NEW L48 REPLACEMENT RUMOR POLL

[curtisfarmer]

I disagree on not buying an L48, I have nothing but compliments. I could not do 1/2 the tasks with a regular homeowner L series or the JD 110. Maybe slow in M, but otherwise a beast with excellent versatility and performance. I won't beat a dead horse as this has been a widely debated topic, but is there any other machine with those qualities and performance of the L48 and still be under 10k lbs? Only the "new" L48 is what I think.

 

[_RaT_]

I disagree on not buying an L48, I have nothing but compliments. I could not do 1/2 the tasks with a regular homeowner L series or the JD 110. Maybe slow in M, but otherwise a beast with excellent versatility and performance. I won't beat a dead horse as this has been a widely debated topic, but is there any other machine with those qualities and performance of the L48 and still be under 10k lbs? Only the "new" L48 is what I think.

To each his own. It has not gone unnoticed by me and several other previous L48 owners here at TBN that the gearing is just not right. A tremendous weak point. I am not suprised it is being redone. A quick search on the L48 from its introduction (spring of 2001) should be a good starting point.

 

[curtisfarmer]

The gearing is certainly an issue, for me only with the hoe off as the max speed with the hoe on is fine. Regarding the hoe, it is unmatched for power, breakout force, and multi-task hyd. functioning. Compare the BH90 for L series to the BT1100 on the L48. The comparison is one of apples and oranges, not even close. The BH90 is homeowner all the way, and the L48 hoe is just like the KX121 excavator in terms of performance. Rat, I know you did not have the hoe with the L48, have you ever tried it? The hoe is 1/2 the value and productivity of the L48 and is what seperates the L48 from other Kubotas, and is what makes it so slow. To have an L48 with no hoe is a waste of the machine's superior hyd. flow, dedicated frame, and dedicated swing pumps. Maybe that is why you think it could be better, but with everything there are trade offs and benefits. With hyd. thumb, the L48 is unmatched for what I do (Landscape Construction) and I look forward to Kubota's improvements in the new model. I still don't expect much with the new L48 improving on the M speed problem unless it is GST as that matches power to speed better. If it is still HST, which I hope, a machine of the L48s size and Hoe will always have problems moving around any faster and safer than where it is now. With a heaped bucket and hoe on, the L48 weighs about 12,500 lbs. That is alot and I do not think any machine will ever do what people want the current L48 to do. People compare the L48 to the L series like a L4630 say with BH90, and say the H range is so great and this and that fast, but again, apples to oranges comparison. Anyone know how other TLBs with HST tranny compare? I personally do not but would be curious to know.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

. Regarding the hoe, it is unmatched for power, breakout force, and multi-task hyd. functioning. Compare the BH90 for L series to the BT1100 on the L48. The comparison is one of apples and oranges, not even close.

I think thats the point really. No question the gearing is less than ideal. But I don't think it diminishes the need for this machines in backhoe applications.

 

[Muleskinner]

To each his own. It has not gone unnoticed by me and several other previous L48 owners here at TBN that the gearing is just not right. A tremendous weak point. I am not suprised it is being redone. A quick search on the L48 from its introduction (spring of 2001) should be a good starting point.

Rat. Since when are you so down on the L48. You and I have spoken many times in the past regarding the L48 when I was looking to buy one. I always got the impression you really liked yours?????

Anyway, if what I'm hearing regarding the change turns out to be true, I am going to buy an L48 before they are gone for good. I still think it would make a good grading tractor for limited space areas. The slow speed of the "M" range will not be a problem for grading with a big HEAVY 76" 4G series Gearmore box scrapper. I like the FEL specs and the hydraulic pumps output most of all.

 

[_RaT_]

Rat. Since when are you so down on the L48. You and I have spoken many times in the past regarding the L48 when I was looking to buy one. I always got the impression you really liked yours?????

Anyway, if what I'm hearing regarding the change turns out to be true, I am going to buy an L48 before they are gone for good. I still think it would make a good grading tractor for limited space areas. The slow speed of the "M" range will not be a problem for grading with a big HEAVY 76" 4G series Gearmore box scrapper. I like the FEL specs and the hydraulic pumps output most of all.

As I have said many times to many people, I just never liked the HST ranges. They either need a fourth range or the kick down range (with a modification to the present M range) you see on many HST models today. With that under its belt it would be a great tractor. To see that change will require a rebadging. If they are going to do that, straighter loader arms and a curved hoe are probably in the works then as well. I had the Gearmore 72" HD box. With a minor modification it was a superb match for the L48.

 

[Muleskinner]

Nope, I heard the term M57 tossed around.

Well you were close to right. It's an M59 and I hear it's quite the tractor!

 

[Muleskinner]

I saw the prototype a few months ago, at that point it was not an M.

I'm curious. How could you have seen the prototype and not know it was an M series???????

 

[curtisfarmer]

Saw and held the new M59 brichur today, pretty cool. Looks like big L39, 148 cubic inch motor, 4k lift at pins, 12' hoe, factory thumb, 8,840 lbs. $47K.
I am getting another L48 and cannot justify the incremental cost. Just my 2 cents.

 

[art]

Best part for some people will be the six ranges!