Kubota L39 4.80 star(s) (16)

Good Tractor, Poor Oil Dipstick Location
Model Year: 2015

This is a very good tractor but the engineer that designed the dipstick location didn't know what they were doing. How could anyone design the location of the dipstick and not put a handle on it so you can remove it with one hand?

Pros: Everything but the oil dipstick
Cons: Oil dipstick location and design

L39 Versus 110 TLB
Model Year: 2006

I know there are several reviews on the forum about the L39 Kubota and the John Deere 110 TLB. I own a L39 and our motorcycle club owns a 110. I have used both extensively as backhoes and tractors and feel that I could list the pros and cons of both. The 110 TLB: It is a heavy tractor, so if you push against a tree with the backhoe it has more strength. The backhoe is quicker, due to the larger diameter lines to the unit. Our unit has an issue with shifting into high range. We had to cut the plastic on the slider out to get it to allow the lever to go farther and engage high range completely. The filters under the 110 are hit quite often and the skidplate is not available. The seat flipping over is a pain and is hard to latch. The front tie rod has been caught on things twice and bent. It needs some type of guard for sure. In hot weather usage the heat from the e-hydro will burn your feet off. So if it is 90 and humid, after a few hours you are toast! The 110 is very bouncy on rough terrain and when in tractor mode there is no cruise control. So if you are bush hogging, it's hot, bouncy, and your feet are tired and burning. The lock on the loader control is in a bad spot (my knee hits and engages it all the time). One of the sockets on the loader control pulled apart so we had to replace that assembly and I had to mig weld the rod. The 110 does have a creep lever to move the unit while you are operating the hoe. L39: I own one myself and I am not trying to be biased on this review, but here goes: The backhoe is as strong as the 110, but slightly slower on movement, although not by much. The loader on the L39 has proven to be stouter and pick up more in a situation we had. I was surprised myself as I thought the opposite. With the shuttle shift on the L39 the operator is busier when operating the loader and say loading a dump truck. The ehydro gets the nod on that. The L39 has a auto leveling feature on the front loader. Which is nice for pallet forks, etc. The seat turning and the walk through on the platform is a big plus for me. There is no getting off and on the unit or unsafe climbing over the seat. Even then on the 110 it never wants to latch properly. As a tractor in the 3 point mode the L39 is a big winner. It is much more stable and not as bouncy. As you are mowing or whatever you just slide the glide-shift to the speed you need. The floor never gets hot. The filters underneath have a small shield protecting them. You can adjust the drop speed of the 3-point with a valve on the L39 like all the other Kubotas have. While sitting in the backhoe position you can reach the shuttle lever and you have a creeper mode. A scotch-loc on the 2 wires to the seat switch allows it to work if you have to get out of the seat. So overall I think both are great units but for my usage and if you plan to use your unit in the tractor mode very much, then the L39 is the way to go.

Pros: L39 is the best as a tractor, strongest loader
Cons: Backhoe could be slightly faste

L-39, Fantastic
Model Year: 2012

This was my first backhoe, and I now have over 1,000 hours on it. If you own a farm or do heavy landscaping, like we do, this is the best toy on the planet. I have a 4N1 bucket and a brush-rake grappler (both WR Long), which I've used to clear over 40 acres of tough brush (manzanita and madrone). There is not one thing I would change on my L-39. Don't cheap-out. Be sure and order it with a 4N1 bucket. It's never been short on power, and we live in the mountains. The size is perfect for getting into tight spaces and it's easy to use.

Pros: Everything
Cons: None

L-39, Fantastic
Model Year: 2009

I have an L-39, now with 950 hours. Purchased 4 in 1 bucket and large grappler (RL Long). Sold off the box scraper. I would not trade this machine for a Ferrari. We do basically commercial grade landscape work, brush clearing, light road building etc, etc, around your hilly ranch. It does it all, with ease. And, gets into relatively tight spots. Had no prior backhoe experience, and now I'm a semi-pro. Don't buy one without the 4 in 1 bucket. The grappler is amazing for brush work. In case you think I'm a Kubo nut. I also have an RTV 9000, and think it's a pig. Only goes 10 mph, up slight grades.

Pros: Everything
Cons: None

Kubota L39
Model Year: 2007

Overall, I am very pleased with this tractor. The one that this replaced was a John Deere 310, which is about twice the weight. Originally, I was concerned that I may have bought a tractor that was too small for my uses. The two main reasons I bought it was to replace my old tractor, that I was spending more time and money repairing than using, and, secondly, one that was smaller that I could haul on a trailer behind my Dodge Ram 2500 with Cummins diesel. I am actually surprised and relived that the Kubota can do about 80% of the quantity of work that the larger John Deere did for me. I am impressed with the power of this little tractor. Actually there is a third reason I bought this Kubota and that was for the interchangeability of implements. I love the quick change capability of the buckets on the backhoe, and other things like the hydraulic hammer that I had it set up for. I like the ability to remove the backhoe and attach a grader, earth auger and mower, that I had it set up for at the dealer. There are only two things that I don't like about the machine. The first, because of it's light weight and high center of gravity, it is very "tippy". I don't allow anyone to use it for fear of them hurting themselves or the machine. Although I have had this tractor for about 6 years and over 1100 hours, I still have to be very vigilant of instability. As long as you know it's limitations and carefully work within them, you should not have problems. The second problem, which is not a deal breaker, is a weak steering control valve. It started leaking at around 500 hours. I have replaced the o-rings about 6 times so far, and only this last time seem to have fixed the problem. I polished the o-ring cavity and replaced the original spring retainer with a new one. The other o-rings that I replaced started to leak as soon as the machine's hydraulic oil warmed up, and continued to get progressively worse, even though no damage could ever be seen on the leaking o-rings.

Pros: It is a very strong, reliable, versatile and economical machine.
Cons: Unstable (tippy) and an unreliable (leaky) steering control valve.

Works Like a Borrowed Mule!
Model Year: 2000

This little Kubota works like a borrowed mule! We used it clearing land, mowing pastures including neighbors, mowing fern fields, and moving round bales. At the time of purchase we were looking for a John Deer because it was a "John Deer." But you could not expect better performance from a small tractor doing the amount of hard work this one has produced.

Pros: So far it is totally reliable.
Cons: I wish it was green and yellow.

Kubota L39 TLB
Model Year: 2008

Loads of power. Works excellent. I only wish I had bought it sooner. Now I have to get a better truck.

Pros: Loads of power.
Cons: None.

L39 TLB
Model Year: 2011

Strong machine for its size. Backhoe is strong and smooth. No jerkiness to cylinders. Glide shift takes a bit to get used to. My other Kubota has HST.

Pros: Well built and strong for a machine of its size.
Cons: Could have some more standard features. i.e. no 3 point hitch or darwbar, had to purchase seperately.

Kubota TLB39
Model Year: 2005

2005 TLBL39 with backhoe manual 3 position thumb.

Pros: Heavy built, low profile, easy on & off, excellent visibility with 4 post rops.
Cons: No aux. hydraulic hook-ups, seat is a little compact in backhoe position, had to replace seals in both front wheels when purchased, backhoe swing not as strong as it should be for having it's own pump.

Nice Ride
Model Year: 2006

I've owned a Kubota L3850, M5400, L35. After 5yrs without a tractor I got this slightly used L39. Boy, can it get the work done. I'm a land owner and do residential construction. The other day we did an external basement water proofing. It was small enough to get around in the yard but powerful enough to do it all with ease. The hoe is smooth and strong, It doesn't make you nervous around a house. In the woods it is maneuverable and has the added protection of a full roll cage. The loader does not flex when pushing hard on a tree. It is true that the loader break out force is a little weak for a tractor of this strength. An HST is probably a little faster in the tight stuff.The loader quick attach is a little loose. This is a great little tractor.I can't think of any that would fit my needs any better.

