L48 Workhorse
Model Year: 2006
I have had this tractor for many years. It replaces an L35 I owned and liked for years. Okay, I will admit it, I would like to get a new M59 but the L48 has been a reliable workhorse for me. I am a small general contractor who has used this machine to do more than the following work: -Small foundation digs -Trenching for water, electrical and gas. -Clearing of brush and stumping (a bit of work for this smaller machine) -Pallet moving and loading -Lots of grading and some road building -Finish landscaping work of all kinds -Lifting roof sheathing and roofing to lower roofs -Hauling logs and rocks everywhere -Bush hog work over many acres -Post hole drilling As you can see, I have many varied uses for it. I fitted it with a hydraulic thumb that I would not do without now that I have experienced its utility. I bought it with a 4 way loader bucket that I modified with a bit better tooth edge and like it for many tasks. I also put a tooth bar on it that made it 500% better at digging ground and breaking into piles. Oh, I also put a soft cab on it that has been nice in winter when I do some snow blowing. It has handled everything well and for its size is as much as I could wish for except? The one flaw that has on occasion bothered me is the mid range speed. It should be 30% faster in mid range and could be slower in high range for the best all around work. You can not use high for any work, just travel on flat ground and mid is slow for even short transport. This is the only reason for 4 stars on the Features rating (I have a quick tach 18 inch hydraulic auger that has saved my back and heart many times for decks and pole buildings. The flow is a bit low for it but I rev it up and it manages) I manage to haul it on a 10,000gvw 16 ft trailer with my half ton. No issue, just caution. I do not transport it far or often. There is a way of having the seat rotate while still sitting on it but I am surprised that Kubota engineering never made that happen as it would be one more sweet feature. All in, this is a great workhorse. Many friends and customers marvel at the work it can do and tell me how they wish they had one. I have not had any breakdowns and have changed fluids and filters as well as greasing it on schedule. If I could only get an M59. Only reason I would sell this machine!
Pros: Capacities, transport, durability, undercarrage toughness, controls, strength.
Cons: Mid range speed.