Comparison Kubota L39/L45/M59 comparison/questions

[MysterRC]

I've seen this topic get brought up a couple times, but thought I'd ask for the opinions of the knowledgeable members here. I've been lurking on TBN for quite some time, but forgot my login and password so recreated using information I know!

I currently own a Kubota L35 and love it, but really wish for something with a bit more oomph. I started looking at the Kubota TLB line and quickly realized it was not a cut/dry situation, particularly because of the price points of the tractors on the used market.

My situation: I own a home on 90 acres (10 field/80 wooded) with a 1000' gravel driveway in northern WI. I have multiple small (1/4 acre or smaller) ponds in my future, some trail clearing, a ton of rock moving, and general use around the property. I have someone currently who plows my drive in the winter, but I would prefer to be able to handle it quickly on my own as well.

In my research, I've come up with a Pro/Con list for each tractor, but figures on paper don't really tell the complete picture, which is where I'm hoping TBN members can pitch in more information from actual experience.

I like the looks/specs of the L39 a lot, but I'm torn on the GST vs. HST of the L45/M59. I find backblade/box scraper work tedious when having to go forward/reverse a lot as I have to reach forward to shift when I'm trying to look behind me. I also would really like a hydraulic thumb and it is rare to find one on an L39.

When I started looking at prices, there are multiple L45's out there for the same price as L39's. They obviously come with the HST tranny, but it seems the L45 is almost identical to the L39 just with the HST and a much worse turning radius. That lack of decent turning radius bothers me quite a bit as I expect it to make it quite a bit more difficult to maneuver around my trails.

Then there is the M59, lot more tractor but it sounds like it is possible to run a standard flow hyd snowblower off the front, which would be the cat's meow for my uses in the winter. The increased reach on the hoe would also come in handy for the fish pond I plan on. Everyone says go the largest you think you might be able to use, but I wonder if the M59 is going a bit too far.

So it seems to boil down to 2 questions.... GST vs HST. If GST, problem solved. If HST, go the extra step to the M59 or suffer with the reduce maneuverability of the L45? Decisions, decisions... help!

Any feedback, thoughts, opinions, or suggestions are appreciated. I know one thing that will be mentioned is to go drive each of them, but since these are not current year models it is really hard to find one that is close enough to do so. I pretty much have to find a used one that I think will do what I want and then arrange a special long trip to go inspect it.

Thanks!

 

[rScotty]

I've seen this topic get brought up a couple times, but thought I'd ask for the opinions of the knowledgeable members here. I've been lurking on TBN for quite some time, but forgot my login and password so recreated using information I know!

I currently own a Kubota L35 and love it, but really wish for something with a bit more oomph. I started looking at the Kubota TLB line and quickly realized it was not a cut/dry situation, particularly because of the price points of the tractors on the used market.

My situation: I own a home on 90 acres (10 field/80 wooded) with a 1000' gravel driveway in northern WI. I have multiple small (1/4 acre or smaller) ponds in my future, some trail clearing, a ton of rock moving, and general use around the property. I have someone currently who plows my drive in the winter, but I would prefer to be able to handle it quickly on my own as well.

In my research, I've come up with a Pro/Con list for each tractor, but figures on paper don't really tell the complete picture, which is where I'm hoping TBN members can pitch in more information from actual experience.

I like the looks/specs of the L39 a lot, but I'm torn on the GST vs. HST of the L45/M59. I find backblade/box scraper work tedious when having to go forward/reverse a lot as I have to reach forward to shift when I'm trying to look behind me. I also would really like a hydraulic thumb and it is rare to find one on an L39.

When I started looking at prices, there are multiple L45's out there for the same price as L39's. They obviously come with the HST tranny, but it seems the L45 is almost identical to the L39 just with the HST and a much worse turning radius. That lack of decent turning radius bothers me quite a bit as I expect it to make it quite a bit more difficult to maneuver around my trails.

Then there is the M59, lot more tractor but it sounds like it is possible to run a standard flow hyd snowblower off the front, which would be the cat's meow for my uses in the winter. The increased reach on the hoe would also come in handy for the fish pond I plan on. Everyone says go the largest you think you might be able to use, but I wonder if the M59 is going a bit too far.

So it seems to boil down to 2 questions.... GST vs HST. If GST, problem solved. If HST, go the extra step to the M59 or suffer with the reduce maneuverability of the L45? Decisions, decisions... help!

Any feedback, thoughts, opinions, or suggestions are appreciated. I know one thing that will be mentioned is to go drive each of them, but since these are not current year models it is really hard to find one that is close enough to do so. I pretty much have to find a used one that I think will do what I want and then arrange a special long trip to go inspect it.

Thanks!

Welcome to a long time lurker....glad you are participating.

I'll answer one question right off the bat. Go for the HST. Not only is HST wonderful and sensitive (and I'm an old manual shift guy) but the Kubota HST has all the features that nothing else has. In both forward and reverse it has three ranges, plus high and low in each range. Plus variable rate of HST attack right on the dash, plus Stall Gard, plus the F/R creeper control - That just adds up to too many pluses to ignore. And they all work great. I can't recall anyone reporting a single problem with their HST+.

If you've made several ponds, it may be that you and I are alike in thinking the enjoyment of owning land is in sculpting the landscape to make it as good as it can be. Sculpting it to serve people, animals, and yes, the trees & plants as well.

Ours is no where near 90 acres, but is long and skinny and lies along about a quarter mile of mountain stream. This summer I am replacing the single pond which some high water destroyed.

The M59 has been our partner in doing everything here. We use it almost everyday. I'm proud to say that getting it was my wife's idea. I'd say you are on the right track to look at these TLBs. We have two older tractors for specialized chores, and because we've had them so long they are old friends. But the M59 is the one that gets all the use. The size is just right. It always has plenty of power for big chores, but it drives like a much smaller tractor. There was no real learning curve with it like there was - and still is - with both John Deeres. We got on the M59, it fit, and in an hour we were using it like pros.

I suspect the 39 and 45/47 are just as good; the difference is that with the M59 has reserve power and more reach. When working by the creek or at the pond it is always reach that we wish for more of. Our big 310 has the extendahoe and will reach 20 feet and that still isn't enough when you do so you are perched up on a stream or pond bank and inherently unstable. I'm afraid the real answer for more reach in a stream or pond is a small small vestpocket excavator. Well, Someday...

More about reach - the problem from a stream or pond bank is that you can only get so close before you are in danger of tipping yourself into the water when you use that much reach. Imagine picking up a 500 lb rock from the stream bank and putting it out as far as you can. Things get tippy. A longer hoe helps - but it also makes it more tippy. I like the length on the M59 because of the muscle it has. The compromise feels right, and the angle of the stabilizers works well for working close to edges. The big JD310 will reach six feet farther than the M59,, but it is shaky to put that much weight so close to the edge of the stream bank....so in actuality it doesn't reach so much farther.

IMHO the best thing about the Kubota TLB line is how well the controls are placed and how accurate and instinctive that they are. For landscaping type work I can pick up a huge rock and put in down exactly where it should go.....adjusting by fractions of an inch as necessary. Other tractors and TLBs I've used are not nearly so accurate with their loader, backhoe, and HST controls. The creeper feature is a great timesaver.

It isn't perfect. The creeper feature is a great timesaver, but the range shifter is hard to work smoothly (on all M59s). Luckily range shifting isn't used much; mostly you use the fingertip Hi/Low. The seat could be improved even more than I have. There is room for several good toolboxs to be added, and the position of the parking brake lever is convenient to use - but inconvenient when turning around. Oh, that's another thing - on the the M59 I can rotate the seat for backhoe and back while seated in spite of that inconvenient hand brake. We considered the L39 and L45 - they are very nice machines, but I wanted more room in the cab and both of those didn't have it. There wasn't even enough room to spin the seat without getting up and stooping around the seat as it revolved. That's not their fault. It's inevitable in that size machine. But I prefer the M59.

All I can say is try them and see what fits. Regardless of what you choose, do definitely get the thumb on the backhoe. And if you like the L35, why not just keep it? A good old tractor is like money in the bank.

There's a good long discussion on M59s at: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...6926-m59-discussion-thread.html?highlight=M59.
Again, I think you should try them out. See which one feels most comfortable and go with that size. These Kubota TLBs in good shape seem to hold their value well, so deciding later that you want a different size isn't a disaster.
Keep us posted,
rScotty

 

[MysterRC]

You know, after typing up that message I had largely talked myself in to the L39 because I can probably do most of what I want with it, it will just take longer. I have a real hard time thinking about the L45 due to the huge jump in turning radius. Now, after reading your posting (Thanks rScotty!), I'm leaning more and more towards the M59... if I can swing the added $7k in price to the missus!

You are correct, I do enjoy shaping the land for use. Currently we are talking about making a real pond that would be a 'natural swimming pond' for our kids. That will be quite the project if we move forward with it.

Regarding keeping the L35, I would but my pocket book isn't deep enough to support 2 tractors. I'll have to sell the one to get the other. One thing I have noticed as well as the Kubota TLB line holds their value well. They also are still pretty easy to repair if something does go wrong. I do most of my own work so ease of maintenance is key for me.

Thanks again... now to start shopping around for a used M59 w/thumb. If I can't find one with a thumb already, is there an after market thumb that you can recommend?

 

[MysterRC]

Another quick question, I keep hearing about issues with removing the backhoe. Is the setup on the M59 different from the L35? The first time I removed the hoe on the L35 took me a little bit, but now I can usually do it in just a few minutes, easy enough if you know what you are expecting. Curious if they changed the setup or not.

 

[rScotty]

You know, after typing up that message I had largely talked myself in to the L39 because I can probably do most of what I want with it, it will just take longer. I have a real hard time thinking about the L45 due to the huge jump in turning radius. Now, after reading your posting (Thanks rScotty!), I'm leaning more and more towards the M59... if I can swing the added $7k in price to the missus!
....SNIP....
Thanks again... now to start shopping around for a used M59 w/thumb. If I can't find one with a thumb already, is there an after market thumb that you can recommend?