Pros: Above.
Cons: Above.

Loving My L39 TLB
Model Year: 2008

I've owned a B20 TLB for a number of years and decided to purchase a larger unit with more options. I looked at the JD110 and the L39. I am so happy that I went with the L39. With the skid steer attachment on the front loader, I have purchased or made several attachments. The fact that the hoe bucket is detachable is a bonus. I have purchased a 12" bucket to make cable trenching easier and faster. I have also had an adapter plate (with ears) made to hold a skid steer adapter that I made to hold three point hitch attachments. This means that I can now use 3-pt hitch implements on either the front of the back of the L39 without removing the hoe. I had a mechanical thumb installed on the hoe and hydraulic remotes installed on the front so that I can run grapples, angling cylinders on snow plows, etc. I have an 8000 lb, 12V winch with a 2" hitch attachment. I welded a receiver tube onto the front round cross brace on the loader so that I can use the winch on the front of the L39 to winch trees, stuck vehicles etc. I ran two cables from the battery and made terminals with wing nuts in a plastic box to provide power to the winch. I have the original loader bucket, a 7' and an 8' foot snow bucket, a 5' skid steer bucket with teeth. With the two hoe buckets, I have almost completed my bucket list! I welded two short pieces of 2.5" square tubing into the corners of the original loader bucket so that I can insert a length of 2" square tubing into these "sockets" to make "forks'" that can be used without removing the bucket. These forks are stored in sockets on the back of the bucket as shown in the photo. I have hooks mounted on both the loader bucket and the hoe bucket to use for lifting items. I made a lifting gib with a skid steer plate to mount on the loader. I made an attachment to hold a sheet of plywood so that it can be lifted to a considerable height when sheeting a roof (as shown in the photo) I am delightedly with the L39 and get so much enjoyment from it and from designing and manufacturing implements and attachments for it.

Pros: So versatile!
Cons: This was a used unit with about 200 hours on it when I purchased it but I haven't been able to get the auto-leveling option to work.

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Good machine for hard work.
Model Year: 2005

My comments are based on heavy duty use.This is an excellent Machine so I will point out it's weaker points. Bear in mind the L39 outclass many similar sized machines. -Machine is 1,000 lbs too light. I have added self designed wheel weights, thumb, bucket and loader frame reinforcements tool box, etc. to bring weight to 8,200 LBS. -Front Axle is weak for loader capacity. Seals are leaking. L45 Fixed this. -Bucket curl weak for lift capacity. L45 Fixed this. -Loader lift capacity could be another 15% for real dirt work. I have boosted pump pressure about 5% over factory max. of 2700 PSI. Pump setting was 400 PSI low from factory. -Loader pins are subject to wear, even if greased more than recommended. -Bucket is not reinforced enough from factory. -Need thicker skid plates and thicker & larger front axle guards -Hydraulic have slow bleed down -37 HP net is weak for size of machine, L45 may have fixed this. -GST is slow to shift thus looses speed on grades. Ratios could be spread apart a bit more in rages 1-10 -Needs larger tires, especially in front. Suggest 16 x 20 in rear and 16.5 x 10.5 as a minimum in front. -Track is narrow, machine is tippy. I have added wheel weights which spread rear track for chains. -Bucket could be a bit deeper. -Hoe could stand to reach another 6” to 12” -Radiator & front end protection is nil. -Sheet metal is paper thin. -Motor is a bit noisy. -Needs stronger brakes. -Where is the factory Cab?

Pros: Not much built better in size range.
Cons: See suggested improvements in review text.

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Happy So Far
Model Year: 2006

Found a local used machine for a great price with landscape rake & 5' tiller. Backhoe surprised me for its size & is very easy to hook & detach. I love having the loader,backhoe,3pt. hitch & pto, you can do almost anything with it. It has the front hyd. so I ordered a root grapple for it & a set forks. I have only put around 25hrs. on it using mainly the backhoe, grapple & tiller but plan to work it this summer on the farm & while building my house. I still haven't quite gotten use to the GST but I don't think it will be a problem.

