TLB Questions

[Stick895]

I'm in the market for a tractor/backhoe next year. Is it better to get a tractor and add the backhoe attachment or just skip ahead and get a TLB? If you get a TLB can you detach the 'hoe to use tillers, blades, BB and such?

 

[jeff9366]

It is best to purchase TLB as a unit. Best in terms of price, best in terms of function.

In theory the backhoe is removable. Ease of removal/replacement varies a GREAT DEAL. Not many owners cycle them on/off frequently.

Now a question for you: Why do you need a Backhoe in urban Arlington, Virginia?

For what a backhoe costs you can buy four or five implements for the three point hitch and bucket.

 

[dougtrr2]

It may depend on size/series tractor. For the BX series you can take off the backhoe and use other attachments. I have never regretted getting the BX24 TLB setup.

Take Care,
Doug in SW IA

 

[Stick895]

By next year I'm out of Arlington and down to Chesterfield. I have 89 acres of forest, BH is for digging stumps out, a couple of drainage/water re-direction issues and then whatever pops up. I'm thinking either the L3800/4600 vs. TLB 39 or 45.

 

[murphy1244]

By next year I'm out of Arlington and down to Chesterfield. I have 89 acres of forest, BH is for digging stumps out, a couple of drainage/water re-direction issues and then whatever pops up. I'm thinking either the L3800/4600 vs. TLB 39 or 45.

TLB 45 if you can afford it and yes the 3 point does work on it but it is a option.

 

[jeff9366]

I have 89 acres of forest. Backhoe is for digging stumps out. I'm thinking either the L3800/4600 vs. TLB 39 or 45.

Well, good. You will need the Backhoe for stumps. Taking the Backhoe on/off will be a two person operation.

I would go with the more powerful and heavier TLB.

 

[PsRumors]

I don't have experience with the Kubota BX but I assume it is about as easy as the 1 series Deere. I can go from mower and three point hitch to TLB in less than 15 minutes and from TLB to MMM with 3pt in less than 10 minutes.

 

[murphy1244]

Well, good. You will need the Backhoe for stumps. Taking the Backhoe on/off will be a two person operation.

I would go with the more powerful and heavier TLB.

I take mine off myself and the Bota is supposed to be easier.

 

[FatTire]

Well, good. You will need the Backhoe for stumps. Taking the Backhoe on/off will be a two person operation.

I would go with the more powerful and heavier TLB.

Do you mean it takes two people to take the BH off the TLB45? Why? The BH92 on my MX5100 goes on and off with one person easily, really just a half person because you only need one hand. (Actually takes longer to remount the 3 point hitch arms).

 

[tractchores]

I have a kubota b2920 with a bh. Better to buy it as a unit. The bh comes off in a minute or two and then you can use 3pt pto implements. I take my bh on and of multiple times a day in certain projects, its a one person operation and easy. You can get units without the 3pt and a permanent BH, but then you lose a lot of capability.

 

[powerstroke444e]

I have a b26tlb and many times the hoe is on and off more than once in a day. Bigger is almost always better, when digging.

 

[rmorey]

I think the best compromise is a tractor and backhoe mounted on a subframe, easy to install/remove and the 3 pt hitch allows other attachments to be used. Get a 40+ hp and the largest hoe (longest reach) that is available for that model.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I agree subframe set up is a must for any serious backhoe work to protect the tractor. TBL's are a good option. Totally by accident when looking for a FEL we found nice 60 HP industrial backhoe could be found for $10K. They permit your naked tractor to stay that way for general tractor work.

The MAJOR down side to most any size back hoe is they make you want a track hoe I have found.

 

[Stonehaller]

Do you mean it takes two people to take the BH off the TLB45? Why? The BH92 on my MX5100 goes on and off with one person easily, really just a half person because you only need one hand. (Actually takes longer to remount the 3 point hitch arms).

On my L39, which is very similar to the L45, the backhoe goes on or off very easily. You do not need two people. It probably takes less than 10 minutes to take it off or put it on. It takes another 10 minutes or so to get the three point arms on. It does seem like a little more work to get the hitch arms on or off as you have to deal with a couple of bolts were as you do not need any tools take off or put on the backhoe.

 

[avc8130]

We need to get some terms straight since we are in the "Kubota" section.

The OP says "TLB", but then asks about "buying together".

Kubota does a really confusing thing. They offer most of their TRACTORS with optional subframe mount backhoes.

Then, they also offer the TLB line. The TLB line consists of the B26, L39, L45 and M59. These are commercial machines with some major differences.

I own an L45 currently and owned an L39 for 2 years. I prefer the "commercial machine" for a few reasons:
1. FOPS. I don't know how anyone feels safe without a structural roll cage that goes in front of them also. I have done some stupid stuff and the REAL cage has saved me a few times (branches crashing on top from trees, branches swinging in while brush hogging, stuff rolling out of the bucket, it happens).
2. REAL capability. The FEL on a TLB is generally more powerful than its std tractor equivalent. The backhoes are WAY better than their std equivalent. The FELS generally come with skid steer quick changes, but the frames are permanently attached.

When you really get down and inspect the difference, you can see how much tougher the TLB line is built.

You do lose some stuff:
1. No mid PTO.
2. No cab option (factory)
3. No cruise control option.

As far as swapping the backhoe, the actual art of taking the hoe on/off is so easy. 2 people? Yeah, maybe if your cup holder still has the empty coffee cup in it and you need someone to hold your beer every now and then while you work. It is dead simple, the machine hydraulics do all of the work. Putting the 3 pt hitch on takes longer, just because Kubota uses 2 bolts for the lower link mounts and you need to find the wrench because you can never remember which size it is properly.

If you plan to work the machine, and you can afford it, buy off the TLB line. If budget is killer, or you really just want to take the Grandkids for rides, buy the std machines. Either way, you have found yourself in the "Kubota" section, so you are clearly a genius like the rest of us .

ac

 

[murphy1244]

The Big thing with TLB's is One Seat that turns instead of another seat.

 

[avc8130]

The Big thing with TLB's is One Seat that turns instead of another seat.

I forgot about that one!

That also leads to another: the departure angle! The TLB will have a much steeper departure angle than the converted std tractor with the hoe attached.

Another! The TLB will weight A LOT more. This is a GOOD thing for doing work.

Possible disadvantage: R4 industrial tires are the only option on the TLBs. Of course with their work capacity, I wouldn't trust a set of turfs anyways...

ac

 

[rScotty]

By next year I'm out of Arlington and down to Chesterfield. I have 89 acres of forest, BH is for digging stumps out, a couple of drainage/water re-direction issues and then whatever pops up. I'm thinking either the L3800/4600 vs. TLB 39 or 45.

Curious why you wouldn't also consider the M59. It's more suited to 89 acres and stumps....although frankly if I had to do anything on that much land I'd want a standard Case 500 series TLB

 

[FatTire]

With a standard tractor w/ BH attachment, you cannot reach the throttle control while operating the hoe, but on TLB's you do have this control.

 

[millstreaminn]

The only downside to my L39 TLB, is the front loader is not removable. I can have the hoe on-off in a matter of minutes by myself. Granted I haven't had the hoe on the 39 since I bought the Cat 304 excavator. The L39 is a VERY capable loader tractor, though.