Who Makes LS Tractors? The Real Story Behind This Growing Brand

LS Tractors are built by LS Mtron Co., Ltd., a South Korean tractor manufacturer that’s been in the farm equipment business since 1977. Here’s why that matters for property owners in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington: LS Mtron supplies major tractor companies like Case IH and New Holland as an OEM supplier, which means they’re building tractors trusted by some of the biggest names in agriculture.

We’ve been selling LS Tractor models since we became a dealer in 2009, and what impressed me from the start was their approach to manufacturing. Unlike some brands that chase the latest trends, LS Mtron focuses on proven diesel engines and reliable standard features that work day after day on real properties.

Meet LS Mtron: The Manufacturer of LS Tractors

A Global Leader in Tractor Manufacturing

LS Mtron Co., Ltd. is part of the LS Group, which split off from the LG Group in 2003. That corporate history might sound complicated, but here’s what it means for you: LS Mtron inherited decades of manufacturing expertise from LG Machinery while gaining the independence to focus specifically on farm equipment and advanced technology.

Their manufacturing footprint spans multiple continents, with all tractor manufacturing done at assembly plants in South Korea, Brazil, and China. LS Tractor USA handles North American distribution through three key distribution centers: their headquarters in North Carolina, a newer facility in Palestine, Texas, and their California distribution center that serves our region. This network means better parts availability and support than brands without strong North American distribution.

What sets LS Mtron apart in my experience is their engineering focus on efficient engines and practical design. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel—they’re building tractors that handle the work property owners actually need to do.

LS Tractor USA: Supporting North America

LS Tractor USA started operations in 2009, the same year we became a dealer. Their North American headquarters is located in North Carolina, and they’ve expanded their distributioetwork with a new facility in Palestine, Texas, plus their California distribution center to better serve the growing dealer network across the United States.

With over 350 dealerships across North America, LS has built the kind of dealer support that matters when you need service or parts. The North American Equipment Dealers Association has recognized LS for customer satisfaction multiple years running, which tells you something about how they treat both dealers and customers.

From a dealer’s perspective, LS Tractor USA provides the kind of backing you want—consistent parts supply, technical training, and support that helps us keep your equipment running. That’s not always the case with every tractor manufacturer.

LS Mtron Global Manufacturing Network

Location	Facility Type	What Happens There
Jeonju, South Korea	Primary Assembly	Tractor manufacturing
Bongdong, South Korea	Engine Plant	Diesel engine production
Battleboro, NC	US Headquarters	Assembly, distribution, parts
Palestine, TX	Distribution (opened March 2024)	Testing, training, western logistics
North Carolina	Parts Warehouse (opened May 2024)	Parts, IT, warranty, service

LS Tractor USA now operates over 350 dealerships across North America, including AG-BAG Forage Solutions here in the Pacific Northwest.

The History of LS Tractors: From Goldstar to LS Mtron

Tracing Their Roots to Goldstar Heavy Industries

The history of LS Tractors goes back to Korea Heavy Industries & Construction Co. in the 1970s, which became Goldstar Heavy Industries in 1983. When people ask who makes LS tractors, this history matters because it shows nearly five decades of manufacturing experience.

The transition from Gold Star to LS Mtron in 2003 when the company joined the LS Group marked a turning point. Instead of being a small part of a massive electronics conglomerate, LS Mtron could focus entirely on what they do best: building reliable farm equipment.

Montana Tractors and Other Collaborations

Here’s something that might surprise you: LS Mtron has been producing tractors for major brands for years. They manufactured Montana tractors and continue as an OEM supplier to CNH Industrial, which owns Case IH and New Holland. They also supply Claas tractors for certain markets.

This OEM work is actually a vote of confidence in LS’s manufacturing quality. When major tractor companies trust LS Mtron to build tractors under their own brand names, it tells you they meet the same quality standards as the big names—often at better prices.

LS Mtron by the Numbers (2025)

• 48 years in tractor manufacturing (since 1977)
• 350+ dealerships across North America
• 3 US facilities for assembly and parts
• $380 million CNH Industrial supply agreement (2023–2025)
• 28,500 tractors supplied to New Holland and Case IH under that deal

These numbers matter because they show LS isn’t a newcomer—they’re a proven manufacturer with serious OEM partnerships.

What’s New from LS Tractor (2024-2025)

LS Tractor has been busy expanding their North American presence:

New Facilities:

• March 2024: Opened 206,000 sq ft distribution center in Palestine, Texas
• May 2024: Opened 100,000 sq ft parts warehouse in North Carolina

New Models:

• MT2E Series: Redesigned hood, LED headlamps, larger lifting capacity, improved seat comfort
• MT473: 73 HP utility tractor with 15% larger cab space
• MT774: New 74 HP model launched April 2024

Technology:

• LS Mtron launched autonomous tractor technology (LS SmarTrek) in Korea
• EON3 electric tractor introduced for sustainable farming applications

These investments show LS is committed to the North American market for the long haul.

Why LS Tractors Are the Best Choice for Property Owners

Affordable, Reliable, and Versatile Models

After 10+ years selling LS tractors, I’ve learned what works for different property types in our region. Sub-compact tractor models like the MT125 handle small acreage tasks—mowing, light loader work, basic property maintenance—without the complexity or cost of larger machines.

For property owners with more demanding needs, utility tractors including MT3 models provide the power for serious work. These diesel engines meet current emission standards while delivering the PTO HP needed for larger implements like rotary cutters and hay equipment.

The real advantage I see with LS tractors is their approach to standard features. Where other manufacturers nickel-and-dime you with options, LS typically includes features like four-wheel drive, power steering, and quality hydraulics as standard equipment.

Resale Value and Dealer Support

One question I get often is about resale value. LS tractors from LS Mtron hold their value well, particularly because they’re built to last rather than designed to be replaced every few years. The growing dealer network across North America also means there’s strong demand for used LS equipment.

Quality service starts with your local dealer, and that’s where Ag-Bag Forage Solutions comes in for Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. We’ve seen how LS tractors perform in our specific conditions—the wet springs, the clay soils, the steep terrain many of our customers deal with. That local knowledge matters when you’re choosing equipment.

What impressed me about the LS dealer network is their focus on long-term relationships rather than just moving units. When you buy an LS tractor, you’re getting access to parts, service, and support that continues for years.

Find LS Tractors at Ag-Bag Forage Solutions

If you’re considering LS Tractor models for your property, I’d recommend seeing them in person. Sub-compact tractors work well for smaller properties, while our utility tractors handle larger acreage and heavier implements.

The manufacturing legacy behind LS tractors—from Goldstar Heavy Industries to today’s LS Mtron—represents decades of continuous improvement in tractor design and manufacturing. That experience shows in the final product.

Visit us at Ag-Bag Forage Solutions to see why LS Tractors are a smart choice for property owners and farmers in our region. After selling these machines for over 15 years, I can tell you firsthand why they’ve earned their reputation for reliability and value.

Ready to see an LS tractor in action? Stop by our dealership or call us to discuss which model fits your property’s needs. Whether you’re managing a few acres or running a working farm, we’ll help you find the right equipment—even if it’s not something we sell.

FAQ’s

Q: Where are LS tractors manufactured?

A: LS tractors are primarily assembled in South Korea at LS Mtron’s Jeonju plant. They’re then shipped to US facilities in North Carolina, Texas, and other locations where they’re customized with loaders, cabs, and region-specific components before going to dealers.

Q: Does LS still make tractors for New Holland?

A: Yes. LS Mtron has supplied compact tractors to CNH Industrial (New Holland’s parent company) since 2009. In 2022, they signed a $380 million agreement to supply 28,500 tractors through 2025. In November 2023, they expanded the partnership further with plans for localized production in India.

Q: How long has LS been making tractors?

A: Since 1977—that’s 48 years of manufacturing experience. The company started as part of Korea Heavy Industries, was acquired by Goldstar Heavy Industries (now LS Mtron) in 1983, and became the best-selling tractor manufacturer in South Korea by 2013.

Q: Are LS tractors reliable?

A: After 10+ years selling LS tractors, we’ve found them to be reliable workhorses. The combination of proven Yanmar/Mitsubishi engines (depending on model), strong hydraulics, and competitive warranty coverage makes them a solid choice. Parts availability through US distribution centers has improved significantly with their recent facility investments.