Yeah I'm the new guy that's gonna ask a noobie question

Truck3lt · Aug 7, 2018

I've been looking at two brands. The LS XR4145 shuttle and the Branson 4225 shuttle. I have been to the dealer twice and talked extensively to the sales person who seemed very knowledgeable about both. The sales person likes the Branson due to the no regen per say like the LS. Apparently its internal and regen's while in normal operation. Both are priced very close to each other the LS around 26K with dual rear remotes and the Branson 27K and I would have to have rear remotes installed adding another 1K to the price. The LS weighs in at around 3800 while the Branson is around 4100 lbs. I have been reading that lots of folks don't like the regen so they just replace the muffler on the Branson and unplug the sensors and now you have a tractor that runs better, no costly fuel expenses for running high rpm's for a regen. I'm not sure you can do this with a LS, due to the canister thingama bob. I was told that no matter what both tractors a very good tractors. Both motors in them are proven to be great motors. I will mostly be bush hogging, moving round bales, a FEL work, and some grapple work. Nothing major I only have 14 acres and a few head of cattle. So my silly question is this. I like the LS, but is the regen that much of a hassle for me to buy the Branson and spend that little extra money?

Thanks guys for any input

oosik · Aug 7, 2018

Hi Truck - welcome to TBN and the internet. Suggestion - complete your profile - tell us where you are. As far as Branson or LS - - both seem to be good units and have a satisfied following here on TBN. However - everything mechanical can have problems - so don't be discouraged by unique situations that can be posted here on TBN.

Sit on each unit - how does it fit - are the controls locations OK - if you are allowed - drive each unit around the dealers lot.

Now about the regeneration - all manufacturers have this Tier IV stuff pretty well figured out now. You DO NOT want to be fooling around with making mods to the "system". It can easily foul up the on-board computer system and FOR SURE it will void your warrantee.

Choose the tractor that fits you best - spend the money - be happy - you don't get to buy a new tractor very often.

Geotech · Aug 7, 2018

The guy in this video talks some the new LS engine technology. Its not the same model tractor that you are looking at, but the info on the regen technology should be applicable.

About my new LS Tractor XR3135C - YouTube

If you are going to buy a tractor and then mess with it, why not get a used one and save some money? You wouldn't buy a brand new car and then cut out the catalytic converter would you?

ericm979 · Aug 7, 2018

The Branson uses mechanical injection and a low temp constant regen DPF. Owners who idle the tractor around and don't run it hard have had the DPF clog. Usually they can fix it by running up and down the road for a while. My 3725's tach has a green line from 2000 to 2500 rpm where Branson wants you to run it. I usually do for most things but I don't worry about it too much. I don't let it sit idling for long periods, but I did not do that with m y last tractor either. I mow, run a PTO chipper, grapple etc and have had no problems. If it has a problem I could replace the DPF with a muffler but it's working well and I like not breathing carcinogens.

For small land owners running 100 or so hours a year the added fuel cost from running at the suggested rpm is very small.

jeff9366 · Aug 7, 2018

Industry surveys show tractors owned for residential use see an average use of eighty engine hours per year. Perhaps with a few cattle you will run 100 engine hours per year.

The shortest DPF life cycle I have seen estimated here is 5,000 engine hours; 10,000 engine hours is also seen.

5,000 hours / 80 hours = 62.5 years. ~~~~~ 5,000 hours / 100 hours = 50 years.

DPF is unlikely to be an issue for at least the three first owners of whatever tractor you decide on.

Here is a recent quote from Messick's, often considered an excellent source of reliable opinions:

MessickFarmEqu said:
Any worries about this are silly. No one should use emmissions as a buying factor. We sell every variation of emmissions and none are any better or more trouble free than any other.

DPF and regeneration on my 2013 Kubota L3560 has been a non-issue. Now have 1,200 engine hours.

Kindly add your location to your T-B-N profile. Your location is important to most respondents.

Truck3lt · Aug 7, 2018

Thanks everyone for your input. Just to clarify I wasn't wanting to delete the muffler for regen, I was just reading on here that lots of folks were having issues and thats what they have done. Being all new to this I just want to get the best that can for the money...within my budget. I'm the kinda guy that will read like a maniac to research a product before I buy it. Yes I plan to drive both on the dealers lot.

OverandOut · Aug 7, 2018

My LS 6168 had its first regen at 27.2 hrs this past Saturday as I was mowing with my 14ft boom mower. I had cruise set at 2400rpm when the regen indicator light came on, regen began and the tractor never skipped a beat. The regen lasted about 20 min. Regen does not keep the tractor from working, just make sure you run it at high enough rpm while in regen.
Has anyone heard tell of a tractor being "deleted", like people do with their diesel trucks(myself included). Doing the EGR and DPF deletes on my 2 Ram 2500's made a night and day difference in performance and MPG.