Thinking of pulling the trigger

[bgordon77]

I've been reading the ls posts a few weeks now (1st post) and have learned a lot. I started my search for a tractor visiting the dealerships of most of the well known brands. During my research I ran across this forum and other info about the LS brand. Everytime I try to go back to the more well known colors I just keep coming back to the LS.

Going strictly by the specs its hard to find more tractor for the money. I;m looking at the R4041.

I know LS tractors have been around for years in some form or another but I was wondering how some of you guys felt about buying a LS branded tractor and what has been your experience with parts and warranty coverage.

Also what would be a good price for the R4041 with loaded tires?

 

[DutchHenryBrown]

:welcome:I am sure LS owners will check in and give you some good information.:thumbsup:

 

[vwnotrunning]

No regrets on the LS purchase. Like you I was looking at everything and the LS just seemed the best deal I could find. The only problem I have had was with a leak down in the loader valve. Dealer replaced it promptly. I was initially looking for a gear, but after several test drives with the hydro I was sold. Really enjoyed the hydro over the non syncro gear I grew up with.

 

[murphy1244]

Welcome from Ohio, Try Kioti. DK 40

 

[bruceatlam]

I've owned my 3039H for a year now. I've had one warranty issue and my dealer is 120 miles from me. I called my dealer and the replacement part was drop shipped at my door within four days. Of course, I donated my labor but that's a lot better than hauling it back to the dealer. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I have a bit shy of 100 hours on it. My uses are about 50% loader work with heavy dirt and 50% mowing brush.

 

[TSO]

Just bought my R4041 Shuttle... No regrets. There are times I wish I had purchased the HST rather than the shuttle (because I recently had left shoulder surgery and it's difficult to shift at the moment, but will get better in a few months)... but you are right, you simply CANNOT beat LS when it comes to "bang-for-your-buck." After owning mine for a short time, I can see some things that could be improved. Very minor things, but things that I would change none the less. However, I do not regret buying it and the L4101 loader is, arguably, the best loader in the class.

I came from a Kioti, and like Murphy said, the DK40 is worth looking at. The DK40 will run you roughly $1500 more. I compared the two and went with LS. Here's a comparison I made if you wish to look at it: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../270740-new-tractor-check-inside-details.html

 

[bgordon77]

Thanks for the info TSo. Good stuff.

 

[bgordon77]

I tried to look at the Kioti but the dealer was not too interested in showing the Kioti's. He was really pushing the mahindra 3616.

 

[brettmarty]

I am very excited to report that I just bought a 4041H, and have it home now! I too researched this topic to death (there are a number of good past threads on TBN specifically talking about the big LS question: how are they so much cheaper!?). At the end of the day it just made a ton of sense to buy an LS to 1. purchase a quality machine with great support and 2. stretch your dollar as far as possible. I got my 4041h, loaded tires, FEL, backhoe (with an extra bucket), forks, 6' box scraper, extra filters etc, and added hydraulics in the back (for top and tilt) for $28k in northern California.
Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions.
Cheers

 

[hcf]

Just got an advertisement ... 4041 gear for $18,500 and 4041 hydro for $19500, (and just to confuse you) the 4047 gear for $19,500 and 4047 hydro for $20,150. all with FEL, in SW Missouri.

There are a lot of threads about loading tires on TBN. I decided to wait a while before doing that. Will probably end up using RV antifreeze (propylene glycol) as it is non-poisonous and doesn't leave a sticky mess. Around here a lot of people use methanol (poisonous), windshield wiper fluid (ethylene glycol - poisonous) or Rim Gaurd (sticky). Do some reading as each material has its pros and cons. You may value a heavier fluid no matter what it is.

Around here the Kioti's have a reputation for being very rugged and I looked hard at them. I think the Kioti loader may lift higher, but I liked the layout of the cab a LOT better on the LS5030C. I suppose there will be days when I wish the loader reached a bit higher, but everyday I'm glad I like the layout of the cab.

I deliberately chose a gear tractor because I didn't want to give up the PTO hp that a hydro takes. Not sure it that was the right choice as most of my chores are back & forth as opposed to pulling a brush hog or hay equipment. With a 4041 I doubt you'll be pulling hay equipment, so the down side of getting a hydro is that you may need to settle for a brush hog that is a foot narrower than what the gear version would spin.

Just my opinions of course - good luck with your decision

 

[TSO]

Just got an advertisement ... 4041 gear for $18,500 and 4041 hydro for $19500, (and just to confuse you) the 4047 gear for $19,500 and 4047 hydro for $20,150. all with FEL, in SW Missouri.

Dang, at those prices, i would've just went with the 4047 hydro, the dealers here wanted $21750. Although the shipping/delivery cost might have negated the price.

Lol, wonder how much I'd lose on trade in now?!

JK

Or not

 

[BlackDogTx]

I've owned my 3039H for a year now. I've had one warranty issue and my dealer is 120 miles from me. I called my dealer and the replacement part was drop shipped at my door within four days. Of course, I donated my labor but that's a lot better than hauling it back to the dealer. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I have a bit shy of 100 hours on it. My uses are about 50% loader work with heavy dirt and 50% mowing brush.

I am in a similar situation. I have the G3038H and absolutely could not be happier with it. My dealer is also about 120 miles away, but can ship me what I need such as filters etc for maintenance. I do about 50% loader work and 50% mowing brush also. I would not hesitate to recommend an LS. Great value.

 

[bgordon77]

HCF do you mind sharing what dealer the ad was for?

 

[brettmarty]

Dang, at those prices, i would've just went with the 4047 hydro

One thing to note about the jump to the 4047 from the 4041, is that you are gaining only "usable HP" in the PTO. As far as pushing, pulling, digging, frame size and lifting they are virtually identical Ive been told. If you are going to do alot of PTO work than it makes sense to jump to the 4047 for a few extra bucks.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Just got an advertisement ... 4041 gear for $18,500 and 4041 hydro for $19500, (and just to confuse you) the 4047 gear for $19,500 and 4047 hydro for $20,150. all with FEL, in SW Missouri.


I deliberately chose a gear tractor because I didn't want to give up the PTO hp that a hydro takes. Not sure it that was the right choice as most of my chores are back & forth as opposed to pulling a brush hog or hay equipment. With a 4041 I doubt you'll be pulling hay equipment, so the down side of getting a hydro is that you may need to settle for a brush hog that is a foot narrower than what the gear version would spin.

Any of these tractor will pull a 6 foot bush hog in either gear or HST with power to spare. Giving up 3-4 HP is not a big deal and wouldn't make you drop to a smaller mower. I doubt anyone with one of these tractors would be looking at larger than 6 maybe 7 foot mowers anyway and @ 5 HP per foot it would pull a 7 footer even in HST. You wont find any comparably equipped tractor that matches the performance and price of the LS.

 

[hcf]

The dealer is Webster County Tractor in Strafford, MO. I bought my tractor from the nearest dealer for a little bit more.

Gary - You're right, the only time it would be an issue is if you wanted an 8+ foot pull behind mower. Even with the LS5030 I'll probably get a 6' hog just to keep trails clean. Mainly wanted the pto hp to be able to use small hay equipment.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The dealer is Webster County Tractor in Strafford, MO. I bought my tractor from the nearest dealer for a little bit more.

Gary - You're right, the only time it would be an issue is if you wanted an 8+ foot pull behind mower. Even with the LS5030 I'll probably get a 6' hog just to keep trails clean. Mainly wanted the pto hp to be able to use small hay equipment.

I only got a 7 footer for my P7010 and that is plenty for no more mowing than I have to do. Actually only used it for about 15 minutes in the 2 years that I have had it. Right after I bought it, the drought hit and we haven't had to mow in 2 year now as the cows have keep all the weeds eat down along with the grass. We do have to put a hoe to some nettles (I actually keep an 8" knife in my RTV to deal with them) that we find occasionally and just pop them out by the root.