There is a local LS dealer about 25 miles away. I currently have a 40hp and want a little bigger and more power (50-60hp), plus want a cab, and 4x4. Run a shuttle trans currently and probably want to stay with it. Want to run a 8ft bush hog. Added lift would also be nice. Just ready for AC/Heat that a cab could offer. Running a grapple would be helpful. Maybe late fall next year to purchase or the following spring. Just starting to do the research on the LS brand. The warranty is a huge draw plus the pricing looks pretty competitive even though the local guy does try hard to not leave any money on the table, it will be my job to work hard to get a decent price. I want to be an informed buyer on the brand. If I had to do it over on my current tractor I would have bought a bigger one. Plus I would like to sort of get what I really need because at 53 years old this year I need to settle in on something and make it last.
So looking for a advise on the various LS Utility tractor models and features you have found works well and what to avoid. Of course still trying to figure out the different models in the 50-60hp range right now. But at my core I tend to lean farther toward functional items over luxury type options for tools and truck and equipment.
Thanks
I went through this process about a year ago. I was in the same spot as you in many ways. I have used and been around tractors all my life. After months of research and reading this forum until my eyes bled I wound up with an LS 4155HC.
The pricing difference in the CUT segment pays for the bigger dealerships. I turn my own wrenches so parts availability was the only real concern. I believe parts will be available. LS Mtron is a pretty big corp and a New Holland has a lot of parts that fit the LS.
The LS 4155HC has about 47 pto hp. I spent about 10 hrs in the last few days running a twin spindle Howse 8ft rotary cutter. The tractor has no problems running it or lifting it. How rough the ground is dictates how fast I can go, not power. Obviously you could eventually get high enough grass to bog it down, realistically that isn't going to happen much. It was about 95 degrees and you could easily get too cold in the cab, no kidding here. I ran over a couple of cab high cedars, easily 4" diameter, I could barely tell that I had mowed them. I mostly keep the cutter on the ground because I'm pretty easy on my equipment. I want it to last.
A couple of things to consider with the LS cab. It's on the small side. Great if you want to get into tight spaces and up close to breakables like I need to. I'm 6'2'' and 220lbs, size 12 shoe. I fit just fine but my shoes are about the max size that you can really have floor room for. Just something to take note of when you sit in one. For me it's a non issue and I need the smaller cab.
Second thing is that on this tractor and most others you will probably want to put some skid plate on. All the new tractors have soft underbellies. Filters, hoses and linkages all waiting to be pulled off with brush.
The Mahindra 2555 has a pretty big and tall cab. I liked the tractor but the cab made it too big for the spaces I need it to go.
I found no real differences in quality or fit and finish of any of the tractors I researched. I'd say price and dealership are the keys to being happy with what ever brand you choose.
If you want to make the 4 hour trip you can take mine for a spin. Its a hydro though and I will warn you that after 1 session using the front end loader you will be spoiled by the hydro. Same for running the rotary cutter, the hydro will ruin you because its so easy to trim up close to stuff, with the 8' rotary on back.
The tractor walks through this stuff in 2nd range, pedal on the floor if the ground isn't too rough.
