L4400 or L45

[Kyle241]

I'm going to test out the L45 and L4400 today just to get a feel for fit and comfort. My wife says I should get the L45 and just be done with it .

 

[gwdixon]

I'm going to test out the L45 and L4400 today just to get a feel for fit and comfort. My wife says I should get the L45 and just be done with it .

Great wife! Does she have a sister?

 

[Kyle241]

Great wife! Does she have a sister?

Hah! Yes is definitely a keeper but also an only child so you're out of luck.

So my findings after driving the L45 and the L4400

L4400:

Like - simple, straightforward machine, lots of power (compared with my B20), accelerator peddle, price, it's orange

Dislike - location of throttle (on/near steering column), height with backhoe will be taller than my 9' shop doors

Overall a very nice tractor. Huge rear wheels that really surprised me. The ride was good however there was no backhoe attached so it felt unbalanced to me but that is because I am used to some weight off the back. It's a very long tractor compared to my B20 and felt longer (loader) than the L45 but that I believe is due to the different front-ends on the two machines.

L45:

Like - third pump on the backhoe, creep-mode is awesome, seat is very comfortable, moving seat from forward to backward for backhoe is simple, auto-level on the bucket, the curved nose allows for good visibility, it's orange

Dislike - accelerator peddle just doesn't fit right for me even with seat forward, price (still don't feel I am getting a 'deal')

Overall very nice and comes with everything one can think of for a backhoe IMHO. The design of this machine when it comes to commercial work is excellent, very comfortable and plenty of power. The 'dashboard' on the side gets some getting used to as compared with my B20. Not completely sure of the 'automatic' mode as I like to be in control of my tractor but perhaps it's just something to get used to.

So between the two, the L45 is the winner (this I did not doubt) however it comes with a price. Still trying to determine how much commercial work I am going to do as that is the deciding factor. The L4400 is plenty for my property work and I really like the tractor.

 

[Trigger]

It definately would come down to the amount of backhoe use. Another thing I like about the L45/L39 is that it does sit lower to the ground than other Lseries (or at least seems to), and feels better to me on hills. This has become more important to me since some of the stumps I need to remove are on a hill (which gets a little scary on my b21). I also love being able to adjust the throttle from the backhoe seat quickly without twisting myself in knots. The creep mode would be real nice.

Im not sure if u mentioned it but are you considering a thumb for the hoe?

 

[Tailrotor]

Kyle241

As a owner of a L45 and small business this machine has been outstanding. I have owned a B26 and still have a BX2230 but the L45 is by far the best TLB I have used so far.

It is great for transporting and gets you in at under 10k lbs tractor , trailer. So if you plan on moving it around from job to job it is a dream.

Lots of power and will lift more then you would ever think it could.

Here is a few in action pic's

 

[Tailrotor]

Heres a few more. The L45 is really a true work horse . Mine stays in the garage when I am not using it along with my other toys. 2011 5.0 liter Mustang.

 

[powerstroke444e]

I think if you don't get the L45 you will always wish you did. If you are looking at commercial work get the thumb and quick attach backhoe buckets get 2 or 3 dig n 12 18 24 buckets, and a large smooth bucket for clean up and cleaning ditchs.

 

[Kyle241]

Im not sure if u mentioned it but are you considering a thumb for the hoe?

Yes, thumb is part of the package.

I think if you don't get the L45 you will always wish you did. If you are looking at commercial work get the thumb and quick attach backhoe buckets get 2 or 3 dig n 12 18 24 buckets, and a large smooth bucket for clean up and cleaning ditchs.

I have thought about an extra bucket size as it comes with 24". I'll have to ask about the quick attach for the backhoe.

Tomorrow I talk to another dealer to determine whether they will give me a better price. What bugs me is there is a dealer about 7hrs from here advertising a new L45 at $41,900 CAD whereas my local guy is asking $48,500, that is a big difference. I am not sure if the long distance dealer has the thumb on it though as I have heard this is $3-4k.

 

[Tailrotor]

Kyle421

I bought my L45 a little over a year ago. I was at the dealer when it came off the truck to his lott, So it wasn't sitting around and out in the weather.

I ordered mine with the quick attach back hoe bucket, a 12in ,24in bucket, Hydraulic thumb. Rear remotes for a top & tilt , 6ft heavy duty box blade 600lbs.72in Front tooth bar, Ambo 6ft grapple, and the extra front hydraulic valve with the push button control on the loader lever, 72in Heavy duty front bucket.

I paid $46,000 tax and all out the door. So your dealer has some room to work if all you are getting is the L45 with no extra. So look around you will fine a dealer out there that wants to make a deal.

Good luck And if you have question feel free to ask. I forgot to say this all U.S.A prices

 

[Grandad4]

What bugs me is there is a dealer about 7hrs from here advertising a new L45 at $41,900 CAD whereas my local guy is asking $48,500, that is a big difference. I am not sure if the long distance dealer has the thumb on it though as I have heard this is $3-4k.

That seems to be part of the tractor buying experience. Every dealer plays by his own rules regarding prices and dealing with customers and you really have to shop around. Some folks are lucky enough to have a dealer nearby who will give good deals and treat the customers right. Hope you find a good dealer.