Kubota L48 users. Versatility compared to regular tractor?

[4570Man]

I’m wanting to trade my L3800 for a L48. I had my eye on a L39 or L45 but I’ve found a L48 with front hydraulic and a 4-1 bucket, 900 hours for 20k which I don’t think is a bad price. It’ll be used for what it’s made for most of the time but I do need to bushhog for probably 20 hours a year and box blade pretty often and till a garden. I’ve learned that the loader is non removable which is a downside but I guess I’ll trade that for 2500 pound lift vs 1100. I’ve heard the medium gear range is geared pretty deep but I guess I’ll deal with that. How easy is swapping the backhoe for the 3ph arms. I used to have a L3240 with a backhoe. Is the backhoe on the L48 a similar setup? Unfortunately I’ve never sat in the seat of L48. Any other quirks I’m missing?

 

[Dirthog]

The L48 could use another gear yes but that will not stop you from doing what you want. I have ran a trencher on mine along with a brush hog and even a finish mower also a snow blower. Medium range is a bit slow and high is to high but it will still work just fine Other than installing the arms the backhoe takes a couple of minutes to remove and install. Just be sure and keep the levers for the locks at the top lubed up. The linkage does take a bit longer to install but not much more than any other tractor with out it.

 

[4570Man]

Do you know how tall it is from the cab roof to the ground?

 

[dfkrug]

I suspect you will need a full 8' door in your barn to get this inside, and the FOPS does not fold. Maybe higher.

The L48 is a great industrial tractor, tho I have not owned one. The hoe is closer-coupled and better-
integrated than the attachment you had on the 3240. Removal and mounting is similar to the smaller
Kub industrials, like my old B21. You also get a hydraulic diverter for switching between the hoe and
3-point.

One downside is if you want AG tires. The L48 only came with R4s, so you will need chains if you want
good traction.

BTW, wasn't the 3800 a move down from the Grand L3240?

 

[4570Man]

BTW, wasn't the 3800 a move down from the Grand L3240?

It’s a huge downgrade. But the L3800 is my grandpas. He wants a backhoe and grapple and the L3800 has neither. So I didn’t have to try very hard to convince him to trade.

 

[4570Man]

So I’ve about decided to pass on the L48 in question. It has a lot of options I’m not thrilled about. No quick attach bucket although it does have a 4-1. The seller doesn’t have the 3 point arms, the medium gear range is not ideal. Probably the final nail in the coffin is you can’t remain in the seat and swivel it like you can the newer models.

 

[dfkrug]

So I’ve about decided to pass on the L48 in question.

….but that $20K is a very good price if the machine is in good shape. AND it has 4-in-1. That had to cost $5K more and once you have one, it is very hard to go back. I love mine.

 

[Industrial Toys]

It's also a pre-computer tractor. No small thing if you ask me. It's gonna get harder and harder to find a quality, low hour, pre emmisions tractor. Yeah, the seat not turning around is a major negative.

 

[Dirthog]

Don't know where you heard the seat will not swivel as all the L48 do that. On the height mine is about 8 ft I believe

 

[4570Man]

The seat swivels but I don’t think you can ride around on it.