L4400 or L45

[Kyle241]

Wow, I just cannot make a decision. I have been looking long and hard at the L45 however the price is intimidating. So I have looked at the L4400 and it's a really nice tractor. I was thinking of a package with loader and backhoe so that while it's similar to the L45, it's not the same machine. These are what I plan to do with the machine:

- snowblow driveway
- collect firewood
- small crop preparation
- drainage ditches
- stump removal
- pond maintenance
- trail building

I am also considering starting my own company where I locally perform backhoe/landscaping work as there is a large demand for this around here. This idea makes me lean more towards the L45 and hopefully these jobs could help pay for the extra cost of the machine. However the issue is the L45 is about $10,000 more that the L4400 package. I know the L4400 would do a nice job on our property but I don't think it would be good to start a small excavation/landscaping company with. My current little tank, the B20, has served me well and has done everything I have asked of it but I really would like to upgrade....I just don't know what to do.

Has anyone used a non-commercial tractor for the type of commercial work I am referring to? How did your machine fair?

Tks.

 

[gwdixon]

Doesn't answer your question but if you are going to do commercial BH work you'd be better off with a machine dedicated to BH work.

A BH stuck on the rear of a regular tractor will work but it will not do the jobs as effectively or efficiently. Go with the L45. You won't regret it.

 

[LD1]

A BH stuck on the rear of a regular tractor will work but it will not do the jobs as effectively or efficiently. Go with the L45. You won't regret it.

I agree. But if your prospective excavating/landscaping jobs only entail a little BH work and more of other things like mulching, grading, etc, then save your money.

If you forsee a LOT of BH usage, that 10k will probabally be money well spent for a much more capable TLB package.

 

[art]

The L-45 has about 10 gpm more on the hydraulics a big advantage for getting the work done! Time is money when work has to be done!

 

[Grandad4]

Just thinking out of the box a little here... have you looked to see if there are any used L39's or L48's around? If you could locate one in decent condition, you might keep your costs down while your business gets started (always a good idea with any new business) and still move up from your trusty old B20. If your new business has lots of work, you have the machine for the job and if it's kinda slow getting off the ground, you're not locked into a lot of debt you don't want to carry. Once your business is on its feet, you could go for the L45.

 

[Kyle241]

Just thinking out of the box a little here... have you looked to see if there are any used L39's or L48's around? If you could locate one in decent condition, you might keep your costs down while your business gets started (always a good idea with any new business) and still move up from your trusty old B20. If your new business has lots of work, you have the machine for the job and if it's kinda slow getting off the ground, you're not locked into a lot of debt you don't want to carry. Once your business is on its feet, you could go for the L45.

Yes that is a good point. I have looked around a bit and there is one available (L48) however I have not gone to that dealer to investigate because it is so far away (3hrs). I agree that picking up too much debt up front while building a business is not a good thing, it's just hard to find a good L39 or L48 in my neck of the woods.

 

[gwdixon]

Yes that is a good point. I have looked around a bit and there is one available (L48) however I have not gone to that dealer to investigate because it is so far away (3hrs). I agree that picking up too much debt up front while building a business is not a good thing, it's just hard to find a good L39 or L48 in my neck of the woods.

Others will disagree, but the L48 is not really an "all-around" machine. It is a great BH and loader but the tractor part can be a disappointment in some applications.

Try searching TBN for "L48" or "L48 transmission" and see what comes up. The L45 is apparently a different design although I have no personal experience with it.

 

[Verticaltrx]

If the L series TLB's are built in a similar manner to the B series, then you are mostly gaining performance in the attachments, not the tractor (compared to the standard models.)

I own a B3200 and have used many B21's and B26's and the tractor part of them are basically identical. Same transmission, axles, tires/wheels, 3pt & PTO (in common with the B3030, not mine) but with a smaller engine.

They do use a stronger and larger hoe and loader on the TLB's along with a stouter sub frame. With that said, I prefer my B3200 for loader work over the B26, the B26 just seems way under powered. I use my tractor commercially and it has held up great, instead of a backhoe for my B3200 I'll go the mini-excavator route when $$$ permits.

I know you asked about the L-series, but maybe this comparison will be of some value to you. I think the standard tractors are more than capable of handling moderate commercial work, the ONLY time I would opt for the industrial TLB version would be for backhoe use only. For any sort of farming as you mentioned I think you would be happier with the L4400 with a sub-frame mounted Kubota hoe. Even used for commercial duty as a backhoe I seriously doubt it would give you any trouble (just a little less capacity).

 

[LD1]

If the L series TLB's are built in a similar manner to the B series, then you are mostly gaining performance in the attachments, not the tractor (compared to the standard models.)

I own a B3200 and have used many B21's and B26's and the tractor part of them are basically identical. Same transmission, axles, tires/wheels, 3pt & PTO (in common with the B3030, not mine) but with a smaller engine.

They do use a stronger and larger hoe and loader on the TLB's along with a stouter sub frame. With that said, I prefer my B3200 for loader work over the B26, the B26 just seems way under powered. I use my tractor commercially and it has held up great, instead of a backhoe for my B3200 I'll go the mini-excavator route when $$$ permits.

I know you asked about the B-series, but maybe this comparison will be of some value to you. I think the standard tractors are more than capable of handling moderate commercial work, the ONLY time I would opt for the industrial TLB version would be for backhoe use only. For any sort of farming as you mentioned I think you would be happier with the L4400 with a sub-frame mounted Kubota hoe. Even used for commercial duty as a backhoe I seriously doubt it would give you any trouble (just a little less capacity).

I think in the case of the L45, the basic tractor itself is a closer comparison to the Grand L4240, Not the L4400. The 4240 is a built a bit heavier with a little stronger loader and 3PH performance. And probabally a little beefier frame and axles. But I could be wrong.

So in the OP's case, If he were comparing the 4240 to the L45 it would be a little closer match. But if he did that, the added cost of the grand L's would probabally push the price near what the L45 would cost.

 

[BandDcabinet]

I considered L39s and L45s for nearly 9 months. In my search I came across a new M59 for the same price as the L45. It was sitting on the dealers lot for a year++ so he had priced it to sell. Amazing machine. More manuverable on the farm than the JD410 we have an certainly as effective stumbing, trenching, chipping, shredding, etc. I didn't say as powerful but certainly more then enough power to do the work. Given a choice anyone on the farm would choose the M59 to operate. We filled the tires with beat juice and now use it to plow snow.. no chains necessary so far.

 

[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.