Feedback on JCB MIDI and M59

[MarkMendes]

Guys-
My first Post - but reading for years
I am thinking about trading in my older LS170 skid steer and buying a TLB for one machine all around stuff. As much as I search the Web I see many people talk about the M59 Kubota but not much on the JCB MIDI. I need a cab for winters as my wife may have to plow when I'm off on business. These run about $50K and the M59 with a proper cab runs $60K (i like Laurin better than others on paper due to the versatility of the rear section of the cab). However $60K is really beyond what I think I "should" spend for my non-commercial around the farm use. I have thought about the tractor option with cab but to get 17 gallons of hydro flow up front you need a larger tractor than we prefer in our barn.

Whats your experience with these machine is there any JCB feedback out there?

 

[jenkinsph]

I did lots of comparisons a few years ago and wound up buying a 110tlb with a Laurin cab. This was before the introduction of the M59 so at that time I considered the smaller Kubotas, Deere 110 and the JCB among others.

You don't say much about usage of the machine but given the choices I would go for the M59. It has better 3PH lift capacities, and more pto hp (the JCB is 25 pto hp), three range hydro transmission (vs two speed on JCB) better digging capacity. Compare the front hydraulic controls for the auxillary circuit much better on the M59. Now just my thoughts but the Kubota M59 is a well thought out machine.

The JCB MIDI is closer to the abilities of a Deere 110tlb than the Kubota M59.When dropping the hoe and using this as a 3PH tractor the M59 will outperform the JCB. Using pto driven implements the JCB with only 25 pto hp is coming up short, my 110 tlb has 31 hp and the M59 has 46 hp. Spending this much money I would hate to see you come up short on pto power for attachments. Also when you consider the weight of all three of the machines I mention the 60 hp engine will make for higher ground speeds and is another important concern.

 

[dsgsr]

I agree with jenkinsph. I just ordered the M59. I don't know much about the JCB, when I found out the pto hp was only 25 I didn't do any more research on the machine. I was at the point where I needed a new tractor but also needed and excavator but couldn't afford both. IMO the M59 fit the bill more than any other machine out there.


David

 

[MarkMendes]

Thanks for the feedback Steve. I too had the concern of the 25 PTO horsepower - its the cab, or lack thereof that has me frustrated. If the M59 had a factory Cab we'd be done here. The Laurin is big $ and I don't like the other popular one. Looks aftermarket and its not easy to convert. Also on the MIDI seems like that the hoe pins and structure are a little beefier (not a word) but on the tractor side the M59 wins. I have 6 implements for the Skid Steer that I want to preserve the use on - that was the big deal for going this way - front end hydraulics. Kubota dealer network seem more prevalent as well

 

[MarkMendes]

Dave - thanks - how limiting is the 25 hp at pto in your mind - bush hogging, slice seeder? Other things I'm forgetting - snow blower - maybe but this is VA - 3 good storms per year. I think its the bush hog concern at 25 pro

 

[jenkinsph]

Mark,
I installed the Laurin cab on my 110tlb, it was purchased with the tractor and shipped in on a large pallet. After using this for six years I can say I am well satisfied with it. I would have preferred that Deere offer a factory cab but they never did. I haven't researched the M59 and Laurin cab but would think this would be a better match overall.

About the pto hp, the M59 at 46 hp means you can run much larger implements/attachments which is obvious, the 25 pto hp is just too low for a machine of this size and cost IMO.

To make things easier to manage I bought the 4520 cab with 60 hp and 50 pto hp without a fel and use this now for most of my tractor work. I prefer to have the separate tlb and separate tractor, but for a one size fits all the M59 would be an excellent choice. While the 110tlb will handle any of my implements well it is much slower to operate than the 4520 traversing inclines. This is why I feel the M59 with very similar power to the 4520 would be the better choice.

 

[MarkMendes]

Steve-

I called the dealer and told him to call Laurin and get a do-it-yourself price for me - if I buy the tractor they should let me get the cab at cost IMHO
Lets see what happens - best,

 

[Ford tractor]

With the economy in the current state, there are a huge number of construction machines on the market for cheap. You can get a Case 580 4wd with cab for 30,000 that will run circles around the 2 choices you list. Won't have that expensive new paint smell, but it also wont depreciate much for the next 10 years.

I like to look at machinerytrader.com

 

[dsgsr]

Mark as Steve mentioned, 25 pto hp isn't much when you consider that size machine could run a 6' bush hog with ease. It would be minimum for a 5' hog or a 4" chipper taxing the the gearing and not leaving any room for shock.

David

 

[Martian]

Mark,
How often do you plan on using and what types of attachments will you be using with the 3PH? 25HP at the PTO can't do much for that size of a tractor, you'll be running a rotor tiller half the wheel base of the tractor.

I would not consider the JCB unless you really don't plan on using the PTO at all.

I would also consider a regular tractor with backhoe and then you could get a factory cab. Although you won't get quite the dig depth with the optional hoe it will come with a lower price tag.

After looking at the Laurin Cab, never seen it before, I would definitely go that direction. It's easy to spend others money but it will be a nice investment. Although I've never had the privilege to operate a M59 I have sat on one at my Kubota dealer before and is definitely a good looking machine and a nice size. When I was buying I didn't want to shell out the extra bucks for the more HP, the cab and the backhoe so I went with a 3120 JD but if I were to do it again I would put the more money in up front and done it right. I'm currently looking at another larger mid 90's full size backhoe to complement my 3120 because it can't do the larger jobs and I miss not having a backhoe. If I had it to do over again, especially seeing that cab I would be all over that M59, a lot of HP, and a good tractor.

 

[MarkMendes]

So ford thanks for the update but if I got the hoe - how would I bush hog the fields - today we use a diesel zd 331 and its not a good solution compared to the 8 foot hog we had on our old farm - unfortunately I sold that tractor and bush hog

 

[Martian]

So ford thanks for the update but if I got the hoe - how would I bush hog the fields - today we use a diesel zd 331 and its not a good solution compared to the 8 foot hog we had on our old farm - unfortunately I sold that tractor and bush hog

I'm not exactly sure of your question but I believe you are asking about if you would be able to brush hog with the M59 and the hoe on the M59 comes off and you can can hook a brush hog to the M59 which would easily handle that 8' brush hog. The Midi on the other hand would not have the PTO hp to handle an 8' hoe, it would run closer to a 5' brush hog with only 25 PTO HP.

 

[MarkMendes]

Ford - Thanks for your comments. You suggesting getting a backhoe but then I can't use the same machine to bush hog and my goal is for one machine. The M59 allows disconnection and exposes a pro with 45 HP for those three point chores. Just wish it had a factory cab.

 

[ManAtArms]

Hi MarkMendes,

I have no experience with the JCBs, but the M59 is a real monster for it's size. It always amazes me what I can do with it...a true swiss army knife. If you had to have one machine, I would go for the 59 and get the Laurin cab. I know its pricey for home farm use, but if you consider the cost over the many years of ownership it's really quite a value. I use mine almost every day and really enjoy it.

I must confess, there are time I think of trading her in for a KX057 so I can get more hoe, and I have an ASV PT50, so I have another machine with a loader, but the M59 just is so **** handy to have around. It outpowers and is more stable than the ASV in the loader department. It faster and more convenient to get on and off of, and then you can always spin the seat to use the hoe. Hydraulic flow is excellent.

Finally, she's great to have around for those times of need. Im in NJ and recently lost power for 7 days during the Halloween snow storm...19" of snow. 10 trees down blocking my farm driveway, many entangled and under lots of tension. The 59 literally saved the day. I pushed 19" of snow over my 1/2 mile drive, lifted up trees to relieve tension so I could safely makes cuts, and used the backhoe and thumb to clear debris. Pulled a stuck pickup truck out of a snow bank. It did all these tasks comfortably and without even pushing the limits.

I need to start taking pictures of the things the 59 can do.

Highly recommended.

-mark

 

[Martian]

Ford - Thanks for your comments. You suggesting getting a backhoe but then I can't use the same machine to bush hog and my goal is for one machine. The M59 allows disconnection and exposes a pro with 45 HP for those three point chores. Just wish it had a factory cab.

Don't take that as a deal breaker. That Laurin cab is nicer than many factory cabs that I've seen. The M59 is a great tractor and you'll do a lot more work with that than the JCB. 25 PTO HP is just not nearly enough. Unless your not in the backhoe department as much as I think you are and want to go more the route of a standard CUT then the M59 is the best option. If the only reason you want the Midi is for the factory cab you will be sincerely disappointed. It is not as good of a machine and will not brush hog the way you want, if you get a Woods brush hog, in my opinion the best, at 25 PTO HP you can get a 4' brush hog and at 46 HP you can get up to a 7' brush hog. It will cut your time in half. The Laurin cab is really nice and I wouldn't get hung up on it being "factory" or not.

 

[jenkinsph]

Ford - Thanks for your comments. You suggesting getting a backhoe but then I can't use the same machine to bush hog and my goal is for one machine. The M59 allows disconnection and exposes a pro with 45 HP for those three point chores. Just wish it had a factory cab.

Mark,
Have you seen a Laurin cab in person? I think they are well made and thought out imo. I can tell you this much I have had to change one door hinge (my fault, did not close the door fully while trailering at highway speed) and that is the only issue I have had. Comparing a Deere cab with the Laurin cab, the Deere cab is quiet and air tight while the Laurin cab has more engine noise and not quite as air tight. With the Laurin cab you do get operable windows, overhead console with hvac and radio, good lighting and good visibility. You also maintain the erops rating too.

Here's pics of my 110tlb too.

 

[Martian]

Here's some good threads about the Laurin Cab. The second has a lot of brochures and installation charts. All about the M59, be good for you too take a look at.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/222665-larin-cabs-m-59-a.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/156901-m59tlb-laurin-cab.html

 

[Martian]

Haven't heard anything back in a while, just wondering if you ever decided what you were going to do or if you holding back for a while.

 

[MarkMendes]

Guys -

Everyone warned about only having a PTO of 25 HP so we are working to get an M59 loaded to the farm in time for winter

Then I thought we would look at a Laurin cab if it makes sense its at least $12K to do so I'm trying to do this one step at a time - thanks

 

[Martian]

Guys -

Everyone warned about only having a PTO of 25 HP so we are working to get an M59 loaded to the farm in time for winter

Then I thought we would look at a Laurin cab if it makes sense its at least $12K to do so I'm trying to do this one step at a time - thanks

You know if you don't really need the dedicated TLB you can save some money and get a factory cab on a tractor like a 4520 or a 4720 John Deere with a factory cab. Get a 485 hoe in the spring, although you won't have the power, the depth or being in the cab while operating it but it'll save you a lot of money and get yourself a lot nicer cab - lot quieter, keep the heat in better and a lot slicker on the inside.