This my initial review of the L39 after 50 hours of operation. My property is a steep mountain in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada's in California. I mainly use a backhoe to carve roads in the steep terrain. In addition to the steepness of the land challenges include boulders that must be moved to carve the earth. Initially it appears that the L39 meets my requirements. The tractor has a relatively low center of gravity for a TLB and seems to operate confidently on steep terrain. I have experienced a single incident of sliding backward, but was able to crawl out of trouble using the super-low first gear. This is my first experience with the GST tranny, I have previously only used the HST. I have adjusted quickly to the GST, I do not think that I can move quite as quickly mainly because it is critical that I do not gain momentum free-rolling. But I feel that with more experience that the GST can be operated seamlessly. The FEL is excellent, the low hood offers a good view and the controls are natural and accurate. The backhoe is a monster for a tractor of this size. I have had most of my experience with a backhoe on an L48 and I can honestly say that I cannot detect the difference in power between the two backhoe units.

Quality is typical Kubota, but a few minor defects have been found, such as a loose bolt of the FEL.

I performed the initial service myself and found it to be an easy chore with no surprises.

This tractor is a workhorse. I will return after 100 hours and update this review. Initially, I am quite pleased.

Date Purchased: 4/2005
Purchased: New
Price Paid: US$34000
Pros: Powerful & predictable
Cons: Annoying safety devices
Rating: