Looking at ls xj2025h

[Bigbertha72]

I had been looking at getting an older used tractor. But now I am looking at the lsxj2025.

I'm going to go look at some in the next few weeks over at RCO in Austin. I'm not in a rush to buy so I want to make a thought out purchase. The biggest point I like about the xj2025 is that it seems to be the largest subcompact out there.

I'm trying to keep the traptor to a size that I can use. Alot of my neighbors have larger tractors but they hardly use them because it's to much tractor (all the lots are about 5 acres in my neighborhood).

I'm looking at the xj2025h. I feel the backhoe, while neat, just isn't worth the extra cost to me. I just don't think I can personally justify it when I can get by with a quick spade or dit scoop for what I need.

Who has one and have you been happy overall with it? I've been reading as much as I can about them and have only found minor complaints.

I'll be using it to grade the main drive (400ft) moving dirt and gravel and mulch around. And we are going to start out garden next year (about 1/3 acrea). And moving random things around the yard.

 

[ThirdMan]

From the marketing literature and comparisons to other brands the XJ2025H is the smallest size compact, not a subcompact. It is more like the JD 2 Family or the Kubota B series. I will let someone more experienced comment on if it is enough for your use.

 

[tomplum]

We went with this, did get the backhoe as my wife wanted it. She digs stumps, moves live trees and plants from one part of the yard to the next. It is good size. I frequent the Deere dealer an am amazed how small the subs really are. My thought process was that this would be a better fit for our rough terrain and slopes. The bucket is a real back saver. The only real need to go larger would be if you see the need to move heavier loads around. The next notch up is basically a little beefier, and not a lot bigger- but will handle larger loads at once. I bought quick attach pallet forks that I use almost as much as the bucket. It would have been nicer to have the larger tractor to increase capacity. I just put less on a pallet and soon most of that fun will be done and the heaviest loads with the forks will be firewood on smaller cage pallets w/ sides. I have a thread under LS operating that you could review and see what to expect for lift capacity.

 

[Plas62]

I have a 5 acre lot and a xj2025H with BH. I have been happy with mine and it is a capable tractor for it's size. Like Tom I have a couple of threads about my tractor on this forum. If you search my user name you should be able to find them.

 

[DaveNJ]

I've got over 150 hours on my XJ2025H TLB at this point. I use it on 34 mostly wooded acres and I find it to be the most useful size for manuverabilty in close quarters while still having the power to get things done. LS also makes a subcompact now, but the smaller wheels wouldn't be good for my uses. As long as you understand that you have a shovel and wheelbarrow on steroids and not a Cat D8 you will have no problems. Most of the folks on this forum think bigger is better, but I contend you should get what satisfies 90% of what you do and work around the rest. I've been completely satisfied with the XJ2025H.

 

[Bigbertha72]

Thirdman, you are correct it is the small compact. I read that wrong somehow dozens of times.

I have not had a chance to go look at ls tractors yet since the closet dealer (RCO) is about 2 hours away. I did have a chance to go look at some mahindra tractors tonight. I had to drop of my wife at the airport in san antonio. So instead of sitting in rush hour traffic on the way back I went and looked at Bills tractors in San Antonio. They were closed but I was atleast able to see what some looked liked.

They have package deals there, tractor with loader, post hole digger with auger, box blade, rotary mower, and trailer. They had a max26 up front and it looks small. Also had the 1526, which is more what I had pictured in my head.

Is the xj20 25 closer to max26? Had to find dimensions that measure from the same place.

I'm just trying to not like the mahindra 1526 just cause it's bigger. I'm trying to not get more than I need to have. And the lift specs aren't much higher on the 1526. And I'm wanting to use this to mow about 2 acres and I'll use my old faithful mtd to go around the house and septic field.

 

[Bigbertha72]

Forgot to mention, I looked at the threads you guys have posted. I'm really leaning towards the ls 2025 for sure. Trying to decide if I want the hst or the manual. Seems like the manual would be stronger and have less issues over time. Hoping to go browse in the next few weeks. Hoping to purchase in the next couple months.

 

[Bigbertha72]

Decided that I'm going go with a xj2025h with the r4 tires. Going go look at them later this month. Probably wont purchase until july/aug. Trying catch back up, bought some equipment to start a tree cutting business with my wife's brother and he bailed (not really shocking). But got a bucket truck at an awesome price (needed tlc) so gotta finish it and repaint it and get it up for sale for some extra capital.

 

[navycut]

I was excited about the specs of the xj2025h went to Ocala and drove one it had loader.I was amazed at the vibration the rough ride and the jerking of joystick.I have a ck20 kioti about 12 yrs old and it rides a lot better and does not have the vibrations.I,m an old guy and that bouncing really discouraged me and the vibration at engine idol was terrible.Maybe the weight difference is a factor.

