L39 dimensions and GST operation

dannyk · Feb 21, 2006

The more I look at the L39 TL (without backhoe), the more I like it for its compact size and powerful loader. So I picked up the official Kubota brochure, which is nice, but could be lots more informative than it is. I'm looking for some comments here from L39 owners to fill in the blanks in my knowledge. My local dealer is new at the Kubota game, so they don't have experience with this machine. And I have found that TBN members often know more than the dealers do.

Tractor dimensions are apparently something Kubota wants to keep secret!
1) Length: Not stated, though I gather it would be about 15 feet from the tip of the bucket to the back of the three-point hitch(?)

2) Width: An overall width of 67 inches is given under the backhoe spec section, but curiously not in the tractor spec section. I assume this is correct for the tractor without the backhoe(?)

3) Height to top of FOPS: Not stated, but Skypup tells me it is 95.5 inches. I'm guessing there is no way to reduce this height by ordering a ROPS instead of a FOPS or by removing the FOPS(?) My eight-foot garage doors open only to about 93 inches, and since I generally stay away from torsion springs, I guess a call to the garage door man is in order. Other ideas(?)

4) Ground clearance: This appears to be an issue for some owners, and again, the brochure is not much help. The BACKHOE ground clearance is given as 12 inches, but it looks as though there may be TRACTOR parts with less clearance than this(?)

GST and loader operation: Man, it sure looks like there's a lot to do with the right hand! I may need some genetic engineering! The right hand seems to be used for:
1) Operating the throttle
2) Operating the position control of the 3ph
3) Operating the loader joystick and auxiliary hydraulics.
4) Operating the gearshift lever. How do you operate the loader joystick and forward progress of the tractor simultaneously when pushing into a pile of dirt?
5) Engaging the rear PTO
6) Anything else!(?) It would seem that the right hand has a bit too much to do!

The left hand appears to be used for:
1) Operating a shuttle shift (forward/reverse direction) lever on the steering wheel column(?)
2) Operating the lights and the tilt steering wheel, also on the steering column.
3) Is perchance the little red knob by the left foot used to engage the 4wd, or does it have another function? If so, where is the 4wd lever?

Right foot:
1) Brakes
2) Looks like there is a lever for rear wheel differential lock by the right foot(?)

Left foot:
Clutch only. I assume the clutch works like the clutch on any standard transmission(?)

The brochure has no information on factory or dealer installed options that may be purchased for the tractor:
1) I'm guessing that you can order factory-installed auxiliary hydraulics for the loader to use a grapple(?)
2) Are the lights on the FOPS standard?
3) Availability of different tire sizes?
4) Other optional equipment for the tractor/loader?

A more general and very important question would be how many pounds of ballast do I need on the 3ph to operate the loader effectively and what is the best solution for this to minimize tractor length? I'm thinking weight box with cement.

Wow, I know this is a lot, but I hope some of you guys have time to respond. Thanks!

Danny

skipsb21 · Feb 22, 2006

I hate to ask, but why, unless you're concerned about cost, would you consider buying an L39 w/out the BH. Remember that this tractor was engineered as a TLB, and while I only own a lowly B21, I am amazed at how well the backhoe works on my little machine, and how well it is integrated. If you don't forsee a need for a hoe, then you might find a cheaper, and possibly more powerful tractor in something else Kubota offers (L3400/4400 or Grand L series). The BH on a TLB is much more effective than those that are 3pt. or even 4pt additions, plus it only takes about five minutes (working by myself) to drop the hoe on my B21. While I don't have experience with the L39, the L35 hoe can be dropped in about the same time. They are marvels of engineering, and you still have the 3pt. for any other attachments. The only caveat of the TLB's, to my knowledge, may be ground clearance (less than a CUT) and weight. As to the GST operation - rent an L35/39 for a day - you'll be used to it in about a half an hour. Just my two pennies worth, once the L39 owner's chime in, you'll probably get some more complete advice. Good luck...

SkyPup · Feb 22, 2006

( The more I look at the L39 TL (without backhoe), the more I like it for its compact size and powerful loader. So I picked up the official Kubota brochure, which is nice, but could be lots more informative than it is. I'm looking for some comments here from L39 owners to fill in the blanks in my knowledge. My local dealer is new at the Kubota game, so they don't have experience with this machine. And I have found that TBN members often know more than the dealers do.

Tractor dimensions are apparently something Kubota wants to keep secret!
1) Length: Not stated, though I gather it would be about 15 feet from the tip of the bucket to the back of the three-point hitch(?)
) not sure about that 

2) Width: An overall width of 67 inches is given under the backhoe spec section, but curiously not in the tractor spec section. I assume this is correct for the tractor without the backhoe(?)) The BH positioners add maybe 4" to the width, not much. 

