I just bought the MT3 57hp cab. I also have the 3135 and it has been a great tractor for the last five years. My new LS MT3 57 so far has been nothing less than awesome.
Great comparison! I just picked up an open station MT342, and was also pleasantly surprised at the amount of power it puts to the ground. Bent up a bunch of box scraper scarifiers while going through some buried concrete, and the tractor hardly slowed down.
Well I've heard a lot of folks having problems with the regen and I was looking at those tractors and I went to Kubota and talk to a Salesman that was a service technician. He told me the reason people are having problems with their Regen it's because they're not letting it cycle completely through and keeping the RPMs up around at least 2,000. I was actually wanting to get rid of that unit and there's no way to get rid of it as of yet
Yeah, sadly regen is a problem that plagues all tier 4 tractors. I have not had that issue on either of the 2 LS tractors I have had but I did run the tractor at higher RPMs and I never stopped it during a regen. It totally could be user error for most of the issues but I have heard people swear they did it right and it still had issues. My neighbor has a John Deere that has regen issues and will only regen properly if he forces it to. The regen never bothered me, but I am sure there are tons of people that wish they could delete it.
Leaving the a/c fan in high all the time will wear out the a/c compressor prematurely. Keeping the blower on 1 or 2 will ensure the compressor will probably never fail.
Really. I have never heard that before. Do you know why that would wear out the compressor? The fan just blows the air from the coil to the cab. I would love to know more to help have a trouble free AC system.
That's non-sense. The compressor runs on cooling demand, lower setting it'll run longer. Higher, it'll run less. Depends on how much air you want or temp. Just like any modern passenger car they usually last the lifetime if they are cared for and you clean the condenser of debris.
Thanks. I had a hard time finding good information about my last version, the XR4140hc when I bought it. I also had a hard time finding information about this model. I was hoping it would help someone that was looking for information on this one.
This unit has been great. I love the new features the MT3 series added over the XR4140 series. Hope yours is great too. Thanks for checking out the video.
Very nice! Congrats! Though, I didnt think you would get another LS after your issues with your last one. This has me considering a possible trade! And I love my XR!! :P How did the trade in process go? Did you take a bit hit?
I am not sure if it was just my specific tractor or they did a lot of changes, but this 42 HP tractor is a beast compared to my last one. Makes my last one feel like it was 20 HP. I go up hills in 3rd (hst high) that I could not get up in 2nd (hst mid) on the last one. The new linked peddle hst feature is awesome. As for trade in..., we worked out a deal but I can't talk about it.
Really. That is good to know. I guess they switched over to this loader even before they switched to the new model naming. Like you see in the video, these models are pretty much the same except they added some new features. Hope the tractor has bee great for you.
Excellent overview. I recently upgraded LS models as well....went from an XR4155HC to an MT5-73CPS. WOW, what an upgrade! I even bit on the R14 tires...very nice. There is no doubt that LS has been doing their homework and, IMO, offers the best bang-4-buck tractors available in the MT line. Question: Did they improve the loader valve on the MT3 over that which was on the XR41XX series? The 2 issues that needed to be addressed were the "floppy bucket" syndrome and the bucket/boom functions being able to be used simultaneously.
Congrats on the upgrade. Floppy bucket seems to be mostly gone on this one, but I will have to check again on the simultaneous loader functions. My last model had floppy bucket pretty bad. I have not done a lot with it so far other than shredding. I really needed to shred the whole place. I will let you know the next time I use it how the loader functions do.
@@SeidelRanch Floppy bucket is easily remedied with an inexpensive inline adjustable restrictor valve (I installed one on my XR), so not a big deal if the MT3 has the issue although I would have thought LS would have addressed this - as you pointed out, they already redesigned the loader valve with the hydraulic line routing. There are threads on tractor forums that address this. LS is clearly improving their already very good tractors and the MT line is an excellent step forward. Again, very nice overview. BTW, I understand the LS is now offering their own MT3 3rd function kit that is a much more clean install than a WR Long aftermarket 3rd function kit. It even includes hard lines and an integrated joystick. Haven't seen one yet, but my dealer said he was installing one on a tractor about to be delivered. I would be all over that if I bought an MT3. As it turned out the MT5 is factory 3rd function prepped.
Can you now use the loader arms and tilt the bucket at the same time? Thats my think I hate the most about my XR 4140H. Can you do a video show the pedal link operation?
