L39 dimensions and GST operation

Builder · 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(?))

mine ia 13'-6" from the tip of the bucket to the back edge of the rear tires, so i'd say ~15' with the 3 pt arms would be close.

( "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(?)")

Mine is 73" wide when you account for the front bucket. the next widest part is the backhoe stabilizers at about 67".

( 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(?))

Mine is ~94.5" high

( 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(?))

Didn't see any tractor parts lower, but the bottom of the backhoe frame has ~10" GC

( 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 foot throttle pedal can be used to vary the ground speed while the right hand controls the FEL joystick.

( 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?")

Yep, the knob takes it in/out of 4x4.

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

Don't forget the foot throttle

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

The left foot also controls the tilt steering column. Very handy!

( 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. My dealer is installing mine right into the FEL joystick for ~$700.

( 2)Are the lights standard? ) Mine were.
( 3) Availability of different tire sizes?)
As far as I know, only R-4's from the factory
( 4) Other optional equipment for the tractor/loader?) I got the horn kit and the tool box. My dealer is installing the front hydraulic outlet.

( 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.)
Kubota offers a factory weight ballast box as an option!

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

Danny
) No problem!

dannyk · Feb 22, 2006

L39Builder,

Thanks a ton for your detailed reply. I didn't know about the foot throttle, and I guess that was what was confusing me about using the loader.

About the ballast, it just seems logical to me that if the 3ph can lift 2800 lb, it should be possible to ballast the tractor properly on the hitch without filling the tires. Below is a link to a picture of the Kubota ballast box. It's the last picture in the series. I assume you get it empty and fill it with concrete.

Kubota ballast box

I notice they do call it a "transport box" and not a loader ballast box, so I guess I'll have to ask Kubota about that one. I do recall that there is another TBN member that has an L39 without the backhoe, but I can't remember his name.

Danny

Muleskinner · Feb 22, 2006

You don't need a ballast box. My 72" Gannon weighs 1140 pounds! I have never tipped the tractor forward with a full bucket of dirt. Also, load the rear tires.

By the way, mine's for sale with 181 hours.

frank29 · Feb 22, 2006

The L39 is one heck of a machine. I attended the Southern Farm Show in Raleigh N.C. several weeks ago. Even though the L39 is too much of a tractor for my needs, I was drawn to it......until the representative told me the price!

dannyk · Feb 22, 2006

Muleskinner,

I need a compact unit that will fit in my garage and go on my forest trails. Hence my interest in the ballast box rather than a 72-inch implement. Filling the tires gives me the willies considering some of the places I might go and the chance of a tire puncture.

If there is any reason I can't use the L39 loader with a ballast box without filling the tires, I'd sure appreciate knowing about it before I buy it!

Frank, the price without the backhoe is not unreasonable considering the capabilities of the loader.

Danny

Builder · Feb 23, 2006

( Muleskinner,

I need a compact unit that will fit in my garage and go on my forest trails. Hence my interest in the ballast box rather than a 72-inch implement. Filling the tires gives me the willies considering some of the places I might go and the chance of a tire puncture.

If there is any reason I can't use the L39 loader with a ballast box without filling the tires, I'd sure appreciate knowing about it before I buy it!

Frank, the price without the backhoe is not unreasonable considering the capabilities of the loader.

Danny )

Danny, I would say your next step is to determine the weight of the BH. Once you have that, find out the cubic ft capacity of the ballast box box. If the BB filled with your counterweight can come close to the weight of the BH, I'd say you'd have a safe set up.
We used to call a loader with no BH a "pippin". The one I had would tip with a load in the FEL and no BB, so be careful.

dannyk · Feb 23, 2006

Well, I did find out that Kubota makes a special ballast box for the L39 and that it weighs 1500 lb filled with dry sand. Cost is about $500.

Builder · Feb 23, 2006

( Well, I did find out that Kubota makes a special ballast box for the L39 and that it weighs 1500 lb filled with dry sand. Cost is about $500. )

I'd say go for it! By the time you build your own, screw around with painting it, etc., you'll be better off spending the $500. along with the new L39 it'll look great. 1500lbs is more than I thought it'd hold!

Muleskinner · Feb 23, 2006

( Muleskinner,

I need a compact unit that will fit in my garage and go on my forest trails. Hence my interest in the ballast box rather than a 72-inch implement. Filling the tires gives me the willies considering some of the places I might go and the chance of a tire puncture.

If there is any reason I can't use the L39 loader with a ballast box without filling the tires, I'd sure appreciate knowing about it before I buy it!

Frank, the price without the backhoe is not unreasonable considering the capabilities of the loader.

Danny )

Danny:

I use slime in my front tires, as I work in cactus all of the time. Slime = no flats. As far as the rear tires go, you could slime them if you leave out the water. Then you had better have a BB to compensate for the front FEL.