2 L48s = L96!

curtisfarmer · Jan 3, 2008

Just dropped a deposit on my second L48 before the new M59 comes out. I fretted and dithered all summer but I think I did the right thing. The reasons are:

1- have existing new L48 with custom hyd. thumb which can swap back and forth. 2 hoes would not pay for itself having an excavator.

2- I like the L48s ruggedness to the new M59 or L39. Hardnose all the way as opposed to thin metal. I like the boxy construction over curves, but it is the thickness of the metal and routing of hyd. lines which count for me.

3- The L48 is not much more $ than a bigger homeowner L series, but is 2X the machine in terms of Hyd flow, lift, and overall construction. BH90 is no match for BH1100. Not even close.

4- I have KX-121-3 so now I can have 2 jobs going at the same time.

5- Could not justify the cost of a M59, $48k +/-, versus paying around $27.5-29K for a L48 without hoe. Would like M59, cannot afford right now, maybe in the future.

6- L48 is big enough for me, I cannot think of one thing, other than going faster in Medium HST, that I need a bigger machine for right now. The M59 84" bucket may become to big for landscape stuff, I know I have aproblem handling my 84" bushhog on trailers.

7- The L48 has proven its value to me being so versatile.

8- I may be in denial about not wanting a M59! The extra $20K can be used more productively somewhere else.

Chris2520 · Jan 3, 2008

I agree, since you already have one. that would be the best choice
for you. congrats on your new L48...

Chris...

Bob_Young · Jan 3, 2008

Two L48s?? Sounds like Lbrown59 on a larger scale

Seriously, though, I know where you're coming from. When I've got the hoe on the L4300, it really cuts into its usefulness as far as doing anything else. If the hoe work is prolonged, other things start to suffer. Now that the old Ford 2000 running again, it might not be so bad this year. But, right now, I too am dithering....between getting another tractor about the same size (MX5000, M4800DT, or L4400HST) or jumping up to an M6040/M7040.

I could use the weight & muscle of the bigger machines, but the smaller L4400/MX5000 frame size sure is nice to trailer...and I'm doing more and more of that.

Sounds like you've got this well thought out. Good Luck with the new tractor.
Bob

curtisfarmer · Jan 4, 2008

I really want(ed) the HST plus but there are too many synergies by having 2 L48s with 1 hoe. I thought about buying a smaller L series with a cab as I plow alot of snow and mow alot of fields, but looking at the price, not too much less than a new L48 without hoe, I cannot pay top dollar for a smaller machine which I will expect commercial performance from. If I didn't use them commercially, I would love a cab sooooooooooo much but I need to make my investment pay. The beauty of the L48 versus Grand L40s and others is frame, high hyd. flow, beefy'ness, and a backhoe that is just like the KX excavators (meaning multiple functions at the same time) and unlike the BH 90 which can do only one movement at a time. I think I made the right choice, knowing I won't get the same productivity from the 2nd as I have from the 1st one. The value will be having a dedicated backup, the ability to have 2 jobs going at once, and sometimes always having a machine at the farm at all times. I have 2 older Fords as well, but they are night and day compared to a L48 and tend to use the Kubotas for everything. I do alot of field mowing and land clearing and having a thumb on the L48 allows it to act like a skidder and pickup and trasport brush piles, logs, rocks, and other objects my KX cannot do because of long distances involved. My 1st L48 does 80% of my jobs/ work even when the KX121 is onsite and have put 1200 hours in slightly over 2 years. Without my L48 I am dead in the water, and renting a machine eats up any profit. I also run a wedding business at our farm Home and it will earn its keep there as well. Hopefully I have made the right investment. One thing for sure, I'll now be cursing the slow M HST for years to come. Any thoughts from anyone?

p.s. Unlike LarryB59 with 158+ virtual tractors I will post pictures when it comes in later this winter. I'll back the the L48 hoe up to the KX121 to show the comparison in size as well. They are about equal except curve.

LarryRB · Jan 4, 2008

good luck with two 48's. mine has over 600 hrs is all I have so it is used 100%, the machine has been flawless,, No thumb or extra's other than mechanical quick attach hoe buckets that paid for themselves the first month I had the machine,, 3 yrs and 4 months, many oil and filter changes, and would recommend this machine to anyone. Of course like you, I would like to upgrade to the new M59 whenever they become available,, Not in the cards, especially after just ordering 200 gallons of heating oil. this fuel thing really puts the brakes on anything else.

LBrown59 · Jan 26, 2008

Bob_Young said:
Two L48s?? Sounds like Lbrown59 on a larger scale

*Seriously, though, I know where you're coming from. When I've got the hoe on the L4300, it really cuts into its usefulness as far as doing anything else. If the hoe work is prolonged, other things start to suffer. Now that the old Ford 2000 running again, it might not be so bad this year. But, right now, I too am dithering....between getting another tractor about the same size (MX5000, M4800DT, or L4400HST) or jumping up to an M6040/M7040.

Shows I'm on the rite track.

curtisfarmer · Jan 26, 2008

Got a call from the dealer this week, the 2nd L48 has come in!!! From what I hear they are cleaning out the inventory at the factory. Expecting delivery next week and will post pics of the team. Very excited, although it is the same machine. I sat in a L5740HSTC......very nice and I would love a cab soooooooo much, but I need the industrial power and durability of the L48 without a doubt. Looking over the L5740 only reinforced my feelings about the L series vs. the TLBs. Those factory cabs are so freakin comfortable, bummer the TLBs don't offer them. $27.5K for a new L48 without hoe brand new is MUCH more value to me than any L series for $. Now I have to demo part of my existing barn doors to get it inside as the L48 and other TLBs don't have folding ROPS. Someday I will have a cab tractor.

daveinnh · Jan 28, 2008

curtisfarmer said:
4- I have KX-121-3 so now I can have 2 jobs going at the same time.

So how is the Kx-123?? Did you get a hyd. thumb?

curtisfarmer · Jan 29, 2008

I love the KX-121-3, I was worried I wouldn't keep it busy enough to own it, but it now gets me jobs that I couldn't do with a wheeled machine. Yes, I did get the thumb, a little skinny, but something which is a MUST have. I would like the KX-161-3, but $20 K more or so doesn't justify 2' more reach and a little more digging power. I will say the KX121 has a shorter track length....and you feel it in your back after awhile. Having the blade down while digging makes a hue difference in being bounced around. The KX121 is the biggest Kubota Excv.you can get and still tow around without CDL. The hoe on the L48 is about the same length, but the excavator will dig cirles around it. I have the grading bucket, which I think everyone with a miniX should get. Very versatile.