B26 or L39

[Sota]

Hello,

I have my TLB choices narrowed down to these two, unless someone has some better suggestions. The B26 pricing is 29,180 and 27,791. The 29,000 pricing included the plumbing for the hydraulic thumb for the backhoe and I think one other extra that the 27,000 did not have. The L39 is 33,000.
With the L39 pricing this close, I am having a hard time pulling the trigger on the B26. In the short term, the L39 would better suit my needs as I have about 40 good sized pine stumps to dig out from around my home. However, after that the B26 would be easier for me to transport from one acreage to the other as I own some land planted in pine that needs some work. Also, looking at the pto horsepower the B26 gives up several hp in that department. Right now I am leaning toward the L39. Mainly I will be digging out ditches, tearing out beaver dams, digging out springs, and so forth. I have several big pine stumps to tackle as soon as I get the TLB. Would like to hear opinions and suggestions.


Best regards,

Sota

 

[witel]

I've been eye-balling the L39 for quite some time. When the B26 came out, I momentarily started to second-guess my L39 choice. Then, I realized that I had really made up my mind already. The lifting capacity, the increased PTO HP, the BT1000 ... there's no way I could give all that up for just a few thousand more. The ONLY thing that the B26 has that I wish the L39 had is the factory-mounted thumb-bracket. That's extra. Overall, I'm sticking with my decision on the L39 ... this summer.

 

[Sota]

Thanks for the reply. I remember reading your post about the L39. Have you ever driven one? Also, in your research have you uncovered any problem areas in the L39?

Best regards,

Sota

 

[witel]

Thanks for the reply. I remember reading your post about the L39. Have you ever driven one? Also, in your research have you uncovered any problem areas in the L39?

Yes, I've driven one and tried out the FEL and BH. I am very pleased. I don't think I've found anything that is an issue for me. I have read other TBN posts mentioning that the FEL is a little weak at the extremes of the curl ... i.e. backdragging ... but that's it.

When I first started looking, I targeted the L48. That is a very nice machine for not much more than an L39, but a little too large for my application. The B26 will always leave me wondering what I missed out on. The L39 is small, powerful, hits a sweet-spot with me, a hair more than I want in a machine, and will forever suit my needs.

Keep us posted.

 

[Sota]

I plan on trying one out next week. I have never driven one. I am a novice backhoe operator and I wonder how hard it will be to learn to operate the hoe. Thanks for your help! Btw is the 33,000 price competitive?

Best regards,

Sota

 

[witel]

I plan on trying one out next week. I have never driven one. I am a novice backhoe operator and I wonder how hard it will be to learn to operate the hoe. Thanks for your help! Btw is the 33,000 price competitive?

I think it is on par with some of the quotes that I've seen. Other TBNers might like to chime in on what they've observed.

For me, I'll probably pay a lot more only because I'll get one that is fully loaded. I also want to get a hydraulic backhoe thumb bracket welded to the dipper-stick. I want it ALL.

But, don't listen to my biased opinion ... since I've already made my decision. Definitely get something that is right for you and your application. The B26 is small which makes it agile, and I like that a lot ... especially in tight-spots. The HST is nice and very popular, too. If you think you don't need the FEL lifting capacity, beefy hydraulics, the PTO HP, and the BH reach of the L39, then the B26 is a VERY nice machine to consider. It did make me scratch my head for a minute. Regardless, if I were spending a chunk on any tractor, I'd try-out all the ones I was considering before making a decision. Think of it as test-driving a car before you buy it. Kick the tires, tune the radio, turn all the knobs, and have a good time while you're doing it. I know I've been having a blast doing my research ... and I don't intend to have any regrets.

