L4400 or L45

[ManAtArms]

I would second the vote for quick attach backhoe buckets (very easy to swap) and add a 12" trenching bucket to the order. The 12" is the best (IMO) when using the thumb. It's the same width as the thumb and is great for moving small rocks, logs, etc (building rock walls). Plus it's great for digging in really tough ground as you can concentrate the force into 12" area.

Yes, thumb is part of the package.



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.

 

[Kyle241]

Tailrotor, that is a very nice setup you have on the L45. Sounds like you got a good deal all round with all those extras for $46k with tax.

ManAtArms, thanks for the info on the 12" bucket, makes sense so that is what I will ask for.

We'll see what this other dealer has to say today.

 

[gwdixon]

Another vote here for the 12" bucket. Stump removal is one of your needs and the smaller bucket makes it much easier to snap roots and get under the root ball.

I don't have a thumb and getting the big root balls out of the hole can be a time-consumer. Moving the root ball around can also be a problem and they just don't want to jump into the bucket by themselves. Go with the thumb if possible.

 

[Tailrotor]

Kyle421

You most definitely want a 12in bucket. I use this bucket all the time for digging stumps with. It makes snapping roots a lot easier and plus you actually take a chance on bending something on the tractor with the 24in bucket trying to dig stumps.

Also if you can swing it get a box blade and front grapple. The top & tilt is also a time and back saver.

Good luck I hope you find a good deal.

 

[PoorMansCat]

No matter what you decide, make absolutely sure that you do ALL the proper maintenance. My B.I.L. started his own business and bought a fleet of new equipment.. Truck, two trailers, tractor F.E.L., 12" chipper, 75 hp stump grinder..etc... About the only thing left is the chipper engine and the gooseneck flatbed trailer. oh, and the incredible payments to the bank... his maintenance program was run it till it quit, if jumper cables and ether would get it back going, I always ended up getting a phone call..
Proper maintenace will keep your new business in the black!!.

 

[mike69440]

The L45 has the front axle that the L39 should have had.