High hours on M59

[caballero59]

I wondered if there are any 59's out there with high hours so we can get an idea of durability. It is common for farm tractors and commercial TLB's to go 8000 hour or more. I'm sure the engine on the M59 is good for this but what about the HST+?

 

[mikester]

Check the for-sale ads online?

 

[caballero59]

Highest I've seen is about 1500 hours.

 

[Grandad4]

The HST+ in an M59 is the same as in other Kubota equipment, where that drive system is reportedly very reliable. The system does have electronics, but I've not read of any electronic glitches beyond getting the operator up to speed in how to use it. That said, all hydraulic pumps and motors need to operate with clean fluid and within a safe temperature range. Since the HST+ came out about 10 years ago, the only failure incident I can remember reported here on TBN came up just recently, and it seems to be a mechanical problem not tied to the electronics. Considering Kubota must have many, many of these units out there... reliability is probably not something to lose sleep over.

 

[FatTire]

I agree with Grandad4 above, but one suggestion if you want to discuss reliability is to call Southwest Ag over in Bayfield, CO. They sell a TON of Kubotas, they have a good service department, and they rent out TLB's. Rentals get used hard, so if there are problems they may show up on those units. Does the equipment rental place in BV (north of town near those wind turbines) rent any Kubotas?

 

[caballero59]

No Kubotas, several Deere 310's and a Terex 760B

 

[caballero59]

I've driven by that Bayfield dealer. I was astonished at the inventory. My first thought was "who buys all these miniature TLB's?" Must be tons of well-off people on micro estates in the country.