New (to me) B21 TLB

[NC4AB]

I'm not an expert on the B series but I spent several months looking and comparing different models before settling on a used B21. Here are some random comments:

If your primary use is going to be the backhoe, go with a B21. The B21 is heavier than the other models but still could use some more weight to help with the backhoe work.

The Backhoe comes off the B21 very easily and all the 3 pt hitch pieces are stored on the loader frame, so you can swap between the BH and the 3 pt hitch attachments in about 15 - 20 minutes.

The FEL is not a quick attach on the B21. It would be a major undertaking to get it off the tractor.

The B21 is very agile and I have been very pleased with the HST. I tried out an L35 with the GST and preferred the HST.

If you are wanting a mid mount mower go with something other than a B21, the B21 doesn't have a mid mount PTO.

The loader is great for moving dirt, but if you are comfortable with a scrape blade you can level a driveway much quicker with the blade.

Andy
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NC Certified Firefighter III / Instructor II / EMT-A
FCC Licensed Technician / Amateur Call NC4AB / Echolink Node 5761

 

[AceDeuce]

I'd be VERY careful about buying something out of a rental fleet. Yes, it's probably been fairly well maintained mechanically. But rentals take a lot of abuse from careless and inexperienced operators.

 

[MarkV]

Design, welcome to the forum. It sure is hard to decide which tractor will do the best at most of the jobs we want to do. None of them do all the jobs best.

The B21 is Kubota’s smallest commercial tractor, loader, backhoe (TLB) combination. The heart of the TLB series is the integrated frame to support the loader and backhoe. You will find it much stouter than the frames on the other B series tractors and adds a good amount of weight. It also runs stronger hydraulics than most other tractors in its size range so the backhoe and loader have greater power. In the woods the 4 pt. ROPS with reinforced canopy is great protection from falling objects. The B21 is arguably one of the strongest tractors in its horsepower range.

With everything there is trade offs. As mentioned the loader can not be removed from the B21 for mowing or maneuverability as it can on the other tractors. No mid PTO for a belly mower. It is heavy for its size which is good for dirt and woods work, but not as good for mowing and yard work. It is also pretty light on PTO horsepower at 13.5. That limits you to smaller implements that require PTO power like rotary mowers, finish mowers, tillers and chippers.

Which to buy? All the models you mentioned would do the job for you. Think hard on what your greatest needs will be now and in the future. The B21 has the advantage of the backhoe and would be the smallest for getting into tight places. The other two would offer more PTO power for larger implements. You can add a backhoe to the other tractors but it comes with a big price tag.

Good luck,
MarkV

PS; I use a 6’ blade on my B21 and for the L series tractors I would look at 7’. Remember when you angle a blade you still want it to cover the width of the tractor.

 

[design]

Thank you for all of the helpful comments. We own a lawn mower, therefore I do not expect to cut grass with the tractor. Snow removal and light landscaping will be the primary uses. Any idea why the b21 is so different than the other b series tractors. It seems more like the smaller of the L series tractors.
Design

 

[MarkV]

The reason it is so different than the other ‘B’ tractors is its commercial heritage. Kubota designed it for contractors and rental agencies where it sees a harder life than tractors used mostly by private land owners. It also has to meet OSHA standards, falling object protection (FOPS), which is why it has the 4 post canopy system. In Atlanta the main gas company has a fleet of them they use for repairs. All of its beef comes with a price though. In the new market you can get a 30hp B series tractor with a backhoe for much less than the lesser powered B21. On the plus side they hold their value well and are hard to find used so there is always a demand.

MarkV