Which LS to buy

Gdmorr · May 16, 2011

Need some expert advice. I am pretty new to tractors and getting ready to buy. I am wondering if an I3040 would have enough horse to do a good job pulling 6 ft brush hog. Dealer has a 38hp, 4 wd, LL3100 I series QA loader and bucket for $15,300. Not sure if that is enough to brush hog 40 acres. Any thoughts would be welcome.

kpbeddin · May 16, 2011

I am by no means an expert, but I have an I3030 (28-30 HP) and it pulls a 5 ft. brush hog with no problem whatsoever. I am certain the I3040 would have no problem with a 6 ft. mower. By the way, if $15,300 is the price for a new I3040 with a loader that is a great deal in this day and age.

Putter · May 16, 2011

Yup, that is a good deal.
Keep in mind this is an out of production model, but still a good deal.
40 acres will just take more time.

I have no memory · May 16, 2011

Personally I think your right on the edge of being able to do it. It's a big jump from 5-6'. It depends on what your going to be cutting too. If you just want to trimp up pasture you'll be fine. If you want to go into the bogs and cut heavy swamp grass good luck. Sometimes I go through grass six feet tall.

Gdmorr · May 17, 2011

Thanks for the comments. I am too worried that I'm right on the edge with that 6 ft cutter. I've got 40 acres of mostly open field with small saplings, sassafrass, thorny brush. Once I get it cut the first time, I'll be staying up with it so it will be much easier. The R4020 tractor is right at $18,000, so it's just a matter of economics during these trying times. Should I also be concerned about the I3040 being out of production or do the LS tractors pretty much have 'interchangeable' parts.

fenix · May 17, 2011

I agree with No Memory on it being a big jump from 5 to 6 foot brush mower.
If you happen to get in a bad place it will put the test to a 30 horse tractor
with a 6 footer. Why take a chance, stay with the 5 foot or go to the
larger tractor. I know what you say about the extra money but I
do think with that much land you need more tractor.

kpbeddin · May 17, 2011

Isn't the i3040 a 38-40 HP tractor?

mwb · May 17, 2011

kpbeddin said:
Isn't the i3040 a 38-40 HP tractor?

Yep, 38.5 hp. No problem with a six foot cutter. If you are in really heavy stuff just take a smaller cut.

fenix · May 17, 2011

My mistake on the 30-38 horse power. Thanks for catching it.

ProdaddyTX · May 18, 2011

The R4010 is a nice step up too, for not too much more money.... hp difference isn't great, but it may be enough to help you when you're pushing the envelope