2006 L48 vs 2015 L47 TLB, looking for opinions

[pmmully]

Hi all,

I am looking at a 2006 L48 TLB with 1800 hours and a 2015 L47 TLB with 1400 hours. Aside from the year, features, etc. which I expect the L47 to be way ahead, what is the forums view of the older machines in terms of emissions, etc.

Is there anything the L48 was notorious for in terms of bad design, etc.? Everything I see rates it as a very powerful machine for construction, but bad gearing for farming. Other than that I really can not find any real information. I like the fact the L48 motor is much larger in CI than the L47, but technology has come so far.

The L47 year is pre-DEF, but has the DPF so it will regen. The L48 has a fuel filter, that's it.

 

[Peter 315]

I have a L47 (2017) It's a great tractor no problems I does have low pto hp compared to a regular tractor that size.. The L48 is also a great tractor Both are not really good for farming and some don't have the 3point hitch components, I ordered them with mine but never have taken the backhoe off. I think they were about $800 to $1,000 for everything and the storage brackets...

 

[Carl_NH]

The L47 and L48 engines are pretty much the same size 2 CI difference, the L48 is 500Lbs heavier, and has similar specs digging/loading. The L48 doesn't have the "features" or the electronics of the L47 and is a reliable tough TLB. You can read more on TBN and here about the 48 http://www.ssbtractor.com/wwwboard/view_all.cgi?bd=kubota&msg=4888

Like you said the L48 has a fuel filter and the L47 requires DPF which isn't necessarily bad but if you want a simpler straightforward TLB the L48 is a good choice.

I would look more at condition of each machine - personally I would take a well taken care of older machine than a newer one that has had a rough life.

Then for "farm use" they aren't meant to be plow or baler tractors, will they plow and bale hay - yes but their real use is digging and trenching not field work.

 

[rScotty]

Hi all,

I am looking at a 2006 L48 TLB with 1800 hours and a 2015 L47 TLB with 1400 hours. Aside from the year, features, etc. which I expect the L47 to be way ahead, what is the forums view of the older machines in terms of emissions, etc.

Is there anything the L48 was notorious for in terms of bad design, etc.? Everything I see rates it as a very powerful machine for construction, but bad gearing for farming. Other than that I really can not find any real information. I like the fact the L48 motor is much larger in CI than the L47, but technology has come so far.

The L47 year is pre-DEF, but has the DPF so it will regen. The L48 has a fuel filter, that's it.

I may not be totally up to date on these two tractors, but we have had similar conversations on TBN before, so a search of old posts may help.
For one thing, I thought that both the L48 and the L47 used the same engine. In fact, I believe it is the same engine that is in our M59 - where it develops more HP due to a turbocharger. Kubota has made that 148.5 cubic inch 4 cylinder engine just about forever. It's a good one.

What is a big difference is that the L47 has the HST plus transmission with a fingertip solenoid that switches between two different axle ratios. HST plus makes a 3 speed HST into a 6 speed both in forward and reverse. It doesn't sound all that big a deal, but in use the HST plus is a huge advantage. You have to use one to appreciate the difference.

Otherwise I would lean toward the machine with the best maintenance history and best condition. That may be obvious but it sure is important. And then look at accessories. Does either one have the hydraulic thumb? That would make the difference right there. Do they both have the 3pt kit? Remote hydraulics? Extra hydraulics on the FEL? Extra buckets? All those are big money items. The thumb is a real expensive part. How about complete maintenance records? Manuals - Ops, Service, and Parts?

Most importantly, what do you plan to use it for? Tell us a little about your land and plans.
Luck,
rScotty

 

[pmmully]

I may not be totally up to date on these two tractors, but we have had similar conversations on TBN before, so a search of old posts may help.
For one thing, I thought that both the L48 and the L47 used the same engine. In fact, I believe it is the same engine that is in our M59 - where it develops more HP due to a turbocharger. Kubota has made that 148.5 cubic inch 4 cylinder engine just about forever. It's a good one.

What is a big difference is that the L47 has the HST plus transmission with a fingertip solenoid that switches between two different axle ratios. HST plus makes a 3 speed HST into a 6 speed both in forward and reverse. It doesn't sound all that big a deal, but in use the HST plus is a huge advantage. You have to use one to appreciate the difference.

Otherwise I would lean toward the machine with the best maintenance history and best condition. That may be obvious but it sure is important. And then look at accessories. Does either one have the hydraulic thumb? That would make the difference right there. Do they both have the 3pt kit? Remote hydraulics? Extra hydraulics on the FEL? Extra buckets? All those are big money items. The thumb is a real expensive part. How about complete maintenance records? Manuals - Ops, Service, and Parts?

Most importantly, what do you plan to use it for? Tell us a little about your land and plans.
Luck,
rScotty

I had the engine wrong, not sure where I thought the L48 and L47 were not on the same base, but I have been looking at a lot of machines.

Thank you sir. I am a small contractor here in the southeast that is crossing the boundaries of hunt camp management (clearing, drainage management, etc.) with paying jobs of some dirt work here and there. Access around houses is key to fill a niche between the bigger site preparation guys to those that want some light work done. This would be a service to other contractors, as well as my own needs here and there. The lack of a perfect fit as a farm tractor matters not hence the desire for a TLB model. I have a 1993 Shamrock boat that I converted to a 5.9 Cummins from a gas engine, it is a 12 valve motor, and the reliability has been good.

 

[mikester]

I agree with rScotty.

If emissions is your concern then buy a new tractor with all the electronic emissions farkles. The newer L47 might have the pre-Tier 4 emissions with EGR which would probably have lower emissions than the older L48.

 

[pmmully]

I agree with rScotty.

If emissions is your concern then buy a new tractor with all the electronic emissions farkles. The newer L47 might have the pre-Tier 4 emissions with EGR which would probably have lower emissions than the older L48.

I think the emissions discussion revolves around ease of service, the total cost of ownership, reliability, things that can go wrong, etc. I am all for the environment, but this is not going to be a game-changer for global warming

The L48 is covered up with aux valves to the rear, neither has the claw or 3rd function to the FEL. That claw is expensive on the BH, like $5K. The dealer is looking to throw a rotary cutter and 3PT package into the deal, all used stuff, which is fine by me, to level up against the L47 deal. I imagine I could use one of the rear aux and pipe it up to the FEL, maybe not the prettiest setup, but functional, just some ugly hose routing.

I think yall have done a fine job of helping me out with this decision. I am after simplicity versus performance. That points me to the L48.

What's the deal with the seat complaints, no swivel? Not running it enough to make a difference really.

 

[hkbirdman]

I also have an L-47. I would suggest you test drive the L-47 if you have not already. The HST plus transmission is quite amazing-and I definitely like it more than my previous tractor (Mahindra 2555 HST). If both tractors are in similar condition - it might be a deciding factor.

 

[pmmully]

I also have an L-47. I would suggest you test drive the L-47 if you have not already. The HST plus transmission is quite amazing-and I definitely like it more than my previous tractor (Mahindra 2555 HST). If both tractors are in similar condition - it might be a deciding factor.

Was that on the 2015 models, was it an option or standard?

 

[Peter 315]

The L 45 had just the 3 range trans. The L 47 has the the HST-Plus trans.....