Any Feedback from Users of the New Tier 4 Tractors?

Poopdeck Pappy · Jul 18, 2013

I'm shopping for a tractor right now. I can get a Tier 3 Kubota (L3940, L4240 or L4740), but I'm seriously considering the new XR4046HC (cab model) from LS. I really like the LS, but it's a Tier 4 and I just don't know what I would be getting into.

I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has bought and/or used one of the new Tier 4 tractors. Any problems? Are they supposed to be harder and/or more expensive to run or maintain? Does the Tier 4 emissions system rob power from the tractor?

I hate being a guinea pig.

P.S.: Based on the quotes I've received, I can buy the Tier 4 XR4046HC a LOT cheaper than the Tier 3 L4740 cab Kubota. And I mean a LOT. Haven't done any real negotiating yet, though.

LindenBruce · Jul 18, 2013

You can get it cheaper because no one wants one LOL!!! I think it really depends on the strategy the manufacturer takes to implement the Tier 4 at that HP level will really decide on added costs to maintain and operate. I also don't know how that tractor compares to an R4047. Are they in different classes? If it just has a catalytic convertor and different fuel injection The cost to operate will prolly be zero. But if it has a Urea tank that WILL add to the cost of operating. B.

WilliamBos · Jul 18, 2013

I will take an SCR tractor over a cooled EGR anyway. They run cooler, are better on fuel, and slightly less complex that the latter. DEF is not too costly either.

Poopdeck Pappy · Jul 18, 2013

LindenBruce said:
. . . I also don't know how that tractor compares to an R4047. Are they in different classes? . . . .

The XR4046 is the 2013 equivalent of the R4047 I think.

LindenBruce · Jul 18, 2013

Okay. Like everyone else's complaint LS' website is out of date. I found a pic of the 4046 and it looks like a slightly bigger tractor. But you can't tell for sure on a stand alone pic that's why I asked. B.

Piston · Jul 19, 2013

I'm interested to hear what people are saying about the new Tier 4 as well. I personally don't think it's going to be nearly as bad as many posts lead us to believe, but I'm not betting any money on it

nvmyhd · Jul 19, 2013

I spoke with one of the guys at the west coast hub. The Tier 4 will be regen cycle only no DEF.

WilliamBos · Jul 19, 2013

nvmyhd said:
I spoke with one of the guys at the west coast hub. The Tier 4 will be regen cycle only no DEF.

Only under a certain HP, above will be SCR.

Fastowl · Jul 19, 2013

Not a tractor but a Bobcat S650 with an interim tier 4 engine. A 2011 model, 74 HP and I have about 400 hours on it. Not a bit of a problem with the machine so far.

ozley · Jul 19, 2013

Fastowl said:
Not a tractor but a Bobcat S650 with an interim tier 4 engine. A 2011 model, 74 HP and I have about 400 hours on it. Not a bit of a problem with the machine so far.

Not a tier 4 also.

nvmyhd · Jul 19, 2013

WilliamBos said:
Only under a certain HP, above will be SCR.

I was inquiring about the 4047 when I had asked the question
Others have said it is a interim Tier 4

TSO · Jul 19, 2013

nvmyhd said:
I was inquiring about the 4047 when I had asked the question
Others have said it is a interim Tier 4

Exactly.

Poopdeck... Unfortunately you'll b a Guinea pig either way, as the R series hasn't had a cab until now.

But like you've already learned from the Kubota/Kioti thread you started, the only thing you'll get for all that extra money (with the Kubota) is HST+. A nice feature, but it's up to you to determine if it's worth all that extra money (you already know my answer).

LS makes a good tractor. Bottom line.

KenB2920 · Jul 19, 2013

TSO said:
Exactly.

Poopdeck... Unfortunately you'll b a Guinea pig either way, as the R series hasn't had a cab until now.

But like you've already learned from the Kubota/Kioti thread you started, the only thing you'll get for all that extra money (with the Kubota) is HST+. A nice feature, but it's up to you to determine if it's worth all that extra money (you already know my answer).

LS makes a good tractor. Bottom line.

It's worth it

hi TSO

TSO · Jul 19, 2013

KenB2920 said:
It's worth it hi TSO

Lol... Now you're just stalking me!

KenB2920 · Jul 19, 2013

TSO said:
Lol... Now you're just stalking me!

Thumb on the pulse ....

Poopdeck Pappy · Jul 19, 2013

TSO said:
Exactly.

Poopdeck... Unfortunately you'll b a Guinea pig either way, as the R series hasn't had a cab until now.

But like you've already learned from the Kubota/Kioti thread you started, the only thing you'll get for all that extra money (with the Kubota) is HST+. A nice feature, but it's up to you to determine if it's worth all that extra money (you already know my answer).

LS makes a good tractor. Bottom line.

If I didn't want a cab, this would be a lot easier. But I'm 60 years old and I spent thousands of hours on tractors from the time I was 9 years old until I left the farm many years ago. The only time I got to drive a cab tractor was one summer when I worked for another farmer (instead of my dad), and that one had a broken a/c unit. There is NOTHING more miserable than driving a cab tractor in Oklahoma in the summer with no a/c.

Anyway, I'm getting a cab - whatever brand I buy. I just don't want to deal with the heat, cold, dust, bugs and sun.

I really like the LS, but that Kubota is really nice too. The HST+ is definitely worth something. I just haven't decided if it's worth as much TO ME as the Kubota dealers think.

TSO · Jul 20, 2013

Poopdeck Pappy said:
If I didn't want a cab, this would be a lot easier. But I'm 60 years old and I spent thousands of hours on tractors from the time I was 9 years old until I left the farm many years ago. The only time I got to drive a cab tractor was one summer when I worked for another farmer (instead of my dad), and that one had a broken a/c unit. There is NOTHING more miserable than driving a cab tractor in Oklahoma in the summer with no a/c.

Anyway, I'm getting a cab - whatever brand I buy. I just don't want to deal with the heat, cold, dust, bugs and sun.

I really like the LS, but that Kubota is really nice too. The HST+ is definitely worth something. I just haven't decided if it's worth as much TO ME as the Kubota dealers think.

Understood! That's what it really comes down to... What are you willing to pay? I'm definitely a "frugal" shopper and i like to get the most for my money. I have a limited budget and have to shop accordingly. But money might not b as much of an issue for others, and an extra $10k might just be chump change to them.

if money isn't an object, get whatever has the features you want. But, i still don't see any legit justification for the price increase. I'm very pleased with my LS, and a like it more the longer i have it. I'm sure I'd be just as happy in a Kubota, i just don't have the wealth to support it!

Are you ruling out the Kioti then?

Poopdeck Pappy · Jul 20, 2013

TSO said:
. . . Are you ruling out the Kioti then?

The closest Kioti dealer is an hour away and looks like they might be selling mattresses and futons soon instead of tractors. The closest one I'd trust is 1.5 hours away on the other side of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area from me.

If there was a good Kioti dealer near me, Kioti would be a serious contender.

GManBart · Jul 20, 2013

I haven't checked prices, but for what they'd charge for the Kubota, you cold probably get an LS U5020C (cab) that's still Tier 3. It's a lot more tractor...unfortunately, not HST.

Poopdeck Pappy · Jul 20, 2013

GManBart said:
I haven't checked prices, but for what they'd charge for the Kubita, you cold probably get an LS U5020C (cab) that's still Tier 3. It's a lot more tractor...unfortunately, not HST.

I drove one of them. Loved it, and if it came with HST it would already be mine. But I've got hundreds or thousands of cedar trees to remove, so that means a lot of loader/grapple work, and I really want HST for that.