rbargeron
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L5450, L48, L3250, L345 never enough attachments
I recently replaced the HST cradle bearings in my L48. By around 2000 hours in service, they had lost most of their thickness. One of the 2 bearings had finally broken, affecting reverse. There was no measurable wear on other parts inside. Oil was perfectly clean (filter had done its job!)
I've been a fan of Kubota's HST, which has a very good reputation. But as these heavy machines get over 2000 hours the durability of the cradle bearings may be a question. I bought this machine knowing it had weak reverse, so it wasn't a nasty surprise like it could have been.
The HST is the same assembly as used in Grand Lxx10 models, which weigh only half as much. Until they finally fail, there are no symptoms to tell how worn the cradles bearings are. The replacement job is 50+ shop hours plus 3-6k in parts. If your candidate L48 has over 2k hours without HST repairs, it may have some in its future, if this one is any guide.
I've been a fan of Kubota's HST, which has a very good reputation. But as these heavy machines get over 2000 hours the durability of the cradle bearings may be a question. I bought this machine knowing it had weak reverse, so it wasn't a nasty surprise like it could have been.
The HST is the same assembly as used in Grand Lxx10 models, which weigh only half as much. Until they finally fail, there are no symptoms to tell how worn the cradles bearings are. The replacement job is 50+ shop hours plus 3-6k in parts. If your candidate L48 has over 2k hours without HST repairs, it may have some in its future, if this one is any guide.
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