M59 Discussion Thread

[Charlesaf3]

Hey,

I thought I'd try to start one thread where those of us who own an M59 can discuss what we like and don't like about the tractor, how we use it, how we've modified it, etc. (and those who are thinking of one can learn). This is inspired by some of the really great threads on here, like the box blade thread & etc.

It'd be also good to talk about how specific attachments work with the M59 (as opposed to how they work in general)

And for me, I'm scared of the backhoe removal and re-attachment process, and would appreciate all advice! Though I'm still going to make sure I'm done with all conceivable backhoe work before it comes off.

 

[Charlesaf3]

To start it off, I got the ATI Preseeder SS 725 (used) to use on the M59 (ie ATI version of a harley rake). Its a regular flow skidsteer attachment, which requires that the hydraulic flow be constant, so it seems like a good test of the M59s ability to run skidsteer stuff (non high flow).

Since it was a skidsteer model, only one hydraulic input is used, to run the rotating cylinder. Power angle is hydraulics on the attachment, run off the m59 battery. Messicks rigged up a battery hookup, and a control toggle on the dash to adjust the angle.

THey also set up a system, on my request, so that forward hydraulics can be controlled by either the push button on the joystick, or by a toggle on the side panel. The toggle avoids the "having to keep the button held down" issue.

I've never used a skidsteer harley rake, but I've no complaints on how this works on the m59. I get plenty of spin and power on the rake, though the speed correlates directly with rpm and I end up running at 2700

So I'm generally pretty happy with constant flow hydraulic skidsteer attachments on the front. This is great, as I find them much more available for rent than 3 pt stuff.

 

[Chato]

The 59 is used exclusively in the back country of a remote Arizona desert mountain ranch.

Summarizing earlier posts, the 59 is set up as a loader/backhoe without attachments. I am considering a Landpride rear hydraulic blade but not sure how robust this set up would be grading very rocky washed out backroads. Any input would be appreciated.

I believe the tractor is a significant improvement over the 39. More powerful, larger, wider and good compromise between a compact and full size backhoe. In my use (tight canyons, etc) it works better than a full size.

I'm still getting used to HST but generally feel it gives the operator more time to concentrate on work, tractor position and as they say, situational awareness. Its gear range is a little narrow in "M".

I think a top of the line tractor this expensive must come with a 3 Point and PTO hydraualic controls as standard equipment. The add-on option list was laughable. I mean, charging for work lights?

When they delivered the tractor we tried to dismount the backhoe (..it's easy..) but one pin wouldn't come out. After over an hour of work, we got it out and found paint in the sleeve. Another half hour of work. I am still very uneasy about getting it on and off.

And, replacing fluids and filters at only 50 hours!

 

[Charlesaf3]

rear blade wise, I got the Woods ?HBL? 96 - ie the heavy duy 8. No hydraulics, instead I got the top and tilt from kubota, so that'll provide the angle. I think top n tilt is generally a great step forward for dirt work.

I agree that some of the "extras" on the M59 are annoying - 3 Pt, worklights etc. I had messicks put on 2 extra worklights on the FOPS, for 6 total, and I've found that nice. I also had them put in 2 cigarette lighter plugs in the dash, which I use for a plug in light from Northern Tool with a magentic base. So light-wise I'm pretty ggod.

Haven't tried the back hoe dismount yet, but Messicks did and said it was fine - thanks to a post on here I was concerned about it. Information like that in advance is a great thing about this place.

I did lose the quick coupler pin out of my 12" bucket while digging oak stumps. Still haven't had it replaced - oddly enough kubota can't find the part number. New tractor teething troubles I think.

I love HST, but was coming from that perspective. Haven't found the M range with the 2 levels to be narrow - is it too slow at the top?

 

[Charlesaf3]

oh, a warning on auto-throttle. Bucket off, backhoe on, pressed the throttle going up a hill and the front wheels went in the air. People should be aware that auto throttle can get a light front end into difficulties.

I have found the m59 to be enormously stable on hillsides, even with a big bucket full of gravel it could barely lift. I do have the wheels foamed front and back, which adds 1500-2000 pounds down low, and saves me from flat repairs

 

[Chato]

The 12v accessories plugs. Good idea, I'll do it. Because of the serious illegal immigration problem we have in our back country, I am going to have installed a hidden starter disconnect switch as an added level of theft security.

More stable platform than the 39.

My discomfort with the HST is probably because it's new to me. Yes it seems slow at the top? But overall, I like it better than the GST.

 

[Charlesaf3]

The hidden disconnect is a good idea. Also leaving the PTO on maybe? Someone had mentioned that as an effective built in disconnect. But a hidden one is better thinking about it.

I don't have any problem with the top end of M, but I don't have much of a straight line to run it in.... I live in L a lot.

I'm finding the operators platform nice and open. Maybe just a comparison to the 3030, but its roomy to get in and out of.

On the other hand, the FOPs traps the engine noise nicely - its loud under there. I wear headphones.

Diesel also creeps under, and it does seem to stay pretty warm from the hydraulics.

I love the raw strength - big trees tremble when I shove them. And I can rip out trees with the 4n1 that I'd take a half hour to dig out, at least, with my old woods 80.

Thumb is very nice as well, though I wish it was a bit "firmer" coming from a fixed thumb - I'm told that's normal for hydro thumbs to protect the cylinder

Don't get me wrong, I have critiques, but I love it and would buy it again in a heart beat.

 

[Kytractor]

Hey,

I thought I'd try to start one thread where those of us who own an M59 can discuss what we like and don't like about the tractor, how we use it, how we've modified it, etc. (and those who are thinking of one can learn). This is inspired by some of the really great threads on here, like the box blade thread & etc.

