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.