Kubota L48 4.80 star(s) (12)

Good And Strong
Model Year: 2007

This is an awesome machine and very strong. I do agree that the seat system could be better (swivel system). There have been a few leaks in front of the clutch (seals on 4 x 4 shaft - a heck of a job to replace).

Pros: Very strong back end
Cons: Front bucket arms are a bit weak - both of mine cracked at top of cylinders, some parts are already obsolete from Kubota

workhorse
Model Year: 2000

This tractor is a "BRUT" of a medium sized tractor...and I love working it; it amazes me all the time with its POWER. The BT1100 back hoe is a gorilla when it comes to strength digging and pulling. The TL1150 front end loader is perfect! I am a lucky man to have this machine with a RAPTOR grappler and 9.7 acres on a mountain to work it!

Pros: reliability
Cons: "zero"!

Kubota L48
Model Year: 2006

I gave the unit a 5 star across the board rating but in reality we have only added about 60 hrs to the clock. No problems so far. My son and I have no previous experience with tractors so before purchasing this L48 at an auction site and laying down many $$$$'s we had a local Kubota dealer inspect the unit for problems and it passed with flying colors. With only 233 hrs on the clock we did "do diligence" and hoped for the best. The L48 came with a FEL, a backhoe, and a set of tire chains installed, the backhoe is really the tool we wanted. As it turns out and with a bit of practice the backhoe is a great implement and dare I say "fun" to work with. We added a "Ratchet Rake" to help with the poison oak control and the L48 with it's heavier weight and on 20% inclines just pushes through without issue.

Pros: Backhoe.
Cons: Diesel consumption.

Wow
Model Year: 2002

I started doing some care taking in CO and the owners brought a used L48. Being a city guy this was okay now what? So I hopped on and started my love of the Kubota brand. I have used this for rebuilding a creek bed that the beavers had destroyed. I have tied large trees to the back hoe, and added rock to the front bucket to off set the weight of the tree. I have put the tractor in mud up to the frame, and got out using the bucket and back hoe.I have used it to grade the road using the bucket, and draging back up the road. Am I impressed hell yes.

Pros: All.
Cons: No cup holder.

L48 TLB
Model Year: 2004

Outstanding performer, forward hydraulics, rigid thumb, snow plow attachment, Curtis cab, rear tire ballast. I've done things with this machine that amazes people.

Pros: Everything.
Cons: No crawl function from the backhoe position.

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L48 After Many Years
Model Year: 2002

I wrote an early review on my L48 many years ago. It was then and continues to be a work horse. I have found it's strengths and weaknesses over this time. All in, it is a great machine---

Pros: Size to power ratio, backhoe power, tough build.
Cons: Too slow in mid range, could have a sit and spin seat rather than the step trough, better hood system, fueling on the hood.

Kubota L48
Model Year: 2004

I’ve always wanted to have a loader/backhoe. I looked into a lot of other manufacturers but kept coming back to Kubota (maybe it’s the orange color). Anyway, I had rented a Cat loader/backhoe from HO Penn (CT – good guys). Brand spanking new big machine, can’t recall the model, but had AC, thumb drive and retractable boom---wow what a nice machine. After using that to pull up any bury stumps, I found myself needing something a little lighter. The L48 fit the bill. May have paid a little too much for it ($27K). Just under 1000 hours (machine looked older), but came with loader teeth, second bucket, heating unit/cloth/fixed closure and a fixed thumb. Got it stuck on my first 2 hours---not being an operator. Finally figured out how to push the stabilizers out to make room for some traction. Anyway, has some scratches and dings, but a real work horse. Love it plus my 10 year old can drive it, while I load.

Pros: Quick release bucket/3 point hitch.
Cons: None yet.

48 TLB Nice Tractor
Model Year: 2005

I've only just begun to use this tractor. I bought it with 2 buckets for the hoe and it has a 4-in-1 loader. I've dug a fair sized ditch and cleared plenty of berries and other over-grown stuff around my place. Now I need a box blade and bush hog. I love this tractor so far. Did the 400 hr. service right after I bought (it had 390 hrs). Only complaint so far is I don't think I can put chains on the rears, not enough clearance with the fenders. I'm a little disappointed about that, since it's snowing big time right now. Outside of that, I'm impressed.

Pros: Great general use tractor.
Cons: Too slow for mowing? I don't know or care I'm not planning on mowing... no clearance for chains.

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L48 Workhorse
Model Year: 2006

I have had this tractor for many years. It replaces an L35 I owned and liked for years. Okay, I will admit it, I would like to get a new M59 but the L48 has been a reliable workhorse for me. I am a small general contractor who has used this machine to do more than the following work: -Small foundation digs -Trenching for water, electrical and gas. -Clearing of brush and stumping (a bit of work for this smaller machine) -Pallet moving and loading -Lots of grading and some road building -Finish landscaping work of all kinds -Lifting roof sheathing and roofing to lower roofs -Hauling logs and rocks everywhere -Bush hog work over many acres -Post hole drilling As you can see, I have many varied uses for it. I fitted it with a hydraulic thumb that I would not do without now that I have experienced its utility. I bought it with a 4 way loader bucket that I modified with a bit better tooth edge and like it for many tasks. I also put a tooth bar on it that made it 500% better at digging ground and breaking into piles. Oh, I also put a soft cab on it that has been nice in winter when I do some snow blowing. It has handled everything well and for its size is as much as I could wish for except? The one flaw that has on occasion bothered me is the mid range speed. It should be 30% faster in mid range and could be slower in high range for the best all around work. You can not use high for any work, just travel on flat ground and mid is slow for even short transport. This is the only reason for 4 stars on the Features rating (I have a quick tach 18 inch hydraulic auger that has saved my back and heart many times for decks and pole buildings. The flow is a bit low for it but I rev it up and it manages) I manage to haul it on a 10,000gvw 16 ft trailer with my half ton. No issue, just caution. I do not transport it far or often. There is a way of having the seat rotate while still sitting on it but I am surprised that Kubota engineering never made that happen as it would be one more sweet feature. All in, this is a great workhorse. Many friends and customers marvel at the work it can do and tell me how they wish they had one. I have not had any breakdowns and have changed fluids and filters as well as greasing it on schedule. If I could only get an M59. Only reason I would sell this machine!

Pros: Capacities, transport, durability, undercarrage toughness, controls, strength.
Cons: Mid range speed.

KUBOTA L48
Model Year: 2001

I have had this machine for a long time, and love it! It has lots of power, always runs great. I just wish Kubota would come out with a factory cab for it. I am going to try and make a cab for it. I will keep you all posted as I go.

Pros: Lots of Power and very reliable.
Cons: Needs a cab & heater.

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Kubota L48
Model Year: 2005

Good working 50hp toy.

Pros: All.
Cons: None.

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l 48 backhoe loader
Model Year: 0

I have put this machine to the test. I have taken down 80 ft pine trees, dug up and fell large oak trees. With the hst transmisson, I can operate for hours and not be tired. Its like having a little rubber tire bull dozer--very strong. With the quick change back hoe I can remove back hoe and install my box blade or bush hog in just minutes.

Pros: Good all around machine.
Cons: Back hoe will swing too far to right or left and make contact with stablizing pads.