Are LS Tractors Worth buying? 

I watched this video back when I was buying a subcompact but decided to go with the machine anyway. I have a 2022 MT125 approaching 250 hours. Fairly heavy use given what the machine was intended for. Using the machine to bushhog fields and cut trails in the bush, moving lots of brush and logs around, and to move manure around. Also have the mid mount mower for all the light duty mowing. The only major issue I had was the roll pin on the petals shearing, replaced it with a bolt in about 10 minutes and was back at it. Had a gasket start leaking on one of the hydraulic hoses as well but had a bunch kicking around so that was also a quick fix. Have not had any of the issues you mentioned with the paint or the rubber aside from that gasket. Dealer experience has been ok, on par with others I have dealt with in the past.

I have 2 Kubotas. 500 hrs. Zero issues. No rubber, no pedals breaking. No nothing. I was intrigued by LS, but no more. I’ve heard similar other reports with identical issues.

Sorry to hear about your issues, I have a LS MT125 with backhoe also a boxblade and a 4ft bush hog I have 80hrs with no issues so far, love my tractor and I also have good dealer support as my dealer is a full time LS and TYM dealer. I hope you have better luck on your next tractor.

Sorry to hear you've had the issues, dealer and mechanical. I have a 2018 XR4140 with 220 hrs. It's been rock solid. It gets worked, and no issues.

I bought a JD 21 yrs ago still going good! I can buy an LS now for the same price as i spent back then! Sometimes ya gotta bite the bullet!

I have a mt125 over 300 hours no problems, and I am not easy on it. Also he like new Holland but the workmates 25 is a ls mt125 rebranded

Thank you very much.

Thanks for being honest

I’ve got the exact model you have….. 300 hours and 2 years old now……. Pretty shocked by what you’re claiming.

I am glad I saw this video, I have been seriously looking in to buying an LS tractor. NO way would I buy one now. Thank you

I have the LS MT345e (2018). No issues so far other than the thin paint. I just had the Rops bar blasted and powder coated to fix that issue. I bought it mainly because I got a unit with only 63 hours on it for 16,500 with a galvanized 6' brush cutter, box blade, and pallet forks. That same unit new, with all the stuff I got with it is close to 35K. The JD version is pushing 45K. Kubota is right there with them. Something to remember is that LS also made most of the Case IH line from 2010 on. Most of the parts for the LS are interchangeable with the Case IH comparable model. So, if you have a Case IH dealer near you, that will likely be a much better equipped and supplied dealer that an LS dealer. It's a good option if you don't mind having a red part or two. I've had no issues with mine at all. It is 5 years old but still doesn't have many hours on it. Hoses are what they are. LS doesn't make those. My rubber boots are still in good shape. So far, I have only found metric bolts on my unit. No SAE threads that I can find (maybe your make-ready assembly person used what they had?, idk). Anyway, for normal maintenance items like engine filters and those things, you can get all that online cheaper than from the dealer anyway.

Thanks for the honest review. I was considering this tractor based solely on the price. However you are correct, The few $$ saved initially isn’t worth the frustration and down time when it breaks. I’ll most likely end up with a Kubota.

I still want to buy one

That's really hard to hear I've been looking at these tractors for a few years and I was hoping for picking one up but I but I definitely believe that what you're describing is real.

Oh, and by the way, New Holland tractors are made by LS. They go down the same assembly line. The paint on the NH is the same, just a darker tone. Go to a NH, Case, and McCormick dealer, look at the ID plates on those tractors.... they are LS Mtron plates identifying the manufacturer. You're shoveling a bunch of BS!

sorry to hear your story but I've actually been looking at purchasing the ls tractor for the simple reason that it's got more options on it at a cheaper price I've got it narrowed down to the ls or the kioti , the kaboba was in the mix until I found out they're not building any kabobas and delivering any to my local dealership . I am looking at a 75 horse range

Alright then. Crossing off LS . Sorry to hear your pain but appreciate saving me the same.

Good luck. ;)

I have a 1997 Kubota orange B2100 all option of that vintage are on it , only an after market backhoe is not kubota because the aftermarket was better made and is still better than anything they make now, 860 hours on the clock I do all the maintenance better than any dealer and more often than required ...it runs flawless .Greetings from Connecticut, in my area Woodstock there is a BRANSON YTM , LS dealer .I would not use the word hokey to describe the dealership ,more like arrogant bumpkins . Today ,after a day or so of looking at LS on line , I have must felt unwell or something 🤣😂so I stopped by that dealer, the only one in this areas the next must be the Massachusetts one you refer to .I wanted to see an LS MT225 S , that I hoped might have a backhoe attached , there were none parked in the yard. But the front loader equipped LS MT225 S there after careful examination proved to be what is reported by many , shiny new ...but dainty and delicate compared to my 1997 Kubota. The front end impact protection system alone on mine weighs more than a good portion of the LS. I have been retired for 6 years and since I have yet to give myself a retirement present, I though to get a new tractor . In short order the fellow behind the counter began to bad mouth the KUBOTA brand , they are not what they used to be blah blah and more blah , and we could not give you what you think yours is worth if you were to trade it in . Two things , I do not need to finance anything ...cash talks BS WALKS . Then there is matter of resale value ..I can sell my rig for about 14 grand as is .and it is better made than the new LS ,it only has two speeds forward and reverse and does not have a quick disconnect loader bucket ...big deal I have no real need for that around my property . So why not buy a new kubota you might ask? Well they too are victims of the COVID YEARS , by 2025 they may be fully recovered. In the meanwhile ...I thought the competitors would be an option, but BRANSON went belly up and YTM bought their name and and overstock . By their own admission some parts for 2 to 4 years old Branson are already hard to get , happy I did not buy one years ago .The dealer claims that LS makes the lower line for New Holland...who know if that is true!! In any case my tractor`s rubber lines are 1997 vintage ,they do not turn my hands black when I touch them as also neither do the tires or rubber trim boots ,same vintage .Yes I keep it in a shelter but it is not treated to HVAC , at 20 degrees only 35 seconds of glow plug heat will fire it right up, no block heater . I had decided not to buy already by days end , then saw your video , your comments validated my decision all the more .No resale value , shoddy materials , inconsistent hardware , BUMPKIN dealers, no thanks . I will keep my machine for now ,and look for a more recent vintage in great conditions used ORANGE K similar to mine , and if I can`t find one...no big deal what I have will do for years to come. Perhaps that is what you should do as well, one thing is for sure the Orange dealers can get any parts you need the same day and for maintenance I get all my consumables from Messicks in PA , I order today , they arrive next morning most often regular shipping . Good luck young sir , I hope things turn out well for you up there in New Hampshire, been a while since I visited your countryside maybe I will again this summer.🖖

Well I am a retired mech. I see nothing you said that is the tractor. Metric/SAE. is very common. Rear tire spinning screw the bead to the rim like a race car, super clean can help deteriorate the rubber and hoses. My tractor sits outside yr round in Alaska. It start just fine to -40. You just have understand how to start it. Paint... I don't care about..ITS A TRACTOR. The biggest thing I see about ls is all the people buying them that have never had a tractor before. By way I work for a New Holland dealer. The parts on the compact tractor for NH are LS part even per part number. Last I would say the way you added your hold yes to your buck shows lack of knowledge. The first time you try to do a significant pull you are going to bend the bucket. Yes LS has issues but they all do. as for your zerks all you have to do is chance with 1/8 pipe tap and bingo you ave saw zerks.

Sorry to see you aren’t satisfied with your LS tractor. I don’t know much about the sub compact version, but I have a 2012 g3033 that has about 1400 hours on it, and has never had any issues, or been back to he dealers shop. No issues with paint or rubber items. I use it, along with a 1985 John Deere, in a commercial vineyard, and they are used pretty much every day from March to October. You might give some thought to moving up in size and trying a different brand in the future.

I went with the very same tractor because the price. New Holland Workmaster 25S is 8k more and it is the exact same tractor rolling off the same factory line. The TYM T224 same thing same base machine just different plastics layout and different loader. Lots of parts everywhere, two minute search and I can find any part for 122/5 because they are on 5 different tractors. Also for dealers always go to a dedicated dealer. I was talkign to two different dealers and the one that sold LS only really sounded more dedicated the other dealer just kept trying to push a Kabota on me for 10 grand more and all the videos I seen point towards major factory nonoes that people just hate with Kabota. At any rate I'll know by mid summer how well it holds up to digging scrapping and moving thing around including round bales. Good video though very informative on what to watch out for with any tractor.

