L-39 vs L3830

[jrock]

TBN Gang,
I posted several weeks ago considering the L5030. Thanks
to all for the Re-focusing of my Tractor needs vs wants.
I got to opperate a friends L3830 GST for several hours. Mostly useing the Grapple for large Brush/Small Tree removal.
I must say the L3830 is a GREAT Tractor!
I never thought (with my limited experience) i could efficiently
opperate anything but a HST Tranns. I now understand the benifits of both.
Now for the questions.
My Dealer is working me up some figures on the L3830 and the L39. (He will take my Trade in B2400)
Will the L-39 with its smaller wheels/tires and lower ground clearance be a significant issue for manuvering through the woods doing the Brush/Tree removal?
Has anyone used their L39 for Bush hogging? Did it handle the
Bush Hog like a CUT? Or did it feel off balance without the weight of the backhoe?
Is there a Heavy Duty Bucket option for the L39 or is it Standard?
Have there been manufactureing issues to keep a eye out for-Hydraulic Pressures-Leaks-anything that i may have not seen in the posts?
I wll be having the hydraulics added for a grapple. Any pointers where they should mount the control lever or just leave it up to the dealer?
This one may sound stupid... Since youhave owned the L39,
have you found you use the Backhoe more or less than you expected?
At least i have definetly narrowed it down between the L39 and L3830.
Thanks for any info and suggestions
John

 

[_RaT_]

John, if your not sure you will use the backhoe as much as you think, my experience with folks that buy tractors with the same thoughts usually don't use them as much as they think. You really have to have a ongoing or at least create a list of chores to do with a backhoe. Folks in construction come to mind as people who could benefit from a hoe routinely. While an extremely productive tool, it can also be one of the lesser used tools and typically the second most expensive item after the purchase of the tractor. I have the L3830 HST, it has basically the same engine as the L39 so my guess is that it will turn a Brush Hog just fine depending of course on the density and wetness of the material being cut. The L39 to my knowledge only has a HD bucket.

 

[MarkV]

Hi John,

Ground clearance hasn’t been an issue for me in the woods.

No problem running a 5 or 6’ Bush hog with the L39. The only time I feel a balance issue is using the loader without the backhoe attached. That will be true with any tractor until you get enough counter weight on the back. Also remember that the loader on the L39 is not removable like it is on the 3830. If you’re mowing is in tight areas that can be an issue.

Heavy duty bucket is standard issue. Also with the skid steer type of quick attach on the loader you can go with a non Kubota bucket if it fits your needs better. I am using a 74” Bob Cat bucket on mine.

I’m not aware of any major manufacturing issues.

The Kubota front hydraulics will come with a different joy stick that has a rocker switch to operate whatever you have up front. WRLong also makes a similar front hydraulic kit that is a little cheaper than Kubota’s.

I think the amount of use a backhoe gets depends solely on your situation. The L39 backhoe is really something though and about as strong as you will find in that size machine. Of course if your needs are not great it is an expensive option for occasional use.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the L39 will be a lot heavier than the 3830. If you will need to be trailering the tractor much the L39 comes in over 7500 lbs. with loaded tires so you will need a strong tow vehicle and trailer.

MarkV

 

[jrock]

Thanks RaT and MarkV,
I think im leaning towards the L39 at this point.
With the future Tree Farm in works and new House, the
backhoe should work out sweet.
Plus, from the specs ive read the Loader should be a Brute!
The back 15 acres or so on my property can get a little wet
various times of the year. With the lower ground clearance
and weight of the L39 might hinder manuevering through that area? While i was opperating the L3830,it had No issues with that at all.
I know there is No perfect Tractor for everything...
Just trying to find the best fit.
Thanks Guys

 

[_RaT_]

Good explanation Mark. Really glad to see you not only getting a tractor, but a substantial one at that. RaT (Mark)

 

[Builder]

The L-39 hydraulics are really strong. Compare the pumps' GPM in both models. Front 72" bucket is super heavy duty. I never had any real G/C issues when working in mud. I just backdrag to fill my ruts as a habit.

I haven't nad the 7' bushog hooked up to my L-39 yet, but my old L-35 handled it no problem, so the L-39 should fare even better.

If you don't think you'll need a BH much, you could always order the L-39 sans BH.

 

[mike69440]

You really could not have more BH given the size and weight of the L39. Well maybe another 10% with dipper force.

I even managed to bend the side of the bucket! All fixed and reinforced now. I used Dow 321 Dry Film Moly on the pivot pins I removed.

I could not imagine having a smaller hoe, unless all you did was plant trees, clean out trenches and play in a garden.

I wish the L39 had another 10-12 hp and about 40% more loader break out and curling force. Having more lift capacity would be dangerous, but I figure I would not kill myself with more horsepower and pryout force. The extra Hp would be nice to scoot up hills and run implements.

SO what I really would want is an L48 with the compact size and maneuverability of the L-39.

Oh yeah, A heated and air conditioned cab! And it should never break down and someone else make the payments!

 

[Builder]

I use my L-39 BH to dig crawlspaces, foundations, footings, pipeline & electrical trenches, etc . I use the FEL to load the dumptruck and grade my jobsites.

I went to the dealer with $38,000 to buy the L-48 sitting on the lot I always wanted and came home with an L-39. I think the L-48 is a SUPER machine, but despite the power & size sacrafice, I liked the L-39 better. I'm not a hydrostatic guy. I'm pretty convinced the L-39 has darn close to as much "rear wheel power" as the L-48 because the HST seems to soak up more engine power than a GST. Can't back it up with spreadsheets or engineering analysis, just SOP feel and operating experience. The L-48 just didn't have enough "power to size" ratio for my liking and I really liked the L-48.

I came off an L-35 and also owned a Ford 555 4x4 extendahoe and I've rented many cases & deeres.

This little L-39 might be small, but it's a little powerhouse, fits on a small trailer, fits in tight spots and saved me $5,000 over the L-48. If you know how to use a Kubota TLB, you can accomplish some pretty big tasks.

I'm sure if I bought the 48, i'd be singing its' praises, too. From what i hear, the L-48 is going to be redesigned to be like a L-39 on steroids next year.

 

[Muleskinner]

I have to echo what Builder said. Tne L39 is one heck of a tractor. It's built much stouter than a CUT and with the GST the L39 feels like it's got 50 HP. Just look at the size of the FEL arms compared to a CUT. Huge.

I'm amazed all the time by what I can do with mine. I've had a lot of complements from other contractors and tractor guys about the L39. They all like it and comment on how heavy built it appears. The sub frame is a major plus for the FEL mounting and adds rigidity to the tractor overall. If you get one you won't be disapointed.

 

[Builder]

"stout" is the perfect adjective for the L-39, Muleskinner.