John Deere 4044M vs LS Tractor MT357H
Both sit in the Compact class with similar engine horsepower (43.1 vs 57 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 4044M Profile →LS Tractor MT357H Profile →Fit checker →
How to choose
- LS Tractor MT357H lists higher engine horsepower (57 vs 43.1 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers.
- LS Tractor MT357H is heavier (3,869 vs 3,770 lb operating weight) — usually more stability and traction; John Deere 4044M stays easier to maneuver in tight yards.
- LS Tractor MT357H has more rear lift (2,755 vs 2,500 lb @ 24″) — more headroom for heavier three-point tools. John Deere 4044M 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.
- LS Tractor MT357H has the higher verified PTO rating (45.6 vs 33.6 PTO HP) — that is the Fact for cutters, tillers, and snow blowers, not engine HP.
- 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 4044M when you need lower operating weight (3,770 vs 3,869 lb) for tight yards.
Choose LS Tractor MT357H when you need more rear lift (2,755 vs 2,500 lb @ 24″) for heavier three-point tools, higher verified PTO (45.6 vs 33.6 PTO HP) for cutters, tillers, or snow blowers, or more frame mass (3,869 vs 3,770 lb) for traction and stability.
Spec comparison
| Spec | John Deere 4044M | LS Tractor MT357H |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Compact | Compact |
| Engine horsepower | 43.1 HP | 57 HP |
| Operating weight | 3,770 lbs | 3,869 lbs |
| Rear hitch lift @ 24″ | 2,500 lbs @ 24″ | 2,755 lbs @ 24″ |
| Hitch category | Category I | Category I |
| PTO horsepower | 33.6 PTO HP | 45.6 PTO HP |
| PTO RPM | 540 RPM | 540 RPM |
Sources
FAQ
- Which is better — John Deere 4044M or LS Tractor MT357H?
- LS Tractor MT357H lists higher engine horsepower (57 vs 43.1 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers. LS Tractor MT357H is heavier (3,869 vs 3,770 lb operating weight) — usually more stability and traction; John Deere 4044M stays easier to maneuver in tight yards. Choose John Deere 4044M when you need lower operating weight (3,770 vs 3,869 lb) for tight yards. Choose LS Tractor MT357H when you need more rear lift (2,755 vs 2,500 lb @ 24″) for heavier three-point tools, higher verified PTO (45.6 vs 33.6 PTO HP) for cutters, tillers, or snow blowers, or more frame mass (3,869 vs 3,770 lb) for traction and stability. 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 4044M or LS Tractor MT357H, pick an attachment type and model, and read Pass/Fail/Partial on hitch, PTO, and lift.