B26TLB & Plow

Backlight · Jan 4, 2016

Thought I'd post a few pictures of my B26TLB with Horst 1000 SnowBlade.

This is my first winter plowing a long gravel driveway, it has a number of hills, some steep. I didn't have chains on the front wheels the first time plowing. That, inexperience, using a plow on a loader frame and soft ground made it a bit interesting. I'd say I was quite frustrated by the end mainly due to the lack of traction for steering. I've since added chains as can been seen in the photo's. Unfortunately, the rear chains had to come off due to lack of fender clearance. I've placed an order for a set of wheel spaces to remedy this issue.

I was able to do a bit of test plowing with the front chains on, it was better without a doubt. Hopefully with some more practice, controlling the amount of down pressure on the FEL and/or using float will improve the experience in the future. If the plow is not going to cut it alone I'll have to start putting some $ away for a PTO snowblower next winter.

skyhook · Jan 5, 2016

Nice machine, unfortunately with your set-up, you will not be able to use float mode, because your loader arms will be dragging. "I" personally find the B26 a strong machine but would not have picked it for "your" situation. An L or M series machine would have been my choice in "your" situation. I find the B26 too light of a machine in the front end , leaving the hoe on was a good idea for rear weight but it also reduced the front end control as you have now noticed. Landscapers love these machines because their so versatile and compact and strong for their size but in my opinion, their no snow machine. I may get some flack for saying this, but its just my personal opinion. I hope you get your situation improved and others will chime in to offer suggestions, again, a very nice looking machine you have.

wcampbell47 · Jan 5, 2016

I recently rented a B26 TLB for some utility work around the house. I loved the backhoe. So much so that I ordered a 3 point BH to put on my L39 for future trenching needs. I found the B26 TLB a bit too heavy and awkward to use around the property for every day stuff. If I were doing full time backhoe work the B26 TLB would be a great machine in tight spots. I don't move any snow - but lately lots of mud.

avc8130 · Jan 5, 2016

skyhook said:
Nice machine, unfortunately with your set-up, you will not be able to use float mode, because your loader arms will be dragging. "I" personally find the B26 a strong machine but would not have picked it for "your" situation. An L or M series machine would have been my choice in "your" situation. I find the B26 too light of a machine in the front end , leaving the hoe on was a good idea for rear weight but it also reduced the front end control as you have now noticed. Landscapers love these machines because their so versatile and compact and strong for their size but in my opinion, their no snow machine. I may get some flack for saying this, but its just my personal opinion. I hope you get your situation improved and others will chime in to offer suggestions, again, a very nice looking machine you have.

Why would his arms be dragging if he used float? He could uncurl until they weren't?

ac

Backlight · Jan 5, 2016

skyhook said:
Nice machine, unfortunately with your set-up, you will not be able to use float mode, because your loader arms will be dragging. "I" personally find the B26 a strong machine but would not have picked it for "your" situation. An L or M series machine would have been my choice in "your" situation. I find the B26 too light of a machine in the front end , leaving the hoe on was a good idea for rear weight but it also reduced the front end control as you have now noticed. Landscapers love these machines because their so versatile and compact and strong for their size but in my opinion, their no snow machine. I may get some flack for saying this, but its just my personal opinion. I hope you get your situation improved and others will chime in to offer suggestions, again, a very nice looking machine you have.

It's unfortunate there is not one machine that is the best at all tasks! I am quite happy with the tractor overall, it's a 2012, I picked it up used this Spring with only 36 hours on the clock! Snow removal was not the primary reason I purchased, I needed it for a number of other purposes around my property, including a future building project. Snow removal was a nice to have and I figure if the plow does not work out in the long run a PTO snowblower is an option.. I agree though, the machine is light in the front end, if my lane was flat I don't think I would be having the challenge I am having at the moment. With regard to float, it does work, I just have to uncurl some, the main issue I've had with float to date is the soft ground, if the blade catches on anything when in float the wheels still get picked up off the ground removing steering control. If I don't use float there is allot of positioning the loader to deal with the hills... A bit of a double edge sword.

