New and Looking Hard at LS

[4DFARM]

Hello all. New to TBN, but have been reading many of your comments on various makes. Have found it very helpful and decided to join and jump in. Not an experienced tractor owner and always willing to learn from others. Currently in the market (for well over year - I study alot before buying). Made my last comparisons today. Looked at MF2625 and Mahindra 5530. Have previously looked at and researched specs on Kubota M5040/6040, JD 5045E/5055E and Kioti, Tym, Deutz Fahr Agroplus 67, and LS U5030 and 7010C (which I note Gary Fowler seems to enjoy tremendously). Frankly, was oroiginally leary about LS simply from not having a long track record (though I know they've produced under other names since late 70's). I do not put any stock in colors and simply want a reliable and enjoyable machine. Believe right now the Mahindra 5530 and LS U5030 are the best bang for the bucks and I believe both would be a good tractor. But, even here, feature for feature, dollar for dollar, warranty for warranty, and look against look, the LS seems ultimately to be hard to beat. Am focused right now on the U5030. I really would like the 7010C like Gary, but it might be a little pricier than I want right now (even though a great price compared to other makes)....anyone have any insights on the comparisons of these makes, or insight into the U5030 in particular. I'd like to hear both good and bad experiences with the LS from simple to complex. How is the Mitsubishi engine? Sorry to be so long. (P.S. saw some NH'ers bashing LS on another thread but didn't put much stock in that).

 

[ihuntbear]

i have a ct50u mccormick made by LS.I haven't had any problems yet.Service is great.They come to my place to service it

 

[4DFARM]

thanks..I didn't look at McCormick as I don't have any dealers of those here. Does your Mc have a Mitsubishi engine? How long have you had it? I do find that the dealers in my area carrying LS are small - not big dealers carrying lots of machines, though I realize that does not necessarily equate to poor service, I just wonder about parts, service, etc. on these..

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

Welcome to TBN! There's not a lot of us LS owners on TBN yet, but we are growing. I'm sure Gary will have something to say when he gets back on a PC. (I think he might already be trying to get home for the holidays -- hope the messy weather in Europe right now isn't a factor.)

Sorry, I can't really offer you any personal insight about the U5030. As my S3010 is my first tractor, I can't even compare LS customer service to any of the others. All I can say is my limited experience with them has been positive and the S3010 is a solid machine. You're already aware of the price/value difference between LS and the other brands out there. Yeah, there's a lot of LS bashing in the other forums, but I think some of it is just people trying to justify paying the price premium for their name brand tractors. I don't care -- I'm laughing all the way to the bank (so far.) With all the research you have done you'll make a solid decision on a solid machine. I hope you are happy regardless of the brand you go with.

 

[4DFARM]

thanks Lilblue...I've read your posts quite a bit. The big problem is that there is hardly any info. out anywhere on LS from people who've actually purchased one in the LS name..its just because they are new under that name I know. I'm about 98 percent sure I'm gonna go with LS...but didn't feel I'd complete my research without talking to some of you who have actually operated the machines. I've heard raves locally about MF's - and I've used older models myself (65hp)...they were very congested at your feet. Today, I saw the new models in the 63-74 hp are still congeted...was shocked given all the improvements in design...turned me off quickly..and they just seem bare compared to LS, but more money.....In short, unless I hear something really negative on here, I'm probably gonna join the boys in LS blue shortly!

 

[MarkV]

I do find that the dealers in my area carrying LS are small - not big dealers carrying lots of machines, though I realize that does not necessarily equate to poor service, I just wonder about parts, service, etc. on these..

No LS bashing from me, just concern over what you pointed out. I buy a tractor to last 20 plus years and want local dealer and parts support during that time. Will the small dealers carrying LS be around that long? Small dealers generally have rather small parts departments, it cost a lot to stock parts, does that mean long waits for parts? Are the techs at the small dealer factory trained and can they handle all my repair needs if needed?

I wish LS the best. These are just things I would have to consider. My local LS dealer is on his third brand of tractor in the last three years. That doesn't give me warm fuzzies when spending big bucks.

Good luck in your search.

MarkV

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

No LS bashing from me, just concern over what you pointed out. I buy a tractor to last 20 plus years and want local dealer and parts support during that time. Will the small dealers carrying LS be around that long? Small dealers generally have rather small parts departments, it cost a lot to stock parts, does that mean long waits for parts? Are the techs at the small dealer factory trained and can they handle all my repair needs if needed?

I wish LS the best. These are just things I would have to consider. My local LS dealer is on his third brand of tractor in the last three years. That doesn't give me warm fuzzies when spending big bucks.

Good luck in your search.

MarkV

Your concerns are legit at this point. I've only bought 2 things for my tractor from the dealer: a service manual and a SCV rear remote kit. Both had to be ordered from NC and shipped to me, but I didn't expect my local dealer to have those items. I'm sure they have the more common stuff like filters in stock, but not sure about other parts. Things should get better as LS gets a bigger market share in the US.

 

[4DFARM]

Yeah...my closest dealer is a small dealer as well, but they have been in business for 35 years. In the past, they sold Long, Farmtrac, Montana, and I think even Kubota at one time years ago. So, while small, they have been around a long time. Moreover, they are my neighbors (although I haven't let that influence me up to now, but it would be a plus after deciding to buy LS for other reasons), so I feel they'd give me good service, but no guarantee how LS will be with them..

 

[gregsm33]

I purchased a LS 7010 approx. 1 year ago and am really happy with it. If you have read Gary Fowler's thread, you have read my experiences as it relates to warranty and LS' service. They have exceeded my expectations with the small warranty issues I have had, (paint on loader mounts flaking off, and cracked front tire).

 

[4DFARM]

yes..I think i read some exhanges from you and, as I recall, you said they replaced the loader? is your dealer relatively small also?

