Turbo for L48

[Lynkage]

Does anyone know if there is some kind of kit or anything of the likes for my L48.
I would like to turbocharge the tractor because I will be using it above 9000' here in Colorado.
I am also thinking that this would be a better route instead of buying an excavator. If I could have about 60hp on my tractor and add a little weight then I could have more of what I need.

Please give all suggestions. Thanks TBN
Shane

 

[Z-Michigan]

Suggestion 1: buy a used backhoe that came with a turbo from the factory.

Suggestion 2: in the small airplane world, especially for homebuilts, there is a concept called "turbo normalizing" in which you add a turbo but set the wastegate so that the manifold absolute pressure never exceeds the 14.7psi of sea level. As you go up, the turbo will keep the pressure at sea level up to maybe 8000-10,000 feet in typical applications (much higher is possible) which provides a dramatic increase in useful power without stressing the engine any more than it was designed for. I've never heard of this on a tractor, but I see no reason it couldn't be done.

IMHO, if you try to pump power up to 60hp, you will be stressing components past their designs.

 

[Lynkage]

Hi Z
I would also entertain the idea of an entire new engine and improving pumps and what not. I just do not know if that is possible or not. A new Kubota excavator (KX 080) is 89K so if I can do it for about 10-15k that would be fine as well.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I'm sure a new engine is possible, I just wonder if the performance would ever justify the cost.

I understand that Bobcats use Kubota engines. You might see if you could either use the turbo parts off a turbo Bobcat or perhaps use the entire engine + turbo off a turbo Bobcat. One idea. Maybe you could even get the hydraulic pumps at the same time and boost your flow.

Otherwise I think turbo normalizing would be the thing to look at, if you're intent on keeping the L48 and upgrading it. Denver should have some high-performance shops that know auto turbos, maybe you could look for one that does both cars and high performance diesel pickups and convince them to take a look at your L48.

 

[mikeyd]

Does anyone know if there is some kind of kit or anything of the likes for my L48.
I would like to turbocharge the tractor because I will be using it above 9000' here in Colorado.
I am also thinking that this would be a better route instead of buying an excavator. If I could have about 60hp on my tractor and add a little weight then I could have more of what I need.

Please give all suggestions. Thanks TBN
Shane

What is the engine in this tractor?

 

[Lynkage]

What is the engine in this tractor?

V2403

Otherwise I think turbo normalizing would be the thing to look at, if you're intent on keeping the L48 and upgrading it. Denver should have some high-performance shops that know auto turbos, maybe you could look for one that does both cars and high performance diesel pickups and convince them to take a look at your L48.

I am not discounting this route. It my be the way I need to go. I would also see an increase in power if I did this because I have lost some from altitude just because of where I live.

 

[mikeyd]

The engine in your tractor is a v2203-e. It is a 2.2 liter. Kubota makes a smaller displacement motor with the same block called a v2003-t-e. This is a turbocharged version. It ultilizes a MHI TD03-7G turbocharger. This engine can be found in a number of generator as well as toro products. The toro 4500 series ultilizes the v2003-t-e motor. You could buy the turbo brand new on ebay for $400(kubota wants $1700) and get the plumbing for the oil lines etc. from toro or kubota. Since you are only looking to compensate for high altitude you will not need to adjust fuel pump. If you are looking to go beyond the factory 48 gross hp rating you will need to increase fuel delivery thru increased fuel pump pressure by advancing the timing , larger injectors, or moving the fuel rack via the max fuel screw or a combination of the above. Be sure to also get a pyrometer installed to monitor exhaust gas temperature(egt), anything above 1100-1200 degrees and you melt the engine.

 

[Lynkage]

I thought that's what motor I had but the dealer said different. That just goes to show how knowledgeable TBN members are.

I will go out and verify shortly.
Thanks again!!

 

[Lynkage]

oops! it's none of the above.

Valvecover says "V3300TIE"

 

[mikeyd]

oops! it's none of the above.

Valvecover says "V3300TIE"

If thats the case you already have 68hp normally aspirated . That engine does come in a turbo version good for over 80 hp. Goto this link and you can get the specs Kubota Engine America - Compact Diesel Engines.

To be sure I am a bit confused as generally whenever kubota puts a "T" after an engine it signifies that it is turbocharged. Plus I looked up the specs for an L48 on kubotas website before my last post and it showed 48 gross hp which is the rating for the v2203. How old is this tractor, I am just wondering if it has a previous generation motor. Something is not adding up here.

 

[Lynkage]

It's an 04'. 260 hrs.

 

[mikeyd]

It's an 04'. 260 hrs.

Okay, now we are getting somewhere. It is a v2403, very popular in europe and in kubota mini excavators. I am wondering if it is a bored version of the 2203t-e block. If that is the case again I go back to the original statement that the parts for a turbo conversion are already available from the v2203. I will look into this. perhaps you can find out from the dealer if it is same block as the 2203-t-e. I will get back to you later. By the way kubota usually stamps, in raised numbers, the engine model on the side of the engine block.

 

[Lynkage]

I will look on the block as well.

 

[mikeyd]

Okay, I think I got some decent news for you. Kubota does make a V2403 in a turbo version, output is 61 hp. It can be found in the Bobcat t190 skidsteer.
Actually, a friend of mine owns this model bobcat. As I recall, the bobcat used the MHI TD03 turbo. I was looking at it the other day to see the turbo set up as I am going to be turbocharging a kubota engine in the near future. Anyway, you can go to your local bobcat dealer and take a look at the T190(it is a new model) and check it out. The turbocharger will have a metal plate with id numbers so you can get the right one. Bring a flashlight because the turbo is bolted to the exhaust manifold which is behind the motor so it is dark in there. Good luck.

 

[machmeter62]

Okay, I think I got some decent news for you. Kubota does make a V2403 in a turbo version, output is 61 hp. It can be found in the Bobcat t190 skidsteer.
Actually, a friend of mine owns this model bobcat. As I recall, the bobcat used the MHI TD03 turbo. I was looking at it the other day to see the turbo set up as I am going to be turbocharging a kubota engine in the near future. Anyway, you can go to your local bobcat dealer and take a look at the T190(it is a new model) and check it out. The turbocharger will have a metal plate with id numbers so you can get the right one. Bring a flashlight because the turbo is bolted to the exhaust manifold which is behind the motor so it is dark in there. Good luck.

Mikeyd: It's gentlemen like you that make this board second to none with your time and effort to help others. I am truly impressed!!

 

[Lynkage]

Mikeyd: It's gentlemen like you that make this board second to none with your time and effort to help others. I am truly impressed!!

Yes indeed!!

I was not able to locate the block # but it is also snowing quite heavy today. I will be able to do it better tomorrow. I also have a bobcat dealer about 5 miles from me so I will go there tomorrow.


BTW Thanks Mikeyd for your help!!

 

[Pks]

I've seen used Case 580K models for around 15k.

 

[Lynkage]

They would be pretty high hours.
I thought of looking for a used one but my thinking is to have one tractor that can do with what I need. It is still not out of the question, But I would also need a different trailer to tow a 14,000# tractor.

 

[Bigk56]

Do the turbo setups on these tractors use an intercooler like on my powerstroke?
Ken