Anyhow, thanks for your kind words, we'll see how things go once I have my wheel spacers and chains on all four wheels.

devildog1 · Jan 5, 2016

Very nice setup you have and the B26TLB is a great tractor. As you know the ground at least around here in upstate NY was not frozen until this AM(-3) this morning. The unfrozen ground makes plowing snow a chalange to say the least. When the ground freezes I'm quite sure you'll have a better grip on snow plowing, good luck.I have a Grand L3540 with a HLA 2000 84" snow plow and a LP3584 back blade which is heaver then the B26. I do 2 250' driveways and large turn around for RV, but driveways are blacktop, float works great. If heavy snows come 12" or more then back blade comes off and LA2674 three point snow blower takes care of any heavy snowfalls. I do not need to run chains on any tires as all are filled along with the weight of the HLA2000 in front along with heavy 3584 out back.
DevilDog

avc8130 · Jan 5, 2016

Backlight said:
It's unfortunate there is not one machine that is the best at all tasks! I am quite happy with the tractor overall, it's a 2012, I picked it up used this Spring with only 36 hours on the clock! Snow removal was not the primary reason I purchased, I needed it for a number of other purposes around my property, including a future building project. Snow removal was a nice to have and I figure if the plow does not work out in the long run a PTO snowblower is an option.. I agree though, the machine is light in the front end, if my lane was flat I don't think I would be having the challenge I am having at the moment. With regard to float, it does work, I just have to uncurl some, the main issue I've had with float to date is the soft ground, if the blade catches on anything when in float the wheels still get picked up off the ground removing steering control. If I don't use float there is allot of positioning the loader to deal with the hills... A bit of a double edge sword.

Anyhow, thanks for your kind words, we'll see how things go once I have my wheel spacers and chains on all four wheels.

Can you play with the plow shoes to prevent the edge from grabbing on everything? Once the ground is frozen it will probably get much easier.

ac

Backlight · Jan 5, 2016

devildog1 said:
View attachment 452707 View attachment 452708 View attachment 452709

Very nice setup you have and the B26TLB is a great tractor. As you know the ground at least around here in upstate NY was not frozen until this AM(-3) this morning. The unfrozen ground makes plowing snow a chalange to say the least. When the ground freezes I'm quite sure you'll have a better grip on snow plowing, good luck.I have a Grand L3540 with a HLA 2000 84" snow plow and a LP3584 back blade which is heaver then the B26. I do 2 250' driveways and large turn around for RV, but driveways are blacktop, float works great. If heavy snows come 12" or more then back blade comes off and LA2674 three point snow blower takes care of any heavy snowfalls. I do not need to run chains on any tires as all are filled along with the weight of the HLA2000 in front along with heavy 3584 out back.
DevilDog

Thanks! Really like your Grand L as well.

I've never plowed on frozen ground, I hope it's makes life better!

The lane is 1/3 mile (500 meters) long, wish I had a picture to show what I'm up against

It's actually a cottage property, I'll take some more pictures when I am there next.

Backlight · Jan 5, 2016

avc8130 said:
Can you play with the plow shoes to prevent the edge from grabbing on everything? Once the ground is frozen it will probably get much easier.

ac

Yup, I've raised and that has helped a bit. Think my expectations were a bit high, hoping the chains and the freeze will help things...

Gary Fowler · Jan 5, 2016

devildog1 said:
View attachment 452707 View attachment 452708 View attachment 452709

.I have a Grand L3540 with a HLA 2000 84" snow plow and a LP3584 back blade which is heaver then the B26. DevilDog

I think you better check your specs. The L 3540 according to Kubota website weighs in at 3200min. to 3700 max (approx. weight ) while the B26 weighs 4001. All things being equal with ballast, the B26 will be heavier by 300-800 pounds. I doubt that back blade will weight as much as the B26 backhoe which can be extended back if needed like a fulcrum to really put the weight of the backhoe on the rear tires and the bucket could be filled with material to increase weight.
All in all, I would take the B26 over the 3540 any day. Plus in a disaster case, the backhoe can be used to move the tractor out of a ditch if needed.

devildog1 · Jan 5, 2016

Gary Fowler said:
I think you better check your specs. The L 3540 according to Kubota website weighs in at 3200min. to 3700 max (approx. weight ) while the B26 weighs 4001. All things being equal with ballast, the B26 will be heavier by 300-800 pounds. I doubt that back blade will weight as much as the B26 backhoe which can be extended back if needed like a fulcrum to really put the weight of the backhoe on the rear tires and the bucket could be filled with material to increase weight.
All in all, I would take the B26 over the 3540 any day. Plus in a disaster case, the backhoe can be used to move the tractor out of a ditch if needed.

