Buying Advice Leaning towards LS, feedback appreciated.

[Tedward]

I'm looking to purchase a tractor for yard projects and winter snow blowing. I started out looking at the Massey GC1715, was then directed towards the Mahindra eMax 25. To me, both are riding mowers on steroids. While researching on this site I stumbled across the LS brand, like Mahindra I had never heard of it until recently. I'd like to keep my money local and have two good dealers in my area, looking to pay cash. I visited the LS dealer the other day and was quoted $18,400 for the XJ2025H, FEL & 50" snow blower, impressive machine. I called the other dealer (Massey & Yanmar) and the entry level Massey (1726) is over $20K and was quoted $19,750 for the Yanmar 324. I also have a $16,200 quote for the Massey 1715 and $17,800 for the Mahindra eMax 25.

I have read good things about the LS brand and the specs on this model are comparable or exceed the others mentioned. At this point I'm leaning towards the LS, free delivery, free ballast filling of rear tires, reputable dealer, 5/3 year warranty.

any feedback / input here is appreciated!

9 acre property / 300'+ driveway / multiple barn buildings (horses) to clear around.

 

[McREBEL]

Far away from you I know but a dealer in Alabama has a Yanmar 324 listed for ~ $14,200. It appears that price includes the FEL. This doesn't include a snow blower. Not sure if the price you were given does or not.

New Yanmar SA 324 XHITL

 

[Tedward]

Thanks for the info McRebel, the Yanmar breakdown is: $14,750 including the FEL and $5K for the snow blower.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

You probably won't find many people here on TBN that would try to talk you out of an LS of whatever flavor you like. But you are mistaken if you think the Massey and Mahindra are "riding mowers on steroids." They may not fit your needs, or may not give you the bang for your buck that you want, but they serve the needs of many happy owners just fine.

The frame size of the XJ2025H is a step up from the smaller frame size of the Max25. (I've never seen the GC1715, so I can't say on that one.) You might want to look at the Mahindra Max28, which has a frame size similar to the LS.

I looked at an LS J2023H recently, and it was a really nice little tractor in the same frame size. LS gives you a lot of tractor for the money, and it is well built.

Are there any Kioti dealers near you?

 

[Jarrod32]

LS gives you a lot of tractor for the money, and it is well built.

When I was looking, I was impressed with the LS and I agree with this statement...a lot of tractor for the money. I ended up not buying it, but when I had narrowed it down, the LS was a close #2. The LS model of your liking would be a fine choice IMO.

 

[paulfun9]

Many folks recommend going bigger when you buy a tractor. I wont do exactly that but will encourage you to take a real close look at your needs and what all you want the tractor to do and how fast you need those jobs done before deciding on which sixe machine you buy. The size of the machine dictates what size attachments it can handle as well as weight capacities for the 3 point and loader as well as how fast it can get the job done with the given size attachments.

 

[Gary Fowler]

For sure there is nothing wrong with purchasing an LS tractor. I bought a 2010 model back when they were first introducing them to America. I have broke a few things on it from abuse (seat frame, drawbar attachment bracket and front drive shaft) but LS warranted them all. I too bought it for price and overall quality compared to all the other brands that I had looked at before finding the LS at a Mahindra dealer. Comparing those 2 brands side by side convinced me of the value of the LS. I was looking for a 45-50 HP tractor with cab and FEL but ended up getting the P 7010 simply because it was less money than the 45HP competition and had more standard features. At the time, the size was needed but now it is a bit large for most activities. Thankfully I have a backup Kubota B26 that helps me out in the small compact needed area of work. Now the LS is relegated to disking and tilling up the garden spots twice a year and mowing the pasture about 2 times per year and the occasional moving of large trees downed by storms.

Having the big HP saves me from using the chainsaw so much but again, a smaller tractor would work, just takes a bit more time.
I think you will be happy with the LS brand and whatever size you decide on.

 

[AaronS]

I've been very happy with my LS.

 

[Tedward]

thanks for the feedback everyone, it's appreciated! As I said leaning towards the LS, mainly due to its size & spec's outdoing the Massey GC1715 & Mahindra eMax 25. The LS is $600 more than the eMax and $2200 more than the Massey, I have a 20K budget so going up in size on those 2 would exceed my budget for what I need (FEL & snow blower). It's important that my dealer is local, 2 real close (Massey / LS) and the other 20 mins away (Mahindara). Mahindra dealer pressing hard, sent the attached today but won't budge on his price.

 

[Tedward]

This just in! Called a Kubota dealer about 20 miles away to inquire on their machines, for my budget I'd be in the BX series. HOWEVER, they just took a trade and have a B2920, 67 hours on it, HST, FEL, 51" snow blower, hydraulic chute, 1 yr warranty still on it, immaculate..........$15,500!!

I'm out the door now to look at it!!

 

[TSO]

This just in! Called a Kubota dealer about 20 miles away to inquire on their machines, for my budget I'd be in the BX series. HOWEVER, they just took a trade and have a B2920, 67 hours on it, HST, FEL, 51" snow blower, hydraulic chute, 1 yr warranty still on it, immaculate..........$15,500!!

I'm out the door now to look at it!!

That's a nice tractor! Only negative I could think of it the 1/4" valving instead of position control for the 3pt.

 

[McREBEL]

Well...it looks like you might have a similar experience to mine. I was looking hard at the LS J2023/XJ2025 when I came across a good deal on a Kubota B2920 with 112hrs about 5 months ago. I have been very pleased with the B2920 so far.

 

[Olympus]

I'm the happy owner of an LS J2023 that I bought new last year. I paid $12,200 for the tractor and loader. I know the 2025 are Tier 4, but the exact same machine as my 2023. If you can find a dealer with a 2023 still in stock, I would HIGHLY recommend going that route.

 

[Tedward]

Just got back, talk about timing! no brainer, deposit made! 2013 Kubota 2920, 67 hours, all in the winter months, almost a year and a half left on warranty. FEL like new, owner just had it in for its 250 hour servicing even though it wasn't needed or obviously due. Snowblower is a beast, hydraulic chute & rotation control. Canopy wired with up front headlights, problem is, with canopy may not fit in my garage. I can lower it about 2" but it will be close, only negative though!

 

[Olympus]

Congrats on the purchase. Did you consider the turf tires? My LS has R4 tires and I couldn't imagine going with anything slicker.

 

[Tedward]

Previous owner had turf tires so that's what I'm buying, Rim-Guard filled too. level property, will add chains if needed.

 

[Tedward]

Previous owner had turf tires so that's what I'm buying, Rim-Guard filled too. level property, will add chains if needed.

 

[peterc38]

Previous owner had turf tires so that's what I'm buying, Rim-Guard filled too. level property, will add chains if needed.

Congratulations on the new tractor, should serve you well now go get it dirty

 

[TSO]

Congrats, that's a nice deal including the blower.

 

[TomSeller]

Congrats on the purchase. Did you consider the turf tires? My LS has R4 tires and I couldn't imagine going with anything slicker.

Turf tires are necessarily slicker. In some cases they provide more traction due to having more biting edges.