NH or LS Tractor?

[GManBart]

The price seems decent, but that 9x3 is probably not the optimal transmission for what you listed. Your future seemed to involve a lot of digging. Probably lots of stops and shifting. I'd encourage you to spend some time test driving with frequent stopping and direction changes from different gears.

I was just going to say the same thing. For new users, HST is much easier, and probably safer too...wrong gear, abrupt clutch....wham, you crush something important.

 

[Raptor150]

I have previous experience with backhoes and loaders so as for driving I've got some time under my belt. Everything I drive is a stick except the raptor and well I'm not too happy about that. That's one of the reasons I thought a 9x3 be a lil nicer that and its about 1900 cheaper. The HST version is 16900 from what I remember.

 

[duroc]

From what I've been told, the LS and the NH are pretty much the same tractor. I have a LS dealer near to me (25 miles) and stopped in to check them out. I then stopped at the local NH dealer (60 miles away) and test drove the T1510 HST FWD and loved it. After comparing the LS and the NH I preferred the NH as far as ergonomics goes. After buying my tractor, my dealer took a turn for the worst and I found out that not only did sales suck, service does too. I remedied that by utilizing a NH dealer that is about 70 miles away. All in all, I'm very happy with my T1510. It has plenty of power to operate anything I've attached to it (see my sig) and it's easy to work on and service. Sometimes I think I should have gotten the T1520 just because of the 5hp increase, but I can honestly say that I have not needed it yet. With the HST, the hp drops a little, but it's not enough to make a difference to me. The HST is a tad on the noisey side, but that's one of those characteristic things. I do love the convenience of the HST and doubt very much if I were to buy another tractor that I'd change my mind. So far, after 200 hours, I have no complaints. Here's a link that has several T1510's that you can compare your price to. http://www.tractorhouse.com/list/list.aspx?manu=NEW+HOLLAND&mdltxt=T1510 Personally, I'd buy new if your budget can handle it, just because of the warranty. My purchasing dealer has a 0% finance charge for new purchases. You might want to check around to see if that's available in your area. Good luck in making your choice!

 

[GManBart]

Just FYI, the T1510 isn't made by LS, it's a Shibaura product (which many folks prefer).

 

[Raptor150]

Thanks guys for all the info- My only worry is the loader on the t1510 powerful enough to lift some decent size rocks and dirt?
I checked tractorhosue and it looks like the price I'm getting 14949 out the door delivery included is the best I'm going to do price wise for a new t1510.

 

[Guesseral]

I was just thinking (thats not usually a good thing) for the price of the LS with the BH and only 300 hours (right on the hours?) that basically makes the BH free. Granted the tractor isn't brand new but it still has the drive train warranty. Not really trying to influance your thought process because it really doesn't matter to me either way, but a free BH is better than a 6 to 7K BH and from what you have listed as work to be done it seems like you need the BH and you would have to rent one in the future and they don't give the rentals away either. Maybe you could get him down a little on the LS and have your cake and eat it to. Just a thought to confuse you a little more!:confused3:

 

[Bladehauler]

When I bought my LS R4047 with FEL and Backhoe , it was at 27.500 . since the Ls is at a dealer can he offer you financing ? you might be able to get a boxblade or mower thrown in , Ya never know !as far as mine , trouble free for 138 hrs so far.
Good Luck with your decision !

 

[Gary Fowler]

There isn't much I can add to what has already been said. LS makes good tractors for many different dealers so I have no concerns for quality of the tractors. As for the LS, It looks like you would be getting about $7,500 off by buying a 2 year old (possibly less depending on when it was sold) tractor with only 300 hours. That's = to $25 per hour. I just did a calc for my tractor @$25 per hours would be 1420 hours to totally depreciate it. No way would I use that much depreciation for MY tractor, so I think you are getting a fair deal as for discounted pricing.
You would need to look at the wear and tear on the FEL and Backhoe to determine if it is worth more than that to discount. As for the tractor, that is almost nothing in terms of life of the tractor AND it has 3 more years of powertrain warranty so I would not be concerned on the tractor. Look closely at the FEL frame and bucket for warpage, ie does the blade set flat on the ground as you slowly lower it(check it with the bucket flat and with the cutting edge vertical) check the cutting edge for straight or is it bent or bowing in the middle. Check the backhoe for slop in the pins, there will be some but as long as it isn't excessive, it should be ok. Check the hydraulics, will the stabilizers lift the machine up, will the FEL bucket lift the front of the tractor(you have to dump the bucket lip down all the way to do this test, check all the valve controls for function (are any of them loose: there should be little to no movement that does not cause hydraulics to move). If it all checks out good, then I would probably go with the LS for the back hoe since you obviously need one.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The NH is actually from a dealer up north that I always pass by on the way up to the camp. I have an NH dealer bout 18 mi from me to get parts and if I need a service. The closet LS dealer is bout 45 mi from me, which is the one that is also listing that. So I am supporting the local dealers just looking for the opinions from you guys. I know I'll find a bunch of other things to use it for as well.

My dealer is 70 miles away and I have been back 2 times in 2 years. Only once did I take the tractor in to service for a couple of broken items (broken seat bracket and broken drawbar bracket) that were covered under warranty and both were upgraded to newer designed versions. I could have just taken the broken parts over and swapped them for new but I got them to do a check up on it to see if everything was ok as the bumper to bumper warranty was about out. Everything was fine by the way other than the broken stuff which was replaced as no charge.

 

[duroc]

Thanks guys for all the info- My only worry is the loader on the t1510 powerful enough to lift some decent size rocks and dirt?

As far as the dirt goes, it's gonna lift whatever you put in the bucket. It's hard to overload the buckets with dirt unless the load is piled way above the bucket, and that's not always a good practice to get into.
As for the rocks, it should be able to lift in the range of 800-1000# depending on whether you use forks or a bucket and how high, far back/forward the load is. If the FEL won't lift, you always have the option of using the 3pt with forks and that should lift around 1600# +/-

One more thing... I know you mentioned about the standard transmission (ST), but before you make a solid decision based on all of your other vehicles having a ST, you might want to rethink that. Not saying the ST won't get the job done, because it will and there are plenty of people that think it's the cats meow. I too have ST vehicles, but after owning a ST tractor I'd would never go back to one. Forward movement is okay, but if you ever decide to use an attachment that requires backing up, like a rear mounted snow blower or back blade you'll understand what I'm talking about. Turning to look over your shoulder while trying to manipulate the clutch, brake, implement and whatever else you need to do to get the job done is hard enough with HST, let alone a ST, and it's gonna reek havoc on your body. It's your choice, but never again will I buy a ST for my only tractor.

I checked tractorhosue and it looks like the price I'm getting 14949 out the door delivery included is the best I'm going to do price wise for a new t1510.

Here's a couple more links you can check out... NEWHOL T1510 PACKAGE - Offer 640928 - equipmentalley.com
new holland t1510 specs - Google Search

 

[Raptor150]

I love all the opinions, yeh it keeps me bouncing back an forth to which tractor I want but its nice hearing from both sides. Guesseral I agree with you, to have the backhoe would be great. At this point I can only think of one job that I need it. Rented I'd prob be lookin at 500. So it would save me money in the end. Two negatives with the LS tho, powertrain is the only thing left warranty wise. I don't have a trailer to haul the tractor back 50 mi to the dealer for repairs if something goes wrong and I know nh seems to have a good resale value, lil worried about the LS if I ever try and sell it in the future for something different. If I went with the Nh yeh I'd have to pull the trigger either now and get the backhoe or later. Either way I plan on getting it. As for using any other attachments- no need for them at this point. Live in a residential area with lil over an acre , upstate is a lil different- completely a backwoods camp off a private drive, but still again a loader and backhoe is all I really need since its mostly a wooded lot. As for the HST verse the ST I see where your head is at duroc- is it worth the extra 1800 idk. I'm 28 so it would prob take a lil bit of time for the ST to annoy me if it did. I know the dealer I'm talking with has the t1510 st 14599 t1510 hydro 16399 and the T1520 Hydro 17650- only loader on all three. All 2012 and shipping be 350 to me. I mean if im going to go for the hydro dam might as well jump up and get the T1520 then. Spend the extra g for 5 more hp. Too many options lol

 

[Raptor150]

I emailed the LS dealer just now and I have to say he responded very fast:
Question:
I see the buy it now is set for 20g and that seems a lil steep. How much are you willing to negotiate on the machine? Only the powertrain is left as far as warranty correct?I don't own a trailer big enough to haul the machine back to you for repairs if something goes wrong, is there any discount on having it shipped back to you or can parts be shipped to me and I can install?


Answer:
Thanks for your question. The buy it now is actually set at what we gave the original owner as a trade in value. This tractor sold for $29,000 in 2011. It is a very strong and well maintained machine. It is for sale locally for $23,900. The 3 years of remaining warranty is powertrain only. It has been fully inspected and is up to date with maintenance. Anything can happen to any machine, but this is a one owner, 2011 machine with only 300 hours, no surprises. We are an authorized LS dealer and we have been in business for 40 years. If you do need service in the future, I can offer my assistance by phone or ship parts to you quickly, or I can give you a discounted rate for transporting it here.

 

[milkman636]

Sounds like a pretty straightforward deal that would be worth the drive to look at.

 

[duroc]

Since I've already had the 50hr dealer maintenance done on my tractor, I now do my own. Been a mechanic for a looooooong time, so I don't forsee any problems unless the work is warranty. But, should I ever need any dealer work performed on my tractor, my current dealer said they can come to my house and do the work for a charge of $90 plus whatever they do. That's actually pretty reasonable since they are about 70 miles away. Saves me fuel, time, and wear and tear on my truck.

I see you've worked out all but one detail......."which tractor to buy". Lol! Good luck and let us know what you do buy.

 

[Guesseral]

When it's all said and done all we can do is give advise and recomendations. This is and always has been your decision and yours alone! But were all behind you man!:cool2::drink:

 

[Raptor150]

Thanks guys- appreciate all the advice.Whatever I choose I should have by sometime next week, so I'll post pics. Gunna try out the HST and ST version during lunch today lol- Again I appreciate all the advice and I know I'll be asking a ton of questions in the NH section so thanks for all the input.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I am a NH guy and own an older version of that 1510 in the 1720...
I can attest to the quality of that product...
With that said, I would absolutely in a heart beat not be one bit concerned with the LS...
IMHO, both are good deals but the LS is a better one...

 

[Raptor150]

LS was sold... Somethin bout the NH grabs my attention. I'm gunna get the backhoe eventually but I'll say this- bought my fourwheeler new-truck new and sled new and I've had not even one issue yet on any of them. Call it luck but I think its more of the fact that i take care of my stuff. I like the reassurance that I'm the first to own and I can start out the correct way by taking care of it and keeping up the maintenance on it.