LS Tractor
MT2 Series: MT232HE

The 24 HP class wasn’t built for your property. The MT232HE is — 31.7 HP, pedal-free HST transmission with 3 ranges, 2,506 lbs of loader lift, and a YANMAR 3-cylinder diesel engine that doesn’t quit at altitude. This is the open-station workhorse for Colorado property owners who want serious horsepower without a clutch pedal and without stepping into a cab. Infinite ground speed control in three ranges. Independent 540 PTO. DPF-equipped Tier 4 compliant. Available now at Legacy Tractors in Fort Collins — the only LS dealer in Northern Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions
LS MT232HE

What is the LS MT232HE and who is it built for?

The LS MT232HE is a 31.7 HP open-station compact tractor powered by a YANMAR 3-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine with a hydrostatic HST transmission and 3 ranges. It shares the same engine, loader, and hitch platform as the MT232E but replaces the synchro shuttle with a clutch-free HST drivetrain. It is built for Colorado property owners running 10 to 25 acres who want serious horsepower with the simplicity and convenience of HST operation, without a factory cab. Available at Legacy Tractors in Fort Collins, Colorado.

What is the difference between the MT232HE and the MT232E?

The MT232HE and MT232E share the same YANMAR engine, same gross HP, same loader lift, same hitch capacity, same dimensions, and same tire options. The difference is the transmission. The MT232E runs a Synchro Shuttle with 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds requiring a clutch pedal. The MT232HE runs a hydrostatic HST with 3 ranges and no clutch pedal — ground speed is controlled by the foot pedal within each range giving you infinite speed adjustment. The HST costs you 2.3 PTO HP — 26.2 on the MT232HE versus 28.5 on the MT232E — and reduces implement pump flow from 7.4 GPM to 6.7 GPM. For operators doing heavy continuous PTO work like running a large rotary cutter or tiller for hours at a time, those numbers matter. For operators whose primary work is loader cycles, grading, snow removal, or mixed use where convenience matters more than maximum PTO output, the MT232HE HST is the right choice.

Why does the MT232HE have lower PTO HP than the MT232E if the engine is the same?

This is one of the most common questions on tractor forums and it deserves a straight answer. Both tractors use the same YANMAR engine producing 31.7 gross HP. The HST drivetrain on the MT232HE converts engine power into hydraulic fluid pressure to drive the transmission, which introduces a mechanical efficiency loss that does not exist in a gear-drive synchro shuttle. That loss comes directly off your PTO output — 26.2 HP on the MT232HE versus 28.5 HP on the MT232E. For most Colorado property work the difference is not noticeable. Running a 6-foot rotary cutter, a finish mower, or a tiller, the MT232HE has plenty of PTO power. Where it becomes relevant is sustained heavy PTO work at the upper end of the tractor’s capacity — large tillers, demanding balers, or continuous brush cutting in thick material. If that describes your primary use, the MT232E’s synchro shuttle gives you the full PTO output.

Does high Colorado elevation affect the MT232HE and what should I expect?

Yes. The MT232HE uses a naturally aspirated YANMAR diesel, which loses approximately 3% of horsepower per 1,000 feet of elevation above sea level. At Fort Collins around 5,000 feet real-world gross HP is closer to 27 HP. At 7,000 to 8,000 feet it drops further. This is exactly why stepping up from the 24 HP class makes sense for Colorado property owners — you need the buffer. The DPF on the MT232HE also requires attention at altitude. Passive regen depends on sufficient exhaust temperature under load, which is harder to achieve in thinner air. Keep your RPM above 1,700 during work, avoid long idle cycles, and never shut the engine off mid-regen. Contact Legacy Tractors to discuss your specific elevation and property before you buy.

Does the MT232HE have a DPF and is it going to be a problem?

Yes it has a DPF and DOC for Tier 4 Stage V compliance. The short answer on whether it is a problem is that it depends entirely on how you operate it. Operators who run the tractor under real load, keep RPM above 1,700, and never ignore the regen light on the TF-LCD panel rarely have DPF issues. The operators who end up with DPF problems are the ones who idle for long periods, do light duty low-RPM work for extended stretches, or shut the engine off mid-regen cycle. The MT232HE’s TF-LCD instrument panel tracks regen intervals and alerts you before a forced regen becomes necessary. Follow the three rules — no excessive idling, RPM above 1,700 at work, never interrupt a regen — and the DPF manages itself.

Is the HST on the MT232HE good for loader work?

Yes and this is actually where HST shines. Loader work — gravel, bale moving, snow removal, bucket cycling — involves constant forward and reverse transitions and precise speed control at low ground speeds. With the MT232HE’s HST you feather the pedal to creep into a pile, back out, reposition, and go again without ever touching a clutch. On tight jobs or repetitive loader cycles this is significantly more convenient than a synchro shuttle. The 2,506 lb loader lift capacity is identical to the MT232E. The HST does not reduce your lift capacity — it only affects PTO output. For property owners whose daily work is primarily loader-based, the MT232HE is the more natural machine to operate.

How does the MT232HE compare to the MT232HC?

The MT232HC is the cab-equipped version. The MT232HE is open-station ROPS. Both run HST transmissions. Both have the same engine, same loader lift, same hitch, same hydraulics. The cab on the MT232HC adds heat, air conditioning, and a sealed operator environment — meaningful in Colorado winters and dusty summer conditions. If you run the tractor year-round through Northern Colorado weather the MT232HC cab pays for itself quickly in operator comfort and productivity. If your work is primarily April through November and you can manage the occasional cold-weather job with layers, the MT232HE is the lower entry price for the same HST performance.

What financing is available on the MT232HE at Legacy Tractors?

Legacy Tractors offers competitive financing on LS tractor models including the MT232HE. Current offers include 2.99% for 120 months on select MT2 models and up to $8,000 cash rebate on qualifying cash purchases. Contact Legacy Tractors directly at (970) 482-4803 or visit LegacyTractors.com for current rates and availability.

Owners Manual:
LS MT232HE