L39 B.H. on/off

[capt jack]

I'm thinking of upgrading from a B21 TLB to the L39 TLB. I looked at one at a neighbors and became concerned about taking the B.H. on/off without a major ordeal. Specificly, the hyd. hoses on my B21 have plenty of slack, so I just get close, hook them up, then move the B.H. around until it drops into place. The L39 I looked at seems to be little room to play with, and looks like you would have your hands in a tight area (crush danger) to make the connections. The guy with one I looked at never takes his off, so he could'nt help much, I use the 3 point equipment alot. The dealers will all tell you "NOOOOO Problem", I want to hear from people who do it, and if any can compare to the ease of a B21 hook up that would be great.

THANKS! Jack

 

[WALT]

Capt.

I have had my L-39 for 3+ years now with 420 hrs. on it. I have taken the BH off/on probably 20 times.
After the first couple times, you quickly realize that it is a heavy attachment that you will not move by hand.
I am fortunate to have a garage with a 10' ceiling, allowing me to change it on a flat concrete floor.
Over time, I have built wheeled dollies for all my attachments, including the backhoe.
With the backhoe on the dolly, I am able to wheel the B/H right into the lower pins, attach the hoses and pin
the B/H into place in about 3-4 minutes. I take about 10 minutes to remove the B/H with taking extra time to position it properly on the dolly. The hose connections are tight but not difficult to attach. I have no experience with the B21.

My camera is broken now, but I attached a picture of my skidplate that shows the B/H dolly stood up against the wall in the background. The base of the B/H rests on the bottom of the "T", and the bucket rests between the two dollys on the straight end.

The L-39 with the B/H off, using the 3 point hitch, is a powerful utility tractor in it's own right. The GST transmission works well in pulling a attachment. I do however prefer the HST for loader work. At times, I dig with the L-39, but back fill with my BX2200.

To close, I suggest that you go to the dealer, and have them demo removing the B/H, and then letting you have a try. These tractors cost too much money for you not to be happy with it's operation.

WALT

 

[john_bud]

Exactly what Walt said. Get a demo from the dealer, then a practice session or two. If the hoses are short, you can have longer ones made. The dealer could probably toss that in the deal.

jb

 

[WALT]

As promised, I had the B/H off & the camera working. I was brush hogging at a friends house & feeding the burn pile with the grapple. The photo's start with removing the 3 pt. hitch.
Here are some better pictures of the B/H dolly, and re-attaching the B/H to the tractor. By moving the the b/h on the dolly into the rear of the tractor, the hoses are more easily attached.

WALT