B3030 and B26

[Sully2]

I would suggest the BX23 could use the FEL to roll the bales. Again, takes a little longer, but accomplishes the same task. Is a BX23 capable of everything a 5030 can do? Well, of course not. But, in one way or another, with a little extra time, it comes pretty darn close.

Ya cant "roll" 900-1000 pound bales of hay to get them on a trailer...ya got to LIFT them!!!

But as far as the BX VS 5030 comparison goes..I cant believe your even remotly serious!!! My farmer friend pulls a 12 foot set of disks with his..and a 3-14 plow ( he had to take the 4th plow off..it couldnt handle a 4-14 setup) A BX23 would sit still and dig a 4wh drive hole in the ground

 

[bandit67]

You B2630/B3030 owners are taking this whole thing way to personal. Chill out - no one is saying that your machines are worthless pieces of junk. All we're trying to say is that for some of us, the B26 may be a better overall machine for our needs. The 200 lbs of additional FEL capacity is a big, big issue for me, and I'd like the extra 500 lbs of tractor weight that the B26 offers over the B2630/3030.

Here are some of the specs that have gotten me very interested in the B26 over the B2630/B3030 for MY NEEDS.

B2630 Weight with ROPS: 1786 lbs.

LA 403 LOADER:

Application B2630HSD
B3030HSD
B3030HSDC
B3030HSDCC
Maximum Lift Height (to bucket Pivot Pin) 84.6 in. (2150 mm)
Clearance with Attachment Dumped 67 in. (1700 mm)
Reach at Maximum Height (ROPS/CAB) 24.6 in. (625 mm)/20.2 in. (5135 mm)
Maximum Dump Angle 40 degrees
Attachment rollback angle 30 degrees
Digging Depth at bucket leveled 5 in. (127 mm)

Overall Height in Carry Position 44.7 in. (1135 mm)
Lift capacity (pivot pin) 1091 lbs (495 kg)
Lift capacity (19.7 in. forward) 783 lbs (355 kg)
Lift Capacity (bucket bottom mid point) 882 lbs (400 kg)
Breakout Force (19.7 in. forward) 1691 lbs (767 kg)
Breakout Force (pivot pin) 2314 lbs (1050 kg)


B26 weight minus TL500 loader: 2348 lbs (2976-628) That puts the B26 base machine 562 lbs heavier than the B2630 and 496 lbs heavier than the B3030.

TL500 LOADER:

Maximum Lift Height (to bucket Pivot Pin) 94.5 in. - 10" higher than the LA403
Clearance with Attachment Dumped 70 in. - 3" higher than LA403
Reach at Maximum Height 22.3 in. - 2.3" less than LA403
Maximum Dump Angle 45 degrees- 5 degrees further than LA403
Attachment rollback angle 46 degrees - 16 degrees further than LA403
Digging Depth at bucket leveled 7 in. - 2" deeper than LA403

Overall Height in Carry Position 49.5 in. - 4.8" higher than LA403
Lift capacity (pivot pin) 1300 lbs - 209 lbs more than LA403
Lift capacity (bucket bottom mid point) 1102 lbs - 220 lbs more than LA403
Breakout Force (pivot pin) 2344 lbs - 30 lbs more than LA403
Auto leveling mechanism mechanical spill guard standard - not available on LA403. I've used machines with and without, and I MUCH prefer the auto leveling bucket, pallet forks, etc.

The TL500 also comes standard with skid steer style QA - optional QA is not standard skid steer type on LA403. I prefer the loader arm geometry on the B26 over the LA403. I also like the single seat/more compact hoe of the B26 vs the B2630/3030 and Woods hoe, and the local dealers recommend seriously against the BH80X, so if something were to happen, I might have warranty issues. Even a dealer who is a TBN member who sells many B3030/BH80X combos warns that the hoe is borderline too big and extra caution needs to be exercised when using it.

Like I said earlier in a post, I started looking at the B3030, but always took issue with the FEL capacity. The better FEL of the B26 and the significantly better BT820 hoe vs the BH75 is what made me begin to very seriously consider the B26. I can get an all-Kubota machine, fully warrantied by Kubota, for only a couple thousand more, and it has more of the features I want, and is built to take quite a bit more abuse. And yes, I am impressed with the Woods hoes, but I still prefer the BT820 over the BH80X. And as was pointed out earlier, I'll take the extra 500 lbs of machine weight of the B26 TLB over the B3030 TLB setup when doing backhoe work, and also when moving heavy bucket loads, pallet loads, trees, and boulders around a not-so-flat site.

You guys got what you thought would work best for you, and I plan to get what I think works best for me - it's my money, and I'll get what I want when I'm spending it.

 

[_RaT_]

Ya cant "roll" 900-1000 pound bales of hay to get them on a trailer...ya got to LIFT them!!!

But as far as the BX VS 5030 comparison goes..I cant believe your even remotly serious!!! My farmer friend pulls a 12 foot set of disks with his..and a 3-14 plow ( he had to take the 4th plow off..it couldnt handle a 4-14 setup) A BX23 would sit still and dig a 4wh drive hole in the ground

No, but you could pull a much smaller one and eventually get something done. That is what I got out of what was being said, not that he was equating the power or that the abilities were the same.

 

[_RaT_]

You B2630/B3030 owners are taking this whole thing way to personal. Chill out - no one is saying that your machines are worthless pieces of junk. All we're trying to say is that for some of us, the B26 may be a better overall machine for our needs. The 200 lbs of additional FEL capacity is a big, big issue for me, and I'd like the extra 500 lbs of tractor weight that the B26 offers over the B2630/3030.

Here are some of the specs that have gotten me very interested in the B26 over the B2630/B3030 for MY NEEDS.

B2630 Weight with ROPS: 1786 lbs.

LA 403 LOADER:

Application B2630HSD
B3030HSD
B3030HSDC
B3030HSDCC
Maximum Lift Height (to bucket Pivot Pin) 84.6 in. (2150 mm)
Clearance with Attachment Dumped 67 in. (1700 mm)
Reach at Maximum Height (ROPS/CAB) 24.6 in. (625 mm)/20.2 in. (5135 mm)
Maximum Dump Angle 40 degrees
Attachment rollback angle 30 degrees
Digging Depth at bucket leveled 5 in. (127 mm)

Overall Height in Carry Position 44.7 in. (1135 mm)
Lift capacity (pivot pin) 1091 lbs (495 kg)
Lift capacity (19.7 in. forward) 783 lbs (355 kg)
Lift Capacity (bucket bottom mid point) 882 lbs (400 kg)
Breakout Force (19.7 in. forward) 1691 lbs (767 kg)
Breakout Force (pivot pin) 2314 lbs (1050 kg)


B26 weight minus TL500 loader: 2348 lbs (2976-628) That puts the B26 base machine 562 lbs heavier than the B2630 and 496 lbs heavier than the B3030.

TL500 LOADER:

Maximum Lift Height (to bucket Pivot Pin) 94.5 in. - 10" higher than the LA403
Clearance with Attachment Dumped 70 in. - 3" higher than LA403
Reach at Maximum Height 22.3 in. - 2.3" less than LA403
Maximum Dump Angle 45 degrees- 5 degrees further than LA403
Attachment rollback angle 46 degrees - 16 degrees further than LA403
Digging Depth at bucket leveled 7 in. - 2" deeper than LA403

Overall Height in Carry Position 49.5 in. - 4.8" higher than LA403
Lift capacity (pivot pin) 1300 lbs - 209 lbs more than LA403
Lift capacity (bucket bottom mid point) 1102 lbs - 220 lbs more than LA403
Breakout Force (pivot pin) 2344 lbs - 30 lbs more than LA403
Auto leveling mechanism mechanical spill guard standard - not available on LA403. I've used machines with and without, and I MUCH prefer the auto leveling bucket, pallet forks, etc.

The TL500 also comes standard with skid steer style QA - optional QA is not standard skid steer type on LA403. I prefer the loader arm geometry on the B26 over the LA403. I also like the single seat/more compact hoe of the B26 vs the B2630/3030 and Woods hoe, and the local dealers recommend seriously against the BH80X, so if something were to happen, I might have warranty issues. Even a dealer who is a TBN member who sells many B3030/BH80X combos warns that the hoe is borderline too big and extra caution needs to be exercised when using it.

