Kubota B20 Capabilities

[MarkV]

I have a B21 which is the newer model of the B20 and you will easily be able to dig along the foundation wall. If you are new to backhoes I would not make it my first project though. There is a learning curve and you do not want to damage the foundation wall.

The B20’s were fine tractors with stronger hydraulics than similar horsepower tractors to provide greater loader lift and backhoe capabilities. The trade off is that the PTO horsepower is a bit weak. It should be fine for a snow blower and will run a 4’ rotary mower or tiller.

One tip, many of the Kubota commercial TLB’s have never had the backhoes removed. Often when you find a used one the 3pt lift arms and related pieces have been misplaced over the years. It can be hard to find replacement parts and they are expensive from Kubota.

MarkV

 

[LBrown59]

is a lot less fun than digging a straight trench out in the open. .

How do you Dig up against the side of a building.?
the stapelizers and Fel bucket don't let the tractor get close enough to the building.What am I missing?

 

[brandoro]

I just stayed far enough from the house so there was room for the near side stabilizer to be placed and dug to the side. Like I said before, not nearly as much fun as digging a straight trench out in the open. Takes a little getting used to but after the first day it almost seemed natural.

 

[Orchard Ex]

I owned a B20 before buying a new L39. You should have no problem digging around the house. BTW, to dig up next to a house back into the dig at an angle, you can't swing the spoil as far to the side but you get the boom much closer to the wall. I never found removing and reattaching the backhoe to be a major undertaking. It's not as easy as the newer designs but it wasn't that bad. The trick was to keep wiggling the backhoe around until the T-handle bolts were as tight as possible. I wish I could have afforded to keep the B20 and the L39. It was a workhorse and would fit almost anywhere.

 

[Porshaah]

Orchard Ex

The L39 is twice the tractor of the B20 in terms of HP and you mentioned the size of the B20 being an advantage but if space is not a concern (i.e. I've got wide open space along the building) is the price difference (i.e. I havn't priced used L39's but I would imagine they're significantly more than the $10K I plan on paying for a used B20) justified for a tractor like the L39?

Another thing on my wish list I forgot to mention is a chipper able to handle 4" or larger hardwood branches - is a chipper available for the B20 that can handle this?

Thank you all for your responses
This is a great site!

Bill

 

[LBrown59]

I just stayed far enough from the house so there was room for the near side stabilizer to be placed and dug to the side. Like I said before, not nearly as much fun as digging a straight trench out in the open. Takes a little getting used to but after the first day it almost seemed natural.

to dig up next to a house back into the dig at an angle, you can't swing the spoil as far to the side but you get the boom much closer to the wall.

I'v done some ditching like this.
It's slow awakard and not as neat that way.

 

[brandoro]

Orchard Ex

Another thing on my wish list I forgot to mention is a chipper able to handle 4" or larger hardwood branches - is a chipper available for the B20 that can handle this?

The chipper I have is rated up to 4". Usually I cut anything bigger than about 2.5" for firewood but I did feed it a 4" X 30' birch one day. Had the tractor on its knees but it put it through. 4" poplar is not a problem for it. Anything bigger than 4" and hardwood would be too much for my tractor.

 

[Porshaah]

Gentlemen thank you for all your responses

I understand that the B20/21 are industrial machines and the only thing I can determine to be different when compared to say a B2400 or B7100 for example, is the sheet metal / frame are thicker and the hydraulic port output is higher. What I can' understand is why they command such a premium price if the PTO HP and rear lift are comparable? The weight of the B20/21 is more and I see that as being a disadvantage when it comes to not leaving an impression on the front lawn! How does having a higher output hydraulic pump affect the FEL/BH operation?

Thanx in advance
Bill

 

[bruceatlam]

Gentlemen thank you for all your responses

I understand that the B20/21 are industrial machines and the only thing I can determine to be different when compared to say a B2400 or B7100 for example, is the sheet metal / frame are thicker and the hydraulic port output is higher. What I can' understand is why they command such a premium price if the PTO HP and rear lift are comparable? The weight of the B20/21 is more and I see that as being a disadvantage when it comes to not leaving an impression on the front lawn! How does having a higher output hydraulic pump affect the FEL/BH operation?

Thanx in advance
Bill

The higher output hydraulic systems allow for shorter cycle time i.e. you can work faster. I wouldn't buy a B20 to mow the lawn. The B20/21 are designed as commercial equipment and are listed that way on Kubota's website. They show up under "Construction Equipment" -- not Tractors. If your primary interest is mowing the lawn, buy a dufferent tractor. The 20/21 are designed for commercial landscapers, plumbers and the like that need to work these tractors hard day in and day out.

 

[Orchard Ex]

Orchard Ex

The L39 is twice the tractor of the B20

Exactly...

is the price difference <snip>justified for a tractor like the L39?

Well, I traded a B20 in great shape for an L39 so I thought it was justified. But, I'm in business and the extra capacity of the L39 made it worth it. Like I said I would have liked to have kept the B20 also. ( Same thing happened with a lot of cool cars I've had in the past...)

I'v done some ditching like this.
It's slow awakard and not as neat that way.

Ah, but it gets the job done and is much, much faster than the "pine handle backhoe".