They run yanmar engines like many other brands. Ls makes tym and new Holland out of the same factory along with parts for other tractors such as kioti I believe. As far as the tires and hoses. This is a common problem. Had a John Deere skid steer where the diesel fuel a destroyed the fuel lines. The hydraulic hoses on my bobcat have done this for years also and are still going strong. Had new tires put on my kubota and a year later they were cracking. Lots of problems there but very little to do with the tractor itself. Mismatched bolts and nuts are common on all brands also. I’ve got an ls and works good so far(28 hours). Hope things get better for you.

I believe the biggest misconception about any compact or sub compact is the capability to price range. Like you did point out though is that all have limitations and all have their own issues no matter what brand.

Day 1 Mower deck always leaked gear oil dealer said it’s normal. Only mowed maybe 10 hrs my first year. 2nd year tractor was in the shop from July to november My fuel pump burnt up 50 hrs, 150 hours backhoe ripped threadings out and fell off. Got it back in November couldn’t do no mowing in the winter. This year hooked up mower deck basically bone dry in gear box. Filled it mowed once and all the oil leaked out of it when I stopped mowing

👍

Soo you should do a follow up video with what would be a tractor worth buying in this category or close to it. I’ve been looking at the slightly larger versions like the mt342, or kioti ck3510, or a tym or ????

I had the rear tires spinning, turns out the wrong fluid was used. Really like my mt125.

Thanks for the insight was considering one of the unit's and you just helped with my decision. Thank you

So when you were talking about that hose hasn't but left on your hands believe it or not lots of equipment does that

on the paint and rubber if you use pledge on it at least once a year it will stay nice looking, the salt in the air break them down.

Good to know! Thanks for the info, and sorry about your purchase. This video convinced me to go with a Cat or Deere.

I guess I'm not clear what the actual issue is other than dealer? You bought a lower quality tractor without first doing the research? I have a 2015 XJ2025 and I love it. It will handle more than the tractor is rated for. Hydraulics lift more than the tractor is rated for as well. I do agree with the dealer issues, but I do my own maintenance to the tractor and since then I have had zero issues with it that are not common. Mine also sits out in the weather. It is manual, not hydrostatic. I have the front snow blower for the winter. Cycling your glow plugs, you probably don't work it hard to keep the carbon out of it, just pull the glow-plugs and clean them off. I do that every fall and it starts great. To me that's general maintenance. I think I'm very glad I purchased before the regen, because any regen tractor to me is just a recipe for problems. I use a 5 foot bushhog, and snowblower and the bucket...for the money I am very satisfied with the tractor, its performance, and reliability.

Yup. Dealer is the important part of a tractor purchase. Brand of tractor not so much.

ALWAYS buy your dealer. When you say "all dealers", that is a pretty broad stroke. Kinda like me saying all guys named Dick.... I am not saying that at all. Just think about what you said. If you had good dealer support, this video may have gone another way or not even made. I am an equipment dealer like my dad, and my grandad before him. I have been a LS dealer since 2012. I have gotten better dealer support from LS than the BIG red guys and the BIG orange guys! When customers call me from your part of the country or other places too far for us to service, I always refer them back to their local LS dealer. If you don't feel that dealer can support you well, buy another brand. Whatever brand you purchase, your dealer will make all the difference!

Thanks for telling the truth 0

I have the MT 573 bought it brand new in April 2019. Yes it has more features then the John Deere and the Kabota and the new Holland for the money but it has way too many issues they went bonkers with the electronics and it just is not a trustworthy tractor.I hate the day I bought it. And the LS CustomerService is absolutely horrible

You convinced me to not get one. Will save up for orange or green, both dealers are great in New Brunswick. The blue dealer is a boat/rv/ATV/tractor dealer with a so so reputation and 6 dealerships between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

I subscribed for now! LS doesn't make tires, so what brand were they?

Sorry you are so disappointed in the machine. I was really close to buying that tractor but in the end when comparing the LS and the TYM T25 side by side I opted for the TYM. It gets delivered tomorrow. I hope I have a better owner experience than you have with the LS. I'll be posting videos soon. Cheers from Nova Scotia 🇨🇦

For the rubber, is it possible it was washed with a harsh chemical? I forget the cleaner, but I ruined a fishing reel handle (cheaper than a tractor) that was rubber.

Also you said there was something wrong with the front end?

IS IT WORTH THE SAVINGS 💰💰 TO BUY AN LS TRACTOR?

These problems are insane.

Like buying a hyundai in the early 2000s. Just junk, and worse yet, junk that is a nightmare to get serviced.