Like I said earlier in a post, I started looking at the B3030, but always took issue with the FEL capacity. The better FEL of the B26 and the significantly better BT820 hoe vs the BH75 is what made me begin to very seriously consider the B26. I can get an all-Kubota machine, fully warrantied by Kubota, for only a couple thousand more, and it has more of the features I want, and is built to take quite a bit more abuse. And yes, I am impressed with the Woods hoes, but I still prefer the BT820 over the BH80X. And as was pointed out earlier, I'll take the extra 500 lbs of machine weight of the B26 TLB over the B3030 TLB setup when doing backhoe work, and also when moving heavy bucket loads, pallet loads, trees, and boulders around a not-so-flat site.

You guys got what you thought would work best for you, and I plan to get what I think works best for me - it's my money, and I'll get what I want when I'm spending it.

Good post. The lift height of the loader is huge, that would sway it considerably in favor of the B26 if the need to load a dumpster was important. Rollback is also significant. I have used both auto level and non leveling buckets and easily adjust to either. I can raise forks flat with non auto level. It just takes practice and familiarity with the machine your on. If you have no need to remove the loader, the integral loader does not develop the play you will eventually get with one that removes. I really like the option of removing the loader but after having both, a dedicated loader is a bit nicer for pure loader work. Whats a B2630 with the Woods hoe/loader or Woods hoe/kubota loader ultimately cost? I bet it easily is in the $20K range. Is it HST? Finally, kudos, it is your money and you spend it the way you wish!!!

 

[mikeyd]

Ya cant "roll" 900-1000 pound bales of hay to get them on a trailer...ya got to LIFT them!!!

Seems to me you could use a ramp.

Look, I am not saying a BX23 can pull a 3 bottom plow, I am not saying a BX23 can pull a 12' disc. Remember, I own the 5030, it's my neighbor with the BX23. I am saying a BX23 can pull A plow and it can pull A disc, albiet quite a bit smaller. Same TASK as a 5030, just takes longer. Of course I realize that it wouldn't make a ton of sense to use a small tractor to cultivate a 100 acres. That's why I concur with the many who feel you should buy the most tractor you can for your intended use.

I stand by my original point, don't get caught up in the relatively minor differences in the specs of tractors in the same class when, as a practical matter, the major difference in specs of tractors in vastly different classes doesn't mean that you can't accomplish the same tasks. As the many owners of the BX series on this site have proven time and time again, where there's a will there's a way. In deciding on what tractor to buy, one might better spend time deciding which tractor in its class is the most versitile for its intended use, and don't drive yourself nuts because one tractor has 11% more breakout force but the other lifts to max height one half second quicker, but the other tractor can lift 100 more pounds, but the other tractor can........................

 

[digger2]

bandit67,
thanks for putting those specs. on...i've been meaning to look them up.
Oh,i do know at least one advantage the B2630/3030's have
over the B26....the B26 has no PTO for a MMM.Rear PTO only.Thats what my dealer pointed out to me.That could
definetly make a difference when it comes to making a choice.Maybe its already been pointed out. digger2

 

[Sully2]

bandit67,
thanks for putting those specs. on...i've been meaning to look them up.
Oh,i do know at least one advantage the B2630/3030's have
over the B26....the B26 has no PTO for a MMM.Rear PTO only.Thats what my dealer pointed out to me.That could
definetly make a difference when it comes to making a choice.Maybe its already been pointed out. digger2

ANNNDDDD Ya cant get a cab on the B26...which some people say that really have to have..??

 

[_RaT_]

bandit67,
thanks for putting those specs. on...i've been meaning to look them up.
Oh,i do know at least one advantage the B2630/3030's have
over the B26....the B26 has no PTO for a MMM.Rear PTO only.Thats what my dealer pointed out to me.That could
definetly make a difference when it comes to making a choice.Maybe its already been pointed out. digger2

The L48, L39 and the B26 are TLB's, designed more for a landscaper or even for utility construction where a industrial is not needed. To try and make it also a lawn mower using a MMM with a fixed loader is not that good of an idea. Lawn compaction comes to mind as does manuverability.

 

[DiezNutz]

You B2630/B3030 owners are taking this whole thing way to personal. Chill out

Hello there Pot, I'm the Kettle. You seem at least as wound up as anyone else here.

I'd like the extra 500 lbs of tractor weight that the B26 offers over the B2630/3030.

I have to point out, AGAIN, that if you set up a B2630/B3030 with a FEL and 4-pt mount BH, that EACH of those implements comes with a very substantial subframe, grille guard, hydraulics, etc. that gets mounted to the tractor. Throw in the hard canopy (or cab), and I think your 500# weight difference is all but gone.

Thank you for the detailed B26 FEL specs, I hadn't found them. So it does have a some extra capacity and could be considered "better". Maybe that's where the extra $$K's come in.

... and the significantly better BT820 hoe vs the BH75 ...

But not "significantly better" than the BH80-X. And as I tried to point out with an earlier post, the two are very comparable and if you have to be careful with one, then all things considered, you have to be just as careful with the other - right? Also I don't think your local dealers' concerns over the BH80-X are shared by all - some dealers steer people towards the Woods line. I have enough faith in Woods that if the BH80-X were a serious enough problem for the B-series, then Woods would strongly discourage it, and wouldn't have designed and sold a subframe and hardware to mount to it. "All-Kubota" isn't always best, as I'm sure anyone on this site with non-Kubota implements would have to admit (or they wouldn't have bought them). In the case of the BT820 though, it looks like Kubota learned from some earlier BH mistakes/shortcomings, because at least on paper it looks like they brought their A-game.

You guys got what you thought would work best for you, and I plan to get what I think works best for me - it's my money, and I'll get what I want when I'm spending it.

And you should. I don't think anybody's trying to tell you or anyone else what to buy. Speaking for myself, I'll jump in whenever I think there is misinformation being given, opinions being passed off as facts, especially with and no real facts or figures to substantiate them. I like folks being able to make well-informed decisions.
It is just my opinion however that the B26 was created for the commercial contractor who wants a turn-key TLB solution, and doesn't have the time/patience/interest to transform a tractor into one - Kubota did it for 'em. I don't thinks it's really designed for or marketed toward the private property owner, and that for most of us a B-series would be a comparable yet overall more versatile solution.

 

[_RaT_]

And you should. I don't think anybody's trying to tell you or anyone else what to buy. Speaking for myself, I'll jump in whenever I think there is misinformation being given, opinions being passed off as facts, especially with and no real facts or figures to substantiate them. I like folks being able to make well-informed decisions.
It is just my opinion however that the B26 was created for the commercial contractor who wants a turn-key TLB solution, and doesn't have the time/patience/interest to transform a tractor into one - Kubota did it for 'em. I don't thinks it's really designed for or marketed toward the private property owner, and that for most of us a B-series would be a comparable yet overall more versatile solution.

Thank You for this service , over the years here we see this comment now and then. The next thing we see is questioning of new information of the questionable information. In other words, whoose "facts" are more factual. You brought up things to be aware of and also point out what may well be the difference in weight. I find with weight it often comes down to weights being taken with various configurations, ie., tires and rims vs no tires and rims, loader, fluids, etc. There is no question after having owned a L48 and then a L3830 you get a whole bunch more versatility with the non TLB models. For the typical homeowner, I would much prefer the removable loader models. For pure loader use, the TLB wins if for no other reason then you simply do not get the play that will develop in the loader attachment points. I have yet to see a B26 but after having the L48, the one thing that I really liked about it over any of the non TLB's was the way the 3 point implements attached. The L48 had a much more robust attachment on the lower links. My L3830 did not (ask me how I tested this ) The loader also had fewer creaks as the hours accumulated.

 

[Sully2]

But not "significantly better" than the BH80-X. And as I tried to point out with an earlier post, the two are very comparable and if you have to be careful with one, then all things considered, you have to be just as careful with the other - right? Also I don't think your local dealers' concerns over the BH80-X are shared by all - some dealers steer people towards the Woods line. I have enough faith in Woods that if the BH80-X were a serious enough problem for the B-series, then Woods would strongly discourage it, and wouldn't have designed and sold a subframe and hardware to mount to it. "All-Kubota" isn't always best, as I'm sure anyone on this site with non-Kubota implements would have to admit (or they wouldn't have bought them). In the case of the BT820 though, it looks like Kubota learned from some earlier BH mistakes/shortcomings, because at least on paper it looks like they brought their A-game.

One of the Kubota dealer nearest me ( NOT the one I bought from..Im sad to say) but the one my friend with the L5030 bought from...sets ALL of his Kubota's up with Woods FEL's ( less $$ than Kubota and more lifting power) and if a guy wants a BH...suggests Woods for that also ( again..much less $$) My friend bought the Woods BH for his L5030 ( with cab) because Kubota dont offer a cab / BH combo with ANY of their CUT's. Woods simply made the "frame" a tad longer to accomodate a seat. Kubota still hasnt figured that out yet!!!

 

[_RaT_]

One of the Kubota dealer nearest me ( NOT the one I bought from..Im sad to say) but the one my friend with the L5030 bought from...sets ALL of his Kubota's up with Woods FEL's ( less $$ than Kubota and more lifting power) and if a guy wants a BH...suggests Woods for that also ( again..much less $$) My friend bought the Woods BH for his L5030 ( with cab) because Kubota dont offer a cab / BH combo with ANY of their CUT's. Woods simply made the "frame" a tad longer to accomodate a seat. Kubota still hasnt figured that out yet!!!

I like Woods products, they make a lot of nice products. They also for a time made Kubotas hoes. I have used Woods loaders and quite frankly still prefer the ones that Kubota supplies. Maybe its a mind thing but everything about the Kubota loaders from fit, finish and control(s) just seem more refined. Cost, it was a push for the L3830 I had. The Woods hoe was about $900 cheaper then the Kubota and I think was better. I don't recall the model. Cabs are not that typical out here unless your a farmer but then, you don't buy compacts out here for that either.

 

[DiezNutz]

... everything about the Kubota loaders from fit, finish and control(s) just seem more refined.

Is it also true, that at least on some Woods loaders, it's only a 4-way as opposed to 7-way joystick? Meaning you can't do any simultaneous boom and bucket op. In the case of the Kubota LA403, there weren't really any shortcomings that pushed me to look any other other FEL (unlike the BH). I have zero complaints. Maybe a quick-tach bucket would be nice, but for not alot of money I could modify mine with an ATI, etc. coupler.

 

[DiezNutz]

The next thing we see is questioning of new information of the questionable information. In other words, whoose "facts" are more factual.

Uh...OK.

... I find with weight it often comes down to weights being taken with various configurations, ie., tires and rims vs no tires and rims, loader, fluids, etc.

Absolutely true. And let's not forget operator weights can vary as much as 200 lbs, maybe more if they ate half an X-large pizza for lunch.

For pure loader use, the TLB wins if for no other reason then you simply do not get the play that will develop in the loader attachment points.

Gee I really hope not. I keep everything squeaky clean, tight, and lubed like there's no tomorrow. Then again I'm not using it 40 or even 20 hrs/week either.

 

[_RaT_]

Uh...OK.

Absolutely true. And let's not forget operator weights can vary as much as 200 lbs, maybe more if they ate half an X-large pizza for lunch.

Gee I really hope not. I keep everything squeaky clean, tight, and lubed like there's no tomorrow. Then again I'm not using it 40 or even 20 hrs/week either.

That loader attachment point at least with respect to the L30 series uses a pin about 1.25 to 1.5" in diameter. You can grease it, but the play will develop. The pivot points of course should get regular greasing, but no matter how often or how much you grease, the bucket pivots take the brunt of the load and thus always seem to wear the quickest. With 600 hours on my L3830, you knew the bucket pivots were no longer original. The loader arms, not so much.

Your comment about getting the facts straight from the fiction was kind of aimed at me. I saw so many false claims about why HST was a bad idea. Many of the contributors had probably in my estimate either read about HST or sat on a tractor at the dealer, drove it around the lot and hated it. It takes more then that.

 

[mike69440]

I've never had the BH on the L39 of other than to proove to myself it can come off. I have a brand new 2 year old 6' land pride Box Blade that I hooked up to my neighbors new L3400HST with QA463 loader and R4 loated tires.

The only other time I ran and worked an HST hard was a JD 3700 Series in a maure pile. I did not care for the JD. I had no problem with the Kubota HST and liked that you could move it a fraction of an inch. HST is nice for loader work.

Both GST and HST are nice set-ups. Each gas their plus and minus points.

With the Box Blade, Top and Tilt would be really slick!

 

[ChuckinNH]

I guess that I have to throw my nickel's worth in here. It's easy to get fixed on certain options, but there is usually some reasonable compromise. How about a B2630 TLB, and the finish mower of choice? The B2630 is every bit as capable as the B3030 (in fact has a slightly higher hydraulic flow) for TLB work. Just because the backhoe can be removed easily doesn't mean that it ever has to be. The difference in price between that, and a B26 for example would probably buy you a very nice ZTR, and you could have them both at the same time.... Or, you could buy one before you could be able to buy the B26. The bh75 on the B2630 is not as powerful, or have as much reach as the B26 setup, but I think a lot of work could be done with it.

 

[The Gardener]

Hi Chuck,

All very good considerations. Thank you for taking the time to toss in your ideas. I cannot say enough thanks to everyone for the amazing input and assistance that I have received because of this thread.

Reading through this thread and adding further discussions via PM's and e-mails with owners of just about every piece of equipment that Kubota makes, I think I have reached a decision. Budget will ultimately determine how we proceed time wise, but I feel confident that our two machine plan is one that would answer all of our present and future needs for years and years to come.

As I type, I am looking at a large excavator parked on our furthest field. He's about to descend into the woods for more field creation.

My cutting will eventually reach 6-7 acres of lawn and field. Presently, I cut about 3.5 acres with a riding mower. It's a long, hot effort and I am under constant attack from black flies, mosquitos, deer fly, and horse fly. Bug netting is 100% successful at deflecting their attacks, but it adds to the heat and discomfort of the cutting effort. Early evening cuts help with the heat, but the motor heat is unavoidable and the bug attacks intensify after sundown.

This has me aiming for a B3030 with a cab and A/C. I think I will chance the 72" MMM deck to lessen the time of the cut.

The excavator hiring has been ongoing for many years. It won't cease even after we acquire a TLB, but I can certainly reduce their hours by handling a percentage of the work and all of the clean-up. At $100+ per hour, that is a huge savings. In time, they will be gone for good. Until that time, I want to be less dependent on them.

This has me targeting the B26. It's size and weight are ideal for the range of areas and terrain that we will use it on.

Budget will require at least two years between purchases unless my wife's sculpture sales increase beyond her current pattern. I plan to buy the B26 first: hopefully next May [2008]. The TLB needs are seemingly endless, and the enjoyment of actually achieving some plans that have been on the back burner for years is very exciting. I can still cut grass with the riding mower whereas we cannot pick up rocks, trees, and dig without a TLB.
I really want a hydraulic thumb. I have used one. I loved it.

The zero-turn would not work on our varied terrain. We have some sloped areas that require 4WD. We have some teeth jarring areas on the fields that would notbe ideal for a zero-turn. And, I'd still be in that bug netting albeit for a much shorter time period.

I fear my casket will include bug netting.

If our plans hold and our budget remains predictable, I hope to purchase a B3030 [or its replacement] with a cab, A/C, a 72" MMM, and a FEL in May [2010] or May [2011]. That should time out perfectly with the last of the woods clearing efforts and ensuing field creations.

My sincere thanks, again, to everyone for your amazing assistance!!!

The Gardener

 

[mike69440]

I feel your pain on this decision. Let me give you som hindsight. Hindsight has the experience factor that even the best forsight does not have.

I have a L39, additionly beefed, weighted, and reinforced to do as much as can be asked of a wheeled +8,000 lb 37 net BHP beefed up farm tractor can be expected.

If I were doing medium landscape projects, I would be all set. I even bought a 18,000 Lb used Komatsu PC-75 excavator to help the L39, but all this seems to acomplish so far is overload the L39 as a rock/dirt transporter. The excavator has broken down twice, but is basically a good machine and I expect not to get rid of it anytime soon. My project list is very long.