 

[gregsm33]

Actually ,no dealer is quite large 3 dealership in 3 different cities. LS told the dealer that they wanted the whole loader changed in my case, I told dealer I would have been happy if they just painted brackets again.

In regards to my particular model vs buying same hp New Holland which is a neighbouring dealership LS and NH 72hp run the same engine Iveco 4 cylinder, NH loader did not have as much lift capacity as LS and no hyd. remotes included one pto speed as opposed to 3 standard on LS, and price was significantly more. My decision was easy.

 

[4DFARM]

Good points...and I noted the same as well. On the LSU5030, I think std. remotes is two. On the 7010C, its three. MF had NO remotes. Kubota charged you for more than one as I recall (to the tune of $1500 per set). Mahindra had one and charged for the other. Just more equipment hands down on the LS. Speaking of paint, have you had any fading problems? One thing I noticed is that the coating seems to be really good ont the LS. Kubota, Mahindra, Deutz Fahr are all really bad about fading. The 7010C I've looked at at the local dealer has been in the weather for about 6-7 months, still looks great - no bleaching whatsoever. The Deutz are horrible about bleaching, and Mahindra bleaches to pink. Its a little thing, I know, but to me, if you can't master little things like paint, what about bigger issues on mechanics? Coating technology is so good now, there really isn't any excuse for fading on a tractor your paying big bucks for, cetainly as much or more than a car, and car's almost never fade now.

 

[shafshak]

I have been looking hard at LS also .I was first looking at kubota b2620 until i seen one of the LS 3010.This fel on this tractor looks very well built,with a 1 inch thick mounting plate. The ls weighs 1000 lbs more than the b2620 without loader.Just cannot seem to pull the trigger on this .Maybe because its not one of the big three.

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

I have been looking hard at LS also .I was first looking at kubota b2620 until i seen one of the LS 3010.This fel on this tractor looks very well built,with a 1 inch thick mounting plate. The ls weighs 1000 lbs more than the b2620 without loader.Just cannot seem to pull the trigger on this .Maybe because its not one of the big three.

Here are some of the biggies in my mind when considering the S3010:

Will you be making a living with it? If yes, you might want to go with a NB (name brand tractor) for their history of quick support and parts availability.

Is resale value important? Maybe go with NB for now.

Plan on doing lots of detailed loader work? You might want to consider something with HST. (I think Gary might disagree with this one.)

Significant earth work? Get something bigger.

I consider my S3010 almost perfect for what I'm doing -- general tasks on my property: brush hogging, small tree removal, cleaning up dead trees, hauling stuff around, dragging stuff to big to haul, etc.... The most important factor for me was value: capability/cost. And the S3010 was the hands down winner. If it breaks and I have to wait a few days on parts so be it. If it's more than a couple of weeks though it'll be a different story entirely.

p.s. Get the dual rear remotes installed as part of the deal when buying it unless you have experience with hydraulics.

 

[shafshak]

It will be used here on our forty acres of which 10 are tillable or pasture,personal use only.looking to mow the yard with a rfm and mow pasture with a rear brush mower,and also a tiller for garden and small deer food plots.fel used for just chores around house, small tree removal ,snow plowing.i am also a hydraulic tech for CAT,if you have any questions.

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

It will be used here on our forty acres of which 10 are tillable or pasture,personal use only.looking to mow the yard with a rfm and mow pasture with a rear brush mower,and also a tiller for garden and small deer food plots.fel used for just chores around house, small tree removal ,snow plowing.i am also a hydraulic tech for CAT,if you have any questions.

Sounds like the S3010 might be a good fit then. I think I'm good on the hydraulics for now. All that is left to do is measure for the hoses and buy couplers and such to run up to the front for the grapple. Appreciate the offer though.

 

[4DFARM]

shafshak...I understand the delima..I am in the same place. But, my research indicates that LS is as good or better than any in their respective classes. I was surprised at how much lighter the Kubota is from the LS...almost 2000 lbs. lighter in the 7010C compared to the M7040. The U5030, however, is actually a few hundred pounds lighter than the Kubota M5040...which I don't quite understand cause most models are heavier than the equivalent Kubota. Of course, Mahindra outweighs them all by a substantial amount...one thing I like about the Mahindra. But, it is a little plainer than the LS. I have heard some of the NH'ers in another thread saying how cheap the LS NH models looked. But, compared to the models I looked at, the LS is a much more visually appealing tractor with good control layout and design. It actually is put together more like a car in my opinion, but still rugged. As for me, mine will be used for general duties like the rest of you, not business. But, I'm opting for more power out the gate since I'm looking to hold on to it forever and would rather have the power than be wishing for it later. I still haven't ruled out the 7010C...but is substantially more money due to the cab.

 

[20 20]

I was also checking out the LS seems like a nice machine BUT, there are few dealers around. That is normal for it being new but it also can make or break a new product. The one dealer I could find up here{still over 150miles away} and talked with seemed very nice and acted like they would stand behind their product. IMO the dealer has a lot to do with the purchase if they're knowledgable and willing to be helpfull it can make all the difference in the world.

 

[rocknrod]

Here in Texas I'm finding Mahindra and new Holland dealers selling LS.
As well as Independents who sell Kyoti as well. One of the NH dealers flat out told me they couldnt compete - so they will be selling them soon as well.
I have been looking myself for a few months now and cannot seem to find other makes that have as much for even close to the price.
In fact I was going to buy a S3010. Now I can afford a R4010 :thumbsup:

 

[4DFARM]

I suppose I'm lucky then. I have two LS dealers within 30 miles of me, one is only seven miles from me and is my neighbor as well. Then, I have another about 100 miles. There may be others, but those are the ones I know about.