M59 Discussion Thread

ManAtArms · Aug 19, 2009

I've got about 20 hours on the 59 now...basically getting a few hours of seat time a day. Overall, I really think this is the best tool I've ever purchased!

For those of you with the hydro thumb...is it bad idea to curl the bucket when you've got something pinched with the thumb? I'm frequently trying to pick up rocks/logs that are difficult to get a good bite on. Either they're too heavy to pinch lift or too big to make use of the bucket and thumb teeth. So I find I can grab it with the thumb and curl the bucket under before lifting it...getting the bucket under it all the while securing it with the thumb. Anyway, this means the bucket is "overpowering" the thumb during the curl. Is this bad for the thumb hydraulics?

-Mark

Charlesaf3 · Aug 19, 2009

yep, I do that too. Asked Neal Messick and he said it was fine - I certainly find it necessary to grab things. Done it hundreds of times, no ill effects. I guess relief on that cylinder is set low on purpose.

ManAtArms · Aug 20, 2009

Thanks Charles...good to know I'm not wrecking the thumb.

Charlesaf3 · Aug 20, 2009

not so far as what I've heard and do! But feel free to double check me.

Charlesaf3 · Sep 3, 2009

could someone do me a favor - I'm not near the tractors - and measure from outside to outside of the rear tires? Its a useful piece of info that Kubota doesn't seem to have anywhere.

gwdixon · Sep 4, 2009

Charlesaf3 said:
could someone do me a favor - I'm not near the tractors - and measure from outside to outside of the rear tires? Its a useful piece of info that Kubota doesn't seem to have anywhere.

All of the dimensions are in this PDF file. Width is 75 inches.

mike69440 · Sep 4, 2009

Charlesaf3 said:
yep, I do that too. Asked Neal Messick and he said it was fine - I certainly find it necessary to grab things. Done it hundreds of times, no ill effects. I guess relief on that cylinder is set low on purpose.

Properly plumbed, you can curl the bucket against the thumb. Don't curl both against each other at same time however.

My PC 75 had a wrist on in and was plumbed for a remote, however the lines are only #6 and should be #10 with a thumb. I was too much of a cheapskate to do it right. I blew a few lines and relief valves quickly closing the bucket against the thumb, till I learned to tale it easy.

Charlesaf3 · Sep 5, 2009

I seem to remember the 75 wasn't accurate, but like I said, won't see the tractor till tuesday

rScotty · Sep 28, 2009

Does anyone use their backhoe bucket to sidesweep dirt and rocks into position with a closed bucket? I've tried it and the M59 has a lot of power to sidesweep with. It does it easily but I have to wonder if making that motion is hard on the machine? Seems like it would loosen up the pins and pivots.

BTW, I got some moly high pressure grease and greased the nipples for the lower backhoe pivots with it. That cured the squeaking I had been getting before in spite of regular greasing. The black moly grease is nasty stuff though.
rScotty