No on the loader arms. If you can, I don't know how to. They are one function at a time. The pedal link works great and I will try to make a video of that.
Are you still happy with the tractor? Do you ever wish you would have got the 47, 52, or 57 hp? I found a pretty good deal on a used 21 MT342, but an hesitant due to the lower hp. Any input would be appreciative.
So I was very happy with the MT342, but about a year in I did sell it and later bought a 75HP tractor. The 42HP tractor is a very usable power range and with the cab and features it was great. For small acreage this machine did very well. I went with the 42HP range and not the 57HP because for me it's the size of the machine I needed, not the power really. Weight is a big factor with tractor work. This thing handled large round bales without an issue. I had thought about a bigger machine, but did not feel I needed anything bigger. I had a neighbor that needed a tractor like mine after he went through some surgeries and it was during a time that you just could not get one. He told me, "If you ever think about selling that tractor, let me know; I want it." When I heard he could not get his hands on one I offered him mine and he jumped on it. He loved that tractor. Sadly he passed away a few years later. I did end up buying another tractor once the crazy time was over, and I went with this one: ruclips.net/video/5xRf6KGb36w/видео.html The extra size and weight is awesome, and it was only about $10k more than this one. For me, this is the size I should have gotten to start with. It does everything I need and more. The only thing I miss is the hydrostatic transmission, but the power shuttle is the next best thing. We have 40 acres at our central Texas land, and 80 acres at another property. If I only had 10 or maybe 20 acres, I think this would be too big. That said, I have other tractors too, some bigger and some smaller. So, my advice is to look at how big of a tractor you need. The HP is nice, but 42 vs 57 in this tractor size to me was not much of a factor. I was fine with 42. Maybe if you are planning on running a large shredder all the time on it the HP would be worth it. For me it would be do you want a compact utility tractor or a utility tractor. They both have their places.
So doing a comparison on new to old tractors. You mention there is a lift capacity difference in the new versus old loader but you don't give either weight spec for either loader. So those that are looking at New LS tractors have no idea on the capabilities of the loader. 😆
I also said it was very small and you would not notice the difference. I think the difference was less then 25 lbs. Not sure you can really tell the difference between 2700lbs and 2680lbs. I would not be able to. If you want the tractor specs, it's as easy as looking at the manufactures website: lstractorusa.com/tractor/mt342h-42hp/
Is the steering telescopic or just tilt? I sat in a 4046 with a cab and felt like the steering wheel was very "low" and i was almost reaching "down" to get my hands on it.
The LS Loader Operator Manual for the LL4106 Loader states the Bucket Capacity is 15.9 cu. ft.. It does not state if that is level or heaped capacity. I have always just assumed it was a 1/2 cubic yard bucket as an average to estimate my bucket loads.
Thanks a lot, been looking for a smaller compact tractor and there isn't much info on this brand out there. I happened to see the rcotractor sticker, I was wondering your thoughts on that dealer? I live nearby (up in Burnet) and they seem to be the closest dealer, but their website shows 403-forbidden access is denied when I try to find more info about them. They would be close enough for me as I do most my own maintenance, but would like something somewhat local I could go to if I needed service or parts. Have you tried buying parts online for LS tractors or how is their part network?
I would recommend RCO. They are good at working with you and shipping parts if you are further away. Ask for John and let him know I sent you. He will treat you right. As for parts, I have tried to buy parts online before but I have had the best luck with just calling RCO and getting them to ship whatever I need to me. I think LS relies mainly on their dealer network to manage parts to customers. I don't think LS has a public parts website.
@@SeidelRanch I asked because a (different brand) Tractor I had ordered from my dealer was over 6 months out and I need it this spring and they had just received a LS MT342 with a Backhoe. They gave me a decent deal and it was delivered a couple days ago and I have had to work and haven't had much time to investigate. Great Overview.
I never thought much about that. I know the smaller ones have a fold down brush guard. I wonder why they don't do the same on the bigger tractors. Does it cause you issues?
@@SeidelRanch I don't have an LS.I have looked at them before but I don't know if I trust their quality. I noticed the guard is just like the one on the previous version. I figured they would have addressed that with the new model.
@@311hitwall I see. Yeah, the brush guard is pretty much the exact same one. My last LS tractor was the XR4140 HC and I did have some issues with its placement, but mostly because I hit a few things with it. Thanks for checking out the video.
