Kubota L47 brakes

[justoldernow]

Been looking to upgrade from my L35 to a newer machine with more front end lift and with the skidsteer
bucket hookup (IE - L39, L45, or L47). I found a 2018 L47 with around 2800 hrs. It seems it was well maintained, front end loader and backhoe joints are solid with little or no play, all fluids are at proper levels, engine starts right up, sounds good, has no puffs of smoke when working machine, transmission feels good, general appearance is good BUT it doesn’t seem that the brakes are working. I can stand on brake pedal when moving and it hardly affects the machines motion. The hand brake lever is frozen fast but it’s in the down position so not sure if machine was run for awhile with brakes dragging. Anyway, I’m undecided about purchasing machine. I know it’s a big job to replace brakes, a bigger job than what I want to get involved with. Anyone here have any thoughts or think it’s best to stay away from this one and look for another? Thanks for all input.

 

[GeoHorn]

Sounds like you should negotiate a price that will help offset the brake job that’s needed. (or …Has the seller already discounted it for that issue…and that price is what attracted you to it initially..??)

 

[justoldernow]

Sounds like you should negotiate a price that will help offset the brake job that’s needed. (or …Has the seller already discounted it for that issue…and that price is what attracted you to it initially..??)

I think it has a decent price but if I have to spend $4,000 or more on brakes then I’m not so sure. I don‘t know what the cost would be to replace the brakes, haven’t gotten to a dealer yet to discuss. I’m guessing between 4 and $5,000 but it could be more.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

On that model the biggest issue is removing the subframe to get to the axles to get to the brakes.
The parts are super cheap in comparison to the labor involved.

 

[justoldernow]

On that model the biggest issue is removing the subframe to get to the axles to get to the brakes.
The parts are super cheap in comparison to the labor involved.

yeah I looked up the parts @Messicks online. Like you said the parts are reasonable but a lot of work to get in there.

 

[Joisey]

I know that I am a bit late to the party, but I have that same tractor, but a 24 model. Don't trust the parking brake on any kind of slope, it will allow the tractor to creep. I tried standing on the brake pedal (locked together) and setting the parking brake, and it will still creep on a slope. I use the front bucket for a foolproof parking brake. I can say that the hand brake does seem to give a reliable grip most of the time.

 

[justoldernow]

Thanks Joisey. I decided to stay away from the L47 with the brake issue. Fortunately I found another in much nicer condition with about a third of the hours for a reasonable price not too far from me so I bought it. The brakes seem fine so far but I haven’t tried parking on a hill yet. I ordered the 3pt arm kit from Messicks. Once I get that I’ll be on the hills mowing and will check out how the brakes hold when parking. I agree with using the loader bucket regardless. I always had to do that with my L35.

 

[Vlach7]

Did you look under the left step to see if your three-point hitch kit was bolted under there, that’s where mine was for years before I bought mine.

 

[justoldernow]

Just looked, nothing there. That would have been a nice $800 saving surprise!

 

[Joisey]

Thanks Joisey. I decided to stay away from the L47 with the brake issue. Fortunately I found another in much nicer condition with about a third of the hours for a reasonable price not too far from me so I bought it. The brakes seem fine so far but I haven’t tried parking on a hill yet. I ordered the 3pt arm kit from Messicks. Once I get that I’ll be on the hills mowing and will check out how the brakes hold when parking. I agree with using the loader bucket regardless. I always had to do that with my L35.

I had a 1966 (I think) Case 680CK with the extenda-hoe that had a gross weight of over 7.5 tons. It had two brake discs that were 8 inches in diameter, double sided and mechanically actuated by a brake pedal and worked with 4 or 6 (it's been a while to remember the exact number) 5/8 bearing balls that ran up a ramp when you pressed on the brake pedal. That would hold the loader on a down or uphill slope that would make it difficult sitting in the operators seat. Dry brakes, mechanically operated held a 7.5 ton machine that had God knows how many hours on it, and my new Kubota with multiple wet disc brakes can't hold a machine on a gentle grade that weighs half as much. New and improved I guess....