TLB or similar - single seat backhoe

[Timmerduder]

Hi all,
I'm new here but have been looking around, what a great site!! Thank you

I recently sold my IH500C crawler loader after doing all the big jobs on my property. I have just over 10ac and now am planning on major ditching, working on my started rock pit as well as the typical 3pt operations like tilling, disking, brush hogging, clearing etc. I'm looking for a tractor that I will use for several years to come, now it's a weekend deal but we plan on retiring in 5 years and then it will be more full time. I have been looking at everything from Kubota's including the B21 TLB, to JD's, New Hollands, Kioti, Montana, etc. pretty much in the 30-35HP range and 4X4. I'm thinking that for the ditching I'm planning on, I need a unit that I don't have to dismount to move, it seems that's a lot to ask. Any feedback and info is greatly appreciated. You can see my property at http://timmerduder.com/property.htm

Thanks!

 

[MarkV]

Hi Tim, welcome to the forum. Looks like you have a nice piece of property to build on.

Most of the compact tractors on the market can be set up for backhoe/loader work. When you said you wanted to use a single seat for both operations you have narrowed the field to just a few though. If you have looked at the Kubota TLB series then you have seen the B21, L39 and L48 TLB’s. John Deere has the 110 and Yanmar has come out with a new one that offers a 3pt hitch also.

I have a B21 and an L39 Kubota which have both been good machines for me. The B21 with 21hp is a bit under the power range you mentioned and although the driving seat flips around for backhoe use you do have to dismount the tractor to get on the backhoe. Very good machine and capable but after using a crawler I would suspect you would find it kind of slow for the work you mentioned. The L39 is the closest of the dedicated TLB’s to the horsepower range you are looking at. Very capable and I would think that it would fit your needs very well if the budget can handle the 32 -35k price range. Do a search on the forum for “L39” to see some of what those who own one are using them for. The L48 and JD 110 are a little bigger, heavier, and more powerful than the L39. The spec’s are closer than one would expect though with the biggest difference being the transmission. The L39 has a GST, Glide Shift Transmission, where the other two have an HST, hydrostatic transmission like the B21. The Yanmar is a new player and I don’t know anyone who has one yet.

Good luck, stick around, we love to spend others money on new tractors. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MarkV

 

[mike69440]

Before I bought the larger piece of land I had the Kioti 3054S TLB on order and canceled out to buy the L39.

The hydraulic GPM on the Kioti is half the L39 and the BH is a tiny 7-1/2 ft hoe. Strong loader rated at real low hydraulic pressure. Bigger and stronger than the B21, I don't think you want it as you need at least an L35 or up.

I agree a crawler is a lot more of a dirt pusher than a tractor.
sounds like you want 40-70 hp with some weight.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I don't see that you need the power of the L39, nor the price!
Why not check out the Kioti DK35 with a Woods backhoe. That tractor would do everything you need to do, and do it well.
I think you would like it much better than the 3054, and it would cost a whole lot less than the L3X.
John

 

[YanmarFever]

Tim
I went to your website & I have to say that I admire a man that can buy his wife a log splitter and get away with it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
You got a secret ? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Ernie

 

[slaveToHorses]

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( Tim
I went to your website & I have to say that I admire a man that can buy his wife a log splitter and get away with it)</font>
Hey I got one better.
When we got married, instead of a fancy wedding ring, my wife chose a simple band (no stones) and a 60hp tractor and 8" chipper!! I'm serious! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
On the other hand, I am a slave to her horses... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Oh, yeah TLB's...
I also vote for either the Kubota L39, L48 or Deere 110. You are going to want to dig out west coast tree roots and your are going to want to make that pond bigger. You are going to want a more serious backhoe.
I really don't think you are going to be happy in the end, with the typical tractor + backhoe units. Personally, if you can swing it, I would choose the L48 or 110. The hydro is wonderfull and those are just big enough to dig out root balls without spending an hour digging out all around it.