M59 Discussion Thread

Chato · Jul 29, 2009

I've always ponied up the couple of extra bucks for OEM oil, hydraulic, air and fuel filters. I figure it isn't worth it for the small extra cost.

As far as lubricants you're right to research it. I've found the new classifcations are confusing. Of course, I'm old enough to remember when "oil was just oil" and I try to keep things simple. I have used Rotella for a long time and it has been a very trustworthy lubricant.

Since my 6.7 uses ultra (15 ppm) diesel fuel exclusively, I use it in the Kubota too.

rScotty · Aug 12, 2009

Charlesaf3 said:
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.

Just thought I'd add one thing that I really like about this M59, and that's those two big flat straps Kubota welded to the top of the bucket that are exactly parallel to the cutting edge.

They are just the right size and placement to be always visible and because of them, I finally feel confident that I know what bucket angle I'm trying to work with. It's been a huge help. Such a simple idea and excellently done, too. A thank you plus a Tip of the Hat to Kubota for that one.
rScotty.

cms323 · Aug 15, 2009

I am a GC and am contimplating the purchase of a new M59, and would like some advice on the intended uses. I have a few small home foundations to dig, some trenching work to do, and misc. other small site work tasks to complete. I would like some opinions as to if this machine is capable of the foundations in NE Pennsylvania, where we have some shale and inevidably run into hard bed rock from time to time. I would hate to make this purchase and find out that the machine is not large enough. I also intend on hauling it with a 2004 Chevy 2500. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

ManAtArms · Aug 16, 2009

Does anyone know where the backup beeper speaker is located?

Thanks,

-Mark

Charlesaf3 · Aug 17, 2009

cms323 said:
I am a GC and am contimplating the purchase of a new M59, and would like some advice on the intended uses. I have a few small home foundations to dig, some trenching work to do, and misc. other small site work tasks to complete. I would like some opinions as to if this machine is capable of the foundations in NE Pennsylvania, where we have some shale and inevidably run into hard bed rock from time to time. I would hate to make this purchase and find out that the machine is not large enough. I also intend on hauling it with a 2004 Chevy 2500. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I've been happy with how much work the m59 does, but we don't have much rock here - best off asking people in your area if your dealer would give you names I'd guess. Or talk to Neil Messick.

It is a light backhoe, so bedrock will stop it I'd bet. I'd bet it would stop a full excavator for that matter.

Foundations - how big? Crawlspace, or full basement? I'd have no hesitation about crawlspace. A big basement I'd want an excavator. I plan to dig a swimming pool with mine, and have no hesitation.

Chevy 2500 would be at its limits I guess when you throw in the trailer, but I don't know enough to say.

cms323 · Aug 18, 2009

Charlesaf3 said:
I've been happy with how much work the m59 does, but we don't have much rock here - best off asking people in your area if your dealer would give you names I'd guess. Or talk to Neil Messick.

It is a light backhoe, so bedrock will stop it I'd bet. I'd bet it would stop a full excavator for that matter.

Foundations - how big? Crawlspace, or full basement? I'd have no hesitation about crawlspace. A big basement I'd want an excavator. I plan to dig a swimming pool with mine, and have no hesitation.

Chevy 2500 would be at its limits I guess when you throw in the trailer, but I don't know enough to say.

I would be digging some full basements for small (1200 sqft) homes. I would prefer to get an excavator in there, but would also like to save the money and dig with the M59, even if it takes a little longer.

Who is Neil Messick? How would I get in touch with him? The dealers in NE PA have only sold one..... the guy was actually from Texas..... Thanks for the info. Any other would be appreciated.

gwdixon · Aug 18, 2009

rScotty said:
Just thought I'd add one thing that I really like about this M59, and that's those two big flat straps Kubota welded to the top of the bucket that are exactly parallel to the cutting edge.

They are just the right size and placement to be always visible and because of them, I finally feel confident that I know what bucket angle I'm trying to work with. It's been a huge help. Such a simple idea and excellently done, too. A thank you plus a Tip of the Hat to Kubota for that one.
rScotty.

My old 1991 L3650 had those level indicators, with a sticker on them that says "Level", so they have been around for a while. The problem with larger tractors has been being able to see the top of the bucket over the hood. The new sloped hood makes it a bit easier.

