You do have a rare L48 with KX QA. Later M59 and current M62 have that option and requires an optional thumb. I had to modify my pin-on OEM with USA Attachments M59 to KX QA and modify the thumb a little. Well worth finding and changing the huge amount of excavator attachments. USA’s 12” and 24” buckets fit and function perfect. Sharp ESCO teeth cut better than the Kubota teeth.
Just measured mine, 24.5” from plate to tip. Mates With thumb well. Longer would lower the breakout some. 6-8” roots the shank can’t break can shredded with 1.5” chisel sharp excavator tooth. The big surface roots I like find and fold back/break to the stump to get them out of the ground. Another advantage of the ripper tracing roots.
A friend and I both did the modifications to our M59s. He did the first. Ordered the rippers after as a package deal and split shipping cost. Got Johnny at USA attachments to throw in extra QA mounting pins. Think if you call and ask for Johnny you will get a better than eBay price. Pleased with their equipment and customer service. Economical shipping and no tax to Tennessee.
View attachment 98852
I use scrap piece of oak 2x6” under the ears to keep the ripper from flopping over when on the ground. Agree much too heavy to lift. No problem attaching at this angle. Might weld on some 1” shackle mount tabs on the quick hitch and not need the block.
My original owner had a bunch of good stuff on the (251 hr) L48.
In addition to BH Q/A, he added a hyd. thumb (custom), that IMHO is better than Kubota.
He also added 3 rear remotes, and a remote hydraulic locking system for the loader bucket/forks (no dismount).
As you may conclude, I love my L48 (last big toy in life at 82).
Only thing better would be your M59, or an M62, but that ain't gonna happen.
Bucket teeth are a somewhat different issue for me.
Other than a occasional need for roots, my digging is in very sandy soil.
Never a rock bigger than a pea.
As a result I have added a removable (pin on) cutting edge to my 16" bucket. ( can't do that with my 24" bucket)
By driving out two pins, I can switch between smooth edge and tooth edge.
I appreciate the picture of the thumb on the ground.
I was thinking, ......why not just stick it in the ground,..... when it is outside.
My Kubota and I have separate living arrangements for 6 months of each year (me in FL), and I would prefer to not store the ripper flat on the floor in my building.
I'll figure out something.
Thanks for the heads up.
I may give Johnny a call, though I am really leaning toward the "Ox" extra depth at 28"
