Comparison B26 vs B series tlb

[Martian]

Good choice Rhino, think you've made an excellent decision:thumbsup:

 

[lhansman]

Congratulations Rhino421. I think you have made a good decision as the B26 is one hard working compact tractor. Get three hooks on the front bucket - one on either side so you can wrap a chain around rocks or stumps that won't completely fit in the bucket and one in the centre for lifting. If you can, pick up a hook with a spring latch and get them to weld it on the back hoe bucket so you can lift with it too.

Lauren

 

[powerstroke444e]

Congrades on b26 you will be really enjoy the thumb seems like everytime I use the hoe the thumb gets used.

I would add the kubota front hydraulic outlet if you plan on adding front attachments. Added overall price you will never notice the price.

 

[Rhino421]

I head up tomorrow to seal this deal. I want a front grapple but won't be needing it anytime soon so will hold off on the front hydro plus will give my local kubota dealer business in the future. I will be paying cash so it does add up quick. The thumb I know I will use immediately thus getting right away. Will add pics once I get her home..:thumbsup:

 

[lhansman]

Rhino421

Could decision on the thumb. I held off getting mine despite the advice of others but as powerstroke says I use it almost everytime I am on the hoe.

As you point out, there is no point in spending the $1,200 or so for front auxiliary hydraulics until you need it. Let me know how you make out in your grapple hunt as I am currently considering getting one too. I just don't want to get one that is too heavy but it has to handle the power of the B26.

Lauren

 

[Rhino421]

Ihansman thanks for the input. Quick question, I want 3 bucket hooks. I have read numerous posts and see that in line with cylinders is the way to go. My question is 5/16 grab hook for all 3? Regarding bh bucket type and location, (I figure the dealer will know but like to be sure. Thanks for all the help and pics to follow.

 

[lhansman]

I have attached a couple of photos showing the hooks on my buckets Rhino421. I used 5/16" grab hooks on the loader bucket as I do have some 5/16" chain. I primarily use 1//4" alloy chain for lifting as it is much stronger, safer and lighter to move around and it works fine with the 5/16" hooks. The front bucket in the photo is the light duty one for the B26 and there was no metal shoulder at the outside edge so I had them welded on near the QA brackets where there was a shoulder as this is wide enough for me. On the heavy duty bucket for the B26 I welded them right at the outside edges as that bucket has a lip there from the side gable. I just think the hook is a little more secure from side loads when it is welded both on the bottom and the side but that is just me.

I have also attached a close up picture of the hook on the backhoe bucket. I do not know what these are called but these are available form a number of lifting accessory suppliers. These yellow hooks even have a curved back to them to conform to the backhoe bucket. The one in the photo is a 1 ton rated unit which is more than enough for the B26 hoe. Note that the safety latch is of the same heavy duty construction as the rest of the hook so if you are lifting something heavy and curling the bucket you do not need to worry about the chain slipping and breaking through the safety latch as with some latches. I also tuck the hooks in as tight as possible to the pins in order to keep it out of my way as much as possible when digging. Unfortunately these hooks are quite a bit more money but I think the safety factor makes them worth it.

Lauren

 

[MarkV]

My opinion is go with 3/8's hooks. If you use smaller chain you can at least loop around and hook to itself. If you have smaller hooks you are out of luck with larger chain.

MarkV

 

[Rhino421]

Done deal! Just wrote out the check. Now I need to wait for the thumb to come in and still need to make my final choice on grab hook size. I did attach a few pics as it sits on their lot.... A few minor cosmetic issues but nothing bad. They did give it a service, all fitting greased, oil changed, loader lock now works, brake has been adjusted, the hydro was changed at 57 hours so good for now. It currently reads 88 hours and the last hour was mine on their lot!:thumbsup:

 

[Carl Bert]

Can't wait to see it all cleaned up. It actually already looks better then the last pics. Anyway good luck and enjoy it. It's a great little machine, especially at the price you paid. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: