Finally bought an L5450

lonestar382 · Jul 17, 2014

Well, after several years of looking at them as they came for sale, I finally bought a 95 L5450 with the everclutch, LA1150A loader and 4wd with metal canopy. The machine has a little over 2000hrs on a working hour meter. There are several items that will require TLC, but I bought the machine knowing so. I will be surely leaning on the wisdom of those on here whom have had, or do currently have these machines.
There is absolutely no blow by whatsoever, and all the metal is straight. Sun burnt, but not as bad as some that I've seen over the years. It is also equipped with a hydraulic top link and right hand lift arm link for quick attitude adjustments for grade work etc.
It appears that both front axle seals have some seepage, as there was fresh oil running down the outside of the front wheels after my 75mile trailer home. Also, there are questionable behaviors in the hydraulic system. The 3pt hitch with a JD MX6 cutter will tend to pulse, or bounce when lifted and stationary. I fear that the hydraulic pump is weak, or perhaps a good fluid change and service with Kubota UDT is in order. Any advice from anyone will be so greatly appreciated!

Corey Graham
Prosper, TX

skyhook · Jul 18, 2014

My advice, post a picture of it.

lonestar382 · Jul 20, 2014

I will definitely snag a few pictures and upload them. I am needing to sell my L5030 now that I have the 5450. What a difference between the two machines!

rbargeron · Jul 21, 2014

Hey Corey - first things first - after looking a while, welcome to the L5450 owners' group - primarily people who remember how massive JDs, Masseys, Fords and other tractors used to be. The L3 chassis (L3350, L3750, L4150, L4350, L4850 and L5450) aimed at the U.S. market and used extra iron to get its attention. I've never seen an L3 with ANY serious breakage except for one that was hit by a train at a grade crossing, breaking it in half (hard to design for that).

I had an open-station L5450 and sold it about a year after getting one with a cab. I sorta miss having the two. The L5450 has a robust front hydraulic pump. If heavy loads on the 3ph oscillate check inflation of the rear tires - soft flexing can set off the hydraulic feedback. If loader strength is normal, the pump is probably ok. The L5450 doesn't really need SUDT - regular hydraulic oil is fine. The front axle uses 80w-90wgear oil. Front axle leaks are relatively rare on the L3 but it does happen - TBN has some posts. You may find there aren't a lot of people with L5450 repair experience. They tend not to need it very often. They aren't perfect, but they are close.

jeff9366 · Jul 21, 2014

lonestar382 said:
It appears that both front axle seals have some seepage, as there was fresh oil running down the outside of the front wheels after my 75mile trailer home.

Often the result irregularly mounting counterbalance on the Three Point Hitch when carrying loads in the FEL bucket over uneven ground. Lack of Three Point counterbalance stresses the front axle and seals.

TripleR · Jul 21, 2014

I'm not familiar with them so I had to look it up, sure seems like a robust tractor, congratulations.:thumbsup:

lonestar382 · Jul 22, 2014

Thanks for the replies. I haven't had much time to play with the tractor, so I don't have many answers. I plan to change all fluids in the coming week and diagnose the tractor from there. After unloading the tractor, I've no longer noticed any axle seepage. Could be I had it boomed down tight enough to possibly cause some seepage? Anyways, these machines are awesome! Very heavy, and very strong feeling. That's exactly what I was looking for. My L5030 is a great machine, however it doesn't remotely compare to the robust feel of this L5450.

wmonroe · Jul 22, 2014

Congrats, sounds like you got a nice machine.

lonestar382 · Jul 31, 2014

Here are a few pictures. I've got her in my garage changing oil, filter, and fuel filter. These are big machines!

lonestar382 · Jul 31, 2014

My only true issue I'm having at this point is a minor fuel leak at the return line fitting, which I will tackle this weekend, and the 3pt hitch is not working properly. When holding a load elevated with the engine running, the hitch will hunt, or pulse up and down. This happens anytime the hitch has any load lifted off the ground. Also, the hitch drops or settles as soon as I turn the tractor off. It actually settles fairly quick, which is not a confidence inspiring situation. Any ideas as to what may be going on? I hope there's an adjustment somewhere that is not right that will fix these issues.

Thanks everyone!
Corey