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.....

 

[rScotty]

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.

I agree. HST plus might be the deciding factor. It was standard on the L-47 and not available on the L-48. It kind of depends on terrain. If there are lots of hills then the HST plus is really important. But not so much so on flat land.

 

[Peter 315]

I have both trans and the HST-plus is way better. I just leave it in M range and shift from high to low on the column.....

 

[art]

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

Not so as the L-45 also has the HST plus transmission although it doesn't use the electronic petal. That means you loose the throttle up control on the joy stick.

 

[Peter 315]

Not so as the L-45 also has the HST plus transmission although it doesn't use the electronic petal. That means you loose the throttle up control on the joy stick.

So it has 3 ranges and the high/low lever on the column? I see now its was the L39 that had the GST and the L45 started using the plus trans....

 

[fried1765]

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.

Well....I have the L48 TLB, and I think "Peter 315" here, is just waiting for me to croak, so he can buy it from my estate.

Seriously:
I bought my 2006 L48 TLB just 18 months ago with 250 total hours.
A one owner machine, that I bought directly from the original owner (Craig's list).

I have absolutely no commercial use for the machine!
I am an old guy, and it is a waning days of life toy for me.

The machine was in excellent condition, but I like to tinker with stuff, and it is now in like new condition.
I have the standard 73" bucket, the 24" hoe bucket w/quick disconnect, hydraulic thumb (I love it), 3rd function, 3 rear remotes, and 3rd function diverter (sweet) for the loader Q/A locks.
I repainted the loader bucket, the fenders, the hoe bucket, and the ROPS canopy. Didn't really need it, but I wanted the fresh new look!

I have since bought an EA set of forks, and a Mid-State Attachments root grapple.

I have no meaningful experience using the machine, but it certainly is a huge upgrade from my previous 1970 Ford 3400 TLB.
I WILL keep it until I croak!
THEN,.... it may be Peter's turn?

You did not mention pricing, but for your comparative reference, I paid 32K cash.
My equally aged construction equipment savvy buddy, says, I "stole it".
I dunno?

I consider the L48 to be a handsome brute !!

P.S. I played the clarinet for many years.
Fingering the 4 lever controls on the Ford 3400 B/H was easy for me.
The two L48 cake mixing paddles are very different to use.
It is hard to teach this old dog new tricks!

 

[pmmully]

Well, the decision was made for me in the end, the L47 sold out from under me. It's tough to put deals together on stuff that is 8+ hour drive, cash only, and the seller won't send you a video of it running. Blind faith other than some limited pictures. I am sure it was solid, but the man was tough to work with.

I have no doubt the L47 and HST Plus is awesome, I saw a video of one. I think that "creep mode" for the BH part is also very very cool. Not sure what year that started.

But, I had decided on the L48 anyway just due to simplicity. The lack of emissions, computers, etc., is appealing to me as a low-hour user. and a first-time TLB owner. I am fairly handy with tools so I will be able to do the lion's share of any work. The purchase price is quite a bit less, and the dealer threw in a rotary cutter and the 3PT setup as well. That makes me a bit more complete with the toys The 48 has multiple valves as well which would be worth $2k or more so to get set up like that. I am hoping I can repurpose one to a claw on the bucket, and the other to an FEL grapple.

A 14-15 year old machine will have troubles, there is no free lunch. But in my experience, keep the cost low initially, learn the hard way, and then go spend real money. I need to get the phone ringing for the service . Who knows, if this niche dig market takes off for me, I may have a new one by years end.

I can tell you the TLB version is hard to find. Not many sold new in comparison to a TL, and people buy them for a reason, so the used market is pretty darn tight. You have to be ready to travel with cash with short notice, hard to do when working full-time. That L47 new with the claw is about $61K. It is super cool, and pretty, maybe later this year., but about $1100-1200 month with the insurance if you take the financing.

Thanks again for the guidance. I will post a picture of the aux valve setup to get ideas of how to best leverage it. The best I can figure is they had some sort of implement on the BH like a hydraulic cutter, or had a very complex box blade setup, or something like that.

Oh Yeah.... HNY!

 

[fried1765]

Well, the decision was made for me in the end, the L47 sold out from under me. It's tough to put deals together on stuff that is 8+ hour drive, cash only, and the seller won't send you a video of it running. Blind faith other than some limited pictures. I am sure it was solid, but the man was tough to work with.

I have no doubt the L47 and HST Plus is awesome, I saw a video of one. I think that "creep mode" for the BH part is also very very cool. Not sure what year that started.

But, I had decided on the L48 anyway just due to simplicity. The lack of emissions, computers, etc., is appealing to me as a low-hour user. and a first-time TLB owner. I am fairly handy with tools so I will be able to do the lion's share of any work. The purchase price is quite a bit less, and the dealer threw in a rotary cutter and the 3PT setup as well. That makes me a bit more complete with the toys The 48 has multiple valves as well which would be worth $2k or more so to get set up like that. I am hoping I can repurpose one to a claw on the bucket, and the other to an FEL grapple.

A 14-15 year old machine will have troubles, there is no free lunch. But in my experience, keep the cost low initially, learn the hard way, and then go spend real money. I need to get the phone ringing for the service . Who knows, if this niche dig market takes off for me, I may have a new one by years end.

I can tell you the TLB version is hard to find. Not many sold new in comparison to a TL, and people buy them for a reason, so the used market is pretty darn tight. You have to be ready to travel with cash with short notice, hard to do when working full-time. That L47 new with the claw is about $61K. It is super cool, and pretty, maybe later this year., but about $1100-1200 month with the insurance if you take the financing.

Thanks again for the guidance. I will post a picture of the aux valve setup to get ideas of how to best leverage it. The best I can figure is they had some sort of implement on the BH like a hydraulic cutter, or had a very complex box blade setup, or something like that.

Oh Yeah.... HNY!

Obviously, you did pay something less for the L48 than the newer L47 would have cost.
I absolutely do understand the travel distance/cash issue.

My L48 was 350 miles away, and it was to be a cash deal ( the seller actually accepted bank checks ....20% down, then 2 weeks later, 80% at pickup).

I did not want to drive that far with trailer, just to learn that the machine might be unacceptable to me.
Then, I had a brainstorm (a very rare occurrence for me).

Though 350 miles away, the TLB was only 6 miles away from my old engineering college friend/roommate.
My friend checked it out for me, and said it was a "go".
That worked out perfectly for me!

My 3 rear remote valves assembly is a Kubota supplied product, but was obviously dealer installer (top of right fender).

Congratulations!'
You will LOVE your (without any anti-pollution crap) L48 TLB !!!!!

 

[rScotty]

I think you will love the L48. As you said at the beginning, the decision factors were pretty evenly matched.

And now you get to join the ranks of us guys who have the old style mechanical injection TLBs and do our own work.
I'd say pre-pollution as well as mechanical injection, but our 2007 M59 does have an EGR valve..... although in fairness to the M59 it is an old style pressure actuated type of EGR valve that would have been familiar to mechanics of 50 years ago.

In fact, I've had the EGR function switched off for the past two years & don't notice any change in the way anything works. But should remember to unbolt it to check for carbon caking next year or so.

Sounds like you have a good dealer. So give him a change to give you a deal on the OEM ops, shop, and parts manuals while the originals are still available. Printed copies are a good way to go with manuals. Maybe he has an old 4 page sales brochure in the back room.

BTW, who did the work on your L48? If the dealer did the work, see if he will make you a copy of his service records - right down to the filter & oil changes.

Congratulations on the new machine. Please post some pictures when you get it home.
rScotty

 

[hkbirdman]

Hello Fried 1765: How about a few pictures of your low hour L-48 that is now in like-new condition? It would serve to make the rest of us jealous - considering the great deal you made on it.

 

[Peter 315]

Hello Fried 1765: How about a few pictures of your low hour L-48 that is now in like-new condition? It would serve to make the rest of us jealous - considering the great deal you made on it.

No camera..............He still has a rotary phone.........:laughing: