Buying Advice kubota l48

[MRCONCDID]

This may sound like an odd post but I have found what I have been looking for but it comes with a price. Here's the question.

Would you sell off all of your attachments to fund a new tractor if you new you would have to replace some of them in the near future?
I have a deal that requires bundling all my equipment to get the l48 (dream tractor) I know I will need a bush hog and a box blade sooner or later. My current equipment is like brand new condition. Its all heavy duty and have no issues.

The l48 has 700 hours looks brand new and cost 26,000.
Just hashing the pros and cons.
MrC.

 

[Grandad4]

Just so you are aware, many L48 owners found it was an outstanding digging machine but not a great choice for general tractor use because the mid-range gearing was so low. It was like having two low ranges - great for heavy grunt work, but no good mid range for regular tractor chores like mowing, Other consideration is the loader is permanently mounted, not removable for other work. Otherwise, and particularly for any kind of dirt work, L48 remains an awesome machine.

 

[mike69440]

I suggest borrowing the cash as if you like your attachment it will cost a a heck of a lot to replace.
The TLBs are great diggers, not so great a farm tractor.

 

[MRCONCDID]

I have a monument business and need the lifting power. I need to lift 2500lbs. To move granite slabs and concrete vaults. The hoe is just a bonus. I would use it if I had it. I have heard the issues of speed from other forums. The l48 is small and light which helps with getting in tight places like cemeterys and light enough to trailer with a load of granite compared to a true backhoe. One job can weight upwards of 3tons . I have some land I would like to clear as well.
MrC.

 

[FatTire]

I would get a loan for the tractor before selling my attachments. Regardless of what good condition your attachments are in, you will lose a significant amount when you sell them, unless you can find used ones in the same condition. There are some deals to be had when you go to replace, but there is also a lot of beat up junk out there. I bought some of my attachments used (snowplow, PTO chipper, snow blower) but it took a long time to find some "like new" units.

 

[Grandad4]

I have a monument business and need the lifting power. I need to lift 2500lbs. To move granite slabs and concrete vaults. The hoe is just a bonus. I would use it if I had it. I have heard the issues of speed from other forums. The l48 is small and light which helps with getting in tight places like cemeterys and light enough to trailer with a load of granite compared to a true backhoe. One job can weight upwards of 3tons . I have some land I would like to clear as well.
MrC.

L48 should be a good choice for that. You will want larger implements for the L48, so once you know you're going to make the purchase, whatever you've got geared to the TC30 should probably go. What about the TC30 itself? I have found good quality implements in good condition will sell readily at decent prices. At least in my area there are folks looking for implements that have been cared for and not beaten to death or left out in the elements.

 

[MRCONCDID]

I have seen L48's do the job I am doing with ease, My TC30 is great for what it is, I just need more lifting power. I have come to the realization, I may not have enough truck to pull the L48 comfortably (to be completely honest, I only haul short distances, like 30 miles at a time). I no longer have the truck in my avatar, I currently have a 2012 chevy crew cab 4x4 5.3 1/2 ton truck, I do have a 6 ton 20 ft. duel axle with electric brake trailer, but I think the L48's 7500 lbs plus the trailers 2200 lbs is going to kill my truck.My truck currently hauls the TC30 fine with 2,000 lbs of granite, just smaller pieces. I load it as even as possible even straddling the granite with the tractor at times to keep the weight spread out.

I agree I doubt I will ever find as good of implements as I have now. As for getting a loan, I try not to ever go into debt, I pay as I go most times. My house is all I really owe money on, and I am paying that down faster than scheduled. So now buying a tractor may result in buying a truck, that sucks. Do any of you haul a TLB with a half ton truck?

MrC.

 

[mike69440]

I have seen L48's do the job I am doing with ease, My TC30 is great for what it is, I just need more lifting power. I have come to the realization, I may not have enough truck to pull the L48 comfortably (to be completely honest, I only haul short distances, like 30 miles at a time). I no longer have the truck in my avatar, I currently have a 2012 chevy crew cab 4x4 5.3 1/2 ton truck, I do have a 6 ton 20 ft. duel axle with electric brake trailer, but I think the L48's 7500 lbs plus the trailers 2200 lbs is going to kill my truck.My truck currently hauls the TC30 fine with 2,000 lbs of granite, just smaller pieces. I load it as even as possible even straddling the granite with the tractor at times to keep the weight spread out.

I agree I doubt I will ever find as good of implements as I have now. As for getting a loan, I try not to ever go into debt, I pay as I go most times. My house is all I really owe money on, and I am paying that down faster than scheduled. So now buying a tractor may result in buying a truck, that sucks. Do any of you haul a TLB with a half ton truck?

MrC.

Ouch, that is a lot of weight to haul with even a top spec new half ton. Really 3- 4 tons is the max a half ton should haul on flat ground, short distances.
Check out a credit union.

 

[DanHen]

I looked at a 48 with same numbers, it was a 2007 I think with right at 700 hrs for $26k. Seemed decent but needed tires soon. Drove over to the new dealer and compared to a used L45 they had taken on trade, same hours but super clean for a little more money, 2011 model. Chewed on those over the weekend along with other specs, kubota credit, warranties, and planned jobs then decided to buy the brand new L47. I like paying cash too but kubota credit is running 0% for 60 months. You have to buy insurance through them but it's great full replacement insurance even if you do something dumb with it.... 6 year warranty, no worry about repairs, fairly easy to tow and will lift 3000lbs with the FEL + dig a 10foot deep trench... more than I needed but will do anything I could want. I refer to it as my Kubota-Davidson...

Seriously if you have enough cash in savings that could be earning 10%, why not use kubotas money at 0 and leave yours alone

 

[mike69440]

I looked at a 48 with same numbers, it was a 2007 I think with right at 700 hrs for $26k. Seemed decent but needed tires soon. Drove over to the new dealer and compared to a used L45 they had taken on trade, same hours but super clean for a little more money, 2011 model. Chewed on those over the weekend along with other specs, kubota credit, warranties, and planned jobs then decided to buy the brand new L47. I like paying cash too but kubota credit is running 0% for 60 months. You have to buy insurance through them but it's great full replacement insurance even if you do something dumb with it.... 6 year warranty, no worry about repairs, fairly easy to tow and will lift 3000lbs with the FEL + dig a 10foot deep trench... more than I needed but will do anything I could want. I refer to it as my Kubota-Davidson...��

Seriously if you have enough cash in savings that could be earning 10%, why not use kubotas money at 0 and leave yours alone
View attachment 514570

Your L47 is much more shiny and new than my old girl, but where is the FEL 3rd function and BH hydraulic thumb to make it complete?
PS. 10' deep trench is not really possible, but it is a super hoe no the less.

 

[MRCONCDID]

Well guys I made my move. I appreciate all the advice. After alot of thought I sold all my attachments and my TC30 today. Im really going to miss that little machine. The reason to let the attachments go is.. I hardly ever used them other than the box blade. I really havent mowed in 2 years same goes for the harrows and rake. I am sure I will end up replaceing the box blade sooner than later. I may not ever need a mower.So thats the why I bundled it all as a package. I feel I got a good price for it. This has allowed me to not finance the l48. No Payments. So tomorrow I will be picking up the L48. I cant wait. As for zero percent finance that is a good deal but I have checked around I cant find anything new anywhere close in price. I will anther dealer tomorrow just in case.
Any advice as to what to look for in a used machine. I know there is an upgraded shaft on the pump issue. Other than that check the fluids and flex it out before handing over the cash.

MrC.

 

[mike69440]

Good machine.

Yeah, little machines are nice but for it's size the L48 is nimble if not a little slow.

 

[MRCONCDID]

Well, Here is my new ride L48 TLB, I sold the TC30 Sunday, and in less than 24 hours have this beauty sitting in my yard.
I will miss that little blue mule, I owned it 11 years, but I really needed more lifting power, I think this will do the job just fine.
Thanks for all your advice.

MrC.

 

[mike69440]

Well, Here is my new ride L48 TLB, I sold the TC30 Sunday, and in less than 24 hours have this beauty sitting in my yard.
I will miss that little blue mule, I owned it 11 years, but I really needed more lifting power, I think this will do the job just fine.
Thanks for all your advice.

MrC.

Beefy Looking Curl cylinders on your tractor, I upsized mine on my L39. I like that deep bucket. I'd like to find an L48 bucket used.

 

[MRCONCDID]

Thanks Mike,

I have searched several times in the Kubota Forum, and there are only a few posted dedicated to the L48. Why?
I have a few questions; Like best place to get a manual, Where to find good price on Filters and consumables?
I have good experience with Messicks and would use them again.

MrC.

 

[mike69440]

Only advice is to use Kubota Hydraulic filters and Royal Purple
Amazon.com: Royal Purple 117 Syntractor III Universal Tractor Fluid - 5 gal.: Automotive
Read reviews, good in cold weather.
Keep the internal magnets in the filters to hang on your refrigerator and point out to friends those are $800 magnets.
I change hydraulic fluid every 800-1000 hours.
Use K & N oil filter or Mobil 1
Shell oil in blue bottle. Lots of Moly grease.
Good luck.

 

[RichM752]

Welcome to the club Dan. I love my L47.

 

[MRCONCDID]

Thanks Guy,

Well I am one of those people who buy something used then go through it for service before I really use it. I do this for a couple of reasons, Since its used, I don't "really know when it was last serviced" and it gives me a chance to really learn about the machine. like how stuff works and what things look like. It also tells me a lot about how it was used before I bought it. I am sure some of you are the same way.

So over the last few weekends, I have serviced engine.
New air Filter inner and outer ( both looked pretty bad)
New oil Filter
New oil (Delo)
flushed radiator, cleaned trans cooler and radiator screen
replaced broken positive battery lug, checked fan belt
check over engine, every thing looks good and seems ready to go.

Drained HST trans, changed all three filters (messicks)
13.5 gallons of premium Hydraulic fluid Napa Brand- This fluid states it is equal to or exceeds Super UDT and regular UDT standards
Pulled hard line found only 1 screen/mesh filter near rear axle looked great cleaned it and replaced.


So far everything is going great only issue is the BH seems weak (boom and dipper) Curl seems strong, also the stabilizers wont lift the rear tires off the ground, they do lift some but not off the ground. Fel seems strong and lifts front end no problem.
Before I go digging into the pressure relief valve (900 hours on machine) I have read that the push pull valve (fluid diverter?) is hard to seat. Is that so?
I did find a small leak, I call it a drip from one of my rear remotes ( the red one ) Are these rebuildable? or can/should I replace it?

Thanks
MrC.

 

[DanHen]

Your L47 is much more shiny and new than my old girl, but where is the FEL 3rd function and BH hydraulic thumb to make it complete?
PS. 10' deep trench is not really possible, but it is a super hoe no the less.

LOL! That picture was just after rolling off the trailer when I brought it home! You have to look close but it has the thumb and front hydro. Has a "60 wicked grapple on fel now. Just wish I could get more play time with the new toy...