Do TLBs make "bad" tractors?

[avc8130]

I apologize for all of the confusion I have caused by using the term "TLB". I figured since I was posting in the Kubota Owning/Operating forum I would have a captive audience that could discuss specifically those models KUBOTA refers to as "TLB" versus those that they refer to as "tractors".

ac

 

[rdsaustintx]

I apologize for all of the confusion I have caused by using the term "TLB". I figured since I was posting in the Kubota Owning/Operating forum I would have a captive audience that could discuss specifically those models KUBOTA refers to as "TLB" versus those that they refer to as "tractors".

It isn't just the use of TLB that is confusing. It is the reference to "bad tractors". Any configuration of a "tractor" has specific benefits. That's why they make so many types.

For the small Kubotas (BX & B series), it is the breadth of capabilities that makes them "good". Your laundry list of tasks sounds very suitable.

 

[troutsqueezer]

I bought a B21 TLB sans backhoe. I have a box blade and a grader blade attachment for it. Its primary jobs are to cut new roads into the side of my hill (permeated by rocks), move large rocks to build rock walls, maintain two miles of dirt and gravel roads and move felled trees up and down slopes to provide me access for chainsawing. I consistently dig out and pull or push rocks that weigh too much to carry around in the bucket. Its small size allows me to move around the property without damaging the landscaping my wife has worked so hard to install. For these purposes, it is a fantastic tractor.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I apologize for all of the confusion I have caused by using the term "TLB". I figured since I was posting in the Kubota Owning/Operating forum I would have a captive audience that could discuss specifically those models KUBOTA refers to as "TLB" versus those that they refer to as "tractors".

ac

You don't owe any apology. You didn't cause confusion. There are confused people. Always have been, still are and always will be. They are confused on their own without help.
I agree, this is a Kubota owners forum and Kubota refers to their tractors as Tractors (T) and then those that are bought with a Loader (L) and Backhoe (B) as surprise surprise TLB's if it comes with all three parts and not add ons. I used to work for Caterpillar Dealer but I don't confuse or carry over terminology from Cats to Kubotas.
OK Kubota forum and Kubota lists with capacities their TLBs. Here again is a web page from Kubota with their different models of what they call TLB's. Maybe have to refer to them as Kubota TLB's to keep everyone on the same page.
KUBOTA TLB

 

[unbidden]

I apologize for all of the confusion I have caused by using the term "TLB". I figured since I was posting in the Kubota Owning/Operating forum I would have a captive audience that could discuss specifically those models KUBOTA refers to as "TLB" versus those that they refer to as "tractors".

ac

I say bring on the acronyms; I'm still a tractor newbie and welcome trying to search, sort and decipher the lingo. It's all a part of the learning curve.

 

[TripleR]

I apologize for all of the confusion I have caused by using the term "TLB". I figured since I was posting in the Kubota Owning/Operating forum I would have a captive audience that could discuss specifically those models KUBOTA refers to as "TLB" versus those that they refer to as "tractors".

ac

In agreement with John, the "fault" lies not with you. At time we are like herding cats and tend to wander astray. Being mud bound and unable to use our tractors often exacerbates the situation.

 

[955Lincoln]

I have a full size dedicated back hoe and it sucks trying to use it for anything else because it is big and clumsy.

I have a small tractor that will not easily accept a front loader but it is great for getting around in my tight woods and for 3-point implements.

I still want a regular ole tractor with a front end loader. When I want to move material around or lift things, which is quite often, I want to be able to jump into something and go without taking this or that off of the machine.

I feel that it depends on your wants, needs, future projects, wallet, storage, lay of your land, time, etc. Considerations that apply to YOUR situation and how efficient you want to be with your work.

 

[Tom_H]

I apologize for all of the confusion I have caused by using the term "TLB". I figured since I was posting in the Kubota Owning/Operating forum I would have a captive audience that could discuss specifically those models KUBOTA refers to as "TLB" versus those that they refer to as "tractors".

ac

You don't need to apologize about anything. We are just having a good ole discussion, and that's a good thing. Too many people these days, especially online, can't agree to disagree. They have to get their knickers all in wad over the least little thing. Being able to talk and remain civil while disagreeing has become a lost art, something we need to resurect.

You don't owe any apology. You didn't cause confusion. There are confused people. Always have been, still are and always will be. They are confused on their own without help.

You are a good man JT. You give me lots 'a good laughs and plenty of good food for thought. Have a good week.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

You don't need to apologize about anything. We are just having a good ole discussion, and that's a good thing. Too many people these days, especially online, can't agree to disagree. They have to get their knickers all in wad over the least little thing. Being able to talk and remain civil while disagreeing has become a lost art, something we need to resurect.



You are a good man JT. You give me lots 'a good laughs and plenty of good food for thought. Have a good week.

I enjoy discussions with you Tom. I really do. There are some pot shoters on some forums that take a shot and run and I don't have alot of patience with them but most of us on here respect each others differing (wrong:laughing opinions and we do ponder the discussion. I do.
I've learned a storehouse of knowledge from the members on this forum and try to filter and retain some of it. Some of it I just throw away after a short chew and there's no flavor. I try to learn new information and also try to pass on something I've learned that has saved me money, time and/or skin. I think most of us do the same.
You need to bump or do another storage thread for those that haven't seen it. We need to always remember there are new people entering all the time that need tractor related info.
Have a great week.

 

[RayCo]

Now that I know TLB = backhoe, well I guess because they just are not near as versatile. Can't put a mower on it as far as I know. If you own a farm and are always digging up tile or something, you would probably want one. What's the average homeowner going to do with a backhoe?

I found it funny that after I bought a TLB (BX24), I started noticing many homes that have backhoes sitting around, that I'd never noticed before. In fact, including my house, 3 of the 5 closest houses have one. Mine's the smallest of all, since one's a Case 580 and another is a Deere comparable in size to an L series Kubota.

The average home owner who has at least a little bit of land discovers loads of uses after getting one!

 

[TripleR]

I found it funny that after I bought a TLB (BX24), I started noticing many homes that have backhoes sitting around, that I'd never noticed before. In fact, including my house, 3 of the 5 closest houses have one. Mine's the smallest of all, since one's a Case 580 and another is a Deere comparable in size to an L series Kubota.

The average home owner who has at least a little bit of land discovers loads of uses after getting one!

Just depends, we have three farms and our Case backhoe hasn't moved in years. There are very few people in my area that owns one of any size.

 

[avc8130]

The TLB's I was referring to are a far cry from the full-size Case machines. The M59 blurs that line a bit, but that is larger than I was talking about.
ac

 

[TripleR]

The TLB's I was referring to are a far cry from the full-size Case machines. The M59 blurs that line a bit, but that is larger than I was talking about.
ac

My only point is that some people need a back hoe option and some don't no matter what you call it. By owning the dedicated back hoe, we realize we don't need one, so a TLB has never been a serious question.

Now we used the heck out of it for a couple of years or so when we were building houses, doing septic tanks and such. Now a back hoe of any type is just wasted space as we will just rent an excavator if we need to do some digging.

I am NOT knocking TLB/back hoes, just stating that not everyone needs one and they are not in much use around here somewhat to my surprise as they seem almost universal in other areas.

 

[Sox Fan]

I found it funny that after I bought a TLB (BX24), I started noticing many homes that have backhoes sitting around, that I'd never noticed before. In fact, including my house, 3 of the 5 closest houses have one. Mine's the smallest of all, since one's a Case 580 and another is a Deere comparable in size to an L series Kubota.

The average home owner who has at least a little bit of land discovers loads of uses after getting one!

I have 4 acres of undeveloped land I will build on (although not as soon as I'd like). Been looking at TLBs (Kubota definition) and full size backhoes for a while, seems that an older full size machine can be had for about the same cost as a compact TLB if you shop around.

For me part of the decision was the ability to transport it from where I live to where I will build and anywhere else, but the major part of the decision is long term use vs short term use. A full size backhoe would be more useful in the initial development of the land but much less so afterwards, the reverse is also true.

I decided I would look for the smaller TLB and since my truck has a towing capacity of 5,500lbs I opted for the B21 (didn稚 want to pay for a new B26). I got just the implements the B21 TLB came with although forks are on the shopping list. As I make more progress a chipper, then small tiller and eventually a mid mounted mower are likely. Renting a post hole digger is also a real possibility as I don稚 see long term use likely.

 

[dougtrr2]

Here is the list:

Firewood operations. Move downed trees. Apply pressure to felling trees. Relocated pallets full of firewood from seasoning area to burning area. Tow around log splitter.

The safety police will get you for that one. Seriously, in the various discussion using a tractor to apply pressure to a tree being felled is not considered a good idea. Too much to go wrong. Some get away with it, but not a good practice.

Take Care
Doug in SW IA

 

[avc8130]

The safety police will get you for that one. Seriously, in the various discussion using a tractor to apply pressure to a tree being felled is not considered a good idea. Too much to go wrong. Some get away with it, but not a good practice.

Take Care
Doug in SW IA

Doug,
I appreciate the advice, but I probably didn't write that the way I meant it. I didn't mean with the bucket leaning on the tree. I meant with the tractor pulling away from the tree through a tackle. That way the intent is the tractor and tree are going opposite directions. We do this regularly with an atv and it seems to work out ok.
ac

 

[Carl Bert]

I decided I would look for the smaller TLB and since my truck has a towing capacity of 5,500lbs I opted for the B21 (didn稚 want to pay for a new B26). I got just the implements the B21 TLB came with although forks are on the shopping list. As I make more progress a chipper, then small tiller and eventually a mid mounted mower are likely. Renting a post hole digger is also a real possibility as I don稚 see long term use likely.

A mid mount mower on a B21? Are you sure about that?

 

[Wacky]

I, for one who owns a SCUT "TLB", would not have it any other way. I thought maybe I would just rent a BH when needed. But the convenience of being able to hook to it, in just a couple of minutes, and use it when ever, is a BIG plus to me. I don't use it every week, or every month, for that matter. For the difference in price and the resale value, I believe it is a worthy investment. You will always find something to do with a SMALL BH, than a dedicated one, being that it is MUCH more maneuverable than a dedicated BH. But, also keep in mind that there are limits to SCUT TLB's. They are very handy IMHO.:thumbsup:

 

[Stonehaller]

I use my L39 as a general purpose tractor. I often take the backhoe off and use the 3 point for brush hogging, back blade, box blade and snow blower. I see where ryer says he can swap from backhoe to 3 point in 15 minutes. I suppose that if you hurried you could do it that time, but I take about 30 minutes to do mine. It definitely helps to have a nice level area to take the backhoe on and off. I use the cement floor in my barn.

The self-leveling loader on the L39 is great for pallet forks. However, the non-detachable loader can be a drawback. There have been times I wished I could take the loader off for better maneuverability.

 

[Sox Fan]

A mid mount mower on a B21? Are you sure about that?

Nope.... must have confused too many listings during my search....