The bolt holes by the support cross tube is for covers. Your loader manual will have the part number. The cooler in front is the fuel cooler. The regular hydrostat has the cooler in front like your XR did. The S-HST has a larger cooler and is right behind the condenser. Notice that you have a white loader dust cap connected to a green one? What's up with that.
Well, when I got mine it was around $35k for a new MT342HC. Now that you can't get them, I hear the price is going up. Right now all tractors are pretty scarce and dealers are marking them up I hear.
Yeah, they are both made by LS Mtron. The New Hollands have a different loader and a few small differences, but they are almost the same machines. My MT342 is almost exactly the same as a New Holland Boomer 40.
@@SeidelRanch yeah me and my father where at a ag show and i oways thought they where some cheap china brand. Then we got talking to the sales men and he said that. And he priced out a (50hp forget model) for like $30,000 some thing. We where like cool.
I heard that Case IH Farmall C series. Many roll off the same line just in Red. 30C-50C I believe all have a LS Mitron L3C19 1.9 Turbo charged engine. Cosmetic differences etc. I would guess different loader as well.
I just bought the MT3 57hp cab. I also have the 3135 and it has been a great tractor for the last five years. My new LS MT3 57 so far has been nothing less than awesome.
Very nice! Mine is doing well.
Just got my mt342 yesterday…love it..it a workhorse!
Great to hear! Mine has been great.
Great comparison! I just picked up an open station MT342, and was also pleasantly surprised at the amount of power it puts to the ground. Bent up a bunch of box scraper scarifiers while going through some buried concrete, and the tractor hardly slowed down.
I agree, this model is really putting the power down. My last model could not do some things in 2nd gear that this can do in 3rd.
Got the same tractor in a shuttle. Loving it! Only had it for 3 months and already got 69hrs. Cant stay off it lol!
Yes, I am enjoying it. Loving the upgrades it has VS my old XR4140HC.
Well I've heard a lot of folks having problems with the regen and I was looking at those tractors and I went to Kubota and talk to a Salesman that was a service technician. He told me the reason people are having problems with their Regen it's because they're not letting it cycle completely through and keeping the RPMs up around at least 2,000. I was actually wanting to get rid of that unit and there's no way to get rid of it as of yet
Yeah, sadly regen is a problem that plagues all tier 4 tractors. I have not had that issue on either of the 2 LS tractors I have had but I did run the tractor at higher RPMs and I never stopped it during a regen. It totally could be user error for most of the issues but I have heard people swear they did it right and it still had issues. My neighbor has a John Deere that has regen issues and will only regen properly if he forces it to. The regen never bothered me, but I am sure there are tons of people that wish they could delete it.
Nice tractor
Thanks 👍
Nice tractor. Hope it does good for you.
I hope so too
Leaving the a/c fan in high all the time will wear out the a/c compressor prematurely. Keeping the blower on 1 or 2 will ensure the compressor will probably never fail.
Really. I have never heard that before. Do you know why that would wear out the compressor? The fan just blows the air from the coil to the cab. I would love to know more to help have a trouble free AC system.
That's non-sense. The compressor runs on cooling demand, lower setting it'll run longer. Higher, it'll run less. Depends on how much air you want or temp. Just like any modern passenger car they usually last the lifetime if they are cared for and you clean the condenser of debris.
@@THEjasonTDI That is what I have heard also. Keep the Freon and oil levels good and keep the condenser clean. Thanks for the feedback.
Great synopsis of the upgrades, thanks!
Thanks. I had a hard time finding good information about my last version, the XR4140hc when I bought it. I also had a hard time finding information about this model. I was hoping it would help someone that was looking for information on this one.
How are you liking your tractor after a year? I'm coming from John Deere and just put a deposit on the MT342 cab today. Great video too!
This unit has been great. I love the new features the MT3 series added over the XR4140 series. Hope yours is great too. Thanks for checking out the video.
Very nice! Congrats!
Though, I didnt think you would get another LS after your issues with your last one.
This has me considering a possible trade! And I love my XR!! :P
How did the trade in process go? Did you take a bit hit?
I am not sure if it was just my specific tractor or they did a lot of changes, but this 42 HP tractor is a beast compared to my last one. Makes my last one feel like it was 20 HP. I go up hills in 3rd (hst high) that I could not get up in 2nd (hst mid) on the last one. The new linked peddle hst feature is awesome. As for trade in..., we worked out a deal but I can't talk about it.
