L39 vs L48

[cbdigh]

My question is what are the advantages and disadvantages to a small start-up landscaping business in deciding between L39 and L48 and also considering john deere 110TLB.

Long time reader on this forum but my first post.

Thanks for any suggestions and opinions about these machines.

 

[LarryRB]

I would think a lot depends on just what in particular you wish to do. What type of geographical set up where ever you live.. If like here in New England, lot's of rock, granite, stone, rock outcroppings and more rock and stone.. Some who stay in the city type environment like the 39 over the 48. Most out in the "territories" such as where I am at, use the 48. Tell us some more about where you live, are you picking up pallets of stone and brick, or just removing ground,,, Giving us a little more detail in what you would like to do would help get you quicker answers,

 

[CurlyDave]

When I was looking I compared the L39 to the JD110.

I went with the 110 for two reasons: Dealership and HST.

I think that for a landscape business you really want a HST. Lots of close maneuvering.

After owning my 110 for a couple of years, I had the chance to carefully look over a L39 on a trailer while I was getting gas at a service station. Almost every item on the L39 was lighter and not quite as well made as the corresponding part on the 110. I decided that you really do get what you pay for. It was probably all "good enough", but I just felt the 110 was higher quality.

Look at the new Kubota L45 also. I haven't seen prices, but it has HST and probably competes more directly with the 110.

The L39 has on-board storage for the 3-pt hitch arms, which I used to think was a big advantage, until I realized that I could just store them next to the 3 pt implement.

 

[Alt5600]

I tend to agree with CurlyDave on a lot of points. HST and small-size would be pretty valuable in your situation. The L48 is way too physically large, in my opinion. The L39 is small but has GST and might tend to be more awkward to handle in tight places. Who doesn't love the JD110 (with a skid-plate)? Personally, I have been looking at the L39 ... until the L45 was announced. The L45 has HST-Plus which has sold me on it. I also like the thumb-bracket, but that might not be as valuable for you. The L39 has a shorter wheel-base than the L45; however, the L45 meets/beats/exceeds the L39 performance and more closely compares with the JD110 ... as CurlyDave pointed out. I'm still waiting for more information on the L45. Here is a link that compares some aspects of the L39 to the L45 and has the cover-scan of the L45 brochure.

 

[curtisfarmer]

Say what people may say, but the L39 is NOT close to a L48. Spec.s may say they are close, but review one side by side and make the comparision yourself. I say medium framed machine vs. full size frame. just look at the rear tires, way too small to spec. close to a machine like the L48 for field mowing, mud, rock work, and other applications requiring a full size machine. Nice machine, for sure, but no L48.