B26 or L39 PHD

[The Gardener]

Hydraulic PHD ... the B26 offers a hydraulic thumb. The L39 can be outfitted with an after market hydraulic thumb as well.

[1] With the hydraulic thumb in place on either of these backhoes, does that mean that a hydraulic PHD would use the same hose connectors by removing and replacing the QA bucket with the PHD?

[2] If so, what lever(s) would operate this PHD to command forward and reverse?

With lots of fencing on our wish list, we would very much like to include a hydraulic PHD in the purchase. A reverse direction on the auger is essential given that the fence posts/holes would run along several hundred yards of woods. Results from recent excavating along segments of our woods line confirm that we have a lot of tree roots running underneath the lawn. Added to that snag potential is a wealth of rocks and boulders.

[3] Is a hydraulic PHD a simple add-on to the backhoe of either the B26 or the L39?

Many Thanks!
The Gardener

 

[witel]

I do not know a whole lot about the B26, so I cannot comment on it.

I have only been researching my needs for a tractor (which I have not purchased yet), and have been narrowing it down to a fully-loaded L39. One of my applications is to attach a hydraulic-thumb and hydraulic-post-hole-digger (HPHD) to the working end of the backhoe-dipperstick ... much like what you have described. Kubota provides a remote valve kit (BTB404 @ ~$1607.00) for backhoe-mounted attachments. It includes a right foot-operated valve, hoses, pipes, and brackets. I have been lead to believe, by the dealers, that you can use the BTB404 for controlling a hydraulic-thumb or a HPHD mounted on the end of the dipperstick. That said, it appears as though the BTB404 was specifically designed for a hydraulic-demolition-hammer (KXB400F) for construction. Not knowing what the hydraulic requirements are a demolition-hammer (if reverse is necessary), I am concerned about the valve for the BTB404, and if it will go in reverse.

Does anyone have the BTB404 kit, and can provide further details?

 

[The Gardener]

Thank you for this information.

It should be interesting to see how this might apply to the B26 given that it is designed to accept a hydraulic thumb as a purchase option. I would think [am hopeful] that the same open/close control for the hydraulic thumb would be used to control forward/reverse for a HPHD.

I have not yet discussed the B26 with a dealer since my purchase date is not until May 2008. I do want to find out if the hydraulic thumb is foot controlled or button controlled on a joy stick.

From all accounts, you will love the L39.

I have until next May to finally decide between our three TLB choices: the BX24, the B26, or the L39. Weight is a factor, cost may be the deciding factor, FEL lift and carrying capacity are important with ground clearance being yet another concern. All three tractors offer distinct advantages for use on our property, but I am leaning heavily toward the B26 as the best fit.

 

[witel]

You are right. I'll bet the B26 thumb hydraulics will support it.

Take a look at the hydraulic-flow capacity for the B26. It is significantly less than that of the L39. That means less digging power. That is one of the reasons that I'm going with the L39 and not the B26. Another is FEL lifting capacity. The L39 a ton + 10% which is a good engineering design, which is a good thing since most pallets are limited to a ton in weight. The B26 won't cut it there for me. It is, however, a sweet machine.

It looks like my purchase will be delayed a bit to the fall. I just bought 35+ acres, built a home on it, just moved into it, about to start a detached garage, and running out of dough. The purchase will have to be before winter; otherwise, I won't be able to get to the house when snow-fall strikes ... especially, if it's anything like what hit the northern Colorado area this past winter. The boss knows this, so it's penciled in on the schedule.

 

[MarkV]

You two are sure going to have nice tractors when you are done. I think Witel is going to have the first 50k L39 on the forum after he adds all that stuff.

MarkV

 

[_RaT_]

You two are sure going to have nice tractors when you are done. I think Witel is going to have the first 50k L39 on the forum after he adds all that stuff.

MarkV

You've got a pretty snazzy setup yourself Mark.

 

[Vaulter98c]

"you two are sure going to have nice tractors when you are done. I think Witel is going to have the first 50k L39 on the forum after he adds all that stuff."

UG!

Im glad Ive never ran into numbers that big on my pricing journey.

If weight is a crucial factor, along with capacity and clearance, I think the B26 might be calling your name. The L39 is strong, but you have to carry around a tona and a half more of "strength" whenever you move that baby. I think the BX24 is out of question here. Clearance on the 24 is like half that of the 26/39, and the Loader capacities are less than half the 26 ,pump output is near half the 26, 3PH is nearly a third the 26, and I think it is more pricey than powerful, for these applications. It has its place, but not on your property I think.

Don't let me change your mind, but don't think the B26 is "weak" by any stretch of the word. The L39 is a great unit too, as with the B26, and Im sure that both will serve your needs. Im just not recommending the BX24, that would be weak compared to these 2 units. However, if you read around, you will see people do great things with their BX24, imagine what you could do with 2x or 4x thatunit's power.

Also, I havent seen a BH mounted PHD on the Kubota page, could you point me that way? I have seen the 3PH version, but not BH.

 

[witel]

I think Witel is going to have the first 50k L39 on the forum after he adds all that stuff.

The fully-loaded L39 (see my wish-list below) has been quoted at ~$40k including the 4-n-1 bucket and hydraulic thumb mount welded on and thumb itself, wheel-weights instead of filled-tires ... and no other implements. I have been reading that it is cheaper to purchase with the options, and is more expensive to add them later. I know I'll need them, so I'm adding them upfront. I will really only need a rear-blade to start with, and can get all the other implements over time.

Also, I havent seen a BH mounted PHD on the Kubota page, could you point me that way? I have seen the 3PH version, but not BH.

There are definitely more 3PH PTO-driven PHD than hydraulic PHD. Most (and I use that term loosely), have an option for mounting on the backhoe coupler. I've been looking at Danuser, which seems a bit more expensive, but are supposed to be really good. I'm willing to get feedback on other opinions regarding that issue. Anyway, here is a spec-sheet that illustrates what I'm looking at. You'll note at the bottom of the page the Backhoe-Mount is available as well.

 

[Vaulter98c]

yes, adding on after you have the unit will be more expensive.

Wish I could see pics of the PHD on a Kubota Hoe, it would rise up my list of things to buy then... After a boxscrapper and maybe a tiller, and a homemade subsoiler and... ...

 

[The Gardener]

Wish I could see pics of the PHD on a Kubota Hoe...

I think you are correct that such pictures are not available. I have seen images of the hydraulic PHD used on the Kubota mini excavator. They were included in a color brochure but, oddly enough, not on their website. It would seem to me that this same PHD attachment could be used on a TLB backhoe.

All guesses at this time since I will wait until May 2008 to approach a sales person regarding a TLB purchase. The two features I want and will use extensively are a hydraulic thumb and a hydraulic PHD. If the B26 can accomodate the PHD, it'll have everything we desire for now and certainly into the future.