Thoughts on L4150 TLB

[Kosmo]

Thinking of taking a look. Seller wants 20K for a 3400hr machine. Shuttle tranny. Any thoughts on this many hours? Supposedly machine is solid but that's something I'll have to check out.

 

[rScotty]

First thought is that I don't believe that model was built as a TLB, but instead is a tractor with an accessory FEL and a rear-mounted backhoe. So be sure to look closely for damage and wear at the mounting points.

For that price and that many hours you can also have your pick of older full size purpose-built TLBs - if you have a use for such. They tend to last longer than tractors with attachments. Look at models such as Case, JD, and Cat locally. Lots available in every condition from very nice to shabby.

That said, I think that condition is more important than hours.
rScotty

 

[jeff9366]

TractorData.com: TractorData.com Kubota L4150 tractor information

 

[Kosmo]

Sorry for my imprecise verbiage. I was taking a shortcut. I used TLB for a Tractor with a loader and backhoe both frame mounted. My bad.

 

[Richard]

Hmm.... I always thought a "TLB" was indeed....a tractor.....with a loader....and a backhoe.

I don't view my JCB as a "TLB" as I think it's missing the tractor portion.

Maybe I've been wrong all this time.

 

[Kosmo]

Hmm.... I always thought a "TLB" was indeed....a tractor.....with a loader....and a backhoe.

I don't view my JCB as a "TLB" as I think it's missing the tractor portion.

Maybe I've been wrong all this time.

I don't know for sure but I'm guessing the "TLB" for purists is a backhoe machine put together with the intent of being utilized primarily for industrial excavation purposes and has beefed up connection points to the tractor part. In other words the yellow industrial machines from Case, JD, NH, etc. and the orange Kubota's like the L-48, L39, etc. I've always used the "TLB" as a short way of saying a compact, subcompact, or utility ag tractor with those implements also. Don't know for sure but I'm guessing rscotty was thinking differently from his post.

 

[Richard]

To make a bigger mountain out of an ant-hill....

I kind of looked at it this way...Machine can be used as:

1. Tractor (my JCB can't)
2. Loader (check)
3. Backhoe (check)

Consequently, my industrial JCB isn't a "TLB" but a "LB"

Let's think this through some more to see how it can be further (and irrelevantly) complicated...

 

[rbargeron]

Hey Kosmo, back on your question, I had a L4150 for a few years. That price seems high, especially with high time on it. It was a great product when new, but a lot can happen in 3400 hours.

The L4150 is a very good tractor - big bones, great build quality, smooth 5-cylinder engine. The hydraulic shuttle was harsh above idle (re-valved in later years on newer models L4850 and L5450)

In those years I think the two backhoe choices were a Kubota-branded 9-ft and a Bradco 11-ft. Both had subframes.

Look it all over - if zero leaks anywhere that's a good sign. Start it up stone cold, watching the color at the stack. Any blue should clear right away. Listen for knocks or ticks. At normal idle rpm, loader and backhoe should lift the machine without effort. Steering should be smooth and easy, with no wobbling joints. Loader and BH joints should be tight. Shuttle should be smooth and silent.

One fact about Kubota tractors made through the '80s is they hold their value - often selling for nearly the same number of dollars as they age. But even the best tractors, backhoes and loaders get worn in 3400 hours - with the high hours everything else on this one would have to be pretty sweet to still be worth $20k.

If you post some pictures of it they can tell a lot about the life its had. Best luck. Dick B

 

[rScotty]

To make a bigger mountain out of an ant-hill....

I kind of looked at it this way...Machine can be used as:

1. Tractor (my JCB can't)
2. Loader (check)
3. Backhoe (check)

Consequently, my industrial JCB isn't a "TLB" but a "LB"

Let's think this through some more to see how it can be further (and irrelevantly) complicated...

I think that makes sense. As Kosmo says, it seems to be a matter of intent.
They are different, and we all know why and how. But I'm puzzled over what to call them.

