Comparison B26 vs B series tlb

Rhino421 · Mar 13, 2012

Carl it is an 18" bucket... It seems like a good size... Martian & Powerstroke I did all digging with the stabilizers down. I had them down when I tried to grab and lift the stumps and logs.. The section I was on was flat and I went slow to drop the wood into a future burn pile. I thought it looked better extended arm for pictures

.. Being new to this, I even lowered the stabilizers before I brought the arm and bucket in closer to the machine for transport to the burn pile (not very smooth at the controls yet:laughing

.. I have a nice 3 foot diameter cottonwood stump to dig out tomorrow. I don't think it will be as quick of a job as today.. Powerstroke I do like the idea of the throttle stick. I can see where that will come in handy... I don't know if I am the oddball but I had the manual for the backhoe and read the entire thing before using the backhoe. I lowered the frontend loader bucket, took the weight off the rear tires, and even turned the pads over like the manual suggested:thumbsup:. Now to hunt for the tractor manual.. I will do an ebay search and see if I can find one otherwise I will order it from the dealer. I like to learn as much as possible about new equipment and proper useage and care.. I am hopeful it will break down less than I do as we age together

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powerstroke444e · Mar 14, 2012

When handling broken concrete I usually grab a piece with hoe and have to move to get to the dump truck. I just drive from hoe side with my handle its ussually just few feet.
A cotton wood stump is bigger than I like digin with any hoe it will have fun and only advice is don't jurk or pull to hard with front bucket ie past the abuse point been there and fixed that

lhansman · Mar 14, 2012

Congratulations Rhino421. Looks like you got some good seat time in already and that 3' cottonwood stump should give you a good challenge.

If you PM me with an email address I can help you with the manuals for the B26.

Powerstroke has a great idea with the handle on the HST pedal for moving the B26 when sitting facing the hoe and I just haven't gotten around to copying it yet! What I do is use the pin that keeps the backhoe from swinging when being transported. If you grasp the big heavy end in your left hand, reach back and hook the other end under the rear of the HST pedal and pull up and the B26 will move forward. If I want to backup, than I grasp the hook end and push down on the rear of the HST pedal. Certainly not as elegant as Powerstroke's solution but it is quick and easy. Of course for either approach to work, you have to disable the HST engine kill switch for when the B26 seat is facing the hoe.

Enjoy your great looking B26!

Lauren

Rhino421 · Mar 14, 2012

Never got to the cottonwood for the ground around it was wayyy to wet

. I did get a chance to pratice on the b/h with 2 small oak stumps, one rotten large oak stump, and a crabapple stump. The more I use the hoe the easier it is to do multiple movemnents and the happier I am that I got it... I can't imagine not having a thumb! I now have 6 hours on her and the fuel gauge barely moved!:thumbsup: Now with all the ground I tore up I need to start looking for a box blade. I can see where the cost to own a tractor can add up quick

thanks to everyone for all the help. I guess it's time to start posting in the owning/ operating forum

High Seas · May 10, 2012

I have been following the discussion on the Kubota B26 TLB that very interesting. There was a quick discussion on buying a B26TLB vs. L3800 set up as a TLB. Can anyone give me their opinion on what machine would be a better overall machine and why? The difference in cost for me between the two is about $6,000. I'm buying new. I plan to use it at my remote cabin in Alaska doing all kinds of digging, clearing, excavation tasks. I'll also be the seervice department since we are so remote. Is the B26 TLB worth the extra money?

jim_wilson · May 10, 2012

That's a nice looking tractor. I would love to get a B26 - unfortunately it's out of my price range, and it won't fit in my garage either.

I'm hoping to go put in an order for a new tractor this weekend - just have to make up my mind on what I want to get.

Rhino421: if it isn't too much trouble - could you potentially take some measurements of some of the mounting pins and mounting points on the hoe on your B26?

I noticed that you have the hydraulic thumb - and the quick connect bucket on your backhoe. I am very curious to figure out of the hydraulic thumb option for the B26 - will physically fit on the BH77 hoe that comes on the B3200 and B3300SU (and the L3200 and L3800). I'm also curious to see if the quick connect bucket pieces from the B26 hoe will work on the BH77 backhoe.

I'm thinking that if the dimensions are the same - then it should all work.

Martian · May 10, 2012

High Seas said:
I have been following the discussion on the Kubota B26 TLB that very interesting. There was a quick discussion on buying a B26TLB vs. L3800 set up as a TLB. Can anyone give me their opinion on what machine would be a better overall machine and why? The difference in cost for me between the two is about $6,000. I'm buying new. I plan to use it at my remote cabin in Alaska doing all kinds of digging, clearing, excavation tasks. I'll also be the seervice department since we are so remote. Is the B26 TLB worth the extra money?

I think the L series TLB's (L39/L45) are a closer comparison to the L3800 then the B26. Both are very nice machines, but the L3800 will have a little more HP. If I was you, I'd want as big of a tractor as I could afford being in a remote location, I'd be checking out the L39/L45's. They will cost more, but they will be a much more capable tractor in the long run.

High Seas · May 10, 2012

Martian I agree the larger tractor is better but I need to keep the width of the tractor 60" or less. The L3800 and the B26 TLB are less than 60" in width. The L39 & L45 are too wide. Do you think the B26 TLB is worth $6000 more than a L3800 with a TLB set up worth it? This is a one time purchase for me and I'm willing to spend more if it's worth it.

Martian · May 10, 2012

First of all, how rude of me not to say welcome to TBN!

But, back to your question. My money would be on the L3800 as it is a much larger machine. Though it lacks one of my favorite features for the backhoe (the creep to reposition) the larger machine will be more capable. If you could spend the extra money, I'd be looking into getting a Grand L (again, I don't know the specifics, so it may be to wide, but I don't think it would be different) and get some more premium features, more power and what I'd think would be a nicer machine.

If I can give you any advice about the machine in general is to get all the hydraulic options you can, though. 3rd function FEL, a couple rear remotes and definitely get a thumb on the bh.

Carl Bert · May 10, 2012

High Seas said:
Martian I agree the larger tractor is better but I need to keep the width of the tractor 60" or less. The L3800 and the B26 TLB are less than 60" in width. The L39 & L45 are too wide. Do you think the B26 TLB is worth $6000 more than a L3800 with a TLB set up worth it? This is a one time purchase for me and I'm willing to spend more if it's worth it.

When it comes to a small digging machine, you can't beat the B26, (other then a mini excavator). The price is a bit steep, but u get what u pay for. I can tell you first hand that this machine was built to take a beating. It's a real powerhouse for its size. The L is a beautiful tractor, but I doubt it could stand up to the B26 when put to the long term test.