XR4145HS CAB - Priced Right?

[Warsign]

I have been on the hunt for a 40~45 HP hydrostatic CAB tractor w/FEL, and I believe my hunt has come to an end. The dealer priced a 2018 LS XR4145HS with fluid in the tires, full tank of diesel and delivered to my house for 28,650.

This sounds like a solid deal, anyone disagree?

 

[PJSprog]

Just saw one listed on TractorHouse for just under $31K. Seems to me like you found a pretty good deal.

 

[Snowman87]

Prices can vary by region but that seems like a fair deal. You can read all the details if you'd like in my thread below, I made a similar purchase about 1 year ago. I picked up an XR4155HC with 50 hours on the clock and a few extra goodies for around the same price.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/ls-tractor-buying-pricing/382791-ls-xr-4100-series-options.html

 

[Warsign]

Sounds like you got a really good deal, 10 more HP is HUGE. Have you had any issues with your machine?

 

[Snowman87]

Overall absolutely zero "issues" with the tractor for me thus far. You can find my various posts on different topics but here's the highlights:

1. Overall I'm very satisfied with my purchase and would do the same thing again today for my specific needs. I was lucky to get the deal on the low hour 55hp version, otherwise I probably would have ended up with the 40hp model my dealer also had in stock. I don't think you can get a similar HP, cab, etc. in a similar platform from another brand for less money, in fact I think it's a fair bit of difference.

2. Now that I'm comfortable with the loader I do wish it was a touch faster, but I'm not using my tractor for profit so it's not easy for my to justify additional funds. I'm not really sure how much faster another brand/model may be but I'm guessing if you spend more money you gain a little more speed. Not worth another $4k, that's a lot of implement fun

3. I've used the loader a lot with ~170 hours on the clock now and I'm really glad I got the "larger" size frame (vs. a 3000 series LS). I can move a good load of dirt, round bales, etc. The loaded tires and something hooked up to the back also help keep things balanced and safe.

4. Regen has happened every ~50 hours as advertised with zero issues of using the tractor during regen.

5. I really like having a cab for the various seasons up here in WI. AC has been awesome. With only 1 winter in so far I've been playing around with the vent aim to eliminate more fogging

6. I really like having the HST transmission for much of what I do - mower work and loader work. For me the HST setup is like having a tractor, large mower, and a skid steer all in one!

7. Read up about "bucket flop". Personally I don't have an issue with it, I've learned my "work around" without adding a flow restrictor and I'm happy with my machines performance

8. There's a guy on YouTube with "steering issues" with weight on the loader. I don't have any issues going lock to lock picking up something small like a set of pallet forks but I can't go lock to lock with a full load of dirt standing still. Once I hit the HST peddle to move the slightest bit I have zero issues. Once again i don't see this as an "issue" but more so something to be aware of.

9. Rear remotes are helpful for top/tilt function. Do yourself a favor and spend the money on a fit-rite setup from the start if you want the functionality. See my original post for more details

10. Lighting isn't phenomenal but it doesn't seem like any of the OEM setups are at this level. LED retrofits are reasonable if you do a lot of work at night.

11. On the newest models you get 3 sets of rear remotes and the remote 3 pt. raise lower which is a nice bonus

12. Maintenance has been easy - air filter cleans, cabin filter cleans, greasing, fluid level checks, etc.

13. Cab is a little on the "smaller" side or so I'm told. I'm 5'8" so i don't have any space issues, in fact I often have my 1.5 or 4 year old riding along with me when I'm not trying to do loader work.


If you've got any other questions feel free to give me a shout, I'm happy to provide honest and real life feedback.

Nate

 

[Cataclysm]

I second Nate's assessment. I have over 700 hrs on my LS4155HC.

Run with the a/c on and temp control set to a comfortable level even in the winter to minimize fogging.

 

[Snowman87]

I second Nate's assessment. I have over 700 hrs on my LS4155HC.

Run with the a/c on and temp control set to a comfortable level even in the winter to minimize fogging.

Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely give that a try next winter! Do you run the system circulating air inside the cab or pulling in fresh air?

 

[Cataclysm]

Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely give that a try next winter! Do you run the system circulating air inside the cab or pulling in fresh air?

Circulating to keep drying the air out.

