B26 Questions and Price Check

[tdfontaine]

Looking at purchasing a small to medium TLB to help build a house and maintain 10 wooded acres in the Colorado foothills. Construction will mainly consist of digging 2-3' deep trenches (electric, well line, septic lines, etc), digging sub slab plumbing trenches, spreading sub slab gravel, backfill/leveling/grading around foundation, spreading gravel for driveway, stump removal (mostly less than 12" pine trees), etc. Basically, I'm trying to save on excavation costs and do as much work as possible but also trying to be realistic about it. I have no expectation of doing the major excavation (foundation and septic drain field) so major parts will be contracted out.

Maintenance will consist of maintaining 550' gravel driveway, gathering firewood, chipping wood, thinning trees, snow removal, etc. In the future, would like to build a detached 2 car garage/shop and use the loader/backhoe to do most of that excavation work. Wife and kids want chickens and goats so will also need to do some work related to keeping small farm animals.

Went to the local Kubota dealer and they have a 2 year old B26 with hydraulic thumb on consignment that has 86 hours. Drove it around the lot, exercised the hoe/loader and everything seems to work good. Dealer is asking $30K (haven't haggled yet) which seems like a decent price but wanted to get some opinions about the price.

Some of the thoughts I have about the B26 are:

- The lot is in the Colorado foothills at 8700' and I'm concerned about altitude de-rating of an already small 26HP tractor.
- Size for the build/construction is small but seems about right for maintaining the property, building a 2 car shop, etc.
- Loader is 60" with 1100 lb capacity. This seems a bit small but I think it could work...would just take a bit longer.
- B26 would likely hold it's value and be easy to resell if the unit doesn't work for me.
- B26 seems like a tank and would hold up well to construction activities.
- Kubota would finance which is better for my financial situation

This turned into a long post so thanks for any help!

 

[tdfontaine]

Forgot to mention that 3 point attachments and cutting edge are also included in the deal...

 

[mike69440]

Looking at purchasing a small to medium TLB to help build a house and maintain 10 wooded acres in the Colorado foothills. Construction will mainly consist of digging 2-3' deep trenches (electric, well line, septic lines, etc), digging sub slab plumbing trenches, spreading sub slab gravel, backfill/leveling/grading around foundation, spreading gravel for driveway, stump removal (mostly less than 12" pine trees), etc. Basically, I'm trying to save on excavation costs and do as much work as possible but also trying to be realistic about it. I have no expectation of doing the major excavation (foundation and septic drain field) so major parts will be contracted out.

Maintenance will consist of maintaining 550' gravel driveway, gathering firewood, chipping wood, thinning trees, snow removal, etc. In the future, would like to build a detached 2 car garage/shop and use the loader/backhoe to do most of that excavation work. Wife and kids want chickens and goats so will also need to do some work related to keeping small farm animals.

Went to the local Kubota dealer and they have a 2 year old B26 with hydraulic thumb on consignment that has 86 hours. Drove it around the lot, exercised the hoe/loader and everything seems to work good. Dealer is asking $30K (haven't haggled yet) which seems like a decent price but wanted to get some opinions about the price.

Some of the thoughts I have about the B26 are:

- The lot is in the Colorado foothills at 8700' and I'm concerned about altitude de-rating of an already small 26HP tractor.
- Size for the build/construction is small but seems about right for maintaining the property, building a 2 car shop, etc.
- Loader is 60" with 1100 lb capacity. This seems a bit small but I think it could work...would just take a bit longer.
- B26 would likely hold it's value and be easy to resell if the unit doesn't work for me.
- B26 seems like a tank and would hold up well to construction activities.
- Kubota would finance which is better for my financial situation

This turned into a long post so thanks for any help!

B26 seems too small for your projects. Consider a good used L39 or L45

Altitude will kill power sad to say.

 

[Gary Fowler]

You can do a lot with a B26, much more than I ever thought possible. I cant say how much power you will loose but my B26 has much more power than it needs, it runs out of traction before engine stalls in most instances. As for backhoe work, engine power is not the issue. I don't think you would require a larger hoe to do your foundations, sewer lines etc. I have used mine to trench in more than 500 feet of water line (I don't need to go the depth that you would need to though) in some very hard and rocky soil here in Arkansas. While it isn't as fast as a commercial or possibly a L39 or L45, I don't think you need a $60K backhoe for homeowner use. I like mine just for the size as it can get into some tight spots. The previous owner pulled a 5 foot bush hog behind it so engine power is quite good. The only negative I can think of is the tread width, it is fairly narrow and the tires cant be adjusted any wider without adding spacers. I don't know if that is a real negative to you or not but it might need to be considered seeing as you are in mountainous country.
I bought my 2009 when it had 60 or so hours on it and 2 years old for $20k which was a very good deal because it cost nearly $30K new. I would look at new costs and compare but I think you are looking at $35-40K new for that unit. Mine came with a hydraulic thumb, trencher bucket and a 12" which is about as much bucket as it can handle in my hard ground. Softer soils might handle an 18" OK though.


I think the 3 PH arms are over $1000 option also, so you might haggle a bit and get another thousand off but that is likely a pretty good deal now. Inflation is surely boosting the initial price of that machine up from what it was in 2009.

 

[Carl_NH]

Hi TD,

Your projects mirrored mine 15 years ago when I got the B21 (precursor to B26) did the foundation for the barn, spread 500 plus yards of dirt, built 100's of feet of rock walls, reclaimed some old forest but had the major excavation done (36" stumps). It does everything a bigger machine will do but takes a bit more time.

With 12" trees you will be ok digging these stumps, and with the Hyd thumb that's a great addition to pick and hold logs too, place rocks etc. The QA bucket is a nice addition, but I suggest getting a set of pallet forks (instead of a discount ask them to through them in the price maybe) or a grapple would be great too for brush.

As far as power loss I cant answer that, but unless you plan a lot of PTO work you probably wont notice it for normal BH and loader work - I rarely run over 2000 RPM. You might test this out at the dealer and see for your self.

The other aspect is the height - the b26 will just get under a 8' garage door - the bigger machines will need a 9' door or more. The 30K price is about right and it should have had the 50 hr service done so next is due at 300 which is a few years off, so adding QA pallet forks or a grapple (about $3K+) would be a good addition given you are financing it.

Good Luck!

Carl

 

[2ndhalf]

Excavating costs are the cheapest part of the build and I would only want a professional doing it because it is also a very important part of the build. I would hire that done and just get a tractor for the other projects you listed. JMO

 

[Carl_NH]

2ndHalf,

I believe the OP and I stated we use or intend to use professionals for the "heavy work" which is what I did for the big stuff. For basic foundations, like additions and footer work or trenching for water/sewer lines the B26 or my machine are fine, but no way would I do large stump removal or a house foundation using these machines.

Carl

 

[powerstroke444e]

I think a B26 would be a great choice but I am a little biased. I have done water lines foundations footers graves field tiles and cleaned up alot of trees with it. I will say the loader will handle more than most in its size. this was from this weekend

 

[tdfontaine]

Thanks for all the replies...especially from fellow B26 owners! Sounds like the B26 will work pretty good for my situation. Plus, resale would be good if it doesn't work out or I decide to sell after the build.

To clear up any confusion, major excavation will be hired out to a local, well respected owner/operator who has a very large tracked excavator. He could do all the work quickly, but the costs quickly add up......trenching alone is $20/foot. His prices are fair considering his costs and time. I need at least 450 of trenching so that alone is $9K. He'll do the big stuff and I'll do the smaller stuff (like trenching).

powerstroke - wish I could burn slash/brush piles! I've already taken down about 70 trees and have some big slash piles. Wildfire is such a big concern out here that I'm not willing to risk it. The local fire department requires a waiver to be signed that says anyone burning slash/brush pays for all related costs to fire fighting should the fire get out of control and they have to respond. All of a sudden, a PTO wood chipper doesn't seem very expensive!

 

[Gary Fowler]

Good luck with your purchase, I am sure you will be very happy with the B26. Mine does almost all the work around my house now. MY 70 HP LS just sets in the shed, so much so that the battery was dead when I went to crank it this morning to do some tiller work which is about all it does now. I should sell it but it is handy to have around should I sink the B26 which come to think of it is the last time I used the LS last summer when digging out the pond and got the B26 down in some muck that I couldn't move it out of with the backhoe.

