To buy a L5240 vs. a L48?

[ecoscaper]

Time to upgrade! I've had a 05' 3830 since bought new and its been great but now the projects are getting bigger and it's time to upgrade. Ohhh I want a cab, but I'm getting more into construction so I've been looking @ the L48 and the M59, I'm also looking at the L5240, would need the back-hoe with thumb. There's a huge weight difference; L52 is up to 2 tons and the L48 is about double; is this weight difference for stability? Anyone have any thoughts with these 2 models? No cab opt. for the L48/M59? But easier backhoeing ? Any help greatly appreciated! thanks!

By the way my L3830 is for sale (40hp, q.a. bucket, backhoe, hst, 900hrs.)

 

[gwdixon]

Drive around a L48 or M59. The 3 speed HST transmission is a dog. It works great for a backhoe job but don't look for much further than that use. There are posts on TBN that discuss the transmission and its characteristics.

The L5240 is more of an all around machine like what you are used to with the L3830. The 9 foot add-on backhoe is going to add $8K+ to the price. My preference is to have a BH that is specifically designed for BH work rather than hung on the back of a standard tractor.

The L5040 w/BH that I almost got has a hydraulic pump output to the remotes of 9.8 gpm while the L48 has 3 pumps for 20 gpm (power steering pump subtracted from both). Both will dig a hole but the quality of the experience is different.

 

[ecoscaper]

Thanks for the info, I do have to try one out. I agree having a backhoe specifically for backhoe work would be ideal, as in a bucket loader and a mini excavator, but for now the budget permits for one all around piece of equipment, I do work out in the country quite a bit, there's always a variety of tasks, sounds like the L5240 would be a better all around fit; plus the cab would be nice. Add a mini excavator to the fleet someday!

Again thanks for the info!

 

[gerard]

oh to have such a problem...............

 

[curtisfarmer]

Without even hestitating the L48 is 2X the other machine when it comes to construction performance. Research my posts or the other L48 posters to catch up with current thoughts. Don't make the mistake of buying the wrong machine and buy the right machine 1st. Pretty has nothing to do with performance. Good luck.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Drive around a L48 or M59. The 3 speed HST transmission is a dog.

The L48 trans could be geared better, no doubt. However the M59 is totally different and really drives very well. There is a good 10-12 years of technology advancment between these two tractors.

 

[Charlesaf3]

I've got no complaints about the m59 gearing.

 

[grillmastertoo]

Hey Ecoscaper---
I am just curious if you have made a decision on your purchase between the L5240 or the L48?
Thanks

 

[_RaT_]

Drive around a L48 or M59. The 3 speed HST transmission is a dog. It works great for a backhoe job but don't look for much further than that use. There are posts on TBN that discuss the transmission and its characteristics.

The L5240 is more of an all around machine like what you are used to with the L3830. The 9 foot add-on backhoe is going to add $8K+ to the price. My preference is to have a BH that is specifically designed for BH work rather than hung on the back of a standard tractor.

The L5040 w/BH that I almost got has a hydraulic pump output to the remotes of 9.8 gpm while the L48 has 3 pumps for 20 gpm (power steering pump subtracted from both). Both will dig a hole but the quality of the experience is different.

I am with you. I had a L48 and was very disappointed in the "dog" 3 speed transmission. Low was fine, medium was way too slow and high was absolutely gutless. I enjoyed my L3830 HST much more than the L48. While there are good things about the L48 like thicker steel cowling, very beefy rear end, loader, great engine (fuel hog however) nice room etc., the transmission in the end was just not adequately designed. I was quite happy to have sold it.

 

[curtisfarmer]

Rat, I , and other have argued forever about the tranny L48 being slow. Yes it is, but way more tractor than a 3830 or 5240 will ever be. They are just 2 different machines. Period.