 

[Bigbertha72]

I was excited about the specs of the xj2025h went to Ocala and drove one it had loader.I was amazed at the vibration the rough ride and the jerking of joystick.I have a ck20 kioti about 12 yrs old and it rides a lot better and does not have the vibrations.I,m an old guy and that bouncing really discouraged me and the vibration at engine idol was terrible.Maybe the weight difference is a factor.

Interesting, I haven't heard anyone say that yet. I need to go try one out and see what I think. The other tractor I am also looking into is the kioti ck2510. The nice thing with kioti is I have a dealer in town, ls is about 2 hrs away, but that's not a major determining factor.

 

[tomplum]

The hydraulics have a bit of a learning curve as they are so responsive. Kubotas are too slow , these too quick. What are ya gonna do...Think about what could affect the ride. I have a camera monitor and cell phone cradle mounted on mine on a custom bracket off the loader control. So the coming off a low idle is noticeable. It can shake the phone holder nicely. But then again - there isn't a reason at all to run it at that low of an idle. Kudos to you for getting on the beasts and seeing what works for you. Post back on your Kioti comparison.

 

[DaveNJ]

The hydraulics have a bit of a learning curve as they are so responsive. Kubotas are too slow , these too quick. What are ya gonna do...Think about what could affect the ride. I have a camera monitor and cell phone cradle mounted on mine on a custom bracket off the loader control. So the coming off a low idle is noticeable. It can shake the phone holder nicely. But then again - there isn't a reason at all to run it at that low of an idle. Kudos to you for getting on the beasts and seeing what works for you. Post back on your Kioti comparison.

Agree that the hydraulics on anything is a learning curve. I rented Kubotas occaisionly in my former business and have nothing bad to say about the b26 or bx that I used- there's a reason why many rental companies offer them. I went with LS because of the bigger bang for the buck, things like standard SSQA and pricing. With either tractor it takes at least a few days operation to be marginally competent with a loader or backhoe. A lot more than that to have it feel like an extension of your hand. Having operated both extensively, my impression is that tomplum is correct, that the LS is quicker but that's not always a good thing until you get used to it and operation becomes second nature.

 

[Bigbertha72]

Well I haven't test drove either. But I was out near RCO and figured we would swing by. They were already closed (I knew that they would be) but luckily they had a few tractors sitting out (looked like they were in for work or demos). They had a xj20 25 sitting out back and that's definitely the size we want. My wife is convincing me that the backhoe is worth getting. I will say I didn't realize how much of a subframe was on the backhoe. How hard and how fast is it to unhook and hook? I know the first few times would take longer but once you get a system down how quick before it's unhooked and you drove off it?

 

[DaveNJ]

I would want a heavy subframe for a backhoe on a small tractor. Removal is easy and toolless: Disconnect the two locking pins on the subframe and support the hoe with the bucket and the stabilizer arms. Pull the tractor out a bit and disconnect the hydraulics and the wire for the hoe worklight. It takes about 15 min. after the first time. Reverse procedure to reinstall but add extra time for cursing because realignment to hooks and pin holes can be a bear, especially if the ground isn't level. I'm considering making a movable dolly for the hoe as others have done on this forum to make reinstallation easier.

 

[Bigbertha72]

Thanks, doesn't sound like to bad of a job.

 

[Bigbertha72]

Also, I know the loader lift capacity is 1270lbs, minus the weight of the attachments to lift. What's realistic weight I could unload with forks? I know it's limited on its curling weight, but what weight could I unload from a freight height deck? I'm thinking 700-800lbs would be max.

 

[tomplum]

For my tractor, that would be a tall order. If what was being unloaded was close to the rack on the forks, you would have a much better chance than an evenly stacked pallet. I've not unloaded a truck w/ mine. I do have some pallets stacked with a few rows of pavers. This thread shows the capabilities of mine. I was hoping someone else would run similar tests so that I would have something to compare to, but no takers. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...375591-xj2025h-loader-w-forks-question-2.html

 

[Bigbertha72]

Thanks for the link, I'll try and do a similar test when I finally get one.

 

[Bigbertha72]

Also, for the people with the backhoe. Did you go with the 9in or a larger bucket? RCO "includes" the 9in bucket. I think I'd rather have a 12in but not sure if it digs better with the 9in.

 

[tomplum]

Ours has the 12. My reasoning was that a more narrow bucket maybe hard to release the soil if you are working in a wet area. Correct or not? Our dealer gave us three options, which I don't think affected the price.