Comparison B26 vs B series tlb

[Rhino421]

Hi, I was hoping some B26 and B2630 or other B owners could give me a little insight. I found a used B26 less than 100 hrs (rental) and the price doesn't seem bad (just over 20k). It has the aux backhoe hydraulics but no thumb. I know it is a commercial version and the front loader doesn't come off. I am trying to do alot of landscaping on 2 acres and know this would work well for that. I will not be using it to mow the 2 acres. I also have interest in hunting land (60 acres) that we cut trails through for bow hunting. I would like to start some small food plots. I am wondering if the B26 with 19.5 hp pto and 3000+ lbs without backhoe would do a fair job in this regard. I know I could find a used b series tlb cheaper and wonder if the B26 is worth a higher premium. I do like the added backhoe length and power. I do have to trailer it 200 miles 1 way and the hunting land is only a small portion of what I need the tlb for. I have looked at the L3800 bigger( size,weight, power) but can't get past the jerky 3 pt(if I do find an unjerky 1 that may change things:thumbsup and have alot of grading in my future. The 3540 is bigger yet but weight and size around the 2 acres becomes an issue. I know about the clan that states rent a backhoe but I have thought alot on that subject and will be getting one with whatever tractor I end up with Any insight would be welcomed... PS like the additional features/cost of used but not opposed to new with 0%..... FYI, B26 out of touch new

 

[troutsqueezer]

The maneuverability of the B26 coupled with its strength and toughness makes it hard to beat. If you have the extra money I think it is worth it. I have a B21 and the size and turning radius is a big plus around my place which is covered with gardens, paths and skinny roadways. I use it to cut pads and terrace down the slope of my 10 acres, plus I grade/maintain two miles of gravel road using both a King Cutter BB and a Landpride grader blade. Along with the tooth bar on the bucket, not much stops it.

 

[Tompet]

A little over 20K for a B26 with less than 100 hrs is an excellent price. You can always get a thumb later since the most expensive part of option (aux hyd.) is already on the BH. Just be thorough so the 100hrs was not an abusive 100 hrs. I have a B3300tlb and am pretty happy with it.
Is the 3pt hitch included? The only thing you are giving up with the B26 is a little pto hp, but you should be fine for uses you outlined. I am sure the beefier construction will be to your advantage.

I don稚 think you will find an equivalent used b tlb with same hours for much less if at all.

 

[CHDinCT]

Just an observation and not a response to your question, but I find it odd that a rental outfit would be selling a B26 with only 100 hours, or did you mean 1,000 hours? At 100 hrs it would be barely broken in.

 

[herefromthere]

Wow, just over $20k? There's a dealer near me that has a couple of them with the almost 300hr one having an asking price of $29k. Would hate to know what they want for the 125hr one! Granted, they both have the hydraulic thumb and round back bucket with bolt on cutting edge though, so not truly comparable to the one you're looking at. Both are rental returns. About a year ago, there was a private party one with the hydraulic thumb going for around $23-24k.

 

[Tomtint]

I wanted the B26, I ended up with a L3700 instead.... With I had the 26. For just over 20k.... Why are you not down there stroking a check? that is way cheap.

 

[don white]

That is a good price. I just bought a B26 last fall with 150 hrs for 25. I was also thinking about a bigger machine but I am glad I stayed with the B series. Very handy in the woods. I bought a grapple bucket for it and have gotten a lot of work done. You do have to be careful and understand the machine is small and can tip real easy. Loaded it is way worse. Keep the load low.

I replaced a B20 with the B25 and the backhoe is way stronger.

 

[Carl Bert]

The B26 is a lot of machine for its size. I bought one last year and love it. If the loader was removable it would be the perfect machine. Mine came to $35,000 out the door. That included the hydraulic thumb, QA bucket, 5 yr Kubota insurance, work lights and tax. That was a great deal for my area. Every other dealer wanted 40+. $20 grand is a steal with only 100 hrs. Good luck

 

[Rhino421]

A further update. The price turns out to be $23k subject to negotiation.. It is at a rental yard but the person I need to speak with isn't in til tomorrow. I was told it is a 2008 with only 87hrs... It has been sitting outside so some fading and a little rust but overall excellent condition per sales manager. Detailed pictures coming tomorrow (100 miles away).. He didn't have alot of info but did state no thumb or 3 point arms. The pictures I did see show it has the roundback bucket with bolt on edge and aux hydraulics on the hoe. It also has the stabilizer pads. The sales rep stated that they had bought it thinking it would rent more but didn't. Stated the loader isn't the strongest and neither is the backhoe( gotta love the sales pitch):thumbsup:. He stated people would either rent a skid steer or excavator so the B26 must go... If things go well I will be driving to see it tomorrow..

 

[digger2]

I bought one in 2007 new and the 3 pt. arms were standard.Also,I dont understand about the loader or the hoe not being the "strongest".
These machines are not a full size Case or Deere backhoe,but i believe they will hold their own with any of comparible size.I'm happy with mine.
Also,I dont know if i'd go for that story about not renting it much.It seems to me they could keep it a couple years and deduct it somehow on taxes as a loss,but maybe they've already done that to the limit.Just make sure before buying you check it out real good.I know rental places around here usually keep things till they are dead or well on the way.
Just saying watch so you dont get burnt.

digger2