Thoughts on L4150 TLB
- Thread starter Kosmo
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rScotty
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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
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
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TractorData.com: TractorData.com Kubota L4150 tractor information
Richard
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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 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
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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 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
Elite Member
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
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
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rScotty
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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
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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.