I agree with that. An L39 will get there. It will take smaller bites, is not as convenient, and it will take longer; but it will get there. Same for the L45.
BTW, I've never found that turning radius to be a problem. That may be because the HST makes it so easy to jocky back and forth to get into position. But probably it is just because all three TLBs turn very sharply compared to farm tractors.

On the thumb, I don't know much about aftermarket thumbs. I'm guessing that would be a manual thumb. The OEM thumb is a hydraulic type and it has some specialized hydraulic circuitry so that the bucket can rotate against the thumb hard enough to force the thumb backwards - forcing the local hydraulic flow backwards - so that it can grip things without damaging the hydraulics. I can't see any hydraulic aftermarket thumb having that ability without being set up very carefully. My guess is that a hydraulic thumb would end up costing close to the OEM. A manual thumb is more forgiving and there are a number of those.
rScotty

 

[rScotty]

Another quick question, I keep hearing about issues with removing the backhoe. Is the setup on the M59 different from the L35? The first time I removed the hoe on the L35 took me a little bit, but now I can usually do it in just a few minutes, easy enough if you know what you are expecting. Curious if they changed the setup or not.

I don't know the setup on the L35. It's not hard to drop the BH on any of the L39/45/M59. But when it comes to putting on the 3pt hitch parts, something to think about is that consider is that the M59 is a Category II 3pt. That means that ALL the pieces of the 3pt hitch are twice as big & HEAVY compared to a Category I 3 point hitch components like is on the L35/39/45. To me the Cat I lift arms are easy to handle and the Cat II are not.

 

[MysterRC]

On the thumb, I don't know much about aftermarket thumbs. I'm guessing that would be a manual thumb. The OEM thumb is a hydraulic type and it has some specialized hydraulic circuitry so that the bucket can rotate against the thumb hard enough to force the thumb backwards - forcing the local hydraulic flow backwards - so that it can grip things without damaging the hydraulics. I can't see any hydraulic aftermarket thumb having that ability without being set up very carefully. My guess is that a hydraulic thumb would end up costing close to the OEM. A manual thumb is more forgiving and there are a number of those.
rScotty

The one I'm looking at has an after market hydraulic thumb on it. Not sure if that means the M59 came with the right plumbing for it already, or if they just hooked one up to the bracket and called it good? From what I've read on TBN, it sounds like it might be a problem getting a Kubota thumb installed after the fact if the extra plumbing wasn't ordered originally? Makes it really difficult to find a used M59!

 

[mikester]

Then there is the M59, lot more tractor but it sounds like it is possible to run a standard flow hyd snowblower off the front, which would be the cat's meow for my uses in the winter. The increased reach on the hoe would also come in handy for the fish pond I plan on. Everyone says go the largest you think you might be able to use, but I wonder if the M59 is going a bit too far.

So it seems to boil down to 2 questions.... GST vs HST. If GST, problem solved. If HST, go the extra step to the M59 or suffer with the reduce maneuverability of the L45? Decisions, decisions... help!
Thanks!

If you need a more compact machine stick with your L35. If you need a bigger machine go with the M59. From my personal experience I would avoid the GST and stick with the HST.

The M59 will give you more cab room, about the same turning radius as the L45/47 but a lot more lift capacity front and back and more PTO HP. You won't regret going bigger, only regret would be not doing it sooner.

Personally I switched from a front mounted snow blower back to rear mount. You can put on a bigger blower and cut way faster going backwards. I'd seriously recommend a cab if you can find one with the machine.

 

[MysterRC]

There's a good long discussion on M59s at: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...6926-m59-discussion-thread.html?highlight=M59.
rScotty

You were not kidding about it being a long thread. Read through the whole thing and the only complaint I have is it seems the thread ended back in 2017!

Regarding the thumb, I wonder how the after market hydraulic thumbs work. Just a pressure relief valve set lower so the bucket can overpower them safely?

 

[Richard]

I'm guessing you've made your choice by now... that said....I'd avoid GST at all cost unless you are on "flat" terrain.

I'm in the hills of East Tennessee. I once rented an L-35.

I didn't know all the nuances of how it worked.... I was on a hill pointed up the hill. Went to change gears....or was it forward/reverse?? I forget!

Machine went through the clutching process to change ....but... I had NO idea at the time that it would essentially freewheel during the exchange of gears and I started rolling backwards down the hill with zero control. I absolutely STOOD on the brakes (using steering wheel to allow me to apply more down pressure on brake) and could BARELY hold the machine in position while the GST did its thing.

Side note, this was a nearly new (very low hours) unit from the rental place. Maybe the brakes had some issues....I don't know but they really sucked and it really took all my strength to keep them applied so the machine would not free-wheel again.

My time on that hill was pretty stressful and once done, never went back. Doing things on the flat part of the land was fine.

No GST ownership will ever find its way into my hands while I live here, rental perhaps (now that I know what I'm up against) but ownership?? Never.