Kubota L48

DavidInNH · Jan 30, 2003

I don't understand your concern with the brakes. The only time I ever use them is when I park it. The HST rocker pedal is my one step go & stop control the rest of the time.

Since time is important to you, you might want to compare backhoe cycle time. I don't have any experience with anything else, but I've been told that the hoe on the L48 (and L35) is much faster than those normally found on CUT's.

Jonnydiesel · Jan 30, 2003

The brakes aren't that big of a concern. I do a fair amount of work in the woods and being able to use the brakes does help alot, but it's not something that would stop me from buying the tractor. I'm sure the cycle times and the operability of the hoe on the L48 are second to none (in this market), thats why I want it.

JATO_RaT · Jan 31, 2003

Dozernut, the L48 is really a different tractor then the L4610, a tractor I seriously considered before the L48 came along. The L48 has a different engine 148.6 cu in vs 134.1, a planetary drive rear end, much more hydraulic flow about 25 gpm vs about 15, about 1800lbs heavier, a considerably higher capacity loader that does not detach nearly as easy, a large subframe for the hoe, three point hitch lift arms are a bit beefier with more lift. The L48 has a hoe exclusive to itself. Other then that they have the same size wheels, share a similar transmission with HST and most important, are both great tractors. Rat...

Steve_Carver · Jan 31, 2003

Good Morning,
It will help if you will register here at TBN with your email address and other data.
Sorry, CEC answers 100% of ALL incoming weekday email to info@carverequipment.com within 24 hours and all weekend email before noon on Mondays.
If you didn't get a response the email was never received or lost.
Please re-send to wildtrky25@aol.com(Steve_Carver) or to info@carverequipment.com.
We have 5 new L35s today and one used one due in next week.

Dozernut · Jan 31, 2003

Yes I agree with you about the differences between the L-48 and the L 4610. You forgot to add the self leveling bucket, hardened hood, reversible seat, starter switch placement and a host of other improvements. I still say the L-48 is "BASICALLY" the same tractor. Their is a two hp. difference between the two. I am not trying to split hairs or argue but I was told by a Kubota dealer that they took the L 4610 and used it as the base for the L-48. They upped the hp. and hydraulics and added a substantial frame to handle the stress of the powerful backhoe they put on the unit. Please do not construe this as antagonism, but as simple debate which might prove that I am more ignorant than I originally thought./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

JATO_RaT · Jan 31, 2003

Thanks Dozernut. The main reason for pointing out the differences was pretty much on my part to show why I went that way instead of the L4610. The funny thing is, the price difference between the two was not that huge. The difference between the two is still in my opinion fairly substantial. You are correct though about the engine, very little difference there. The rear axle is very different. The gear ranges are much different. In medium, the L48 has a top speed of 4 mph while the L4610 is over 7 mph. I would think the L4610 actually shares more in common with the other great L series below it except that the L4610 has a greater capacity loader compared to the other Lxx10 tractors as well as HP. I was very close to buying one. My dealer actually made the final decision easier saying that the L 48 is just much more heavy duty for the price difference, about $2000. Anyway, in hindsight I probably should have gone with the L4610 which at time I was comparing to the JD's 4700 and the 4600. The Kubota L4610 was much nicer in terms of HST and loader. Sorry if my previous post sounded sarcastic, it most certainly was not meant to be. Rat...

Dozernut · Jan 31, 2003

Hey, no harm, no foul! Wish that I could have found that deal on an L-48. That is a sweet piece of equipment. I think there is a substantial difference between the two also. My point was that they both started from the same base. As to your point of it being a different tractor,you are correct when they add all the improvements. Actually I have really enjoyed the exchange. I hope to trade thoughts about equipment with you in the future. Did you ever think,when you were a kid, that as an adult you would be talking about tractors. Typing on a keyboard,communicating with someone across the country and using handles like Dozernut and Rat. Mind blowing when you think about it. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

Tags · Jan 31, 2003

Johnnydiesel,
You definetely can't go wrong buying an L48,they are a well built,strong machine,and being a Kubota they keep a fairly high resale value.As far as the brakes go,if you want to use to "skid turn" you have to cross your left leg over to operate the brakes, while operating the HST pedal with your right,a bit uncomfortable but it gets the job done,I'm not sure why Kubota does this,but it's the same on all their machines.As far as backhoe bucket selection I have found the only way to fly is with a quick coupler setup,this allows you to easily match your bucket to the job,and allows you to work more efficiently.A good example is if you were pulling stumps or trying to dig a trench through frost,a ripper tooth is excellent for this because you are concentrating all of the hoes force to one tooth instead of 3 or 4,and after you get the stump out you can swap over to a 2 foot bucket to clean up the mess,and for drainage work swap to a 12" bucket,less material generated and less stone used.It really opens up alot of options,you don't need to get all the buckets at once either,you could buy the quick coupler and one bucket and add more as you need em'.Of course this is just my opinion,but thought I'd put it out there./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Anonymous Poster · Feb 2, 2003

As far as the brakes go,if you want to use to "skid turn" you have to cross your left leg over to operate the brakes

 That's the same as in my backhoe (except opposite), a case 580B. You have to get all twisted just to skid to your right. But I try not to and just use the brake for skidding on the left.

JATO_RaT · Feb 2, 2003

"Typing on a keyboard,communicating with someone across the country and using handles like Dozernut and Rat. Mind blowing when you think about it."

Hehehehe, you are so right. Its been a great experience conversing with folks from all over this country as well as a few from other parts of the world. I think part of the attraction is we all feel a need to not only get information, but a lot of us enjoy dishing it out. I actually was using the internet back in 1986 using Compuserve, they charged by the minute. My "handle" Rat is just the first 3 letters of my name. I started as Paddock and have a few hundred posts with that name as well. Perhaps someday I'll tell the big cheese Mo that he really has one less then the total number of folks registered since I am using 2 names. Rat & Paddock