OUT WITH THE L4330, IN WITH THE L5030

Muleskinner · Jul 17, 2005

I never have, nor do I intend to, put a hoe on my tractor. Too many around here to warrant it. As for the M series, I know little to nothing about them. They appear to have tall front tires and look to be intended for AG work, not industrial grading.

What about an L39? My dealer has a new one in stock. Do you folks with experiance with the L39 feel it would make a good grading & FEL tractor for my type of work?

My dealer said he can take the hoe off and put my Gannon on the unit. I'm leary of going down in HP, but I drove it around the parking lot and found the GST trans felt a lot lower geared than the L4330.

Muleskinner · Jul 17, 2005

Okay guys. I need some imput on the L39 ASAP, as I have to make a decision tomarrow.

_RaT_ · Jul 17, 2005

I'd check it out if you can have a tractor without a removeable loader. It would make a nice mini JD 210. Skypup and Jim Morrisey have many posts about it in this Kubota forum. It has a smaller engine then the L4330, its the same as the L3830. With GST is going to pull the box a little better. My 1000lb box pulls quite easily with the L3830 so the L39 should be a worthy candiate.

Muleskinner · Jul 17, 2005

A removable loader is a mute point, as my FEL will never be removed. I only worry about going to a smaller output 3 CLY engine. But, I looked at the hydraulic output on the L39. 23.4 GPM!! Impressive, as the 5030 is only around 14 to 15 GPM!! Without using a hoe I bet the FEL would be quick and capable. I would use my 72" Gannon box with the L39. Would it handle it??

_RaT_ · Jul 18, 2005

You will not be utilizing much of that hydraulic output since its the combination of 3 pumps. One for steering, one for loader/ 3 pt hydraulics and one for hoe swing, at least that is how the L48 was plumbed. You could however run a nice hydraulic motor off the loader for drilling post holes. I suspect that as well as my comparable HP/torque tractor runs a 72" 1000lb box with HST in low, the L39 would be as capable or better because it has GST. I would surely like to check it out. The loader removal is a must for me so the L39 is out, if it was not necessary, I would try it.

Muleskinner · Jul 18, 2005

Interesting. I know the Kubota brochure shows the L5030's hydralics split three ways also. But the total GPH numbers are around 14.7 GPM. If both tractors split their hydralic fluids, would not a higher GPH number give better FEL and three point hitch performance?

_RaT_ · Jul 18, 2005

<font color="blue"> Interesting. I know the Kubota brochure shows the L5030's hydralics split three ways also. But the total GPH numbers are around 14.7 GPM. If both tractors split their hydralic fluids, would not a higher GPH number give better FEL and three point hitch performance? </font>

Not necessarily. The loader on my L48 was not as fast as the one on my L3830. I realize that the L48 has longer cylinders, greater cylinder diameters, but it also had more GPM on the loader circuit. The hydraulic flow on the L5030 is almost identical to that on your L4330 save .6 GPM because of maximum engine RPM being lower on the L4330. Remember about 4.9 GPM are purely for the power steering. The L39's is not split 3 ways, its has 3 hydraulic pumps. One probably runs off a shaft from the front of the tractor sitting just under the radiator area. It will be that pump that runs the swing for the backhoe and I think operates the 3 pt hitch. You normally pull a lever to decide which one will get it since you will not operate both simaltaneously. Far more important then hydraulic flow which may very well be an intangible for you on the L39 without a hoe will be having a GST to pull a box scraper. I have no doubt it will do a better job then HST. On the other hand, HST has its strengths in other ways. For you, I think GST may be the better choice based on what I think you are saying your needs are. If grading was my big chore, I would personally opt for a standard or GST transmission. The loader on the L39 will be a considerable difference over the L3830 and even the L4330 or L5030. It is apparently very good as mentioned by Skypup who also owns a L3130. Look at how well the box scrpaer attaches to the rear end particularly on the lower links. It needs plenty of beef there. Some tractors have had issues there namely the JD 4310 which has cast aluminum attachments points. Something to be aware of.

Muleskinner · Jul 18, 2005

Okay. Here's the deal. The L39 sold. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif So, the dealer is going to take the L4330 back AT NO COST TO ME. Just like I never purchased it. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Kubota is going to cancel the first contract and open a new contract for the L5030. The dealer is going to sell me the L5030 HST with the same deep discount as the L4330 using only my Gannon and my Kubota ROPS mounted sun shade from the L4330.. Now how's that for service? This dealer is a gem and has treated me like gold since the start when I purchased my B7800 from him. This is what service is all about.

I hope the L5030 will cure the power problem for me. If not, I'll research a turbo option in the future if one is available. I'm sure Kubota makes a turbo version of the L5030 engine. I bet the parts would be interchangeable with a small amount of fabrication. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

_RaT_ · Jul 18, 2005

Let us know how the power difference works out. I think low range will still be something for your boxblade. Those things loaded with about 20 cu ft of dirt, the weight of the box and the friction of the box and material on the ground present a nice little anchor for the tractor to overcome.

Muleskinner · Jul 18, 2005

I will advise how it works out. I appreciate all of the replies regarding this issue. It's been disappointing from the start, but with the positive way it's going I think all will be okay. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif