge problem because it required removing one wheel to get the lower pin in and out. I wasn't willing to do that. After some discussion here, I found out there is a retrofit kit that allows the pin to be removed easier. But there was a significant charge for that kit. Then I found others saying they could raise the arms in such a way to get them clear of the BH mounting.

I got that figured out now, so the arms can stay on.

 

[papachaz]

ok to address the original question, the one thing I've found I don't like so far. I don't know if it's the placement of the gear selector, or how easy it moves. I've had a couple of back surgeries, and I can't turn to the left at all, so I have to turn to the right to look behind me when I'm backing up or tilling or using the PHD etc etc....and if I shift just wrong in the seat as I'm turning around and catch the shifter with any pressure at all from a jacket, or my hip or whatever, it pops it out of gear. And before any of you wise guys say anything about my weight, I'm just 185 so there's no extra spare tire hanging out to catch it, :laughing:

 

[Username Taken]

I have the XR4150, shutter. I like the tractor very well. I knew from reading what it would and would not do. My dealer is great.
I do wish at times they hydraulic pumps had more flow. But they will do what I expected. I do not have a cab, but wish I had mirrors. I know that the models they sell in other parts of the world would have rear view mirrors.
I think to answer your question, yes there are things that I might change, but it will do everything that I purchased it for. Get a good dealer and do enough research to pick the best size and options on your tractor.

ok to address the original question, the one thing I've found I don't like so far. I don't know if it's the placement of the gear selector, or how easy it moves. I've had a couple of back surgeries, and I can't turn to the left at all, so I have to turn to the right to look behind me when I'm backing up or tilling or using the PHD etc etc....and if I shift just wrong in the seat as I'm turning around and catch the shifter with any pressure at all from a jacket, or my hip or whatever, it pops it out of gear. And before any of you wise guys say anything about my weight, I'm just 185 so there's no extra spare tire hanging out to catch it, :laughing:

I wonder, if we asked real nice, if maybe we could get some pics so maybe we could copy how to do the rear view mirrors.

I swear, there's some people in here that could make a Space Shuttle out of a scrap heap, given enough time.

I think rear view mirrors would be the Cat's Meow on a tractor without having to sell a body organ to pay for a Cab.

 

[mred2]

papachaz, I would say this may be a problem with a lot of small tractors.

 

[Diggin It]

I wonder, if we asked real nice, if maybe we could get some pics so maybe we could copy how to do the rear view mirrors.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-did-you-do-your-post5254243.html#post5254243


I've since added on to the other side, so now I have both.

 

[bruceatlam]

Don't those rear view mirrors vibrate pretty bad ----------

 

[papachaz]

papachaz, I would say this may be a problem with a lot of small tractors.

probably so, I was trying to move forward yesterday when I was finishing digging holes for fence posts and it wouldn't go anywhere....I had to ponder it a few minutes to figure it out, LOL

 

[Trikejay]

I have a 2018 XG3135 Shuttle shift. I just turned 40 hours on it. So far I have done lots of loader work. Some bush hogging and some other small projects. I have a small 19 acre tree farm on middle Tennessee. So I needed a tractor and so far its been great. Only problem I have had is my 3-point shudders a little when I raise it slowly. I have read where others also had this and it goes away in time. Most likely air in the system. What I don't like about it most is the lack of rear remotes. I should have negotiated those in during the purchase. Oh also mine has gone though regen twice already. 21 hours and 31 hours. Apparently I idle too much. Got to keep the RPMS up over 2000 to extend the regen cycle. If you have any questions let me know.

 

[Underdog57]

I have a 2018 XG3135 Shuttle shift. I just turned 40 hours on it. So far I have done lots of loader work. Some bush hogging and some other small projects. I have a small 19 acre tree farm on middle Tennessee. So I needed a tractor and so far its been great. Only problem I have had is my 3-point shudders a little when I raise it slowly. I have read where others also had this and it goes away in time. Most likely air in the system. What I don't like about it most is the lack of rear remotes. I should have negotiated those in during the purchase. Oh also mine has gone though regen twice already. 21 hours and 31 hours. Apparently I idle too much. Got to keep the RPMS up over 2000 to extend the regen cycle. If you have any questions let me know.

Try adjusting that black knob below your seat.

 

[Username Taken]

I have a 2018 XG3135 Shuttle shift. I just turned 40 hours on it. So far I have done lots of loader work. Some bush hogging and some other small projects. I have a small 19 acre tree farm on middle Tennessee. So I needed a tractor and so far its been great. Only problem I have had is my 3-point shudders a little when I raise it slowly. I have read where others also had this and it goes away in time. Most likely air in the system. What I don't like about it most is the lack of rear remotes. I should have negotiated those in during the purchase. Oh also mine has gone though regen twice already. 21 hours and 31 hours. Apparently I idle too much. Got to keep the RPMS up over 2000 to extend the regen cycle. If you have any questions let me know.

What's the idle speed on these new engines, the L3C19-T...??

I don't know about Tractor Diesels but on my Cummins........ They like to be run. Starting and stopping them a lot, they don't like, especially when they're cold. The DPF fills up and needs burnt off.

Do you check your oil to make sure the oil isn't 'growing'? On some of the older truck diesels (just a very few short years) the crankcases were filling up with fuel because the injector was kinda inefficient. It was why their OCI (oi change interval) was so short. What is the recommended OCI on your

I don't know how the regen mode in the new LS engine works. Does it squirt fuel into the combustion chamber on the exhaust stroke a'la Ford and Cummins (diluting crankcase on older models) or does it have a separate injector (the famous 9th injector) like on the GM (Isuzu) engines that shoots fuel into the system outside the combustion chamber?

On my Cummins, I take it out and make sure to run it long enough to make sure it gets hot enough to burn off the nasty in the DPF. I've never gotten the light that says I'm going through a regen but I know I do. I can smell it. Smells like burnt rubber. Once in a while, when I get out of the truck, I can catch that smell. Means I interrupted it while it was going through a regen. As soon as I get it back up to temperature next, it will complete the regen. Not a big deal. Is your diesel different than that?

Thanks

 

[Virginia Mark]

New MT125 owner here, couple early observations which I'm looking to improve:

1. No bucket level indicator rod
2. no extendable draw bar for garden cart type hitches, only a hitch plate which so far I've found is too short for my tow behind leaf vacuum, lower control arms actually push the towed vehicle sideways and almost over if not careful when turning, would rather not have to remove the lower arms if not absolutely necessary.
3. raising and lowering the mower deck also raises and lowers the three point, I would prefer these functions to be separate, I'm still working on the lock out function.

All in all I'm very happy with my purchase, just delivered this past week. Just working through some learning curves as I put it to use. Have only been on it for a few hours.

Mark

 

[Diggin It]

For number 2, I did this: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/406247-home-brew-trailer-mover.html

 

[Virginia Mark]

Thanks Diggin, nice work. Is the top link necessary? I'm tempted to get a regular draw bar with a draw bar lock to hitch pin small trailers to.

One more observation:

4. ROPS is really tall, have to collapse it to get it in my shed. Wish there was a quick release/attach so as to not have to torque down the bolts when getting it ready for work. Have seen a few posts about changing the bolts for grade 8 hitch pins, may be something to consider if they don't rattle much.

Mark

 

[Diggin It]

I believe the top link is necessary. Keeps things level and in place so I can back under and raise the ball into place.

I don't tighten the nuts. They're loosened just enough to allow me to raise/lower. I just use the pins to hold either position in place.

 

[Sysop]

Stalnakers, the local LS dealer, only stayed in business for about 5 years and went under.

I think if you check around this site, you'll find there are three situations for tractor owners. First, they bought a flawless machine (most common). Second, they bought a machine with some issues and had a good dealer experience. Third, they bought a machine with some issues and had a bad dealer experience. You'll find these three situations occur within all brand labels.

I also understand your concerns about who makes what. The thing to remember is that "re-engineering the wheel" is how companies like JD end up with proprietary parts. There is something to be said for the manufacturers that source good products from good suppliers and implement them into their machines. Having a good quality part used across many brands and models just means that part is easier to find and cheaper to source if you ever need it. Chances are, you'll never need to. You wouldn't have many manufacturers sourcing the same parts if the parts were prone to failure or something else could be made better or cheaper.

I think in talking to tractor owners, you'll learn the most important thing about being pleased with your tractor purchase is to ensure you go to a reputable dealer. Good intentions on the dealer's part aren't good enough. You need someone that has a proven track record with the company they represent. Most times, any warranty work you need completed will be approved or denied based on the dealer's ability to convey the situation to the corporation and what sort of working relationship they have with the corporation. There have been cases of legitimate warranty claims being denied because dealers have misrepresented past warranty claims and the corporation doesn't trust what the dealer is telling them, or there is additional wait while the corporation sends a technician to the dealer to confirm what the dealer is telling them. Good dealers that can find the proper balance between taking care of customers and protecting the corporation from bad warranty claims are difficult to find.

Finding a good dealer should be the top priority. All brands have good tractors and bad tractors.

 

[Trikejay]

Try adjusting that black knob below your seat.

Already tried that. No change.