What 'size class' older machine for.. irregular ~12-24" rock

[rScotty]

The M59 is remarkable. It is just a real good combination of handy, tough, and comfortable. The build quality is better than most all the compacts or utility size tractors. Although the Kubota TLBs do not have the pure overbuilt strength of the dedicated construction machines like the 310 or 580, they excel at ease of use.

We've had a lot of experience with all the above. In homeowner hands, an M59 will last a lifetime. However, I don't think they tend to be a good buy if looking at a used machine from the ex-rental or ex-construction machine. The M59 is built for use beyond the typical compact or utility tractor. But they are not built for multi-operator abuse like an old 580 or 310.

 

[paulsharvey]

The M59 is remarkable. It is just a real good combination of handy, tough, and comfortable. The build quality is better than most all the compacts or utility size tractors. Although the Kubota TLBs do not have the pure overbuilt strength of the dedicated construction machines like the 310 or 580, they excel at ease of use.

We've had a lot of experience with all the above. In homeowner hands, an M59 will last a lifetime. However, I don't think they tend to be a good buy if looking at a used machine from the ex-rental or ex-construction machine. The M59 is built for use beyond the typical compact or utility tractor. But they are not built for multi-operator abuse like an old 580 or 310.

I haven't used the M59, but I think it's a pretty similar class to the JD-110. The JD-110s I've seen are all in commercial/utility service, and the guys that are a bit disappointed are coming from fulled sized back hoe and/or a 5000-8000# hoe and tracked skid steer combo.

All TLB are less manueverable than an real hoe, and less of a loader than a real loader. They aren't frankly the right tool for much of anything, But they can do almost everything if you have the patience.

 

[rScotty]

I haven't used the M59, but I think it's a pretty similar class to the JD-110. The JD-110s I've seen are all in commercial/utility service, and the guys that are a bit disappointed are coming from fulled sized back hoe and/or a 5000-8000# hoe and tracked skid steer combo.

All TLB are less manueverable than an real hoe, and less of a loader than a real loader. They aren't frankly the right tool for much of anything, But they can do almost everything if you have the patience.

I have used them all. Kubota did make a TLB in the same class as the JD-110 and for about the same length of time. It was the L39, and like the JD110 it is no longer made. I think that is a shame, since the size was real convenient - and the JD110 problems would have probably been fixed by now if JD had stuck with it. I still think it had the potential to be a real popular homeowner tractor.

The next size up in the Kubota TLB line is their L47, and then after that a jump up to the M59 or M62. All of the larger Kubota L & M TLBs are quite a bit more capable than the old JD-110, but still less rugged than a full size machine. I agree with what you said about patience. Anyone who feels time pressure or impatience to get things done on a large acreage is probably better off with a full size yellow construction machine. There are a lot of good used ones on the market for reasonable prices. The dealers and mechanics are professsional, and you know exactly what you are getting.

 

[rice_harvester]

thanks again to ALL for the very helpful input all around. i'm going to try to get an hour on an older deere 310 through a friend of a friend, looking forward to it- should really give me a much better idea of how capable this kind of 'base/earlier model' ~12000-13000 lb machine could scrape up rugged large material with the loader end.