TYM T574 vs LS MT355E

Dr.Mr.FancyPants · Feb 20, 2022

We currently have a John Deere 3038e. It is too light, and anemic when it comes to dragging or lifting anything. We have a 20 acre horse farm in Spokane WA and have started renovating pastures, it does 70% of what we need but slower and pushing it to the limit. We have already broken a couple of things. So we finally decided upgrading is a must.

Tractor is operated by several people and we must have a hydro-static transmission for some of them. I have received quotes for open station 55-65hp hst tractors from all of the local dealers who seem to be reputable and established. Have now narrowed it down to the 2 in the title based on value. These 2 are 20k cheaper than JD and 10k cheaper than Kubota. I'm familiar with the general history of the companies but I have no personal experience with them. Price on these 2 are within 2k but the TYM comes with more features, not make or break features however. I like that there are few electronics on the TYM, not sure about the LS. Going to look at both in person in a few days.

Please give me your thoughts and opinions.

Wobblin-Goblin · Feb 20, 2022

The only TYM we have on our farm has had electrical gremlins for years. Nothing major, but annoying nonetheless.

I personally think TYM and LS are on the same tier, with LS maybe being ranked slightly better.

jeff9366 · Feb 20, 2022

Brand? Models to look at or avoid? Buy new or used?

The design of the Three Point Hitch tractor has been marketed in the USA since 1939 -- 83 years in 2022.

The basic design is generic.

Kubota and Deere have most of the market through 6,000 pound bare weight tractors. But this Kubota/Deere predominance is regional.

The up and coming tractor brands are Korean: Kioti, LS and Branson. There are other Korean brands. You have to critically assess dealer stability while shopping minor brands.

Korean manufacturing labor is paid 50% of what Deere pays its union work force. Japanese manufacturing labor is paid 70% of what Deere pays its union work force. Labor costs strongly influence tractor prices.

We have the following brands within an hour of us.

Kubota
LS
TYM
KIOTI
Massey Ferguson
John Deere

I know that a lot depends on the dealer and their willingness to help, but should I stay away from any of these brands?

Start with the nearest dealer and work out.

Transporting a tractor for service is expensive and inconvenient, whether you trailer it or the dealer trailers it.

Tractor is operated by several people and we must have a hydro-static transmission for some of them. (Good idea.)

It is inevitable you will have regular tractor problems with multiple operators only partly familiar with tractors and implement adjustment. Tractors are robust used as designed, which is pulling. Unfamiliar operators are constantly exploring unknown operating parameters.

Load the rear tires with liquid for stability and traction.

CREDIT: 'FELIXEDO'

"It has been touched on a couple of times, but not directly as a buying factor.

Every major make has a machine that will do the job(s) you want. Check out your nearby dealers, and go with one you have confidence in.

A great machine with no support nearby is a hassle to repair and maintain.

And a good machine can't make a lousy dealer into a good dealer."

Jchonline · Feb 20, 2022

Both are good choices. Go with the one you feel has better dealer support, parts network, and will be in business the longest!

jeff9366 · Feb 20, 2022

We have a 20 acre horse farm in Spokane WA and have started renovating pastures.

Our current tractor is too light, and anemic when it comes to dragging or lifting anything. It does 70% of what we need but slower and pushing it to the limit. We have already broken a couple of things. So we finally decided upgrading is a must.

A 4,000 pound bare weight LS or TYM tractor will be much more capable than your 2,200 pound bare weight Deere.
1) Depending on what implement you will use for pasture renovation a 4,000 pound bare weight tractor still may be 1,000 pounds too light.
2) If you will be lifting and stacking round hay bales over 1,200 pounds with the FEL using multiple operators you need a 5,000 pound bare weight tractor to accomplish this task safely.

I have always admired the dirt around Spokane.

hornett22 · Feb 20, 2022

I'd get the TYM. I'd rather have the Kukje engine.

GSVette · Feb 20, 2022

I have owned an LS XR4155HC for almost 4 years now. The Mtron diesel has been as trouble free as any of my other diesels (Yanmar in my Bobcat, Cummins BT-4 in my Case, DD 8.2l v-8 in my Ford-all pre tier 4 of course). I’m sure the Kukje ( a licensed Cummins design iirc) is a fine motor too.

Dr.Mr.FancyPants · Feb 20, 2022

jeff9366 said:
Brand? Models to look at or avoid? Buy new or used?

The design of the Three Point Hitch tractor has been marketed in the USA since 1939 -- 83 years in 2022.

The basic design is generic.

Kubota and Deere have most of the market through 6,000 pound bare weight tractors. But this Kubota/Deere predominance is regional.

The up and coming tractor brands are Korean: Kioti, LS and Branson. There are other Korean brands. You have to critically assess dealer stability while shopping minor brands.

Korean manufacturing labor is paid 50% of what Deere pays its union work force. Japanese manufacturing labor is paid 70% of what Deere pays its union work force. Labor costs strongly influence tractor prices.

We have the following brands within an hour of us.

Kubota

LS

TYM

KIOTI

Massey Ferguson

John Deere

I know that a lot depends on the dealer and their willingness to help, but should I stay away from any of these brands?

Start with the nearest dealer and work out.

Transporting a tractor for service is expensive and inconvenient, whether you trailer it or the dealer trailers it.

Tractor is operated by several people and we must have a hydro-static transmission for some of them. (Good idea.)

It is inevitable you will have regular tractor problems with multiple operators only partly familiar with tractors and implement adjustment. Tractors are robust used as designed, which is pulling. Unfamiliar operators are constantly exploring unknown operating parameters.

Load the rear tires with liquid for stability and traction.

CREDIT: 'FELIXEDO'

"It has been touched on a couple of times, but not directly as a buying factor.

Every major make has a machine that will do the job(s) you want. Check out your nearby dealers, and go with one you have confidence in.

A great machine with no support nearby is a hassle to repair and maintain.

And a good machine can't make a lousy dealer into a good dealer."

Point well taken as I'm pro union. Currently we have 300k in medical school debt to pay off and then we will be free to spend the extra on a union made tractor.

Dr.Mr.FancyPants · Feb 20, 2022

Thanks everyone for the input. The TYM does seem like a slightly more robust tractor. I hear the points about a 5k lb tractor but other than a quite pricy construction grade Kubota TLB there aren't any heavier/more powerful options with a hydrostatic transmission. Feel free to inform me of ones I may have overlooked.