I copied this from the L39 thread, trying not to hijack that thread. I'm just wondering the reason you would take the L48 over the L39? I have reviewed the specs and they are close. Is it the type of work you would be doing that makes you go for the L48 or what? I'm just curious. I had wondered why Kubota even had the two models so close to being what I thought of as the same.
Bear with me Doc cause I'll be repeating a lot of things I've already said elsewhere in NTT... plus I am only speaking for myself and my particular (read: unusual?) needs.
I happen to like the new design L39 a lot. It's a very slick package with great specs for a machine of it's weight and HP class... and if I wasn't in the business of trying to sell my tractor & backhoe services to survive, I might go for the more modern L39. From all reports, it appears to be a very fine machine. LarryRB... my trusted, sometimes reluctant
and occasionally outright disgusted at me backhoe mentor has also given the new L39 his qualified blessing.
But let's be clear here: If and when I'm ever in a position to upgrade or add a new TLB to the stable, I'll be looking for
ALL of the digging power I can possibly get in a 3/4-ton pickup truck-trailerable TLB. I'll also be looking for a genuine, honest-to-God bargain... far more likely in a "slightly used" machine than in a brand new one. In my opinion, in the next 1-2 years, there will be far more bargains available in slightly used L48's than L39's... if for no other reason than the introduction of the logical upgrade path M59.
New vs. used aside...
and considering the Kubota line-up only... the new M59 is simply too big for me to trailer around to jobs. It's a total non-starter. I'd buy a slightly used
full-size machine first, insure & register it... and drive it to my jobsites. The L39 is very easily trailerable and has all the modern design features... but to me, the larger, heavier L48 is still the gold standard (digging power-wise) in a legally trailerable TLB. Last time I checked the local dealers, there was a mere $4,000 price difference (L39 vs. L48) brand new. I view that as representing a clear premium on the inherent value of the new design and a slight closeout discount on the older design. I'll take the older, heavier, more powerful design with the discount!
Let me be clear that I don't really care about pretty or modern... or metal vs. composite... or flat surfaces vs. curved one... and yes, I'm well aware that the older design has a few well-known glitches & drawbacks that were largely addressed in the new style machines. In the end, I just want the biggest, best digging machine that I can legally tow on
my trailer behind
my truck.
I'll also go
WAY out on a limb here and also bluntly state that I don't believe the specs are really all as close as Kubota would like us to believe. If you stare at the numbers long enough and consider all of the technical and real world factors, I think the L48 will easily earn that $4K difference back over the long run.
Dougster