The new M7040 has the level straps along with the rod to indicate level. Both are quite useful.

goneandbrokeit · Aug 18, 2009

cms323 said:
Who is Neil Messick? How would I get in touch with him? The dealers in NE PA have only sold one..... the guy was actually from Texas..... Thanks for the info. Any other would be appreciated.

Messick's | Dealer for New Holland, Case IH, Kubota, Cub Cadet and More | Online Parts, Sales & Service.

mike69440 · Aug 18, 2009

cms323 said:
I would be digging some full basements for small (1200 sqft) homes. I would prefer to get an excavator in there, but would also like to save the money and dig with the M59, even if it takes a little longer.

I have a utility sized excavator a Komastsu PC75 (17,500 Lbs) and have about 35 hours into digging a pond where I figure now I have excavated the amount of material of a small home basement.

Let me know if yow can do a full basement in less than 2 weeks with an M59. That is a lot of material!

My excavator is 2-3 times faster than an M59. I'd bring a +20 ton excavator in for a day or two to do the rough basement and do the rest of the site work with the M59.

Charlesaf3 · Aug 18, 2009

This sand is easy to dig, but I had a full basement done in a day and a half here - 10 ft deep, 36x20. Big bobcat mini ex, not a full size. I'd say the m59 would have taken not quite twice as long

I bought my m59 from Messicks in Elizabethtown PA

ManAtArms · Aug 19, 2009

I've got about 20 hours on the 59 now...basically getting a few hours of seat time a day. Overall, I really think this is the best tool I've ever purchased!

For those of you with the hydro thumb...is it bad idea to curl the bucket when you've got something pinched with the thumb? I'm frequently trying to pick up rocks/logs that are difficult to get a good bite on. Either they're too heavy to pinch lift or too big to make use of the bucket and thumb teeth. So I find I can grab it with the thumb and curl the bucket under before lifting it...getting the bucket under it all the while securing it with the thumb. Anyway, this means the bucket is "overpowering" the thumb during the curl. Is this bad for the thumb hydraulics?

-Mark

Charlesaf3 · Aug 19, 2009

yep, I do that too. Asked Neal Messick and he said it was fine - I certainly find it necessary to grab things. Done it hundreds of times, no ill effects. I guess relief on that cylinder is set low on purpose.

ManAtArms · Aug 20, 2009

Thanks Charles...good to know I'm not wrecking the thumb.

Charlesaf3 · Aug 20, 2009

not so far as what I've heard and do! But feel free to double check me.

Charlesaf3 · Sep 3, 2009

could someone do me a favor - I'm not near the tractors - and measure from outside to outside of the rear tires? Its a useful piece of info that Kubota doesn't seem to have anywhere.

gwdixon · Sep 4, 2009

Charlesaf3 said:
could someone do me a favor - I'm not near the tractors - and measure from outside to outside of the rear tires? Its a useful piece of info that Kubota doesn't seem to have anywhere.

All of the dimensions are in this PDF file. Width is 75 inches.

mike69440 · Sep 4, 2009

Charlesaf3 said:
yep, I do that too. Asked Neal Messick and he said it was fine - I certainly find it necessary to grab things. Done it hundreds of times, no ill effects. I guess relief on that cylinder is set low on purpose.

Properly plumbed, you can curl the bucket against the thumb. Don't curl both against each other at same time however.

My PC 75 had a wrist on in and was plumbed for a remote, however the lines are only #6 and should be #10 with a thumb. I was too much of a cheapskate to do it right. I blew a few lines and relief valves quickly closing the bucket against the thumb, till I learned to tale it easy.

Charlesaf3 · Sep 5, 2009

I seem to remember the 75 wasn't accurate, but like I said, won't see the tractor till tuesday

rScotty · Sep 28, 2009

Does anyone use their backhoe bucket to sidesweep dirt and rocks into position with a closed bucket? I've tried it and the M59 has a lot of power to sidesweep with. It does it easily but I have to wonder if making that motion is hard on the machine? Seems like it would loosen up the pins and pivots.

BTW, I got some moly high pressure grease and greased the nipples for the lower backhoe pivots with it. That cured the squeaking I had been getting before in spite of regular greasing. The black moly grease is nasty stuff though.
rScotty