good deal on l4850 backhoe?

[chrisdvorak]

I found this kubota L4850 (53hp)4x4 tractor with a loader and 12ft backhoe for 17,500 on craigslist with 1,500 hrs would only be using it for light use on a small farm but wondering if this is a good deal or if i should keep looking?

Kubota L4850 Backhoe

 

[Grandad4]

That model series helped establish Kubotas reputation for ruggedness and dependability. If it's in generally good shape, has no obvious signs of abuse, etc., it would probably make someone a great utility tractor/TLB. 1,500 hours suggests light usage for that age machine and with good maintenance, it should last many thousands more hours. You'd need to see if it has normal wear 'n tear for a 1,500 hour machine or has been beat to heck and gone. Price is probably not bad... you might find something to compare it against on Fastline, etc. There are some folks here on TBN with similar units... maybe they will have more specific comments.

 

[chrisdvorak]

I plan to go see it in the next week or so, what would be normal wear n tear for a machine with 1,500 hrs?

-thanks chris

 

[Grandad4]

Not an inclusive list, but here are some of the things I'd look at:
1. Engine... should start easily and run smoothly. Black smoke at startup (just a puff) or under heavy load is normal for a diesel; it should not smoke otherwise, particularly no blue or white.
2. Clutch/tranny/4wd/diff... Check clutch travel, check for clutch slippage. All tranny and 4wd selections should be operational. Check the 4wd and diff lock by turning sharply on something other than pavement.
3. General appearance... Have the grease zerks been greased? Some dings and scratches are to be expected, but is there any excess rust or damage to the tinwork? Any signs of recent repairs? Does the operator's station look like 1,500 hours or more like 15,000? Was it stored indoors or left out in the weather all the time? Any fluid leaks?
4. Hydraulics... check FEL and 3pt for leakdown and normal operation. You should be able to raise the front of the tractor with the FEL, for example.
5. Backhoe... look for any cracked welds or structural damage, check for any looseness in attachment to the tractor. Make sure all controls are working. Would be great if the owner has someplace you could actually dig some with it, and move some dirt with the FEL for that matter.
6. Tires/wheels... Original tires? How much tread? Severe cuts or repairs? Wheels on tight and not bent? (i.e. no wobble when on pavement). Front wheels tracking straight and steering is normal? Tie rods OK?
7. 3 pt hitch... all parts there, not bent or otherwise damaged? Surface rust is normal.
8. General operation... No unusual knocking, hammering or vibration when you run the machine? Controls, lights, hydraulics all working?

I'm sure there would be other things as well, but I would expect to give such a machine a good once-over and a good test run to bring out any major problems before making a deal, not after. Good luck!

 

[20 20]

from the looks of it, it would be worth looking at.

 

[design]

I have a M5400, which has the same engine. I love the tractor. i did look at a L3750 and they are great tractors.
Notes: Front tire looks like it has been replaced, check to make sure it is the correct rolling diameter.
Tractor looks like it has R4's. Check to make sure that was an option back then.
Feel free to email me\send me photos.
Good luck
-Design

 

[chrisdvorak]

thanks guys! when i go see it i will make sure to try to look at everything you have said and see were it goes from there

ps, this is what he sent me when i asked if there are any leaks or cylinders weeping,

There are no leaks or weeps. Machine is in excellent shape and is tight. I would be confident and encourage you to come look for yourself. Definitely not a waste of time. Thanks!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

 

[rbargeron]

If it is in decent shape (Grandad4's list) then it looks like a very good deal. A clean one like it was recently listed in southern NH for $25k and has been sold. Even without the backhoe it could be a $15k-$17k tractor.

The backhoe looks to be the L5412 which was made by Bradco - has several nice features, like replaceable bushings, spherical joints, well-jacketed hoses, compact and rugged subframe. It also has big cylinders (high digging forces).

These L4850 and L5450 TLB units with Bradco bh were the forerunners of the L48 - virtually the same weight & power. They didn't have hst, but had premium R4 Rubber, a 5-cylinder engine, wet clutch, hydraulic shuttle, front 13 gpm pump, separate ps pump, and extra steel plates reinforcing the frame. Their backhoes and loaders (LA950 and LA1150) were readily removable. At the time they were priced higher than the lighter-weight competitors so their sales numbers were not huge. They are beautifully made - if you are a machinery nut the closer you look the more you will smile.

Beyond Grandad4's list, things to check would be the hydraulic power of the pump - see if the bh stabilizers will lift the back end smartly or if they struggle. Check the swing chain on the bh for wear/looseness. Start the engine from stone cold - a small amount of light blue smoke is normal for the F2803 engine - but it should clear in 5-10 minutes above idle. Also check leak-down rate for fel and bh - with valves centered neither should have an obviously visible drop rate. There can be internal hydraulic wear that doesn't show as leaks outside but shows as drop. Check the hydraulic shuttle for normal forward-reverse-forward function driving along (slowly). Engagement should be smooth with no noises.

There are a lot of posts at TBN about L3 models - L3350, L3750, L4150, L4350, L4850, L5450. One of our super members _Rat_ has a L4850 in his family fleet. And I have a L5450 with Bradco like you are considering. Take care, Dick B

 

[magicheater]

Yes they are good tractors, I agree w/all of above post. I have an L4350 and it is a tank. Can't beat the wet clutch and hydraulic shuttle. Had a chance at an L4850 a year after getting my L4350 and would have bought it but did not have the 20G they wanted. I have 12" wide 10ply R4's w/custom built rims on the front and 10ply R4's an the rear. This was when Kubota REALLY built a tough tractor!