I agree that TLBs have traditionally been construction oriented loader+backhoe machines without PTOs or 3pt hitches. And tractors have been pulling machines with 3pt hitches & PTOs, in which the loader and backhoe were optional attachments.

OK, so what do we call the machines like the L48 & M62 that Kubota makes? They are certainly construction oriented and come with a backhoe, loader. But their optional attachment is a serious 3pt hitch for tractoring. And they all come with PTOs.

Kinda confusing. Maybe we just back off and call them all TLBs as Kosmo did to start. My bad? Maybe someone can make up a name that will catch on.
rScotty

 

[eray1066]

We have one on our farm in use every day. Last year I rebuilt the backhoe with all new seals and hoses and replace many bushings. It is still like new except for the fenders and floorboards. I have had to rebuild the front pinion gears and seals a couple of times. It is a good machine, not as comfortable as some others if you are going to be on it all day.

 

[Kosmo]

thanks for the replies folks. called to arrange to see the tractor yesterday and it was sold. no matter, i was leery of the hours. but old adage snooze you loose. (maybe?) interesting disc, though, on tlb. thanks

 

[fried1765]

thanks for the replies folks. called to arrange to see the tractor yesterday and it was sold. no matter, i was leery of the hours. but old adage snooze you loose. (maybe?) interesting disc, though, on tlb. thanks

For 20K and 3400 hours, I think you did well,.... by missing it!
That said....who knows what is what in today's tractor market?

I believe the 251 hour Kubota L48TLB that I bought 22 months ago, could actually be worth as much as $5K more today.
An accidental good investment?

I ain't sellin! She's my baby, an I'll keep'er 'til I croak!
Scary prices every day, on everything, everywhere!

 

[rbargeron]

Kosmo - Don't feel bad for missing it - Babe Ruth had the strike-out record too - he swung at a lot of pitches.

My 2 cents on what to call these tractors: When Kubota entered the US market "compact" utility tractors were the focus. Model-for-model they offered more features than blue or green so market share grew in the '80s. Prices inevitably rose, but their reputation for quality sustained their market position.

Then they offered 2 small rigs with bolted-on backhoe & loader, the B-21 and L35, "ruggedized" for more commercial use, with reinforced frames, thicker hood, shielded valve stems, etc. They were an instant hit. Their 40+hp L3 models were already strong enough for heavier loader and backhoe as removable attachments, but the package was pricey. These units gave rise to the L48 , with bolted loader & subframe backhoe (stronger and cheaper to produce), and the other Lxx Mxx models that have followed.

Like you I've always thought of a "TLB" as the industrial yellow commercial machines DPW's or commercial operators have - where loader and backhoe are massive and not designed to be routinely removable.

BTW I call my L48 "the L48"

Good luck in your search. Dick B.

 

[fried1765]

My 2 cents on what to call them: When Kubota entered the US market "compact" utility tractors was the focus. Model-for-model their products offered more features than blue or green so market share grew in the '80s. Prices rose, and their reputation for quality sustained their position.

Then they offered 2 small rigs with bolted-on backhoe & loader, the B-21 and L35, "ruggedized" for more commercial use, with reinforced frames, thicker hood, shielded valve stems, etc. They were an instant hit. Their 40+hp L3 models were already strong enough for heavier loader and backhoe as removable attachments, but the package was pricey. These units gave rise to the L48, with bolted loader & backhoe, and the other Lxx Mxx models that have followed.

I'm an old-timer now - I always thought of a "TLB" as the industrial yellow JD, Ford, MF, JCB etc commercial tractors DPW's or commercial operators have - where loader and backhoe are not designed to be routinely removable.

BTW I call my L48 "the L48"

I just call my L48 "the Kubota" because my other two tractors are Fords.
For wording clarification for others: The L48 loader is bolted, but the BH is not.
BTW: I am obviously somewhere East of you in MA., because one cannot travel more Easterly from me, unless in a boat.