It'd be also good to talk about how specific attachments work with the M59 (as opposed to how they work in general)

And for me, I'm scared of the backhoe removal and re-attachment process, and would appreciate all advice! Though I'm still going to make sure I'm done with all conceivable backhoe work before it comes off.

For those familiar with my earlier post on my backhoe removal difficulties, after recieving it back from the dealer I have had no promlems at all. I just took it off to do some boxblading, the pins came out pretty quick. When I put it back on it went even quicker. Very pleased with the process.

 

[Charlesaf3]

How fast is quick? And any advice?

 

[Kytractor]

How fast is quick? And any advice?

Maby 15 minute to take off. 10 to put it back on. I have done it twice now and the first time did take longer, maby 25 minutes or more to take off, the reinstall is much quicker than my 3830 or Bx 24. I just had bad luck with one of the pins like the previous poster, but mine would just not budge. and I worked dilligently for several hours.

 

[Kytractor]

My advice is to just play with the positioning of the backhoe. The second time I took it off was quicker, but I extended the boom out further and as I raised the rear end of the tractor up the pins were freed from the tension and slid, out. I kept the bucket curled in but not all the way. My dealer set the bucket down on the teeth which I did not like as well. When the buckett is curled in you can move the teeth down to place the bottom pins in place easier. The manuel say to bring boom in and curl buckett in and lower to the ground until rear wheels are off the ground. I did have to lower one of the arms to take a little pressur off one of the pins once. I'm sure anyones technique gets better with practice.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Yeah I found that with my woods bh 80x. First time took an hour, by the end 10 minutes. I'm just scared of that first hour...

Do you do it on dirt, or on a concrete slab? I'll be doing it on dirt. Level - found out how key that was with the woods

 

[Charlesaf3]

Toolbox - I got the optional toolbox. Mounts on the left side, between loader and hood. Ridiculously small, like every kubota toolbox I've seen, but still useful. Looking at the tractor there seem to be a number of places a toolbox could be usefully mounted, I'll probably get around to adding something.

I also got the precleaner, which I think was a good call - there is a lot of dust in there from the loader/ drive work.

Haven't tried taking the 3 pt stuff on and off obviously, but was scared of the weight of the equipment like the box - mine is 1400 pounds or so. So I got the delta hook system, which I've been using with my b3030. Been very pleased with it so far.

 

[Chato]

I don't have the Hydro Thumb. Run by me how it works again. Maybe should have.

Agree, it can get a little warm up there with 60HP but the tractor is a real beast.

 

[Kytractor]

Toolbox - I got the optional toolbox. Mounts on the left side, between loader and hood. Ridiculously small, like every kubota toolbox I've seen, but still useful. Looking at the tractor there seem to be a number of places a toolbox could be usefully mounted, I'll probably get around to adding something.

I also got the precleaner, which I think was a good call - there is a lot of dust in there from the loader/ drive work.

Haven't tried taking the 3 pt stuff on and off obviously, but was scared of the weight of the equipment like the box - mine is 1400 pounds or so. So I got the delta hook system, which I've been using with my b3030. Been very pleased with it so far.

I just ordered the 3rd fuction for the loader and was thinking of calling back to order the draw bar and tool box. Is the tool box worth it? At least my 3830, came with it although small, but very useful. What exactly is the precleaner?

 

[Charlesaf3]

drawbar - got it, probably won't need it ever, but it was cheap... toolbox is cheap too. I'd say worth it. At the least the bracket provides room for a bigger box down the road I think. Small but useful sums it up.

Precleaner goes before the air filter to clean big dust particles. Looks like a spinning filter over the hood.

I think the loader 3rd funtion valve is really useful, since one seems to be able to run skidsteer stuff on it.

 

[Kytractor]

I will say I wished I had bought a heavier box blade. I have the woods hb 84 which weighs around 750lbs and medium duty, with a load of dirt and gravel the tractor rocked, quite a bit and very unstable. Can be done but you have to be extremly careful. Keep in mind my rear tires is not loaded but you can bet, will be shortly. Still should have bought a much heavier box blade though. Still trying to decide wether foam or liquid. Does anyone care to share what the cost of these two is for an M59 and the weight difference.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Foam weighs a bit more, and costs a lot more. Advantage is no flats, ever. Doesn't get put on much by people who are around a tire repair place unless they are doing construction or a lot of woods work.

Since mine is around construction and woods, but not a tire place, I got it. For most RIm guard will get the job done.

I did the front tires too.

Got the woods SR30 for a box. I've got no worries on heavy - man that thing is heavy. Guys at trucking terminal used two forklifts to lift it on (had to go the long way into my truck.

I used one M59 and it came off no problem

 

[Charlesaf3]

oh, oh that front, the auto-leveling combo with forks is AWESOME

 

[Kytractor]

Got some pretty good seat time this evening and yesterday. Started by digging a ditch down a 150 ft drive. Tearing out some small trees and vines with the backhoe and thumb. Then took the backhoe and clean out a ditch behind a 70ft building and took the dirt and put around the building were water had run under it and washed a lot of the dirt out. should have been done long ago. My son said, Dad you can get a lot of work done with that thing. I told him not only are we getting a lot done,and saving quite a bit of money in the process, but it was kind of like a stress relief or therapy if you will. Well I was almost done for the night, feeling great about how everything was looking(almost feeling guilty for having so much fun)and I turned the backhoe 90 degrees to pull some dirt out. I got to close to the arm jack and curled the bucket upward and popped the protective sleeve completly off. I'm not sure whether I broke it at a weld or broke the bolt in two that was holding it on. So if your digging you might be aware of this.