The 1/4 mile road I have well roughed in is 5 feet of material in spots, about 1800-2000 yards. I did at least 25% of the material moving and just about all of the fine work with the L39. Between clearing, blasting, Wetland Studies & permits, excvator, dozer, Loader, and Dump truck hireouts, and many Tri axale loads of processed material used in the upper layers, this road has run about $40K. It is a heck of a road. I still have work to appease the wetland people and I want to line the length of both sides of the road with boulders. The PC75 will help.

The house plans are just as grand. I have about 800 yds of additional blast spoils to move, plus about 100 yds. of organic material.

Area for the house served as a gravel pit for the road, and a basement hole is started. The hole is about 40% there as far as total material left to move.

I started digging with the Excavator and L39.
I fiqure with 1500 L39 bucket loads, my wife and I could do in about 120 hours. We would place the material to build up an area for a fuel depot and metal building for the L39 and PC75, B7200 etc. next ot an unused unfenced outdoor riding rink.

I'm finally coming to the point.
I have decided I need a 5-8 yard dump truck and lots of time or I'm going to hire the bsement out, at least to the extent I did the road. Hire out wins! Even so, I will keep the PC-75 and L39 well excercised. (Septic, back fill foundation, grading , trenching for electric, well, pond, trail, and wall building.)

My recomendation:
Untill you get to the point of doing ground maintenence, the B3030 and B26 just won't cut it if unless you are thinking typical suburban yard scale kind of stuff. I think you will be hiring out more than you like.

I can only suggest you consider a used larger machine and deal with the gras cutting with what you currently have. I would look at a used L35 or if you want to do some of the real excavator stuff a IR B370 or B570 or a Case 580 etc. A plain old mechanical thumb will work.

Shiny new tractors do not stay shiny new. Get a working machine.

Start saving then towards a small L or big B series tractor for the ground maintenence stuff, as by the time you are finished with those 7 acres, you will need it.

Note: 7-8 arces of cleared area is the same size as our project.

 

[The Gardener]

My recomendation:
Untill you get to the point of doing ground maintenence, the B3030 and B26 just won't cut it if unless you are thinking typical suburban yard scale kind of stuff.

I actually think we are closer to ground maintenance than I might have conveyed. Our garden efforts have become a major focus now that they are in their 9th year of development. We hand built the entire garden system using a pitch fork, a shovel, a wheel barrel, and the car to drag some larger stones on a plywood raft. All of the rock staircases and pathways are well under way with many more stones to add. It has been a passionate endeavor, but age and loftier ideas have finally dictated the need for some hydraulic assistance.

We want to add a very small pond off the back deck [maybe 10' x 6' in a cloud shape] and tie all of the gardens together with this pond [water feature as the center piece]. Stone placement in the gardens and further tree work down below are part of this plan. I think those types of efforts fall under the description of ground maintenance. I like that term. It seems very appropriate when compared to projects that require larger equipment. Other than further woods clearing efforts to open more field space and our desire to plant some lower growing trees in specific locations to add color and interest while preserving the view, the hiring out looks to be nearing the end.

I did give serious consideration to a different tandem: the L39 and a Kubota mini excavator. I really love both of those machines. But, my skill level, the time I have available to use this equipment, and the length of time [and the amount of work] we'd truly require the services of two substantial machines such as those made me re-think this decision. Our property can certainly support and justify larger equipment, but our inner conscience would most likely see this as overkill. We're just not at that level as operators.

I think we can tackle most of the remaining projects with a B26: especially clean-up and tree handling. I also think I am better off bringing in the experts with their larger equipment to do the major woods clearing that still remains. They're so fast, so efficient, and so good at what they do that it seems to be the best bang for the dollar. I typically drop trees while they are here, and they grab and pile them for me. It's a nice workout, and to see them flung into a perfect pile sure makes the effort seem worthwhile.

If I am lucky, Kubota may add a smaller mowing option with a cab and A/C than the B3030 by time we are able to make that purchase. I certainly do not need a tractor as powerful as the B3030 to be a mower, primarily. That is overkill, and I wish I could avoid such an elevated expense. But, A/C is something that I would like to enjoy, and, for now, the B3030 is the smallest option Kubota has to offer.

If they added a cab and A/C to the BX24, I'd buy that as my lawn mower and be elated with its 60" MMM. That would be awesome.

Any chance any of you see the BX24 or its replacement offering a cab and A/C in the future???