I have a 2020 xr4155 and it has the same loader
Really. That is good to know. I guess they switched over to this loader even before they switched to the new model naming. Like you see in the video, these models are pretty much the same except they added some new features. Hope the tractor has bee great for you.
SeidelRanch I have 250 hours and use it almost daily, love it! In fact I actually just ordered a 2022 larger unit 68hp LS has been very good for me :)
@@goaatveing Awesome. This one is working great for me.
I live in Vermont, and I am finding it very hard to find a LS tractor. Looking for MT 468.c or a mt 458c 😊
Really. I figured all the empty tractor lots were over with. My LS dealer closed shop.
Excellent overview. I recently upgraded LS models as well....went from an XR4155HC to an MT5-73CPS. WOW, what an upgrade! I even bit on the R14 tires...very nice. There is no doubt that LS has been doing their homework and, IMO, offers the best bang-4-buck tractors available in the MT line. Question: Did they improve the loader valve on the MT3 over that which was on the XR41XX series? The 2 issues that needed to be addressed were the "floppy bucket" syndrome and the bucket/boom functions being able to be used simultaneously.
Congrats on the upgrade. Floppy bucket seems to be mostly gone on this one, but I will have to check again on the simultaneous loader functions. My last model had floppy bucket pretty bad. I have not done a lot with it so far other than shredding. I really needed to shred the whole place. I will let you know the next time I use it how the loader functions do.
@@SeidelRanch Floppy bucket is easily remedied with an inexpensive inline adjustable restrictor valve (I installed one on my XR), so not a big deal if the MT3 has the issue although I would have thought LS would have addressed this - as you pointed out, they already redesigned the loader valve with the hydraulic line routing. There are threads on tractor forums that address this. LS is clearly improving their already very good tractors and the MT line is an excellent step forward. Again, very nice overview. BTW, I understand the LS is now offering their own MT3 3rd function kit that is a much more clean install than a WR Long aftermarket 3rd function kit. It even includes hard lines and an integrated joystick. Haven't seen one yet, but my dealer said he was installing one on a tractor about to be delivered. I would be all over that if I bought an MT3. As it turned out the MT5 is factory 3rd function prepped.
@@rockyroad5035 Very nice. I will have to look into that LS 3rd function for the MT3.
Can you now use the loader arms and tilt the bucket at the same time? Thats my think I hate the most about my XR 4140H. Can you do a video show the pedal link operation?
No on the loader arms. If you can, I don't know how to. They are one function at a time. The pedal link works great and I will try to make a video of that.
Are you still happy with the tractor? Do you ever wish you would have got the 47, 52, or 57 hp?
I found a pretty good deal on a used 21 MT342, but an hesitant due to the lower hp.
Any input would be appreciative.
So I was very happy with the MT342, but about a year in I did sell it and later bought a 75HP tractor.
The 42HP tractor is a very usable power range and with the cab and features it was great. For small acreage this machine did very well. I went with the 42HP range and not the 57HP because for me it's the size of the machine I needed, not the power really. Weight is a big factor with tractor work. This thing handled large round bales without an issue.
I had thought about a bigger machine, but did not feel I needed anything bigger. I had a neighbor that needed a tractor like mine after he went through some surgeries and it was during a time that you just could not get one. He told me, "If you ever think about selling that tractor, let me know; I want it." When I heard he could not get his hands on one I offered him mine and he jumped on it. He loved that tractor. Sadly he passed away a few years later.
I did end up buying another tractor once the crazy time was over, and I went with this one: ruclips.net/video/5xRf6KGb36w/видео.html
The extra size and weight is awesome, and it was only about $10k more than this one. For me, this is the size I should have gotten to start with. It does everything I need and more. The only thing I miss is the hydrostatic transmission, but the power shuttle is the next best thing.
We have 40 acres at our central Texas land, and 80 acres at another property. If I only had 10 or maybe 20 acres, I think this would be too big. That said, I have other tractors too, some bigger and some smaller.
So, my advice is to look at how big of a tractor you need. The HP is nice, but 42 vs 57 in this tractor size to me was not much of a factor. I was fine with 42. Maybe if you are planning on running a large shredder all the time on it the HP would be worth it. For me it would be do you want a compact utility tractor or a utility tractor. They both have their places.
So doing a comparison on new to old tractors. You mention there is a lift capacity difference in the new versus old loader but you don't give either weight spec for either loader. So those that are looking at New LS tractors have no idea on the capabilities of the loader. 😆
I also said it was very small and you would not notice the difference. I think the difference was less then 25 lbs. Not sure you can really tell the difference between 2700lbs and 2680lbs. I would not be able to. If you want the tractor specs, it's as easy as looking at the manufactures website: lstractorusa.com/tractor/mt342h-42hp/
Is the steering telescopic or just tilt? I sat in a 4046 with a cab and felt like the steering wheel was very "low" and i was almost reaching "down" to get my hands on it.
Mine is tilt but not telescopic. The seat slides back and forth.
Do you know the volume of the loader bucket. I thought I heard/read its 11 cubic feet.
The LS Loader Operator Manual for the LL4106 Loader states the Bucket Capacity is 15.9 cu. ft.. It does not state if that is level or heaped capacity. I have always just assumed it was a 1/2 cubic yard bucket as an average to estimate my bucket loads.
@@SeidelRanch Thanks. And yeah after I asked I thought about the manual but it was up on my land.
@@wdbldr67 No problem. It's good data to know.
Thanks a lot, been looking for a smaller compact tractor and there isn't much info on this brand out there. I happened to see the rcotractor sticker, I was wondering your thoughts on that dealer? I live nearby (up in Burnet) and they seem to be the closest dealer, but their website shows 403-forbidden access is denied when I try to find more info about them. They would be close enough for me as I do most my own maintenance, but would like something somewhat local I could go to if I needed service or parts. Have you tried buying parts online for LS tractors or how is their part network?
I would recommend RCO. They are good at working with you and shipping parts if you are further away. Ask for John and let him know I sent you. He will treat you right. As for parts, I have tried to buy parts online before but I have had the best luck with just calling RCO and getting them to ship whatever I need to me. I think LS relies mainly on their dealer network to manage parts to customers. I don't think LS has a public parts website.
That bit of hesitation when tipping the bucket makes sense if its deliberate in the design to be able to thump any hung up material out of the bucket.
In this case it was not deliberate, but they have done a good job at minimizing it.
@@SeidelRanch have you investigated that tool area on the right side of the seat. Is that a Maintenance hatch?
@@wdbldr67 I haven't opened it up but will next time I am at the land and let you know.
@@SeidelRanch I asked because a (different brand) Tractor I had ordered from my dealer was over 6 months out and I need it this spring and they had just received a LS MT342 with a Backhoe. They gave me a decent deal and it was delivered a couple days ago and I have had to work and haven't had much time to investigate. Great Overview.
@@wdbldr67 Congrats on the new tractor and backhoe. Keep me updated on how it does for you. The MT342 has been doing great for me.
Still got that stupid brush guard that doesn't fit up against the grille. How hard is it to make one that you can move out of the way.
I never thought much about that. I know the smaller ones have a fold down brush guard. I wonder why they don't do the same on the bigger tractors. Does it cause you issues?
@@SeidelRanch I don't have an LS.I have looked at them before but I don't know if I trust their quality. I noticed the guard is just like the one on the previous version. I figured they would have addressed that with the new model.
@@311hitwall I see. Yeah, the brush guard is pretty much the exact same one. My last LS tractor was the XR4140 HC and I did have some issues with its placement, but mostly because I hit a few things with it. Thanks for checking out the video.
The bolt holes by the support cross tube is for covers. Your loader manual will have the part number.
The cooler in front is the fuel cooler. The regular hydrostat has the cooler in front like your XR did. The S-HST has a larger cooler and is right behind the condenser.
Notice that you have a white loader dust cap connected to a green one? What's up with that.
I noticed that too. I guess they ran out of the other color? Thanks for the info BTW. Take Care.
What is the price on the mt342 cab?
Well, when I got mine it was around $35k for a new MT342HC. Now that you can't get them, I hear the price is going up. Right now all tractors are pretty scarce and dealers are marking them up I hear.
Did you now ls tractors are the same as a new Holland just cheaper
Yeah, they are both made by LS Mtron. The New Hollands have a different loader and a few small differences, but they are almost the same machines. My MT342 is almost exactly the same as a New Holland Boomer 40.
@@SeidelRanch yeah me and my father where at a ag show and i oways thought they where some cheap china brand. Then we got talking to the sales men and he said that. And he priced out a (50hp forget model) for like $30,000 some thing. We where like cool.
I heard that Case IH Farmall C series. Many roll off the same line just in Red. 30C-50C I believe all have a LS Mitron L3C19 1.9 Turbo charged engine. Cosmetic differences etc. I would guess different loader as well.