L-39 vs L3830

jrock · Mar 13, 2006

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_ · Mar 13, 2006

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 · Mar 14, 2006

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 · Mar 14, 2006

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_ · Mar 14, 2006

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

Builder · Mar 14, 2006

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 · Mar 14, 2006

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 · Mar 14, 2006

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 · Mar 15, 2006

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 · Mar 15, 2006

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

Muleskinner · Mar 15, 2006

Hey builder. Did you look at the JD 110TLB before you bought your L39? If so, what did you think?

jrock · Mar 20, 2006

OK Guy's Im 99% sure its going to be the L39! I got the greenlight from the financial planner (The Better Half).
After thinking through and making list of projects for the Back Hoe, its going to get a workout.
Is there any options available im not aware of? I did see the
Tool Box and Hydraulic Protection plates for the loader.
(thanks for the Pics L39 Builder)
The one thing that keeps going through my mind is....
The L39 is manufactured more towards the Commercial construction market. When its time for it to switch hats and do
general tractor type work will i be happy with its performance?
Bush Hogging, Box bladeing, Pulling the disc, Tiller work.. etc.
Thanks for all the input!
John

_RaT_ · Mar 20, 2006

It would very well for those tasks you list. I really don't see any reason it isn't almost as versatile as a regular compact short of being able to remove the loader. The L39 is easily designed not just for the "commercial construction" market but exactly what you are proposing to do. If I was in the market for a compact tractor with a hoe or TLB, I would have the L39 at the top of my list.

Builder · Mar 20, 2006

I can't see any give back from the L-39 in terms of ability to do farm-type work except that the tires are R-4's which don't offer quite the traction of ag tires.

No problems here with bushogging and the L-39 is perfect for boxblading.

You'll love it, gauranteed!!!

JimMorrissey · Mar 22, 2006

Mark,

The L39 is not a "mudder" so to speak. I've had mine burried multiple times. I've also had my L3830 buried multiple times. The only difference is that the hoe on the 39 can easily lift and drag the machine from pretty much any muck it gets stuck in. The first day I owned mine I buried it beyond the axles and with a little experimentation I was able to drag it out with the hoe. Now if I get stuck I can easily get it loose. Obvioiusly this is all within reason. If you go really deep and have nothing "solid" to dig into for pulling grip then you're stuck stuck $$. I'd just be careful in the muck to start.

Don't think of the 39 as a TLB. It's a "utility tractor" (rear PTO). It can do anything a smaller (40/50hp) CUT can do (aside from finishing mowing IMO) and a lot more. The hydraulic power is outstanding compared to a CUT and the overall utility is well worth the extra money. That's why I bought one /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Yeah, I've had some issues, but they're relatively minor in the big picture. You'll have lots of options to attach standard low-flow skid steer hydraulics attachments to the front end if you get that option (plow, broom, post hole digger, etc.)

The hoe is something else. It just blows away my expectations so far....very powerful. I use it all the time for all kinds of lifting, digging, flipping, rotating objects, digging stumps and holes for new trees, trenches for power/sewer, pulling things down, etc. I intend to post some pics of my road project soon and you'll see what this guy can do. It's an awesome little machine that's the perfect size and weight for my needs. It sounds like a good match for you too according to your description.

I'd say to get a proper lawn mower if you want to mow lawns. It's just not a lawn mower....it easily turns a 5' hog and don't see why it would turn a 6'er.

As long as you're not looking for a lawn mower and you can afford the extra money, you'll be a happy camper with the L39. It's a beast of a different nature and one you'll likely not outgrow in the long haul.

If the L39 had a 50hp engine I think it would loose some of its efficiency. Not sure it would be worth going to 4 cylinders. I like the engine its got. It's quite and very efficient on fuel. Maybe a turbo would be good.

MarkV · Mar 22, 2006

I’d agree that there is no worry with doing the “normal” tractor projects. The L39 loses the ability to remove the loader, you don’t get the telescoping 3pt arms and it is too heavy for finish lawn projects. About the only thing I’ve found that I don’t like is tilling. With my heavy clay I like the ability of the HST tranny and its infinite ground speeds better.

Only other option I can think of are the rear work lights, until L39Builder comes up with a new one I don’t know about.

MarkV

jrock · Mar 22, 2006

I have researched this to death! lol Im seeing Orange!
My dealer is getting a L39 sometime Mid April, he told me
all the TLB's arrive assembled. So no waite for the assembly proccess! Now i get to research the implements i need!
Grapple,Box Blade and Bush Hog. Plus, going to try to sell
the B2400 myself vs trade in. Thanks again for all input.
Im going with the L39!
John

Builder · Mar 22, 2006

Jim has it pegged. He was able to describe it better than me.

So much bickering goes on when people compare equipment "mine's better than your's" stuff. I don't think it's so much that one is better than the other, it's that one is better suited than the other for certain tasks.

I have run a 7' bush hog and a 7' York rake behind my old L35 with no difficulty, L-39 will be even better.

I would give a CUT with ag tires a mudder advantage if the
L-39's BH is removed.

JimMorrissey · Mar 23, 2006

You can easily drop the bucket which weighs a few hundred pounds and will shorten the turning radius a bit, but the weight out front is good for traction.

Seems like the multiple forward speed would be perfect for tilling, but then I've never tilled with GST.....find the right gear for the conditions and let her go. I don't see tilling as a particularly variable speed use, but your conditions are different.

Telescoping arms....ahhh, not that big a deal for me. I have a level concrete area I can drop and pickup implements from so it's not a major inconvenience. I actually don't remember using the ones on my 3830 very much. Would be nice to have if given.

Options....get the "drawbar" if it's not included. You can also set her up with factory TnT if you want /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif -I wish I'd just had the dealer weld a thumb onto the stick for me before picking it up. Thumb on the L39 is cool.

JimMorrissey · Mar 23, 2006

John,

You are going to love it.....quality long term decision IMO....but then again I own one /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Grapple would be real nice. Definitley see what the dealer has for thumbs for the hoe. Do some research on here. A few of us talked about it extensively a few months ago. You can go hydraulic or static. Check it out....nice addition.

Keep us posted. Hope to see pictures soon. My first few pictures about this time last year were it covered in mud and buried deep. They are definitely not made for the mud bogs.