 

[Warsign]

Hey Snowman, I went to the LS dealer yesterday and checked out a XR4155C.

1) I really liked the looks of the machine, wide and low like I am looking for. Overall height will allow it to fit under a 8ft overhead door, and wide enough to help prevent roll over.
2) The hydraulics are very strong, but like you said are a little slower than some. I did not see any issues with bucket flop, or steering under load.
3) They only had a shuttle shift available, so I can not comment on the hydrostatic. The 16 speed transmission was pretty nice tho, but not what I want. Shifted very easy, and the clutch was VERY smooth.
4) Cab layout was kind of uncomfortable for me, at 6ft tall. The steering wheel was just too low on the column, even when tilted back. I found myself leaning forward to reach the wheel or the shuttle lever. When I slid the seat forward enough not to lean forward, the foot controls were too close. This also placed the remotes & lift controls in a very awkward location to work. A telescopic column would be a VERY nice add to this tractor. A guy may be able to make a extension for the shaft to help with this.
5) The seat is just awful. Arm rest are very cheaply made and the seat has almost no padding. I would replace the seat. Maybe this has something to do with my 3.5 hr drive to the dealership, which is another concern.
6) The 3 cylinder turbo engine was quiet enough with minimal vibration feeding through the frame into the cab.
7) VERY tight quarters inside the engine compartment, I would not want to work on this engine. I am sure this is typical of all modern compacts.

I believe the machine is VERY capable, but certainly not the most comfortable. I believe TYM and Kioti has them beat on the ergonomics, and access to filters. I am still on the fence after my visit to the LS dealer. Looking at TYM again today, maybe the Kioti.

 

[Snowman87]

Hey Snowman, I went to the LS dealer yesterday and checked out a XR4155C.

1) I really liked the looks of the machine, wide and low like I am looking for. Overall height will allow it to fit under a 8ft overhead door, and wide enough to help prevent roll over.
2) The hydraulics are very strong, but like you said are a little slower than some. I did not see any issues with bucket flop, or steering under load.
3) They only had a shuttle shift available, so I can not comment on the hydrostatic. The 16 speed transmission was pretty nice tho, but not what I want. Shifted very easy, and the clutch was VERY smooth.
4) Cab layout was kind of uncomfortable for me, at 6ft tall. The steering wheel was just too low on the column, even when tilted back. I found myself leaning forward to reach the wheel or the shuttle lever. When I slid the seat forward enough not to lean forward, the foot controls were too close. This also placed the remotes & lift controls in a very awkward location to work. A telescopic column would be a VERY nice add to this tractor. A guy may be able to make a extension for the shaft to help with this.
5) The seat is just awful. Arm rest are very cheaply made and the seat has almost no padding. I would replace the seat. Maybe this has something to do with my 3.5 hr drive to the dealership, which is another concern.
6) The 3 cylinder turbo engine was quiet enough with minimal vibration feeding through the frame into the cab.
7) VERY tight quarters inside the engine compartment, I would not want to work on this engine. I am sure this is typical of all modern compacts.

I believe the machine is VERY capable, but certainly not the most comfortable. I believe TYM and Kioti has them beat on the ergonomics, and access to filters. I am still on the fence after my visit to the LS dealer. Looking at TYM again today, maybe the Kioti.

Few comments:

#4 - as noted above it's definitely a "smaller" cab, especially compared to those that are used to larger machine setups or are taller (I'm only 5'8"). I've got a hydro so I don't have to interact with a shuttle lever on the column and I haven't had any issues with the 3 point control placement, but I've yet to use the remotes for too much.

#5 - curious to see what the other mfgs. offer here, but I would guess they all run a similar setup?

#7 - while it does look tight in there I haven't had any issues with standard maintenance - greasing, cleaning air filters, cleaning cabin filters, tightening the fan belt, cleaning out the radiator screens, checking fluid levels, etc. I haven't changed any filters myself but I feel like they were accessible, maybe not great but oil changes are only scheduled for every 300 hours (I believe...). I'll get my buddy to send me a pic of his JD compact tractor that's at the shop right now. They're trying to diagnose a transmission issue and it looks a lot more like a pile of parts than a tractor...

Let us know how the TYM and Kioti setups compared in features and price!