Which is better — John Deere 3046R or LS Tractor MT240E?

John Deere 3046R lists higher engine horsepower (44.7 vs 40 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers. John Deere 3046R is heavier (3,066 vs 2,881 lb operating weight) — usually more stability and traction; LS Tractor MT240E stays easier to maneuver in tight yards. Choose John Deere 3046R when you need more rear lift (2,194 vs 1,808 lb @ 24″) for heavier three-point tools, or more frame mass (3,066 vs 2,881 lb) for traction and stability. Choose LS Tractor MT240E when you need lower operating weight (2,881 vs 3,066 lb) for tight yards. Use the Fit checker for your heaviest attachment instead of comparing engine HP alone.

Are these numbers invented?

No. Engine HP, weight, and rear lift come from catalog Facts; PTO/hitch only from verified overlays. Missing Facts show as — — we never invent shaft ratings.

How do I check attachments?

Open the Fit checker with John Deere 3046R or LS Tractor MT240E, pick an attachment type and model, and read Pass/Fail/Partial on hitch, PTO, and lift.

John Deere 3046R vs LS Tractor MT240E

Both sit in the Compact class with similar engine horsepower (44.7 vs 40 HP). Below: catalog Facts for engine horsepower, weight, and rear lift; PTO and hitch only when verified. The decision points call out who leads on each Fact — engine HP is not a substitute for PTO HP.

Engine horsepower is not PTO horsepower. Missing Facts show as — — we never invent shaft ratings.

John Deere 3046R Profile →LS Tractor MT240E Profile →Fit checker →

How to choose

John Deere 3046R lists higher engine horsepower (44.7 vs 40 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers.
John Deere 3046R is heavier (3,066 vs 2,881 lb operating weight) — usually more stability and traction; LS Tractor MT240E stays easier to maneuver in tight yards.
John Deere 3046R has more rear lift (2,194 vs 1,808 lb @ 24″) — more headroom for heavier three-point tools. LS Tractor MT240E needs lighter implements or stricter ballast discipline.
Both list Category I — hitch class alone does not settle the matchup; lift and PTO still decide implement fit.
Verified PTO horsepower is essentially even (33.9 PTO HP) — heavy PTO tools then hinge on lift and frame mass.
Next step: open the Fit checker with the tractor that wins on your heaviest implement, and screen hitch, PTO, and lift against that attachment.

When to pick each

Choose John Deere 3046R when you need more rear lift (2,194 vs 1,808 lb @ 24″) for heavier three-point tools, or more frame mass (3,066 vs 2,881 lb) for traction and stability.

Choose LS Tractor MT240E when you need lower operating weight (2,881 vs 3,066 lb) for tight yards.

Spec comparison

Spec	John Deere 3046R	LS Tractor MT240E
Size class	Compact	Compact
Engine horsepower	44.7 HP	40 HP
Operating weight	3,066 lbs	2,881 lbs
Rear hitch lift @ 24″	2,194 lbs @ 24″	1,808 lbs @ 24″
Hitch category	Category I	Category I
PTO horsepower	33.9 PTO HP	34 PTO HP
PTO RPM	540 RPM	540 RPM

Sources

FAQ

Which is better — John Deere 3046R or LS Tractor MT240E?: John Deere 3046R lists higher engine horsepower (44.7 vs 40 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers. John Deere 3046R is heavier (3,066 vs 2,881 lb operating weight) — usually more stability and traction; LS Tractor MT240E stays easier to maneuver in tight yards. Choose John Deere 3046R when you need more rear lift (2,194 vs 1,808 lb @ 24″) for heavier three-point tools, or more frame mass (3,066 vs 2,881 lb) for traction and stability. Choose LS Tractor MT240E when you need lower operating weight (2,881 vs 3,066 lb) for tight yards. Use the Fit checker for your heaviest attachment instead of comparing engine HP alone.
Are these numbers invented?: No. Engine HP, weight, and rear lift come from catalog Facts; PTO/hitch only from verified overlays. Missing Facts show as — — we never invent shaft ratings.
How do I check attachments?: Open the Fit checker with John Deere 3046R or LS Tractor MT240E, pick an attachment type and model, and read Pass/Fail/Partial on hitch, PTO, and lift.