Buying Advice LS XR4040 vs. Yanmar LX410A

Nromes · Dec 24, 2015

Let me begin by wishing all here and your families a Merry Christmas.

I have been researching tractors for almost a year now, and I believe I finally have it narrowed to these 2 tractors in subject. I went from wanting a massey ferguson 1734e to join deere 3032e, to several others and found the standard options of these 2 tractors (in subject) much more appealing and also relatively close to the price of the smaller tractors.

I test drove the LS and was quoted with a price around 23k after tax (includes ballast, loader and delivery). Also this was a tractor that was on display at the dealer which sat most of the year. I will end up talking them down a little more if I decide to go with LS. The test drive was nice and I was quite comfortable on it.
I have not yet got a quote for Yanmar and have not test drove it. Anyone have an idea of price?

My plans for the tractor will be minor property clearing, fixing dirt roads and dirt moving, bush hogging, and other misc chores of small scale 21 acre farm.
I have never owned a compact utility tractor and will greatly appreciate some input on suggestions of other options, and on LS and Yanmar tractors.
Thank you.

rgr33 · Dec 24, 2015

I looked at a LX410 at last years ag show. Liked it a lot, seems like the price was 25k and change. The LS is a good choice too, don't see how you can go wrong either way.

Be sure to get the rear tires filled before it is delivered, for both safety and ride comfort.

Nromes · Dec 24, 2015

Thanks for the info. Also a good point about the tires. A friend had mentioned it to me a few months back.

farmer2009 · Dec 24, 2015

The LS is a good tractor, but look at a XR4100 series. They're a new machine with a more fuel efficient engine. And a regeneration cycle of 40-50 hours. Instead of the 4-7 hours of the 4000 series.

With these new tier 4 tractors. The higher you keep the exhaust temperature the less often it'll have to regenerate. So keeping your rpm's as close to PTO speed as your task will allow will keep the temperature up.

MtnViewRanch · Dec 24, 2015

I believe that the LS comes std with 2 rear remotes. If you are going to be clearing-clean up, do you plan on getting a grapple of some kind for the loader? Highly recommended, if you are, then it is typically thought of to have a 3rd function option for the loader, rather a true 3rd function or a diverter 3rd function, each have their merits. :thumbsup:

If you plan on grading much, you may want to seriously consider a top & tilt set. This requires 2 rear remotes. So you are back to the LS having these as std equipment and the Yanmar as a costly option. The Yanmar offers both the 3rd function and the rear remotes as factory options though. :thumbsup::thumbsup: While the LS has the rear remotes as std equipment, I don't think that they even offer a loader 3rd function system yet.

Think about what implements you may want-need to accomplish what you want to get done. If you're not sure what you may need, just ask here.

If you are considering purchasing the implements new, a lot of the time you can get much better prices from the dealer if purchased at the same time as the tractor.

Have you even sat on the Yanmar? Need to be sure that either tractor is comfortable for you, no reason to get one that just does not suit you comfortably. :no:

Good luck with your research and the final decision.

Nromes · Dec 24, 2015

Great info Brian.
I have not yet sat on a Yanmar but plan to next week. I was not going to buy either until I sat on both.

George2615 · Dec 24, 2015

Welcome to TBN.........................

Both tractors are similar in loader and 3 pt lift capacities.
LS has dual rear remotes standard as mentioned.
LS has 16x16 gear, Yanmar is 12x12 gear
Yanmar has higher loader lift height than LS.
LS has mid mount PTO option but don't see where Yanmar does in the spec sheet.
LS has extendable 3 pt. lower arms standard.
LS XR4040 has 4 Cyl. Shibaura diesel, Yanmar has 4 Cyl. Yanmar diesel, XR4140 has 3 Cyl LS diesel.
The 4140 that was mentioned has a longer period between regen cycles.
If planning on doing a lot of loader work I'd recommend HST over gear.
How do you feel about the dealer support of both tractors.
Good luck in your decision.

GManBart · Dec 24, 2015

Both tractors should do everything you're talking about. The price seems fair on the LS as the local dealer is listing that model (with HST) at $23,700 and they'll usually come down a few hundred.

The biggest thing will be how comfortable you are on the Yanmar. Both are quality machines that should provide years of service.

One thing about loaded tires to know is that they offer increased traction and more stability, they don't help take the load of the front axle when doing FEL work. Only adding weight to the 3pt will do that (turns the rear axle into a pivot point). When I had an LS R4047H, I made a 1,400 counterweight for the 3pt and it made all the difference in the world.

One significant difference is the Yanmar has a significantly better loader. Both the LS and Yanmar are listed at 2,500lbs to max height (rounding off), but the Yanmar goes to 113" rather than only 96" of the LS. That means to the same height, the Yanmar will lift more weight. The lift height of the LS was really the only significant issue I had with mine. It was barely enough height to load my neighbor's single axle dump truck...just barely. It doesn't usually become an issue often, but when it does, it can be a big issue.

Nromes · Dec 25, 2015

Thanks gmanbart. I am leaning more toward the LS because it has the rear remotes standard and on yanmar they are an option. LS also is more in my budget and lift height at this time is of no concern in the near future. The dealer quoted me for is for a shuttle which also is something I want due to the topography of my property. I think they could do a little better on the price, especially because I found some rust on the tractor (it did sit out all year). But with everyone who had graciously commented and gave me that little warm fuzzy feeling inside about the reliability of each tractor, I am greatly thankful. Again merry Christmas to you all.

GManBart · Dec 25, 2015

Nromes said:
Thanks gmanbart. I am leaning more toward the LS because it has the rear remotes standard and on yanmar they are an option. LS also is more in my budget and lift height at this time is of no concern in the near future. The dealer quoted me for is for a shuttle which also is something I want due to the topography of my property. I think they could do a little better on the price, especially because I found some rust on the tractor (it did sit out all year). But with everyone who had graciously commented and gave me that little warm fuzzy feeling inside about the reliability of each tractor, I am greatly thankful. Again merry Christmas to you all.

That price is definitely on the high side for a shuttle...dealer here is listing just under $22K, and they usually come down a few hundred when you get ready to sign papers.

New LS XR4040 16 speed SS trans, tractor

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking LS...mine was absolutely flawless and I would still have it if I didn't need to get something much larger.

I'm curious about one thing....what about your property topography makes you want a shuttle over HST? If it has a lot of hills/inclines HST is safer. I don't own a tractor with HST right now, but the only real advantage a shuttle machine has over HST is if you're using ground-engaging implements like a plow. My backhoe has a power shuttle (no clutch to change directions), and it's great, but it's not as easy/handy/precise as an HST would be. The LS has a synchronized shuttle, which means you have to use the clutch to shift or change directions, and on hills that can lead to getting caught in neutral, which isn't always a good thing. For the tasks you're talking about, like loader work and brush hogging, an HST setup will be faster and more efficient...and less work for your left leg!