 

[LarryRB]

I would like to offer you this,, there would be no doubt that I would pick the 39.. For most of the country, 33 is the general pricing, depending on extra's if any are ordered,, You won't get one in New England for that cheap a price, but, this being said, the fact you want to remove beaver dams, and stumps, is my main reasons,, Working on the local highway dpt for many years,,and using JD 410/710's even a John Deere 710 TLB, biggest one made on rubber tires,, had a hard time breaking beaver dams. You need the reach and particulary the hydraulic bucket curl power the 39 will offer over your other choice.. For stumping I have a 12" bucket which breaks roots quicker and easier than a 24". I have the L48 model with quick attach 12-24 buckets which is my most used option..

 

[Sota]

Thanks for the feedback larryrb. I know what you mean about those beaver dams. Luckily, the ones I tear out are located on small streams and not to hard to tackle. My brother and I used dynamite to blow one apart once on a larger creek. We did not get far enough away to clear the debris field and had debris raining down around us. At least we had the good sense to get behind a root mass of a blown over oak or we might have got hit. We blew apart others dams but we learned the correct amount to use and to clear the debris field.

Best regards,

Sota

 

[MarkV]

Sota, The pricing sounds right on the L39 from what I have seen in the South. With the B26 just coming out and in short supply I will bet that a year from now the price will be more negotiable than it is at this point. I own a B21 and an L39 both of which I like. You need to drive them both to see how comfortable you are with the different types of transmissions. I use both types now without thinking but do believe the HST on the B21 to be easier. Do not over look the hauling aspect of the L39. It is a 7000lbs machine without the tires ballasted so with most trailers you are pushing 10k when hauling and need the right equipment. My 10k 18 foot trailer barely fits the L39 without room to adjust the weight load which is a problem. If I wanted to haul a rotary mower I’d need a 24’ trailer at least.

MarkV

 

[otus_branch]

Hi Sota,

Well, I'm an extremely satisfied L-39 owner, so you will have to accept my comments as inevitably biased, but here are a few thoughts to chew on.

Although we bought the L-39 to work two different pieces of property, thus far, it has spent its 67 hours of working life at the smaller of those: only 5-acres. Now there are those who would say that an L-39 is WAY-overkill for such a small parcel, but I have often used all of its power, and I'm greatful for every HP, and every inch of BH reach. I could not imagine being happy paying nearly as much for a smaller machine (i.e.- B26).

How have we used our L39? Let me count the ways...

Road grading: sure is nice that the L39 can handle a 6' Box Blade and a 7' Straight Blade. Smaller attachments would take more time to do the same work. We also got Top & Tilt cylinders on the 3-point, which make crowning and drainage mgt. a breeze.

Moving mulch: Time is precious. I like hauling nearly a yard at a time.

Digging stumps: We are gradually eliminating Hawthorns that are in the way (though we are also keeping a few that are not so in the way for wildlife) . The largest of these are ~10" diameter, and it takes a while for the L39 to rip 'em out. But the L39 gits-er-done, and I'm not sure that a smaller rig would.

Moving pallets: A 4'x4'x4' pallet full of oak logs that have been drilled and plugged with shiitake mushroom spawn weighs nearly a ton. To get it down the (mega-steep) hill of our drive to the shaded growing area took all the L39 had, but once again she pulled through. In this case, we used the forks and backed down the driveway to keep weight better balanced, and it felt very safe and secure in 1st gear.

Ditching: The L39 is great for the task, but I instantly wished for even more reach, so I've hardly even glanced at the B26 since it was announced.

We use the L39 for a million other things, and I have plans for a million more. Only problem for me is finding time to get my butt into the L39's seat.

Oh yeah, and having test drove both HST's and the L39's GST at the Kubota dealer, I think the GST wins hands down. The gears are great to hold me on hills, and the occasional clutching when switching from bucket to forks, or hooking a 3PH implement are not really a problem. The only thing to avoid with GST is switching gears as you descend a steep hill, because that can lead to excessive free-wheeling, which I do not recommend.

And finally, we have trailered the L39 back and forth to the dealer (and intend to take her to the larger property this summer) using a '96 F250 towing a 20' tag-along trailer, with dual-axle brakes. I would rate this set-up as adequate and safe, but I definitely take the hills slowly and carefully.

-otus