 

[tdfontaine]

Ok guys, went and looked at a few different manufacturers just to compare what's out there. LS, Kioti and TYM were not that great. The Massey dealer (Rons Equipment in Ft Collins) has a 1734e model with loader and hoe (Woods BH-75 with sub-frame mount) specs similar to the Kubota. Plus, it's turbo charged which seems like something I would want at my altitude. Based on my calculations, I lose about 25% HP rating (3% HP derating for each 1000 above sea level). So, the Massey loader is very similar to Kubota and Woods hoe has about 400 lbs less force....overall comparable. It's a new model and about 2K less than the used B26. This definitely makes the decision much more difficult than I thought.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Massey because it's new with 5 year warranty, better financing terms and has the turbo.

I realize this is in the Kubota forum but what would you do?

Both Kubota and Massey dealers seem like they are great to work with so that is not a deciding factor.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Not disagreeing on the Massey bigger bigger but even a my dad's M5400 won't take the abuse the B26 will. As a comparable I went to install a water line for a guy that had a Kubota L3710 with a woods backhoe and he couldn't believe how much faster the B26 would dig.
The tlb line with Kubota are built for rental yard abuse see if dealer will let you try one out.

 

[tdfontaine]

Thanks powerstroke. Good idea about trying one out. I know they do leases so maybe they would let me 'lease' it for a day or two.

 

[powerstroke444e]

If you were closer I have plenty of projects you could try it on lol.

 

[Snobdds]

I just bought a gc1710 from Rob's equipment, Jordan was the sales man, and he let me test everything out before purchase. I was in the same boat, but decided new was the way to go for my first tractor. I almost went with the larger tractor, but I'm using it at my cabin in the summer with a long slow mountain climb that tests the cooling of any truck, so I went with the lighter model. I'm in Wyoming at 7200 feet and the power is fine, even without a turbo, although it would be nice to have.

 

[Carl_NH]

Ok guys, went and looked at a few different manufacturers just to compare what's out there. LS, Kioti and TYM were not that great. The Massey dealer (Rons Equipment in Ft Collins) has a 1734e model with loader and hoe (Woods BH-75 with sub-frame mount) specs similar to the Kubota. Plus, it's turbo charged which seems like something I would want at my altitude. Based on my calculations, I lose about 25% HP rating (3% HP derating for each 1000 above sea level). So, the Massey loader is very similar to Kubota and Woods hoe has about 400 lbs less force....overall comparable. It's a new model and about 2K less than the used B26. This definitely makes the decision much more difficult than I thought.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Massey because it's new with 5 year warranty, better financing terms and has the turbo.

I realize this is in the Kubota forum but what would you do?

Both Kubota and Massey dealers seem like they are great to work with so that is not a deciding factor.

Tough Decision - The loaders are similar, the Massey/Woods BH75 specs say it has 3300 digging force and the Kubota 4200. Both are close in hyd flow 10.5 vs 11.1 for Kubota.

The differences are in the details - Kubota is a TLB optimized/matched for the BH, whereas the Massey is adapted with a subframe BH and not as robust. Separate seat for the massey vs swivel for the Kubota - easier to use, then a mech thumb on the massey and hyd on the Kubota, then a ROPs vs full canopy on the Kubota. Massey has the edge in HP though so if you intend to do more loader and PTO work favors Massey, if limited PTO work and more BH favors Kubota.

I cant speak for the Woods BH install/removal I know the Kubota is pretty easy. If you can test drive both of them that would be best, but considering the Kubota is on consignment that may preclude you renting it - but you can test in the dealers lot.

At the end of the day its what feels best from a operational perspective, then the emotional comfort of a 5 year warranty, although I have spent less than $100 in repair cost on my B21 in its lifetime.

