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

 

[Barlow Equipment]

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.

 

[Barlow Equipment]

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 : )

 

[mike69440]

Wish I had the 4 in 1 AND my grapple.

4 in 1 dozers better and grabs and loads. I have to plan my work between grapple and bucket.

 

[witel]

I may just be shamed/convinced into getting a 4n1.

Anyone used a PHD on the end of a backhoe before? Pros? Cons?

Last week the snow-melt was creating enough mud at my home building site (on a slope) that I almost got my F350 stuck. Not fun sliding sideways down the hill with the family in the truck. Went out there again this morning while the ground was still frozen ... much better. Predicting a high of 5 on Friday and a low of -2 ... and, at this very moment, it's snowing again.

 

[CurlyDave]

I may just be shamed/convinced into getting a 4n1.

I don't think you will regret this at all. I use mine all the time on my 110, and it is much more useful than a standard loader bucket.

Anyone used a PHD on the end of a backhoe before? Pros? Cons?

I haven't used one, but am in the same position as you, in that I am looking for a hydraulic auger for my TLB. The ground is so hard in my area that I really need down presure, and lots of it. A year ago it took my neighbor all day to drill one 9" post hole with a 3 point PHD.

I am thinking more along the lines of something that mounts on the front of the machine rather than the backhoe. Like this one General Equipment DIG-R-TACH 671-753 Earth Auger Attachment or one of these General Equipment DIG-R-TACH 471 and 553 Earth Auger Attachment

The main reason is that I find it is many times easier to use an implement on the front of the machine rather than on the back. And, my 110 has a creeper switch which makes maneuvering from the backhoe seat much easier than your L39 will.

I don't know if this would fit an L39, but I would look into it. (The L39 has a skid steer like front bucket attachment, the 110 has a skid steer front attachment.)

A PHD is something where you want to be able to quickly drive to the exact spot you will use it, set up, and move to the next post hole. I can take quite a bit of time to set up to use the BH, but a PHD should be a lot easier.

 

[bandit67]

I've used a skid steer with PHD, and it is really nice. I'm not so sure a quick-attach PHD on the FEL of a tractor would be as easy to work with - you can get to the hole quickly, but making the minor adjustments to get the auger into position would be much more difficult with a tractor than a skid steer. However, although it would take a little extra time to get TO the location of the hole using a backhoe mounted PHD, it would be much easier to line the auger up exactly where you want it to go, and make the adjustments as you drill down to keep the holes straight. You're much better able to see the hole from the backhoe seat than from the tractor seat using an FEL mounted PHD.

Not sure if the L39 has the forward/reverse drive lever like the JD110 (I love that feature), but if it does, it's pretty easy to drive the machine around from the backhoe operator's seat, which would make digging with the backhoe mounted auger even easier.

 

[MarkV]

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.

Witel the rubber inserts for the stabilizers are for working on concrete or other finish surfaces to prevent damage. The stock stabilizer feet are reversible with a flat side, which the rubber inserts would bolt to, and a more aggressive side to dig in and hold you better in dirt. Save the money if you don’t plan on working on concrete.

I could be wrong but I get the impression that you feel the extra weight of wheel weights or loaded tires must be changed each time you remove the backhoe. That hasn’t been my experience. The Kubota manual will tell you to add tire ballast when the backhoe is removed and to remove the ballast when your reinstall the backhoe. Well that is just ridiculous. I am convinced it has to do with liabilities and nothing to do with real world use of the tractor. The same is said about the B21 and my tires have been loaded for 6 years with and without the backhoe. No problems. I do feel that the balance of the L39 does require extra weight without the backhoe installed.

I lust over a 4in1 bucket and will have one some day. As a point of reference, I was quoted $3500 plus shipping for a 68” 4in1 bucket and the front hydraulic kit from WR Long.

MarkV

 

[MarkV]

And, my 110 has a creeper switch which makes maneuvering from the backhoe seat much easier than your L39 will.

Dave, I thought that creeper switch on the 110 was the coolest thing since sliced bread when I first saw it. There is a work around on the L39 that will allow you to do essentially the same thing. If you were to disable the safety switch that prevents reversing the seat while in gear, the gear selector can be moved from neutral to 1st at an idle to creep much like the 110. Not that I would tell anyone to zip tie that switch closed.

MarkV

 

[dlinde31]

Hello Everyone,

Just found this forum, and it seems that there are alot of creative people out there.

I have a Kubota L39. I bought it as just the Tractor/Loader. No need for the backhoe, but I wanted the high capacity of the loader.

One problem, I cannot find any REAR WHEEL WEIGHTS. Any solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Dan

 

[dfkrug]

Anyone used a PHD on the end of a backhoe before? Pros? Cons?

I have a Worksaver 714H adapted to my Prairie Dog hoe. This unit
comes with all the hardware to bolt it up to the side of a FEL bkt. I
fabbed the bracket to mount it to my b/h dipper stick. Do a search
for the many good discussions of Hyd PHDs on CUTs.

Downside to hyd vs. PTO 3-pt PHDs? Only the price, as far as I
can tell from having both. $1500 for the hyd, and $500 for a medium
duty 3-pt PTO PHD. They use the same augers.

Note that if you operate a hyd PHD off your loader bkt, you have 2 less
ranges of motion than you have with a hoe mounted unit. The hoe
mounted unit has main boom up/down, dipper stick fwd/back, and
swing left/rt. That assumes you use the FEL curl circuit for the hyd
motor.

 

[Lynkage]

WiTel

I would check with a Gentleman named Bob at Cheyenne kubota. That is where I bought my L48. You could also tell him you heard about him from Shane Firestack (me). He and his wife own the place and you can also avoid a lot of taxes.
I live in Denver and as you know the trip is short. Give him a call.
Shane

Also I would look for a cab option w/heater to keep you warm when you use your tractor for snow removal!!

Look what I found!!
https://www.cabdepot.com/new/view_p...1927S&oem_mfg=Kubota&mach_type=Loader/Backhoe

 

[mike69440]

Hello Everyone,

Just found this forum, and it seems that there are alot of creative people out there.

I have a Kubota L39. I bought it as just the Tractor/Loader. No need for the backhoe, but I wanted the high capacity of the loader.

One problem, I cannot find any REAR WHEEL WEIGHTS. Any solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Dan

Dan,

Now you owe me, get me that loader tube dimension, please.
My aim is to have an 8000 LB L-39

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...g/92634-l39-wheel-weights-spacers-chains.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/91785-anyone-load-rear-tires-their.html

Also Zip tie is not the way to go on the safety Switch. I use a toggle latch made from a coat hanger and also a bypass toggle switch. I leave both engaged so that it is a conscious effort to defeat the factory safeties for certain types of work.