LS MT235HEC

Frequently Asked Questions
LS MT235HEC

What is the LS MT235HEC and who is it built for?

The LS MT235HEC is a 35 HP factory A/C cab compact tractor powered by the L3C19-T turbocharged diesel engine with a hydrostatic HST transmission and 3 ranges. It is the cab-equipped HST model in the LS MT235 series and combines the turbocharged engine of the MT235EC with the HST drivetrain of the MT235HE in a single machine. It is built for Colorado operators who work year-round, want pedal-free HST operation, and need a turbocharged engine that holds rated power at altitude — all inside a factory cab with heat and air conditioning. Available at Legacy Tractors in Fort Collins, Colorado.

What makes the MT235HEC different from every other model in the MT235 series?

The MT235 series has four models — MT235E, MT235HE, MT235EC, and MT235HEC. The MT235HEC is the only one that combines all three of the following: turbocharged engine, HST transmission, and factory cab. The MT235EC has the turbo and cab but uses Synchro Shuttle. The MT235HE has HST but is open-station with a naturally aspirated engine. The MT235E has Synchro Shuttle, no cab, naturally aspirated. The MT235HEC is the fully equipped version — turbo for altitude performance, HST for operator convenience, cab for year-round Colorado comfort. It is the top of the MT235 lineup and the right machine for operators who do not want to compromise on any of those three factors.

The MT235HEC has a turbocharged engine — how does that change performance at Colorado elevation?

This is the most important spec difference on this tractor for Colorado buyers. The MT235E and MT235HE use the naturally aspirated L3C19-D2 engine, which loses approximately 3% of horsepower per 1,000 feet of elevation. At Fort Collins around 5,000 feet that engine produces closer to 30 HP under load. At 7,000 to 8,000 feet it drops further still. The MT235HEC uses the L3C19-T, the turbocharged version of the same engine. The turbocharger compresses intake air, compensating for the lower air density at altitude and allowing the engine to maintain rated power output significantly closer to its sea-level spec. For a Colorado operator at 6,000, 7,000, or 8,000 feet the difference between a turbocharged and naturally aspirated 35 HP engine is not theoretical — it is real horsepower on the job when you need it most.

How does the MT235HEC compare to the MT235EC?

Both the MT235HEC and MT235EC use the turbocharged L3C19-T engine, the same cab, same fuel tank at 12.4 gallons, same loader lift at 2,153 lbs, same hitch capacity, same position and draft control hydraulics, same dimensions, and very similar weight — 3,655 lbs on the MT235HEC versus 3,589 lbs on the MT235EC. The transmission is the difference. The MT235EC uses Synchro Shuttle F12xR12 requiring a clutch pedal and delivers 29.7 PTO HP. The MT235HEC uses HST with 3 ranges, no clutch pedal, and delivers 28.0 PTO HP — the HST costs 1.7 PTO HP versus the gear-drive model. Choose the MT235EC for maximum PTO output and gear-drive efficiency on heavy implement work. Choose the MT235HEC for loader-intensive work and operator convenience with the same turbo altitude performance and cab comfort.

Does the MT235HEC have draft control and why does it matter?

Yes. The MT235HEC hydraulic control system includes both position control and draft control on the 3-point hitch, the same as the MT235EC. Position control holds the implement at a set height. Draft control senses the resistance on the implement as it moves through the soil and automatically adjusts hitch depth to maintain consistent engagement — critical for tillage, plowing, and subsoiling on Colorado’s variable terrain where soil hardness changes across a field or hillside. The MT235HE open-station model has position control only. If you plan to run any tillage implements on your property the draft control on the MT235HEC is a meaningful operational advantage.

Is the HST on the MT235HEC good for loader work inside a cab?

Yes, and this is actually where the MT235HEC’s combination pays the biggest dividends. Loader work in a cab on an HST machine is the most comfortable and productive setup in this class. You are warm and dry in the cab, you feather the pedal to control ground speed precisely, you work the integrated joystick for loader control, and you never touch a clutch through an entire day of gravel moving, snow removal, or bale handling. The standard skid steer coupler means you can swap attachments — bucket to grapple to forks — without tools. For operators who spend a significant portion of their time on loader work in Colorado weather conditions, the MT235HEC’s turbo HST cab combination is the most productive configuration in the MT2E lineup.

Does the MT235HEC have a DPF and how does the turbo affect regen?

Yes, the MT235HEC is Tier 4 Stage V compliant with a DPF and DOC. The turbocharged engine is actually an advantage for DPF management — it produces higher exhaust temperatures under load than a naturally aspirated engine, which supports more consistent passive regeneration. The same operational rules apply regardless: keep RPM above 1,700 during work, never shut the engine off during an active regen cycle, and avoid extended idling. One additional note specific to turbocharged engines — always allow a 2 to 3 minute idle cooldown before shutting down after hard work. This allows the turbocharger bearings to cool with circulating oil rather than sitting hot with no lubrication flow, which extends turbo service life significantly.

What financing is available on the MT235HEC at Legacy Tractors?

Legacy Tractors offers competitive financing on LS tractor models including the MT235HEC. Current offers include 2.99% for 120 months on select MT2E 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 MT235HEC