Re: ANY L-39\'S ARRIVED AT YOUR LOCAL CT.-MA. DEALER??
Walt,
I made another trip north (1 hour) to the dealer this morning /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif It was in the garage getting the block heater installed, but luckily that was complete just after I got there. They were just about to load the tires and I told them not to. The hoe should do it for rear weight and I'm hoping to mow with it. We'll see if it cuts ruts in the lawn.
I took it out back and played in a huge frozen snow pile for about 30 minutes. It's not a huge amount of time on a machine, but I was able to determine the following: The hoe is extremely percise. You can move it in very accurate small increments if necessary and it flows beautifully side to side while you are pulling in the stick or boom. There is no hesitation at all (dual pumps) when operating two levers at once. With valves wide open, it's plenty fast to dump and cut, etc. There are two hoe locks, one on the boom base to arrest front to back movement and one next to it for side to side movement (transport). Both can be easily pulled right from the seat.
The loader can not be put in the same category as an Ag loader. The movements are also very tight, smooth and stong. There is no banging or clanking at all and the difference between the
L39 loader (TL 1000) and my LA723 is quickly obvious. It's fast and has a huge weight capacity. Loader controls are right where you want them with a comfortable and well positioned arm rest. The view of what you are trying to scoop up is fantastic due to the sloped hood. It really does make a difference.
The GST Transmission is something I'll need to get used to. I have to say I wasn't head over heals about it. I'm used to HST and I like HST, but I'm going to have to learn how to use GST. The engine sounds a bit louder than the
L3830 and I think it's the same engine. Likely it's the muffler type or layout. It sounds different...a lower growl type of sound.
It turns on a dime. It seems like it could do a full circle inside the tightest circle my
L3830 could manage. I've said it here before, but the size just seems perfect....not too big and not too small. The seat is heavy duty with excellent support and a nice suspension. The seat is very easy to move to the hoe position and walk though.
Work lights are nice. FOPS is a nice addition. Big thick steel step to get up to it with teeth to get a good grip and clean off mud. It's very easy to quickly get on and off it. I put all my weight on the outer edge and it didn't move. I think it's welded right to the frame.
Another thing I noticed in comparison to a JD 110, is the width and the height. It looks wider and more stable. It is also shorter and seems a bit lower to the ground due to the shorter rear rubber. At first sight from the rear, it looks a lot more stable (feels it too) and it is definitely smaller overall than a 110. I stopped at the JD dealer on my way home and looked at one again. I don't think it's as sophisticated electronically, but it costs less.
HOWEVER.....This thing is not cheap and I would hope and expect all the things I mentioned to be the case. One hopes to get what one pays for. If you can afford it and need such a machine, I would highly recommend that you wait to make your purchase, and at least take one for a spin before you cut any checks. You'll be happy you did.
