Any Feedback from Users of the New Tier 4 Tractors?

[GManBart]

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.

I hear that...HST is just too handy to ignore. For those of us who aren't doing much traditional farm work (plowing, etc), a powerful loader and HST are probably the two most useful things we can have.

I don't have thousands of cedars to remove, but more than enough to keep me busy. Actually, we had another one come down last night in a storm...it was on the list to be cut down in the fall/winter anyway, and it didn't hit anything important.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Just go ahead and get that XR and start working it, you are burning summer daylight that could be used to remove several hundred trees already.
HST+ is probably nice (I haven't used it, my Kubota B26 has a standard 3 range HST which works fine for me as does my geared P7010), but reading the post here where some folks have it and still don't use it much of the time pretty much tells me that while nice to have, it isn't necessary to spend the extra bucks for something that you don't use or forget to turn on.

 

[KenB2920]

HST+ is probably nice (I haven't used it, my Kubota B26 has a standard 3 range HST which works fine for me as does my geared P7010), but reading the post here where some folks have it and still don't use it much of the time pretty much tells me that while nice to have, it isn't necessary to spend the extra bucks for something that you don't use or forget to turn on.

Lol, these comments make me laugh. How the interpretation of turning HST+ on/off... Used / not used.. I'll be the first to say, I had a standard HST and it will get the job done. But to say, yeah... Guys don't even use it. That makes me laugh. Although technically there may be a few people out there, I think those Pickens are slim.

That's like someone with manual locks on a car (and never having used power locks) talking about power locks on a car. Some people just don't use it, no need to push one button when I can reach all four doors in a car to lock / unlock them...

Power locks won't get you any further in life than manual locks but they save you time and are a connivence feature.

HST+ is not just 1 feature. It's several features. ;-)


Again, standard HST will work fine.... I have drug several downed trees with my old HST. Happy Tractoring and getting the job done, that's what it's all about

I think I should of used power vs manual windows... Darn it!!!

 

[TSO]

Poopdeck ... are there any other tractor manufacturers that are on your consideration list?

If you have a McCormick dealer anywhere near you, McCormick is made by Daedong (that's who makes Kioti & Bobcat). Another option is Mahindra. If it hadn't come down to money ( and weight, because it was a much heavier tractor than what I bought...) I probably would have ended up with the 5035. The 4035 was also worth considering, but I would have gone with the 5035 had money not been an issue. Those tractors are very roomy, and have good power. I have not seen any of their cab versions up close, but from the general reviews I've read, they seem to be a good tractor.

 

[TSO]

Lol, these comments make me laugh. How the interpretation of turning HST+ on/off... Used / not used.. I'll be the first to say, I had a standard HST and it will get the job done. But to say, yeah... Guys don't even use it. That makes me laugh. Although technically there may be a few people out there, I think those Pickens are slim.

That's like someone with manual locks on a car (and never having used power locks) talking about power locks on a car. Some people just don't use it, no need to push one button when I can reach all four doors in a car to lock / unlock them...

Power locks won't get you any further in life than manual locks but they save you time and are a connivence feature.

HST+ is not just 1 feature. It's several features. ;-)

Again, standard HST will work fine.... I have drug several downed trees with my old HST. Happy Tractoring and getting the job done, that's what it's all about

I think I should of used power vs manual windows... Darn it!!!

Just to be fair, i would suggest a more accurate analogy for your example. While going from Gear to HST might be analogous to going from manual door locks to power door locks... it would be more accurate to say that going from HST to HST+ would be analogous to going from standard power windows to power windows with the auto down/up feature.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Poopdeck ... are there any other tractor manufacturers that are on your consideration list?

If you have a McCormick dealer anywhere near you, McCormick is made by Daedong (that's who makes Kioti & Bobcat). Another option is Mahindra. If it hadn't come down to money ( and weight, because it was a much heavier tractor than what I bought...) I probably would have ended up with the 5035. The 4035 was also worth considering, but I would have gone with the 5035 had money not been an issue. Those tractors are very roomy, and have good power. I have not seen any of their cab versions up close, but from the general reviews I've read, they seem to be a good tractor.