3) Height to top of FOPS: Not stated, but Skypup tells me it is 95.5 inches. I'm guessing there is no way to reduce this height by ordering a ROPS instead of a FOPS or by removing the FOPS(?) My eight-foot garage doors open only to about 93 inches, and since I generally stay away from torsion springs, I guess a call to the garage door man is in order. Other ideas(?)) You cannot remove the FOPS and there is no ROPS available 

4) Ground clearance: This appears to be an issue for some owners, and again, the brochure is not much help. The BACKHOE ground clearance is given as 12 inches, but it looks as though there may be TRACTOR parts with less clearance than this(?)) 12 inches is about it, although the undercarriage is super clean, not like the JD110 with hydraulic lines all over the place waiting to get ripped off...

GST and loader operation: Man, it sure looks like there's a lot to do with the right hand! I may need some genetic engineering! The right hand seems to be used for:
1) Operating the throttle
2) Operating the position control of the 3ph
3) Operating the loader joystick and auxiliary hydraulics.
4) Operating the gearshift lever. How do you operate the loader joystick and forward progress of the tractor simultaneously when pushing into a pile of dirt?
5) Engaging the rear PTO
6) Anything else!(?) It would seem that the right hand has a bit too much to do!) It is no problem at all, in fact it is a joy to use! 

The left hand appears to be used for:
1) Operating a shuttle shift (forward/reverse direction) lever on the steering wheel column(?)
2) Operating the lights and the tilt steering wheel, also on the steering column.
3) Is perchance the little red knob by the left foot used to engage the 4wd, or does it have another function? If so, where is the 4wd lever?) That is the 4WD lever. 

Right foot:
1) Brakes
2) Looks like there is a lever for rear wheel differential lock by the right foot(?)) Yup, that is it. 

Left foot:
Clutch only. I assume the clutch works like the clutch on any standard transmission(?)) Yes it does, but you very very rarely ever use it. 

The brochure has no information on factory or dealer installed options that may be purchased for the tractor:
1) I'm guessing that you can order factory-installed auxiliary hydraulics for the loader to use a grapple(?)) Yes, I have that and it is excellent 
2) Are the lights on the FOPS standard?) Yes 
3) Availability of different tire sizes?)None..... 
4) Other optional equipment for the tractor/loader?) Horn, more lights, rear hydraulics, BH buckets, etc. 

A more general and very important question would be how many pounds of ballast do I need on the 3ph to operate the loader effectively and what is the best solution for this to minimize tractor length? I'm thinking weight box with cement.) I would say a minimum of 1,500 to 2,000 pounds 

Wow, I know this is a lot, but I hope some of you guys have time to respond. Thanks!

Danny

dannyk · Feb 22, 2006

skipsb21,
Your question is exactly what the Kubota salesman asked me (They don't rent L39's, by the way.)

First, I can rent a Bobcat excavator for any real digging I need to do much cheaper than I can buy and maintain a backhoe for the L39.

Second, I have a Kasco Rooter for the loader that works well for small digging projects.

Third, I can't get equivalent loader capacity with the L series, especially not in this small a package. The LA723 loader is rated at about 1580 lbs and the 853 loader is rated at about 1800+ lbs, if memory serves. And for the 853 loader I need to go to a much bigger tractor than the L39, which has a loader rated at about 2200 lbs. Tractor size is important to me both for storage considerations and for taking the unit into the woods on my trail system.

Fourth, I am not concerned about removing the loader. I have a small tractor for mowing.

Fifth, I have an 830-lb grapple, and a larger capacity loader will maximize its utility for logs and the occasional rock.

All in all, I can't see that any other unit makes as much sense as the L39 tractor-loader for my situation.

Danny

dannyk · Feb 22, 2006

Thanks, SkyPup. I appreciate the response.

The BH positioners add maybe 4" to the width, not much. Would an L39 without the backhoe have these positioners?

It is no problem at all, in fact it is a joy to use! I'll take your word for it! Though I still have trouble seeing how you can curl the bucket into a pile of dirt while modulating the travel speed. Obviously you can.

Danny

SkyPup · Feb 22, 2006

No BH, no positioners, they are the hydraulic stands that hold the rear end off the ground when you are using the BH.

BTW, the BH on this thing is totally awesome, I would seriously consider incorporating a BH onto to your L39, it opens the door to allot of projects.

Dirthog · Feb 22, 2006

hope you understand that to use all that lift on the loader you will have to have almost as much counterweight on the back as there is in the backhoe. and even then it maybe light my L48 with the hoe seemed light untill I loaded the tires too. and without the backhoe it was down right scary

SkyPup · Feb 22, 2006

That is correct.

The L-39 owners manual says NOT to fill the rear tires with water if you have the backhoe mounted, but if you do NOT have the BH on, you will certainly require that the rear tires be filled as well as adding some major ballast, a 850 pound box blade is NOT going to do it......

dannyk · Feb 22, 2006

Let's say I get crazy and get the backhoe. Can I finesse it into my garage under a 96-inch door? I know that in transport position, the height is well over 96 inches.

Danny

SkyPup · Feb 22, 2006

That is not a problem, I do that all the time, you just have to remember to lower the BH prior to entering.

If you forget and make a mistake putting a huge hole in the door, I can guarantee that you will NOT forget it for a second time..... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif