L48 (TLB48) questions

[Lynkage]

In my needs I chose the 48 because of the work it can do fully configured. It is slower than a skid steer at loading but it can do more in one scoop. Mid is slow but if you are doing close work it does not seem to me to be a problem.

If you are not wanting a hoe then it would seem like a better choice to get something else. The 48 IS built like a tank and it's sub frame is very stout. I put a cab and heater in mine and I really like that. especially this year here in Colorado.

My primary use for mine was construction. This made more sense because of versatility. One machine that does more. All together I spent $50,000 on tractor attachments cab 24' goose neck and dump trailer.

I do really like how well these tractors hold their value as well.

BTW it is slow in med but you can now turn off the auto level on the FEL.
Shane

 

[dynasim]

I went through this same L48 dilemna for months, and finally decided to buy a different major brand, not JD. I have almost the same engine HP, but it is lighter, and with a 4 range HST. The HST speeds are fine, and my tractor weighs about 5000 lbs all-in. There is no reason that you can't have a 8 mph HST. I don't know how fast the two middle gears are, but they seem like they are nicely spaced.

I liked the L48 a lot, but it was just a bit to heavy, and a bit to slow for what I wanted. I also had questions about ground clearance that I didn't ever thoroughly answer. It was also >$7000 more that what I got.

 

[Muleskinner]

Due to the planitary rear axle the L48 is geared lower than an L5030 with a spur gear rear axle. I have driven both and the difference in gear ratios are readily apparent. I spoke with the So CA service rep last year and was told the L48 is due for a complete makeover like the L35 got when it became the L39 in the next couple of years. My hope is that Kubota does not make it look like a bug and replace the hood with thin sheet metal and add a lot of plastic. I hope Kubota puts the GST transmission in the unit instead of the HST. Or at least offers the GST as an option. After owning and operating my L39 for 450 hours now I can readily say the GST trans is a good way to go for loader work and grading with a rear box blade. It's a much more positive hook up and does not seem to drain HP like the HST. !2 gears gives you a lot of gear range options.

 

[Builder]

Due to the planitary rear axle the L48 is geared lower than an L5030 with a spur gear rear axle. I have driven both and the difference in gear ratios are readily apparent. I spoke with the So CA service rep last year and was told the L48 is due for a complete makeover like the L35 got when it became the L39 in the next couple of years. My hope is that Kubota does not make it look like a bug and replace the hood with thin sheet metal and add a lot of plastic. I hope Kubota puts the GST transmission in the unit instead of the HST. Or at least offers the GST as an option. After owning and operating my L39 for 450 hours now I can readily say the GST trans is a good way to go for loader work and grading with a rear box blade. It's a much more positive hook up and does not seem to drain HP like the HST. !2 gears gives you a lot of gear range options.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[_RaT_]

Due to the planitary rear axle the L48 is geared lower than an L5030 with a spur gear rear axle. I have driven both and the difference in gear ratios are readily apparent. I spoke with the So CA service rep last year and was told the L48 is due for a complete makeover like the L35 got when it became the L39 in the next couple of years. My hope is that Kubota does not make it look like a bug and replace the hood with thin sheet metal and add a lot of plastic. I hope Kubota puts the GST transmission in the unit instead of the HST. Or at least offers the GST as an option. After owning and operating my L39 for 450 hours now I can readily say the GST trans is a good way to go for loader work and grading with a rear box blade. It's a much more positive hook up and does not seem to drain HP like the HST. !2 gears gives you a lot of gear range options.

The reason the L48 is slower is indeed due to its lower gearing but that is independent of it being planetary driven. You can make gear or planetary drive any ratio you want. The reason the L48 is geared so low is it really is designed as a "dirt" tractor. If you want a versatile tractor that mows well, digs well etc., there are lots of those to choose from. The L48 digs super. One more range on it would have made the HST complete. The HST on the L48 is quiet and very smooth.

 

[Builder]

My dealer tells me Kubota already has all but replaced the L48 with a future "L49" it will be very similar to the L-39, but obviously a bit bigger.

 

[Muleskinner]

My dealer tells me Kubota already has all but replaced the L48 with a future "L49" it will be very similar to the L-39, but obviously a bit bigger.

I'm going to do some snooping into that. I would be interested to know what has changed and when it will be out. I hope it has a slanted hood and FEL arms like the L39. That is a better arangement for FEL work visability. I still don't know why Kubota did not make the FEL arms sloped on the new M series. The hoods are. That was a stupid mistake on their part. Sitting side by side the L39's FEL arms look much better than the M's. Heavier built for their size than the M's also.The M's FEL arms restrict visability big time when compared to the L39's sloped arms.

 

[rbargeron]

Back a few posts, _RaT_ made a really important point IMHO. The loader on the L48 is fixed in place and not designed to be removeable. For mowing and many other rear-implement jobs, it is much nicer to take the loader off. Better clearance, better ride, better maneuverability - it makes a big difference. The 1100 class loaders are beefy - 1500 pounds plus the bucket. The tractor is more nimble without it. Having the choice is a big plus.