Pros: Versatility, Open Station with Swivel Seat, Nice Controls
Cons: Small Tires, Very Light in the Rear with Backhoe Detached

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L39 TLB
Model Year: 2007

L39 with QD 72" loader, backhoe with 12" and 24" buckets, Kubota QD forks, 72" box blade, top 'n tilt, work lights, air particle separator. Only problem to date is a bolt coming loose in the backhoe controls. Wonderful power, traction, accessories. Digs well in clay, rocks and caliche.

Pros: Lifting and digging capability
Cons: Plastic grill, thin sheet metal hood, Narrow space for seat and feet

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A Happy Owner
Model Year: 2008

It doesn't have many hours but so far this tractor has performed flawlessly. The only problem that I had was when a large fallen branch hidden in 6-foot high blackberries punctured the radiator. Kubota's insurance company covered the issue immediately. They were fantastic to deal with. I downgraded the Features rating because some of the tractor design details such as the way that the hydraulic lines and electrical wiring were routed could have been better thought out considering that Kubota can certainly be considered a mature manufacturer. Several of these issues were improved on the "A" versions of the backhoe and loader used on the L45. I downgraded the Performance rating simply because the tractor could use more power. Again, the L45 improved on this. Issaquah Honda Kubota sold this tractor to me. They were great to deal with. Good initial price, excellent staff, fine parts and accessories inventory, etc. The L39 ended up as my choice of tractors because of capability to weight considerations. I wanted to trailer the unit behind an E350. The B26 would have been easier to move but didn't have the digging capability or pto horsepower that I wanted. The JD 110 TLB and L48 were a bit on the heavy side and the designs were a bit cruder. If the L45 had been available at the time, I would have definitely spent the extra money for it. I do quite a bit of trenching on hills so just pushing the tractor along with the hoe bucket is dangerous. The "crawling" mode on the L45 for moving the tractor would be a real time saver. I like the GST transmission but the L45's hydrostatic drive would have been better.

Pros: Sturdiness, flexibility, capabilities for weight
Cons: Power

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New Owner of L39 TLB
Model Year: 2006

Hi Guys! Just thought I would join up for now and see what it's like to be part of the club. I am still about 5 years away from retiring and finally just found my new toy. I just turned 55 and went and bought me my #1 desired backhoe rather than a new Hartley-Davidson Road King. An instructor friend in the Heavy Duty department at the technical college I work at told me that the Kubota is the Harley-Davidson of these small backhoes. I will keep you guys informed on how she works out for me on my 9 acre riverfront property. So far it was a blast trailering her from Oregon to northern Alberta. I easily load her with attachments onto my 10,000 lb gvwr 18' trailer and towed her back home with my GMC 1 ton van with 350 engine and 300 turbo tranny. It was an easy 4000 kilometer round trip without any problems. The previous owner was great, and took the unit into his selling dealer to have the complete 400 hour service performed. The dealer reassured me that this as a good clean unit and a good buy at the asking price of $24K. The owner included a Woods DF4200 pallet fork and a Linebach LBR - 7WT (311 lb) 7' foot blade in the deal. About the only thing I can see it will need are some new front tires in the near future. Starts up instantly and purrs like a big "CAT". I backed it off my trailer and proceeded to use the pallet forks to help my friend unload some large heavy shop equipment into my shop for storage. This unit is so easy t figure out how to use. I will update my review when I get more hours on this girl and dig some stumps out and push some dirt.

Pros: Great user friendly unit. Controls are easy to reach and operate. Intelli panel lets you know what is happening at all times. Glide shift transmission is wonderful to use and works terrific.
Cons: None I can think of yet. Maybe would be nice if it came with an enclosed cab and heater as standard for us fellows up here in the colder north country.