 

[Gary Fowler]

For the hours listed on the B26, it is really better than new if the 50 hour service has been done. Not much in the way of wear and tear can be done to a professional grade machine like the B26 in under a 100 hours. It is going to be much tougher than any tractor conversion to a back hoe. Check the weights and you will readily see the additional strength of the TLB vs just adding a subframe to a tractor. 26 HP may not seem like much but I have moved huge loads with mine, the loader will actually lift the rear wheels off the ground, it is that strong. Between pushing and lifting, I have rolled a 20 foot section of oak tree that is over 3 feet in diameter, up and over other logs to put it on top of a burn pile. Try that with a 35HP tractor with backhoe added.
I have over 400 hours on my B26 and they have been rough hours and only thing I broke was the filter housing while pushing brush high up on to a brush pile and hung the housing up on a limb. No other issues other than filters for scheduled maintenance. It is one tough little tractor.
Oh and don't settle for a mechanical thumb, the hydraulic thumb on the B26 is a man saver so as to not have to get off and adjust frequently. I could not imagine not having one after getting it on the B26.
The full cover top with 4 post FOPS is also a potential life saver from falling debris. It even covers you when operating the backhoe.
The 5 year warranty might give you a warm and fuzzy feeling, but it is really worthless when you consider that most owners never use the warranty on a new tractor just like Carl NH and I with no problems in 6 years and hundreds of hours. The one thing that I broke on mine would not have been covered under warranty anyway.
Look under the B26 for the under body armor and then look at the MF, you likely wont see anything on the MF other than a lot of exposed items just waiting to hang on something in the woods and rip them off.

 

[tdfontaine]

Snobdds - I was also dealing with Jordan. He's a great kid and was good at explaining everything. Glad to hear you are liking your machine and aren't having any noticeable impacts due to altitude de-rating. If I buy a Massey, it will likely be through Jordan at Ron's.

 

[tdfontaine]

Carl and Gary - I mis-read the Woods brochure yesterday but luckily caught my mistake last night. The upgraded Woods backhoe is an additional 3K. For my projects, the hoe is pretty important. At this point, I'm leaning heavily towards the B26.

Question for you guys - do you ever use the B26 3 point? I'm curious how strong it is...can't remember how beefy the stock Kubota 3 point arms are. I would like to use a box blade the 3 point to try cutting in the driveway, spreading gravel and for re-grading maintenance after the driveway is in.

 

[Tompet]

For the hours listed on the B26, it is really better than new if the 50 hour service has been done. Not much in the way of wear and tear can be done to a professional grade machine like the B26 in under a 100 hours. It is going to be much tougher than any tractor conversion to a back hoe. Check the weights and you will readily see the additional strength of the TLB vs just adding a subframe to a tractor. 26 HP may not seem like much but I have moved huge loads with mine, the loader will actually lift the rear wheels off the ground, it is that strong. Between pushing and lifting, I have rolled a 20 foot section of oak tree that is over 3 feet in diameter, up and over other logs to put it on top of a burn pile. Try that with a 35HP tractor with backhoe added.
I have over 400 hours on my B26 and they have been rough hours and only thing I broke was the filter housing while pushing brush high up on to a brush pile and hung the housing up on a limb. No other issues other than filters for scheduled maintenance. It is one tough little tractor.
Oh and don't settle for a mechanical thumb, the hydraulic thumb on the B26 is a man saver so as to not have to get off and adjust frequently. I could not imagine not having one after getting it on the B26.
The full cover top with 4 post FOPS is also a potential life saver from falling debris. It even covers you when operating the backhoe.
The 5 year warranty might give you a warm and fuzzy feeling, but it is really worthless when you consider that most owners never use the warranty on a new tractor just like Carl NH and I with no problems in 6 years and hundreds of hours. The one thing that I broke on mine would not have been covered under warranty anyway.
Look under the B26 for the under body armor and then look at the MF, you likely wont see anything on the MF other than a lot of exposed items just waiting to hang on something in the woods and rip them off.

This is a great point by point to address your concerns. I like Massey tractors, but for what you described, reread this post from G.F. The B26 will handle a 5' box blade just fine, though I would suggest a 5' grader/land plane instead along with a set of pallet forks. My opinion, you would be good to go. It sounds like someone else addressed altitude concerns which would be the only possible concern at this point. How long do you expect the B26 to sit without an offer?