L39 Quote

[witel]

Long-time lurker ... first-time poster ... new to tractors ... love TBN and all of you contributors.

I've been looking at getting the Kubota L39 for converting my 35+ raw acres in Colorado into a homestead.

I had found myself in the Gulf Coast area of Texas toward the end of December, and stumbled across a Kubota dealer. I received a quote that I'm sharing with all of you:

L39 TLB: $33,000
Includes TL1765 72" HD Round-Back Front-End-Loader Bucket
Includes TL1748 Bolt-On Cutting Edge
Includes BT3003 18" 2.51 cu. ft. Backhoe Bucket
TL1715 Front Remote Valve: $775.00
BTB404 Rear Remote Valve: $1600.00
L9553 Remote Valve Kit for Rear Attachments: $1134.00
L9554 3PT Top-N-Tilt: $725.00

Some things I noted:
- Everything that I've seen/read about the L39 indicates that when the backhoe is not on, then the wheel-weights should be used. The dealer brushed off the idea of the wheel-weights and told me that they just fill the tires with water ... end of story. I am wondering if the wheel-weights come with the TLB as standard equipment for those times that the backhoe is removed.
- In general, I was disappointed with the dealer. I knew more about the machine than he did. Also, he flat-out provided wrong or misleading information ... not intentionally, but because I don't think he knew what he was doing. Not sure if this is normal for dealers, but it sure was dicouraging.

I do not know if the quote is reasonable or my dealer experience was typical.

I have a lot of questions regarding the L39, but this is not the forum for that.

WiTel

 

[bradyky]

Sounds like your quote was not totally out of line for the machine, but the accessories were quoted at straight list. Also, there have been some program changes since then that have made the units a little bit less expensive. The wheel weights are an option and are nice for extra ballast. Currently, you can probably find an L39 for around $1000 less than this quote and then save some on the accessories. Also, if you pay cash, Kubota will throw you a little extra incentive. If you are interested in used at all, I have one with 14 hours that could save you a little bit off of the price. We were just in Fort Collins for all the fun over Christmas. It just doesn't snow like that in KY anymore.

 

[mike69440]

Sounds like your quote was not totally out of line for the machine, but the accessories were quoted at straight list. Also, there have been some program changes since then that have made the units a little bit less expensive. The wheel weights are an option and are nice for extra ballast. Currently, you can probably find an L39 for around $1000 less than this quote and then save some on the accessories. Also, if you pay cash, Kubota will throw you a little extra incentive. If you are interested in used at all, I have one with 14 hours that could save you a little bit off of the price. We were just in Fort Collins for all the fun over Christmas. It just doesn't snow like that in KY anymore.

I agree wheel weights are needed. What do they look like and how do they attach?

Thanks,

Mike69440

 

[CurlyDave]

If you think you will ever want a 4-n-1 loader bucket, you are far better off to get it before you order than after. That way you don't pay for a standard bucket and then pay again for the 4-n-1.

The other thing you want for sure is to have some grab-type chain hooks welded on the FEL bucket. Left, right, and center is good, should be $15 to $25 each. You might get them free if you just ask.

 

[witel]

The $33k TLB Package that the dealer quoted was easy for him to do since one was sitting on his lot ready for the purchaser to pick up. And, like bradyky noted, the others were direct quotes from the list-book. The one on the lot that he quote wasn't exactly what I want. I would replace the cutting edge with a tooth-bar and add the L9467 Rubber Stabilizer Flip Pad Set to the backhoe. I haven't determined if the K7770 Quick Attach Coupler for the backhoe would be worth the money (seen listed for $719); however, all the Kubota trenching buckets require it. I talked to him about adding three chain-hooks across the top edge of the FEL bucket and a couple on the end of the backhoe boom ... all of which they could do. I've sat and analyzed my potential use for the tractor and implements and, unfortunately, I cannot justify the 4-n-1 loader bucket. It would be pretty cool to have.

Regarding other implements, I do plan to get a hydraulic PHD (for fencing and tree-planting) and mount it on the backhoe. Been looking at Danuser. The soil is hard and rocky, so the beefier hydraulics on the L39 is attractive. I asked the dealer which of the three hydraulic pumps that the backhoe attachment remote hydraulics tap into, and I got a blank stare followed by a song-and-dance routine. There are three pumps (spec says "11 GPM for the loader/backhoe, 6.2 GPM for backhoe boom swing, 6.2 GPM for power steering"), and I want to make sure that I will have the 11 GPM for the PHD ... and not make assumptions based on a blurb in a spec. I also plan to get some kind of mower (rotary or flail), a front blade (for snow), back blade (snow and arena), a box-blade (drive maintenance), pallet-forks (landscaping material), a manure/compost spreader, and a broadcast-spreader (to seed the pasture). Based on this most recent set of blizzards (and one due to hit tomorrow night) maybe I should consider a snowplow.

Ah, the world is my oyster ... I just need to take a bite. That'll be this Spring.

 

[bradyky]

Where are you at in Colorado? We are heading out to Fort Lupton and Idaho Springs in a couple of weeks. I wish some of that snow would come east. It is all rain by the time it gets here.

 

[witel]

I'm in the foothills southwest of Fort Collins. I'll do what I can to send some snow your way. How many truck-loads would you like? We have plenty to share.

 

[MarkV]

Witel welcome to the forum. From all I hear you have plenty of snow this year.

Great tractor the L39. Prices that have been mentioned on the forum have run from 32K to 35K depending on the region of the country you live in. So your quote was not much out of line but the prices for the hydraulics seem a bit high to me. Wheel weights have there place if you need to lighten the tractor for less compaction or working on finish turf. Personally I could not imagine myself putting them on and taking them off very often, they are heavy. There are a number of liquids used to weight the rear tires that will not freeze and provide the needed weight without the backhoe attached.

I was kind of wondering why you wanted the rubber stabilizer pads if you’re developing new property rather than working on paved surfaces? Also I think your in the right forum to ask questions while you are researching your buying and pricing.

Good luck with all the snow out your way.

MarkV

 

[witel]

Thanks, MarkV.

The L39 is pushing the upper limit of my budget ... of course, I have to get it all decked-out with the remote hydraulics ... which makes it more $$$ .

I was thinking that the wheel-weights would provide easier flexibility to add the additional weight when I want (no backhoe) without having to change tires. In general, the backhoe will be on or off for long periods of time ... and not something that I would hot-swap on a regular basis. The top layer of soil is loose, and I don't want to tear it up more than I have to. I really don't know what the potential weight impact on the soil would be with having the backhoe on and with filled-tires as well.

Regarding the rubber stabilizer pads ... Educate me. Are the rubber pads (~$70) only intended and useful on pavement? I'd be doing very little pavement work along the road in front of the property and possibly the future-drive to the house.

 

[shasta]

Welcome! I think you will be very happy with the L39. The deal for my area of the country would be good but not a steal. You may want to price the tractor closer to Ft Collins or even in Cheyenne Wyo. (lower sales tax). The only time I have problems w/o the backhoe on is with heavy loader use. The backhoe installs in < 5 min with a little practice. The stabilizer pads on the L39 are reversable so you can flip them from street to dirt profile as needed. I would second CurlyDave's suggestion on the 4in1. Can't tell you how often I use mine. Enjoy the snow, it will warm up and be mud in no time : )