L35, L48 or something smaller?

[petrops]

Hi All

I am looking for a TLB combination and am considering the Kubota 4630 w/9'hoe ($30,000)or maybe the L35 or L48. There are some good deals on used L35s out there with 500 hrs at $24,000 and a brand new L48 for $34,750 (honest). Of course I would love to own the 48 but money is tight and most of all I am concerned about the size of the L35 and L48. They just seem so much bigger than the 4630. Possibly just cause of the FOPS.

Can anyone tell me how the find these 2 models in the woods, mowing under trees etc.? Is the size a practical disadvantage?

Thanks

Jack

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The L48 is quite large from what I've seen. The L35 is also large but not as large. When you say you'll be working in the woods, are the trees in your area real full? The only problem is that if they are, then you'll run the risk of having branches swing back at your face like what happened to me once on my backhoe. I drive under this pine tree and all these oak and maple trees all the time with my backhoe (a case 580B) and it's no problem. As long as the brances aren't super thick they won't damage the hoe or anything. Just be careful in not having one poke your eye out!

Blake
WA

 

[DavidInNH]

I've used my L48 in the woods, both with the backhoe and with the chipper. You certainly have to pay attention. I have a lot less trouble with the FOPS than with the length - both the backhoe and the chipper are long. I don't mow with the L48, so I can't help you there. I hope to spend more time in the woods next year - I'll be clearing trails and chipping so I'll pretty much in control of the maneuverability /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[JATO_RaT]

Jack, I use my L48 for mowing as well as for extensive loader use. Having a integral loader versus a detachable one certainly makes for a very solid loader but does make mowing more of a chore depending on what you have to mow. I have many sprinkler heads that stand up about 2' and that is a problem with the loader. There seems to be no best position for it. Too low and the heads get snapped to high and your visibility is less. You asked about the quick attach bucket that is available for the L48 as an option in a email to me. It would indeed be a option and one worthy to considerand allow use of the many Bobcat attachments. The FOPs is very solid, it will indeed get in the way. I had at one time considered removing mine as it would be easy to do and still maintain the ROPs. One thing is that mowing with the L48 that I really like is the hydrostatic transmission. Backing up and pushing my mower under the tree is so easy, you really don't mind using reverse often and frequently as the change in directions is so simple.

The price you quoted for the L48 sounds very good, Rat....

 

[JATO_RaT]

Jack, I decided rather then mow under the tree, I'd just move it. See attached photo, Rat...

 

[JATO_RaT]

Maybe it would look good over there

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Rat, that is one great looking machine!!!!!!!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Rat, that is one great looking machine!!!!!!!


Rat, YES that is a very nice looking machine. Do you have any pics. with the hoe attached? I'd like to see some. It's amazing how strong that is. That's a very heavy tree!!

Blake
WA

 

[ScottAR]

I snagged a pic of somone's L48... (feel free to chime in)

 

[Anonymous Poster]

YUK! Get that thing outa here. LOL. I'm just playing, you all know how I am about L48's. Here's a better machine...

Blake
WA