The B26 should be hitting the shelves, any sightings?

[ChuckinNH]

The B26 is at Townline Equipment in Plainfield NH. I talked to Drew yesterday, but he didn't say anything about expected deliveries of more. The one that is there is not sold as far as I know.....

[MarkV]

Hey Rat, they are getting out there. I’m in Georgia where the where the Kubota plant is and often see semi’s on the road hauling tractors. Saw three B26’s heading West yesterday. It is hard to do much of a review when you are doing 80 mph on an Interstate but I do know they are orange.

MarkV

[gotcha]

MarkV, Please stay away from this 2 or 3 on A truck, let us all know when you see 2 or 3 fleets of trucks with 4 or 5 units on each one headed in all directions.
The Gotcha Man

[gotcha]

Originally Posted by Ace Power Equipment

B26's are slow moving. Our first B26 is due in on April 15. Our second one is due on May 15 and the third is due June 1.

The first two have pin on backhoe buckets, the June one has a quick attach bachoe bucket. All loader buckets are quick attach. The first one I get with a thumb is slated for late July delivery. There has been a lot of pre release interest on these tractors and I think supply will be limited until Oct/Nov when Kubota can really rev up production.
Brian
Ace Outdoor Power
848-992-6150

Brian, have you heard if these dates are still good?? How far in advance do you get notification what and when you will be getting from the manufacture??? I haven't heard or seen anyone having a B26 with the hydraulic thumb on them and those that are suppose to be getting them seem to be almost going into the later part of summer. Is this correct???
The Gotcha Man

[Muleskinner]

From what I can see by looking at the Kubota site, the B26 looks like a downsized L39. Specs look good. If this tractor is a down sized L39 it will be one **** of a tractor!

[machmeter62]

If I was in the market for a TLB, with the capability of the new "light skin" on the B-26; I would opt for a used low hour "heavy gauge" L-35, that is much "beefier" and stronger for less money? Maybe looks is deceiving? That L-35 should have been painted yellow! The front tires on the B-26 maybe an issue about every six months, also??

[_RaT_]

Originally Posted by machmeter62

If I was in the market for a TLB, with the capability of the new "light skin" on the B-26; I would opt for a used low hour "heavy gauge" L-35, that is much "beefier" and stronger for less money? Maybe looks is deceiving? That L-35 should have been painted yellow! The front tires on the B-26 maybe an issue about every six months, also??

I don't really understand these kinds of comments. Are you running your tractor "skin" into things? Can the L-35 actually do work with the metal that surrounds the engine and rear wheels? I have found that on my old L48, I was every bit as careful with the "skin" if I wanted to protect it from dentng. I like the thicker metal on the L35 and L48, but really, what does it do? It adds some resistance to denting should you run it into something. I never did that, its part of operating and knowing where your at with any tractor. The L35 and L48 may have thicker body parts, but thicker then what? Certainly just tin foil compared to a JD410. If someone was in the market for a B-26, I should think the size is the important thing. The L-35 is quite a bit bigger and no HST so if that was also desireable.


PS for a fraction of the price of a used L35. we have a well used JD 410 that is painted yellow, has much thicker steel then three L35's combined. We are asking a mere $10,000 for it.

[machmeter62]

Originally Posted by _RaT_

I don't really understand these kinds of comments. Are you running your tractor "skin" into things? Can the L-35 actually do work with the metal that surrounds the engine and rear wheels? I have found that on my old L48, I was every bit as careful with the "skin" if I wanted to protect it from dentng. I like the thicker metal on the L35 and L48, but really, what does it do? It adds some resistance to denting should you run it into something. I never did that, its part of operating and knowing where your at with any tractor. The L35 and L48 may have thicker body parts, but thicker then what? Certainly just tin foil compared to a JD410. If someone was in the market for a B-26, I should think the size is the important thing. The L-35 is quite a bit bigger and no HST so if that was also desireable.


PS for a fraction of the price of a used L35. we have a well used JD 410 that is painted yellow, has much thicker steel then three L35's combined. We are asking a mere $10,000 for it.

RaT: I respect your reply; however, these tractors are designed for commerical use primarily, with a fixed FOPS and loader. Many will be headed for "rental yards," where abuse is a given!! Gravel and small rocks will be tumbling out, because of inexperienced operators, causing damage to the hood! Also many landscapers, and other businesses will be facing the same problem with multiple users, with limited experience? You may remember here when JOHN DEERE faced that issue, and came out with the "armour kit" to promote that tractor, because of all the complaints? I can't remember the model, but it was several years ago? I think when Kubota started building the B-21's and L-35's; it was because of somewhat preventable damage with the thicker skin? I'm not sure I would want to rent a new B-26, and sign a "surcharge" because of minor hood damage. I'm speculating, maybe the hood is made out of Hi-Tech. material (carbon fibre, etc.) and won't be an issue anyway? I haven't seen one yet; only the L-39. I know you treat your tractors with TLC, but not all operators do. I still like the "boiler-plate" approach for peace of mind. I think B-26 will be a good seller; Kubota listens to what the "tractor market" wants?

[Fug1000]

Do my eyes deceive me? Is there no seat for the backhoe operator?

[LarryRB]

Originally Posted by ChuckinNH

Here are some pics...

most machines I've seen at any ne dealer,, where is this particular dealer located?