Hey you like what you like, you have the B26 I have the Grand L , I had a B moved up to a Grand L, each to their own. Bigger tires all the way around, more HP, my choice not yours
DevilDog

Gary Fowler · Jan 5, 2016

I did not question your choice of tractor, only that you stated the L 3540 is heavier than the B26 which is isn't, larger isn't heavier in all cases. Tractor choice depends on your use. For me the B26 works but so would the L3540 with a subframe backhoe, I just happened to find the B26 used for a good price.
I bought it to supplement my LS P7010 but found that 95% or more of my needs, the B26 is what I go to so since 2010 I have put almost 400 hours on the B26 and only about 20 on the LS. The backhoe never comes off, so the LS is only used for 3PH uses like tilling the garden and when I need to move large amounts of dirt quickly.

devildog1 · Jan 5, 2016

Gary Fowler said:
I did not question your choice of tractor, only that you stated the L 3540 is heavier than the B26 which is isn't, larger isn't heavier in all cases. Tractor choice depends on your use. For me the B26 works but so would the L3540 with a subframe backhoe, I just happened to find the B26 used for a good price.
I bought it to supplement my LS P7010 but found that 95% or more of my needs, the B26 is what I go to so since 2010 I have put almost 400 hours on the B26 and only about 20 on the LS. The backhoe never comes off, so the LS is only used for 3PH uses like tilling the garden and when I need to move large amounts of dirt quickly.

The OP was talking about maybe putting on a three point snow blower on the B26, now if backhoe was off and snow blower on weights between tractors would be a kind a close. Also the OP can't plow with the backhoe, which I thought was his main concern with front plow and chains on all tires. As I said the B26 was a great tractor for what some chores that needs to done, I had one and needed the hoe and now I don't.
DevilDog

Tomtint · Jan 5, 2016

That B26 is a great tractor, built like a tank and designed for rental use. ( drive it like you stole it and put it away wet ) ...and they take all that is thrown at them. I also have a gravel drive and have started using a snow box for snow removal. Driveway is 1000 + feet long and as long as it is not more than 4" of snow, the box is great. Once the ground is frozen there is no digging in.

JCByrd24 · Jan 5, 2016

Both plows of which there are pictures in this thread share a similar design that is contributing greatly to the issues with traction in the front and the plow digging in soft ground, and that is that neither floats from the loader frame (as far as I can tell from the pictures). Both of these plows are heavy enough not to need any sort of down pressure to properly plow snow (ice may be a different story). Using the loader float feature to follow the ground instead of a chain to lift a hinged plow mount puts a significant portion of the weight of the loader arms on the plow edge instead of the front tires, cause excess digging and traction at the plow and a lack of traction at the front tires. Modifying the plow to float independently of the loader arms would help drastically. Clever designs would allow both float but also down pressure when needed. There was a thread on here recently that did just that.

Paystar · Jan 9, 2016

Very nice Backlight!! I like that. Good choice in blades too. Horst makes good stuff.

I read some of the comments. I operate everything from my little B2620 to 992 Cat loaders. And yes there is no one machine that is perfect for everything, but with time any machine you have can do the job.

Have fun!

Backlight · Jan 9, 2016

JCByrd24 said:
Both plows of which there are pictures in this thread share a similar design that is contributing greatly to the issues with traction in the front and the plow digging in soft ground, and that is that neither floats from the loader frame (as far as I can tell from the pictures). Both of these plows are heavy enough not to need any sort of down pressure to properly plow snow (ice may be a different story). Using the loader float feature to follow the ground instead of a chain to lift a hinged plow mount puts a significant portion of the weight of the loader arms on the plow edge instead of the front tires, cause excess digging and traction at the plow and a lack of traction at the front tires. Modifying the plow to float independently of the loader arms would help drastically. Clever designs would allow both float but also down pressure when needed. There was a thread on here recently that did just that.

Sounds interesting, if you remember what thread it was I'd be keen to take a look!

Backlight · Jan 9, 2016

Wheel spacers have arrived! I'm away for the next two weeks but looking forward to installing them (and reinstalling the rear chains) when I return..

Backlight · Jan 9, 2016

Paystar said:
Very nice Backlight!! I like that. Good choice in blades too. Horst makes good stuff.

I read some of the comments. I operate everything from my little B2620 to 992 Cat loaders. And yes there is no one machine that is perfect for everything, but with time any machine you have can do the job.

Have fun!

Thanks Paystar! It's interesting, when it comes to things you enjoy frustrations are easily forgotten. Too bad I can't say the same about work