Kubota TLBs? Experences?

Yardscaper · Jun 3, 2004

I am looking at a compact TLB purchase and was wondering how well the Kubota L35 and L48 are to own and operate. I would like to know how reliable they are ad if there are any trouble areas. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bill

MarkLeininger · Jun 3, 2004

I rented an L35 quite a bit when I was doing foundation work and backfilling. I thought it had the best responding hydraulic controls I've ever used. Not sure what you plan to do with it, but it's a pretty heavy tractor. It was often too big to fit into areas where we did something small like a garage addition, and for that we rented a B21. There was not enough room to turn around and maneuver easily without running into things. Can't speak to the reliability because we didn't own it, but I would assume it was excellent or rental places wouldn't have it.

MessickFarmEqu · Jun 3, 2004

Its an industrical tractor, one of the strongest made. The fact that many rental yard run them should testify to their build. You do pay about a $5-6000 premium over an L30 with a backhoe.

uhmgawa · Jun 3, 2004

( I am looking at a compact TLB purchase and was wondering how well the Kubota L35 and L48 are to own and operate. I would like to know how reliable they are ad if there are any trouble areas.)

About the only complaint I have (which I find to be shared by others) is
the steering cylinder shields are a rather poor design. It appears at some
point the shields were bolted to both the top and bottom of the front axle
unlike later models where they only bolt to the top. This leaves the bottom
of the shield hanging free ready to catch obstructions when in reverse.

MarkV · Jun 4, 2004

I have the baby brother, the B21, and can't say enough good things about it. 950 hours at this point and never a problem. These TLB's are built to withstand a commercial work setting and have a lot of extra beef.

I see you have a fair amount of other equipment to use in tighter situations. My only concern with the B21, L35 or L48 in a landscaping setting would be size. On these models the loader is not removable so you sacrifice some maneuverability compared to the Grand L's in tight spots.

The main gas company in Atlanta uses B21's for all of their repair work and have for years. They must hold up well even in those demanding conditions.

MarkV

uhmgawa · Jun 5, 2004

( My only concern with the B21, L35 or L48 in a landscaping setting would be size.)

Actually that's something which quickly became apparent.
With loader bucket and backhoe attached you have a considerable
footprint to maneuver in confined areas. There is also the issue
of weight. An L48TLB weighs in at just under 4 tons. Then again
it wasn't intended for planting flowers.

Besides the obvious, one of the positive surprises was the available
torque in low gear. I've been able to bulldoze-over some mid-size
trees simply by using the loader bucket.

( On these models the loader is not removable so you sacrifice some maneuverability compared to the Grand L's in tight spots. )

Opting for the quick-attach bucket will help some here. Yet the lack of
a detachable loader is a design tradeoff -- the performance is impressive.
I've transported [est.] 3000LB water saturated root balls which if not
centered in the loader bucket would cause the tractor to tip as the
payload elevated (see attachment).

_RaT_ · Jun 5, 2004

The power in low on the L48 has been nothing short of incredible for what is perhaps on the largest end of Kubotas compacts. While the loader is second to none in lift/curl ability to any compact I have ever used, it's ability to "bull doze" in reverse with my box scraper was unprecidented. I was able to cut and susequently move over 1500yds of what amounted to 12" of top soil and the remaining 6 or 7 feet of highly compacted decomposed granite in very short time. While my L3830 has the same box scraper and tires as the L48 I had, it has no where near the "bull dozer" qualities of the L48. Both are HST. I'm convinced that in low, there would be no compact with a manual that would out muscle it. I recall that low was 0 to 2.5 mph, very low. The integral loader while cumbersome in some circumstances, also meant it was securely attached with no chance of play developing in the typical areas where detachables develop play. For a dirt manipulating tractor, theres probably not a compact that has the L48's power, the JD 110 while a very nice TLB, is definitely weaker in the "bull dozer" category.

TWINKLE_TOES · Jun 5, 2004

Bill, I'll second MarkV's comments on the B21. It is a TUFF little machine. I bought new and zero problems @ 400 hours. Mark's comments on the B21 three years ago were in part responsible for my decision to buy the B21. I didn't think it would be enough tractor. I have removed several 150 year old cedar stumps (fresh cut tree). It does not have a cup holder.

Yardscaper · Jun 5, 2004

RaT,

I have not driven the Kubotas yet, but I have driven and demoed a John Deere 110, and both the Bobcat B250 and Bobcat B300. I know that the backhoes on these Kubotas will do what I want, my main concern is lift capacity with pallet forks. I need to be able to lift 2500 ~ 3000lbs. up to 6 foot high on a regular basis for loading pallets of stone and sod onto and off of trucks as well as on site. Have you ever been able to put a number on what the loader will ACTUALLY lift, which is usually more than the brochures state. I had a bobcat B250 that I demoed rated at 2250lbs and my 2445 Power Trac, which is rated at 1800lbs. could outlift it hands down. So, ratings mean nothing to me, I want to know what it will actually lift. Thanks for any info you can give me!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bill

rbargeron · Jun 6, 2004

( able to lift 2500 ~ 3000lbs. up to 6 foot high on a regular basis for loading pallets of stone and sod onto and off of trucks )

My 2 cents is with 3000 lb pallets you'd be a bit past the upper limit of what the L48 will handle with ease. The hydraulics are strong enough, but the front wheels (and the machine weight) are on the small side for it. A bigger machine would have more comfort margin with that much weight up that high. Other factors are whether the ground is usually level and whether the same person will usually be the operator. If several people will be handling loads like this, a bigger machine might be better. My L5450 is just a hair heavier than an L48 (essentially the same capacity - has an 1150 loader but 12x16.5 front R4's) and although it will do what you describe, I would want something bigger if we were lifting loads like that every day. For example, using a chain off the center hook of my FEL I can lift up a Volkswagen Golf (3000 lb?) but I would not want to travel around much.

p.s. Golf is wrecked, but complete. I was doing a little crude straightening of the roof when I put a chain through the A pillar and lifted the car by it. I use my tractor for everything /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif