Comparison B26 vs B series tlb

[Carl_NH]

HIghSeas,

I faced a similar decision when I got my B21TLB years ago, the comparable series then was a L3130 with a subframe BH. When I look at the specs for the L3800 vs the B26 the digging capacity of the B26 is higher, lift of the FEL is a wash. The B26 has a higher GPM and more dedicated Hyd flow for BH work.

The L3800 with the subframe "adapted" for a BH will have lower ground clearance, and the BH sits 12" further off the back of the machine. The L3800 is not a dedicated TLB like the B26 that is built from the grond up as a TLB with the integrated designed frame.

Both will serve you well, but I like a dedicated/designed TLB rather than one that is adapted to be a TLB like the L3800. That said, the L3800 is a bit bigger, weighs a bit more, and is a great setup too.

There are some other intangibles, like hidden frame and tucked hoses, skid plates, departure angle, full covered ROPS that make the B26 better machine for rugged conditions you may face in AK.

It also depends on your work - will it be scratching hardpan and digging stumps, loading materials, moving rocks (with hyd thumb) I would vote B26, if its more cutting, mowing, loading, some BH and PTO based work then the L3800 with more HP would be a better fit IMO.

Carl

 

[magicheater]

I asked a similar question when I was researching the B26. I appreciated the responses I got. As good a tractor as the B26 is I stopped considering it for now because of the Engine and PTO H.P.

 

[High Seas]

HIghSeas,

I faced a similar decision when I got my B21TLB years ago, the comparable series then was a L3130 with a subframe BH. When I look at the specs for the L3800 vs the B26 the digging capacity of the B26 is higher, lift of the FEL is a wash. The B26 has a higher GPM and more dedicated Hyd flow for BH work.

The L3800 with the subframe "adapted" for a BH will have lower ground clearance, and the BH sits 12" further off the back of the machine. The L3800 is not a dedicated TLB like the B26 that is built from the grond up as a TLB with the integrated designed frame.

Both will serve you well, but I like a dedicated/designed TLB rather than one that is adapted to be a TLB like the L3800. That said, the L3800 is a bit bigger, weighs a bit more, and is a great setup too.

There are some other intangibles, like hidden frame and tucked hoses, skid plates, departure angle, full covered ROPS that make the B26 better machine for rugged conditions you may face in AK.

It also depends on your work - will it be scratching hardpan and digging stumps, loading materials, moving rocks (with hyd thumb) I would vote B26, if its more cutting, mowing, loading, some BH and PTO based work then the L3800 with more HP would be a better fit IMO.

Carl

I appreciate everyone's input. I called the dealer this afternoon and asked him to write up the B26 TLB. I wish it had more HP but I think it's more of a commercial class machine than the L3800. Hey, it's only money (and hopefully a better machine).

 

[Martian]

I appreciate everyone's input. I called the dealer this afternoon and asked him to write up the B26 TLB. I wish it had more HP but I think it's more of a commercial class machine than the L3800. Hey, it's only money (and hopefully a better machine).

Congrats! What options did you get if you don't mind me asking? I would very strongly recommend a hydraulic thumb on your backhoe:thumbsup:

 

[lhansman]

Congratulations HighSeas

I think you made the right decision based on you initial posting indicating a lot of backhoe work. I had a B21 for 6 years and traded it for a B26 three years ago. They are tough little tractors and the only area where I see the B26 rated lower than the L3800 is engine and PTO HP. I know the B26 will out dig the BH77.

There are a lot of spec readers that have not tried one of the Kubota TLB's and so they are always pointing people to a different "cheaper" tractor that they "think" will perform as well or better. They simply fail to appreciate the benefits of a heavily reinforced machine that is designed to do lots of digging and move lots of earth day in and day out with no complaints. The other thing to consider is the ergonomics of the B26 too. Instead of sitting on a perch hanging off the back of a tractor the comfortable B26 seat with full backrest and arm rest rotates in place. The first day you spend more than an hour or two digging your back will thank you!

As Martian pointed out, definitely get the hydraulic thumb. I held off getting it on my B26 for a couple of years and I couldn't believe how useful it was once I got it. I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't use it. I would also suggest you get the quick attach option for the backhoe and get the 24" and 12" buckets. You will move a lot more dirt with every scoop of the 24" versus the 18" and the 12" will be handy for trenching. A lot of people make the mistake of getting too small of a backhoe bucket which does increase seat time but significantly reduces productivity. I did almost all of my digging on both the B21 and B26 with 24" buckets and they never had a problem.

I look forward to seeing pictures of your new machine. I traded my B26 for an L45 a couple of weeks ago and am still adjusting to the larger size but loving the additional power.

Regards,

Lauren

 

[Carl Bert]

I appreciate everyone's input. I called the dealer this afternoon and asked him to write up the B26 TLB. I wish it had more HP but I think it's more of a commercial class machine than the L3800. Hey, it's only money (and hopefully a better machine).

Good choice, you won't be disappointed. Not that I ever needed it, but I too wish they had made a B30 instead of a B26. It could really use the extra HP when traveling in high gear. As far as the thumb, I would highly recommend it. Not used all the time, but when you need it, it's a great feature to have.

Bucket size really depends on the soil you are digging. I have a lot of hard rocky soil, so I chose the 12", but I often wish I had an 18 or 24" to speed things up when in softer soil. If you do decide to go with two buckets, then the QA option is a no brainer. Oh and the work lights, don't forget the work lights!

Not sure where you are, but up here in NY, that machine with the thumb, Kubota insurance, and tax comes to $41 and change.

Ok keep us posted, and don't forget the pics!!

 

[High Seas]

I did buy it with a thumb after hearing from you guys. Since the tractor is being bought & shipped from Seattle to kodiak I won't see it until I get to kodiak in early June. I live in FL. Bummer.

 

[Martian]

I did buy it with a thumb after hearing from you guys. Since the tractor is being bought & shipped from Seattle to kodiak I won't see it until I get to kodiak in early June. I live in FL. Bummer.

Are you moving from florida to the Kodiak or is it just a cabin? There will be some huge differences in the locations!! The Kodiak sure is beautiful though.

Congrats again on the tractor, and great decision on the thumb:thumbsup:

 

[Rhino421]

High seas congrats on the new b26. I have been busy so just saw your posts. I got alot of good info from members here when i decided on the b26 instead of the L3800. I bought used and got a good deal so was cheaper than new 3800tlb. So far it has been a great tlb. I love the thumb and work lights. The skid plates are a very nice feature for rough terrain. It has met all my expectations and then some. I do wish it had more pto power but for my needs not too much of an issue. Still haven't taken off the backhoe. The manuverability is awesome. I am very happy with my decision. I am working on 3pt attachments (have none) just ordered a king kutter 5ft hinged box blade to tackle landscaping needs. I think u will be very happy. Jim when I get a chance in the next couple days i will get u the measurements haven't been home.

 

[High Seas]

I have a cabin. We're very remote so having good equipment can mean the difference of life and death out there. I'm fortunate to be able to spend most of the summer their. I'll be head mechanic and bottle washer so I plan to get all the parts and service manuals.

 

[magicheater]

After reading this entire thread I am reconsidering, Thanx all for the comments you supplied.

 

[Carl_NH]

HighSeas,

Just a few other points - get two sets of each filter esp the hydraulic filters, and 20 gallons of SUDT shipped with your tractor (in the bucket or on a pallet). Thats enough SUDT for two changes 50 and 400 hrs and the front axles too. They suggest you only need to change the filters at 50 hrs but thats up to you.

Then a couple of cans of Kubota paint - just in case you scracth it . Fuel stablizer for the winter months.

I havent broken a hose in more than 10 years but rocks by accidident rolled into the BH stabilizers in the past nicking them so a I would get a set of seals and internals and tools to repair the shafts. A set of seals for the swing, stablizers, and FEL cylinders should set you up for a long time.

Carl

 

[High Seas]

Carl - great suggestions on the extra supplies. I'll also get the parts and service manuals. thanks

 

[Carl_NH]

HighSeas,

Presume this is going by 20' container then trucked to you - what about adding more goodies to the shipment?

We like to spend other peoples $$ as you well know, so why not get the pallet forks, grapple, and so on as this shouldnt adversely impact shipping cost?

 

[powerstroke444e]

Just a little brag on my B26 I need to disk a 1acre sunflower plot at my house and the M5400 was 70miles away so I thought why not try the little guy. I had already worked it so I all I had to do was disk once then seed it and lightly disk it again. 10 foot disk and B26 work good in low range but this is a finish disk about 2-3 inches deep. and to cover the seeds M range disking about 3/4 inch. then rolled with 8' culimulcher. Worked much faster than tilling with 58" tiller
The little guy never ceases to amaze me. If your wondering what it will handle here you go. Would I tear in to 40 acres with it no way but for this it worked fine and saved a lot of fuel intead of getting the bigger tractor.

 

[Carl Bert]

Just a little brag on my B26 I need to disk a 1acre sunflower plot at my house and the M5400 was 70miles away so I thought why not try the little guy. I had already worked it so I all I had to do was disk once then seed it and lightly disk it again. 10 foot disk and B26 work good in low range but this is a finish disk about 2-3 inches deep. and to cover the seeds M range disking about 3/4 inch. then rolled with 8' culimulcher. Worked much faster than tilling with 58" tiller
The little guy never ceases to amaze me. If your wondering what it will handle here you go. Would I tear in to 40 acres with it no way but for this it worked fine and saved a lot of fuel intead of getting the bigger tractor.

I'm impressed.. I was wondering if it would handle a 65" BB, but after seeing that, I guess it will.

 

[powerstroke444e]

I use a 60" bb and it does a nice job with. I have a 48"landpride landplane and if I drop the teeth down I can stop it dead but I like working the driveway 3-4" deep while grading it.

 

[lhansman]

Great shot and post Powerstroke. Hopefully some of the spec. readers on TBN will see it and start to realize there is more to a B26 than just a "heavier frame and additional cost".

I must say however that I agree with Carl - I wish Kubota would put a 30 - 35 hp engine in the B26 chassis. If they could then add even just one additional foot of reach to the hoe and install a loader that could lift 2,100 pounds, I think that would be ideal and I wouldn't have traded my B26 for an L45. I really liked the compact size if the B26 and its power and versatility but I need to be able to lift and move 2,000 pound pallets and sometimes when digging out leaky basements I find the 8' reach marginal at best.

One thing I would suggest High Seas since you will be in a remote location and working in bush is get a couple of zip ties for the amber hazard lights mounted on the ROPS. The amber lenses are just the pop on/off type and shortly after I purchased my B26 I was going through a few pine trees and a wayward branch hit one of the lights and it wasn't until my return trip that I noticed the lens on the ground. I wrapped a zip tie around the pair of lenses after that and they haven't popped off again.

I found the rear tires on the B21 and B26 were pretty tough but I had numerous flats with the fronts. If you can get it done before she ships, I would recommend you get at least the front tires filled with foam and then you do not have to worry about flats. I filled all four on my B26 in the end and just had the L45 tires done as well. It makes for a somewhat bouncier ride on irregular asphalt surfaces but I don't think that will be an issue for you!

I see you have purchased the thumb - I think that means you automatically get the QA hoe which is good. As I said, don't waste your money on the 18" bucket for the hoe. The B26 easily handles the 24" and you will be much more productive. My ground is similar to what you see in the picture Carl Bert posted and the 24" bucket has no trouble digging rocks of that size out in my area. Keep in mind that width is not the only consideration with bucket size. The heaped capacity of the 24" bucket is almost double that of the 18". The 12" is handy for digging around larger rocks, trenching in services and also for digging around roots.

Good luck with your B26 - you are going to be amazed at it what it can do for such a small package.

Regards,

Lauren