I have a New Holland/Mahindra dealer 15-20 minutes from me. Deere and another NH/Mahindra dealer are 45 minutes. LS is 45 minutes. Kubota dealer is 45-60 minutes. All of these dealers have been here a while and should be dependable.

I've talked to both Mahindra dealers and their prices seem almost as high as Kubota. I need to go in and get serious with them and get their bottom dollar.

 

[TSO]

I have a New Holland/Mahindra dealer 15-20 minutes from me. Deere and another NH/Mahindra dealer are 45 minutes. LS is 45 minutes. Kubota dealer is 45-60 minutes. All of these dealers have been here a while and should be dependable.

I've talked to both Mahindra dealers and their prices seem almost as high as Kubota. I need to go in and get serious with them and get their bottom dollar.

what I found with the Mahindra tractors, was that they are much heavier than the others. that extra weight should make them more stable for loader work. otherwise, my research showed that they are not necessarily any better or worse than the other tractors on the market.

once again, it comes down to your personal preference.

It might also be worth your while to go to the New Holland dealership. besides the LS Boomers, i believe they still sell the Boomer 3040, 3045, & 50 "Super Suite" cab models, made by Shibaura. the price might be similar to the Kubota and Mahindra tractors, but at least it will give you another option to look at.

It seems to me like you still need to make up your mind on whether you are looking for the best value & bang-for-your-buck.... or if you would rather have one of the bigger brand names, with or without a couple specialized features that the others might not have... but at a higher price than the value leaders.

You simply can't have both. you need to decide if there are features that you must have and can't live without, and if one of the tractors doesn't have it, count it out of the running. then, look at the features that are nice but negotiable. for example, like I already mentioned, I think the HST+ is a nice feature on the Kubota. But, but I would only be willing to pay only about the same price increase from gear to HST. with LS, that price difference is roughly $1500, and I would probably be likely to pay that increase for that transmission. my price cut off is likely different than someone else, so whatever number works for you, go with it. if the only real difference between the LS / Kioti... compared to the Kubota (features wise) is that transmission... you will need to be the one to decide if its worth the extra money.

as much as we'd all like to spend your money for you, that just isn't how it works

if it were my money, I would go for the new XR 4046, but then again, I'm not wealthy enough to afford the deluxe pricing of the haute Kubota

 

[KenB2920]

Just to be fair, i would suggest a more accurate analogy for your example. While going from Gear to HST might be analogous to going from manual door locks to power door locks... it would be more accurate to say that going from HST to HST+ would be analogous to going from standard power windows to power windows with the auto down/up feature.

Actually, I correct myself and disagree. It would be like going from manuals to windows with power up/down as well.

A geared tractor would be like windows that simply prop open. That's the difference if owning HST+ and thinking you "know" what it does. It's more advanced and featured than a "+" sign

 

[Piston]

You guys are reeeaaalllly stretching it with your analogies :laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[TSO]

You guys are reeeaaalllly stretching it with your analogies :laughing::laughing::laughing:

Woah Woah Woah! Direct that to the rich Kubota guy! Lol

 

[DK35vince]

Actually, I correct myself and disagree. It would be like going from manuals to windows with power up/down as well.

A geared tractor would be like windows that simply prop open.

Power windows are nice.
But I have had to replace both power window motors in my pickup over the last 18 years I've owned it.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

TSO, you make a lot of sense. While we all want the "best" tractor for the "least" cost, buying a tractor is all about compromises - just like a lot of other things. Here are my requirements:

Absolutes:
1. Cab with a/c
2. Loader with SSQA
3. 4wd
4. 35 PTO hp minimum (40 would be better)
5. Good dealer (if buying new).
6. Established reputable brand (no chinese tractors or off brands). I don't consider LS, Kioti, Mahindra to be "off brands".

I have a very strong preference for HST. But for a screaming deal on the right tractor, I'd consider a hydro shuttle but not a regular shuttle.

I'd also prefer a Tier 3 over a Tier 4, but it's not a deal killer. I didn't list remotes, 3rd function, etc. because I can add all that. And I didn't list build quality because all the brands I would consider are good quality tractors.

I'm 60 years old and there's a decent chance this could be my last tractor. (Famous last words.) So buying what I want/need carries more weight than saving a few bucks and making too many compromises.

But that doesn't mean I want to be stupid with my money. Using your example of the HST+, at $500 it would be a no brainer. At $5,000, it would be a "no deal." My limit would probably be the $1,500 you mentioned.

Sorry to be so windy.

 

[KenB2920]

Power windows are nice.
But I have had to replace both power window motors in my pickup over the last 18 years I've owned it.

18 years? Lol A) that would make me happy being almost 2 decades. B) either way its just that, an analogy which it appears you purchased for the extra money ....

I guess being rich just has its advantages. ;-). I guess common folk just wouldn't understand. Ok, finishing my beverage and watching my servant wash my pickup....

 

[TSO]

But that doesn't mean I want to be stupid with my money. Using your example of the HST+, at $500 it would be a no brainer. At $5,000, it would be a "no deal." My limit would probably be the $1,500 you mentioned.

Don't get me wrong, i wouldn't say it would b "stupid with your money..." I just think that we all have our own different "value" thresholds, and just for me, it wouldn't have been worth the money.
I joke around with Ken about being rich (it's an inside joke) but truly,
No one can value things for you. Either way, whichever tractor you end up with, it'll probably be money well spent.

____
Also, go with HST if you're debating.... In February, i bought an R4041 shuttle after selling my smaller Kioti with HST. I traded in the shuttle for my R4047 HST after just 50 hours. It was great for plow & field work, but although "do-able" for loader work, i soon tired of it.

 

[TSO]

Poopdeck... since there is only limited data and pictures of available online on the xr4046, would you mind, if you go back to the LS dealer, snapping a few pictures of both the cab and non cab versions? I'd be interested to see if anything important changed, besides just cosmetic features and the tier 4 equipment.

 

[jaydee325]

Has anyone gotten a quote on a tier 4 LS? I'd be interested in seeing the price bump, if any.

Are they staying with Mitsubishi or changing engine suppliers?

When I started looking at CUTs this spring, I had several dealers of various brands predict huge price increases for tier 4 equipment.

Bob

 

[nvmyhd]

I was told 10-15% but the average price goes up as it get more popular from what I've seen.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Poopdeck... since there is only limited data and pictures of available online on the xr4046, would you mind, if you go back to the LS dealer, snapping a few pictures of both the cab and non cab versions? I'd be interested to see if anything important changed, besides just cosmetic features and the tier 4 equipment.

I'll be happy to. I'll be in Houston for a few days, but should be back at the dealer's lot later in the week. I hope he has one in stock.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Has anyone gotten a quote on a tier 4 LS? I'd be interested in seeing the price bump, if any.

Are they staying with Mitsubishi or changing engine suppliers?

When I started looking at CUTs this spring, I had several dealers of various brands predict huge price increases for tier 4 equipment.

Bob

Don't know about the price bump, but the new Tier 4 engine is a Shibaura. Same engine that's in the NH Boomer 3050 (and probably other NH models). Apparently, Mitsubishi wanted too much $$ for their Tier 4 engine.

I know that the NH guys rave about how great the Shibaura-made NH tractors were, so I don't think going to a Shibaura engine is a step down for LS.

 

[Piston]

Would I be out of line by suggesting a Kioti RX6010 with power shuttle? :thumbsup:

It's the next size up from the Kubota Grand L, and a lot more tractor, with roomier cab. Since you wouldn't be paying for the HST+ it may be a comparable option. I really don't know how much they go for, but I know they come standard with a lot of items, like rear remotes.