L48 vs L5030

curtisfarmer · Feb 1, 2005

I just bought a new L48 in N.H. even though I was only looking at the L series. When you look at the prices for a L5030 with the BH90, you are only $2,500 away from the L48 which is twice the machine in so many ways. The extra cash over a very long time is worth the additional cost of the L48. I am soooooo glad I didn’t get an L series in retrospect. My new tractor comes sometime this or next week. I would strongly suggest to anyone looking at the Ls to consider an L48. The machine is a true beast. I have a Ford 3400 Industrial tractor from 1976 (bought new) and the difference between utility tractors and industrial machines is apparent.

L48 all the way.

p.s. I added a hydraulic thumb to the backhoe, I cannot wait to try that out.

_RaT_ · Feb 1, 2005

While the L48 is more tractor, it is also more limited in other ways. I had the L48. I sold it and got the L3830 HST because: A. the low and medium range are way to low for my needs. B. the loader is integral to it which is a stronger design but makes it less versatal especially for mowing. If neither of those are a concern, then yes, the L48 is more tractor for only a little more and the main reason I got it over the L4610 HST at the time. If the L48 had 4 ranges like a MH that had 0 to 7 mph, it would make it much more practical even as a TLB. Medium range on the L48 currently is 0-4 mph, which in my opinion is too slow for loader work when moving it much distance. When moving long distances, I would immediately go to H range. It is a very well built tractor with plenty of power especially in L and M range. H was pretty weak though. I hope the L48 is all you hope it to be. I was able to sell mine for very close to what I paid for it. Again, I only sold it because my needs changed somewhat and the medium /low range speeds made it to slow for mowing while H could not handle my terrain. I have found the L3830 so much more suitable for my needs, namely the removable loader and the medium range on the HST. Regards, Rat...

SkyPup · Feb 1, 2005

Be sure to post some pics of your hydraulic BH thumb and let us know how you like it. I am getting a static BH thumb for our new L39 and also I like the GST transmission better than the HST. Good luck with that L48, it is a heavy duty workhorse for sure! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

txdon · Feb 1, 2005

When I was looking the price difference was about 6K.
Either I got a very good deal or you got a very good deal.
But, let's not tell each other what we paid so neither of us will be disappointed. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JimMorrissey · Feb 9, 2005

How did that hydraulic thumb work out for you? I bet it's pretty nice to have with that big hoe.

curtisfarmer · Feb 9, 2005

I am still waiting for my L48, it is at an equipment fabricator putting on the thumb. Every time I hear a big truck go by I look out the window to see if it is my tractor!!! Like a dog waiting for its master. Oh well, we have a big storm coming tonight and I would really like to try plowing with it. Luckily we have 2 Fords as well. My friend nearby has a thumb on his L48 and the thing is pretty beefy, big cylinder, way bigger than a JD110 thumb I saw. The JD thumb had a tiny cylinder like my Ford Taurus trunk release cylinders (hah!). I am really itching to try the thumb though.
Re Rats comments about lousy speed in L and M ranges, bummer. The L48 brochure and other marketing stuff don’t mention the speeds, probably on purpose. I hope to make do as I do mow quite a few fields.

Have to run for a meeting, will write more soon.

Curtis Farmer

Henro · Feb 9, 2005

<font color="blue"> Like a dog waiting for its master. </font>

Sounds more like a single guy waiting for his girlfriend to me! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

curtisfarmer · Feb 9, 2005

The funny thing is IS my girlfriend loves tractors too….and she is hot…spelled h-o-t! Maybe not funny, but definitely cool! She is looking forward to driving my new L48. She works with me sometimes (I own a farm and landscape construction business) and it is a lot of fun. I keep telling her that she can use my equipment and have all her other hot friends start a business called “Lawn Bunnies” where they show up with 2 tri-axles full of dirt or what have you, just dump it on the ground and spread the seed on the pile in their Daisy-Duke cutoff shorts. I wouldn’t even need to take the rest of the equipment off the trailers. Hah!!!! The ultimate lawn installation. I bet she would make more $ than me!

Curtis Farmer

LarryRB · Feb 9, 2005

"She works with me sometimes (I own a farm and landscape construction business) and it is a lot of fun. I keep telling her that she can use my equipment and have all her other hot friends start a business called “Lawn Bunnies” where they show up with 2 tri-axles full of dirt or what have you, just dump it on the ground and spread the seed on the pile in their Daisy-Duke cutoff shorts."

There is a whole bunch of us here in New England with 48TLB's, you sure you don't need some sub help with these lawn bunnies? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif