LS has previewed its most powerful tractor range so far. The new three model range of MT9 tractors peaks with the 143hp MT9.140.
Claimed as the most powerful tractor ever produced in South Korea, the official unveiling of the MT9.140 took place at Kiemsta 2024, the largest agricultural machinery exhibition in the country, and much of the spec is now listed on the company’s website.
The 3.6-litre, Stage V compliant FPT engine (max torque 600Nm) also powers the other two models: the MT9.120 (122hp) and MT9.130 (132hp), which is mated to a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Believed to be the first time this type of box has been developed in South Korea, the result is said to be smooth and fast shifting between the 32 forward, 32 reverse gears with eight automatic speeds. Top speed is 35km/hr in the T9.120 and 37.5km/hr in the other two models.
The wheelbase of all three tractors is 2.6m, rear lift capacity is 4.2t and pto speeds are 540/540E/1000rpm. We are unable to confirm if the following are standard or optional, but there is a suspended cab, suspended and heated seat, electronic loader joystick, 120l/min load-sensing hydraulics and front and rear cameras. The company says it will add autonomous technology to the MT9 next year.
Figures compiled by the Korean Society of Agricultural Machinery show that sales of 100hp+ tractors in the country more than doubled from 2015 (13.3%) to 2022 (30.8%). The proportion is expected to increase in the future, so LS is clearly looking to be ready to tap into this market with the MT9.
It remains to be seen if there are any plans to bring the LT9 to Europe. LS had a stand at the recent Italian EIMA show, where staff were tight-lipped. The only comment was that the decision had not yet been made on whether to put the new tractors through the EU homologation process.
For now, the 101hp four-pot MT7.101 remains the most powerful LS tractor currently available in Europe, but if you are planning to visit Agritechnica in November next year, then it might be worth popping onto the LT stand.
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