Buying Advice Need Buying Advice for TLB

AK River Runner · Jul 21, 2009

Hello All, new member here looking for some input before buying.
I am looking to buy a used TLB for use out on my remote river property for clearing, brush cutting, pulling trees, digging out stumps, mining and hauling gravel off the gravel bars, etc etc.
I am thinking the JD 4000 or maybe 5000 series tractor with FEL and add a backhoe if I can not find one existing.
I am thinking hydrostat or power reverser for the trans.

Do the 3 point hitch BH's work OK and do they hold up is my main question.

Thanks for all input and love this site for info

AKKubota · Jul 22, 2009

AK River Runner - How are you going to get the machine out there? Is your place road accessable? Good luck getting an ag style tractor used up here - if you can, you might consider a used yellow (construction grade) machine or renting one. How much and what type surface materials will you be dealing with?

I had a Kubota L3830 TLB that was fine for digging out some spruce and birch stumps. Anything will do fine against alders. Rock of course is a totally different matter. I currently have a JD2520 and do a little light clearing with it.

AK River Runner · Jul 22, 2009

AK Kubota,
Thanks for the input.
I will have the river barge haul the machine up river to my place on the Yentna River it is about 70 miles up river.
I have been looking hard up here for a machine and your right there is little available so looking south I guess.
Most of my work will be in silty soil digging out stumps, grading, hauling gravel off the bar and brush cutting with a JD MX5 so I need a tractor with 3 pt and PTO but also want a removable BH.
The JD 110 TLB is interesting but allot of cash for a river machine.
Still looking,
Ak River Runner

jenkinsph · Jul 23, 2009

I have a 110tlb with a Laurin cab, 3 pt topntilt hitch, 72" hvy duty bucket, 48" rail pallet forks and a BB1284 boxblade. Something like this should be perfect for what you want to do. Get one with all the extra hydraulics and diverter you won't be dissapointed.

Steve

CurlyDave · Jul 23, 2009

jenkinsph said:
I have a 110tlb with a Laurin cab, 3 pt topntilt hitch, 72" hvy duty bucket, 48" rail pallet forks and a BB1284 boxblade. Something like this should be perfect for what you want to do. Get one with all the extra hydraulics and diverter you won't be dissapointed.

Steve

I have pretty much the same without the cab. I agree, you will not be disappointed.

LBrown59 · Jul 23, 2009

AK River said:
Do the 3 point hitch BH's work OK and do they hold up is my main question.

No and they are dangerous.

ScottK · Jul 24, 2009

The frame mount BH is removable. There is no reason to get a 3 pt backhoe on a JD.

AK River Runner · Jul 24, 2009

Thanks for all the input guys,,,,,,,,,,,,I am with you all the way.
I have found a nice 2006 JD 110TLB, 430 hrs with the 4 way bucket which is what I really need. The machine is located in OK which may be spendy to ship north but I think it will be worth it, they are asking $25,500.

Looked at a 97 L35 TLB Kubota up here the other day for 20k and I was not impressed.

Ak River Runner

AKKubota · Jul 24, 2009

You might be able to get a really good deal on a Kubota unit here in Alaska right now since the Anchorage dealer network (United Rentals) collapesed. I emailed Kubota about it and they emailed me right back - I know they had some machines available. I really doubt they will want to find a place to store them this winter.

For bush work work up here I would go small (ie light) and fuel efficient. A nice B series would do a lot for you. You would really be surprised.

Also, check with Sound Tractor in WA - they shipped my L3830TLB up with BB & RB and gave me great price compared to anything up here.

oottoo · Jul 29, 2009

The 110 TLB is the way to go and $25K or so is a fair price for a good, low time, used unit. The stick on a TLB is de-mountable and there's a 3-point available for it -- not something you'd want to do every day, but the unit is designed to offer that capability.

jenkinsph · Jul 31, 2009

I had my 110 for three years before removing the backhoe, but finally needed to use the boxblade with it. Much easier to remove and install than I ever imagined and takes me about 15 minutes to switch between top and tilt hitch to backhoe.

Steve

two_bit_score · Aug 3, 2009

jenkinsph said:
I had my 110 for three years before removing the backhoe, but finally needed to use the boxblade with it. Much easier to remove and install than I ever imagined and takes me about 15 minutes to switch between top and tilt hitch to backhoe.

Steve

I've had mine almost a year and have never gotten around to removing the backhoe. Keep intending to just to see how it works but haven't had the need yet.

Glad to hear someone else say how easy it is.

AK River Runner · Aug 4, 2009

That is all good to hear guys because I am still looking for the right deal and the 110 TLB seems to be the best machine for all my needs.
I had a good one located in OK but the guy sold it before I got to him.

How would the JD 110 stack up against the Kubota L39 I have found several of these also and they seem to be about the same machine?
Thanks for the input.

AK River Runner

jenkinsph · Aug 4, 2009

I used both machines a few times before buying and felt the 110 was better hands down. The L39 is a good machine though you can dig about the same with it. The reason for going with the 110 was versatility and ease of use plus I liked the setup with the Laurin cab. The creep to reposition setup makes moving around from the backhoe seat a piece of cake too. Having the skidsteer front end with auxillary hydraulics, the 3pt hitch with diverter valve and top and tilt and third outlet for scarifier toothbar all combine to make it so versatile.

For use in Alaska I would think being able to stay in the cab for all operating use would be a real plus with the 110. I have never used an L39 with any type of cab so can't comment on that.

Steve

AK River Runner · Aug 9, 2009

Well Guys I got lucky and found my machine right here in Anchorage AK, looked at it on Thur's and had it delivered yesterday.
2004 JD 110 TLB, 1492 hr's with all the hydr options front and rear and a hydr thumb on the hoe all in great shape, one owner and well taken care of for 25k.
Patience paid off for me because I was close to making not as good a deal on one from WI and having to pay about 5k to ship it up here.

Thanks for all the great input and ideas now I need to find a good root type grapple bucket for the front end.
Ideas and input on the grapple would be appreciated much.
AK River Runner

pilot-werx · Aug 9, 2009

We have a 110 TLB and it is a work horse. The backhoe comes off easily. Heck I think it takes more time to install the draw bars and toplink. You will be glad you got the 110 over the L39.

CurlyDave · Aug 9, 2009

For your grapple, look at Skid Steer loader attachments .

I got one of their rock buckets a few years ago and have been very pleased.

jenkinsph · Aug 9, 2009

AK Riverrunner, You will like the 110 and I would seriously consider the Laurin cab for it too.

Steve

mjncad · Aug 10, 2009

AKKubota said:
You might be able to get a really good deal on a Kubota unit here in Alaska right now since the Anchorage dealer network (United Rentals) collapesed.

A quick digression if I may. Did all of your United Rentals fold up?

The one near me closed up this summer; through the main location in Denver is still open as I write this.

AK River Runner · Aug 11, 2009

mjncad,

As far as I know the United Rentals are still going up here but they dropped the Kubota dealerships so we have no Kubota dealers up here anymore except for a new one starting up in Fairbanks.
Pretty much leaves us with JD and New Holland for the most part for new machines around our area.

One of the reasons I went with the JD 110, just ordered a 60" grapple root rake for it, lots of work to do