Backhoe Is the L39 stronger than the L4600?

[Ducati07]

I'm looking to purchase a new tractor loader backhoe and have been looking at the L4600 with a subframe backhoe attachment. Then, I was told that the L39 would be a better performing backhoe than the L4600. I was told that the L39 is a whole different machine and that everything about it is better and stronger. They said the L39 has a bigger pump and would out-dig and perform the L4600 on many levels. Seems a little strange to me since the 4600 has more HP but I know it all comes down to the pump. I wish I knew the output numbers of the pump comparing the two, and others.

Is there anyone that can backup the dealers opinion?

Thanks for any help with this topic!

 

[nybirdman]

I far as I have read the dealer is correct.The L39 is a purpose built machine vs the L4600 is a tractor with a BH added.Contractor vs home-owner comparison.

 

[powerstroke444e]

I was on a job couple of years ago and homeowner had a new L series with a hoe on it and he gave up digging a foundation for his garage in and called me to dig it.
I showed up with my b26 and was done in 2 hrs, there was several tree roots and it was hard but the tlb are purposes built machines.
We have a m5400 and I would never use it the like the b26 gets used.

 

[Ducati07]

Good to hear...thanks guys!

 

[TomSeller]

It depends what you are going to dig. I have both a Case backhoe and a Kubota tractor with a backhoe attachment. Truth be known, I use the Kubota more. It is not nearly as fast but I am only doing maintenance digging. The Kubota has SSQA on the FEL so it is much more handy. If I were to be doing any serious digging, I would use the Case.

 

[Ducati07]

Well, the digging here is not friendly. I'm digging mostly rock, with some dirt thrown in. It is hard digging...not as bad as when I was digging up in the high country with a lot of granite. But, on my property I have a lot of river rock and in the area I see spots of what I call shale...not sure if that is the correct term but I do know that when I hit it..I end up needing a jack hammer to trench through it. So, I'd like to make sure and get the most bang for my buck having a machine to do what it can to get through the rough stuff.

I need to get by with only a mid size hoe at this time. I'd like to have a full size Case for the real digging and a smaller unit for detail work but this is going to be a one unit purchase for now.

Thanks for the input!

 

[TomSeller]

Well, the digging here is not friendly. I'm digging mostly rock, with some dirt thrown in. It is hard digging...not as bad as when I was digging up in the high country with a lot of granite. But, on my property I have a lot of river rock and in the area I see spots of what I call shale...not sure if that is the correct term but I do know that when I hit it..I end up needing a jack hammer to trench through it. So, I'd like to make sure and get the most bang for my buck having a machine to do what it can to get through the rough stuff.

I need to get by with only a mid size hoe at this time. I'd like to have a full size Case for the real digging and a smaller unit for detail work but this is going to be a one unit purchase for now.

Thanks for the input!

Sounds like you need the L39 backhoe.

 

[TomSeller]

I was on a job couple of years ago and homeowner had a new L series with a hoe on it and he gave up digging a foundation for his garage in and called me to dig it.
I showed up with my b26 and was done in 2 hrs, there was several tree roots and it was hard but the tlb are purposes built machines.
.

Some of that could be because you are a more experienced operator, but you are right, dedicated backhoes are faster. I only get on one of mine a couple times a month and have to idle or adjust them down as it is. Like I said before, serious digging and occasional digging are two different needs entirely. For those with an occasional need, a tractor with a hoe attachment is fine. Power, reach and bucket selection are factors too, don't forget those.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Some of that could be because you are a more experienced operator, but you are right, dedicated backhoes are faster. I only get on one of mine a couple times a month and have to idle or adjust them down as it is. Like I said before, serious digging and occasional digging are two different needs entirely. For those with an occasional need, a tractor with a hoe attachment is fine. Power, reach and bucket selection are factors too, don't forget those.

Nothing makes up for seat time.
From the sounds of your digging L39 or L45 would be a good fit but the most important options would be QA backhoe buckets and a hydraulic thumb to pick the big rocks up and move them.
I would get a 12" bucket for hard digging 18 or 24 for everyday and a 36 smooth(no teeth) for backfilling and grading.

 

[mikesee]

Ducati07: Also take into consideration the size of the bucket you are chosing. Sounds like a smaller bucket (12-18 inch) would suit you better which ever way you go. The 'performance' of digging with my B21 with the 12 bucket vs the 16 inch is much better.