You bought the toy model lol. I have owned 3 LS tractors from the 37 horse 50 horse and now the 52 horse hydro. The only thing i've used my dealer for is filters. Hope you find another toy tractor your happy with but the little guy's are not made like the big boy's.

I've heard you mention poor dealer support. Tractor may work for me because I won't use it a lot, but I don't want to be in a situation like you with your dealer. Where are you located? I am north of Houston, TX.

Is the LS another rebranded TYM tractor? What motor does it have?

Have a 2121. Mt240e. 24 hrs. Been 2 to dealer. Still not right. Junk

Oof, that's all I can say... I have been looking into sub-compact tractors for a bit now. We just bought our first house... It's on a TINY piece of land respectively (only about 0.65 acre) but we have a lot of work to do and want to put in a fairly large garden area too. I also thought it would be fun to do some side projects and cover it on my channel (right now it's mostly car stuff - for example - my KIA Sorento SUV w/ 6.0L LSx swap). It REALLY sucks to hear you have these issues. The thing is, most of these you CAN'T just pass off as "just one guys problem" poor rubber quality for example doesn't happen on just ONE tractor! I have dealt with that crap on countless Chinese items too. It only gets worse. I HOPE there are no rubber fuel lines or you'll have shit like plugged injector in no time. I can't thank you enough for making an honest video. It's gonna be MUCH harder to convince my wife to buy a tractor that's 8k more or MORE when she already thinks I'm nuts for wanting a "huge tractor". I really don't think she knows how small they really are. Haha. She hears tractor and thinks big... Like in the Deere 5 or 9 series. LoL Will be checking out more videos of yours to see what other tractor and cool stuff you have too!

I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!

You get what you pay for

Comment

I have a 2019 LS MT125 w/ backhoe and bucket. I love my tractor. I've had small issues such as fitting loose or lug nuts. Biggest issue I had was joy stick broke after 30hrs of use. Dealer replaced it at no cost and bought me and wife lunch due to 2 hr drive. I've had great luck with my LS it now has over 200 hrs. I see where many people rate the tractor in regards to service. If you get bad dealer brand will not matter. Recommend LS to anyone looking for sub-compact for personal use.

Sorry but I couldn’t even read through all the comments. I feel you need to stick with push mowers and cars. Too much whining about your dealer. Yes there are some crap dealers and some good dealers as well. Any experienced tractor guy will tell you buy the brand that has good dealer support. I own many tractors including two LS, none are perfect. IF you have mechanical skills then perhaps the less expensive brand is a good purchase for you. Buy the dealer should be your thought. You bet JD or Kubota will generally give better service as their Corporate will not put up with unskilled or unprofessional staff. LS, not so much. Too many don’t realize these are tools and need to be maintained. Washing and waxing is good I suppose, use a rag and a grease gun along with common sense. Ugh. Sorry, but whining about paint issues bugs me. Better luck with your JD or Kubota.

I have a xr3037h. After 5 years of commercial use it had to go to the dealer for the first time. I think our problem is it sits too much. The sub compacts are all very similar. They all use the yanmar 24.7hp All your filters can be crossed by looking at workmaster 25s filters. I know people with all brands. All the dealers are the same. No help. No parts. No clue.

So you're mad because the hydraulic hoses are dirty and your dealer sucks? Lol

If i were you i would be in the phone with corporate asking if they want to deal with you or with your attorney. You purchased a product and it's not serving it's purpose.

Buy John Deere or Kubota. Dealer network is unmatched.

What brand tires .and all the hydraulic hoses do that I'm a heavy equipment mechanic. Put 100 hoses on a year. There all junk.and your tractor is a newholland just different shade blue

Ls tractors are junk! I regret it as well!

Sell it and get a new tractor for new content.

Sounds like your knowledge of the shotty paint you are so familiar with and a dealership that was disorganized and in disarray you probably should have walked away. Sounds more like you bought the cheapest tractor and expected a Kubota or a Deere. I stopped watching half way through

this is how to say you dont know tractors without saying you dont know tractors , i have had 3 different brands JD, kUBOTA and LS honestly they are all the same, the cute paint will wear off where you get on and off with all of them, LS parts are easier to come by also if you buy a tractor plan on no dealer support .

I don't think you have ever owned a tractor before. If you would have bought any other brand you would be making the same video. How much you want for it

Where you buy your machine is *you* problem, not a tractor problem. Comes off as having personal vendetta rather than a rational opinion. I think you guys have tea up there, go have a cup and chill.