Comparison B26 vs B series tlb

[powerstroke444e]

I have a b26 and it handles a 5 brush mower fine and in the woods on trails I like it better than our m5400 as just easier handle around trees. As for loader and hoe seem real strong for a machine that is that size. If you post were its at I would be in line lookin as that seems real cheap.

 

[digger2]

Rhino,
As far as any weak spots/flaws in the B26's design,i dont know of any.What i would look for would be things like cracked welds,dented or twisted loader arms,damaged hydraulic lines,stuff like that.Check the tires for
wear....with low hours like that it should'nt be much.Also check for smooth operation of the hyd. cylinders,(it is possible to bend the rams with abuse).
Underneath the tractor dead center there is a big hyd. oil resevoir.
Check to see if its dented or beat up.I'd also check for oil in the antifreeze
or antifreeze in the oil.If it has freshly changed / really clean oil that might be tough.Actually,with as low as hours as its supposed to have,it really should almost look like new.Take a couple of your buddies along to help check it out.
One of them might see something you dont.
As far as the B26 being a good machine,i love mine.I have'nt had a bit of trouble with it yet,and although i dont abuse it,i do use it.
Also....just as a referance
In October of 2007,I paid $28,500 for mine.This did not include tax.
It did include the heavy duty removable 60" front bucket with the bolt on cutting edge,18" Q.A. hoe bucket,Hydraulic thumb on hoe,horn,back-up alarm,front and rear worklights,and toolbox.I know they have gone up in price since so this is just a referance.
Just dont jump into it and get burnt.But if you do get it i hope it all works out OK.............Good Luck.................digger2

 

[troutsqueezer]

Yup Messicks, that's the place, can't beat their prices

Yah, you can. My local dealer Gold Country Tractors in N. CA. meets or beats every time.

 

[Rhino421]

Quick update... The person I needed to speak with wasn't around until today. We are working on better photos as I type this. It helps that they are also a Kubota dealer and stated have all maintainance records. They are also agreeing to have their service department give it a once over and if I have any concerns address them at that time. It has lived outside since 2008 but didn't appear too bad as far as rust, etc. Further pictures should help verify that. It does have the 3 pt arms, drawbar, manuals, 18" bucket (I believe it is the quick attach they are unsure). Looking into the aux hydraulics for the backhoe. I assume that if the boom has hydraulic hookups on the exterior that this means it does have them? They will be sending pics of the bh platform so I will be able to see if the foot control is there. It hasn't been out since Sept 2011 and that was by the employee I spoke with. He stated it has been started periodically and winterized. TLB's haven't been moving around by me so it should leave room to move down in price.:thumbsup:

 

[Martian]

Quick update... The person I needed to speak with wasn't around until today. We are working on better photos as I type this. It helps that they are also a Kubota dealer and stated have all maintainance records. They are also agreeing to have their service department give it a once over and if I have any concerns address them at that time. It has lived outside since 2008 but didn't appear too bad as far as rust, etc. Further pictures should help verify that. It does have the 3 pt arms, drawbar, manuals, 18" bucket (I believe it is the quick attach they are unsure). Looking into the aux hydraulics for the backhoe. I assume that if the boom has hydraulic hookups on the exterior that this means it does have them? They will be sending pics of the bh platform so I will be able to see if the foot control is there. It hasn't been out since Sept 2011 and that was by the employee I spoke with. He stated it has been started periodically and winterized. TLB's haven't been moving around by me so it should leave room to move down in price.:thumbsup:

Rhino,

I'm a little late to the party, but for a lot of BH work the B26 is definitely the way to go.

Being a Kubota dealer, I would tell them to throw the thumb into the purchase, won't be able to negotiate down as much, but the thumb is a very worthy add on. Even if you just get a mechanical and not the hydraulic thumb, though the hydraulic is 10 times better than the mechanical and the mechanical is 30 times better than no thumb.

If all checks out, I think it's a better purchase than a standard B series.

Good luck!

 

[Rhino421]

Well, I made the 2 plus hr drive to take a look at it and messed with it for about 40 minutes. Alot of things I liked and several that had me concerned. All the fluids had just been changed so that didn't help. I didn't see any signs of leaks and all cylinders looked good. The backhoe didn't seem to have much use and looked almost new. They charged extra for rental of the backhoe so mainly frontend loader work. The 3 pt arms were stored on the tractor and the pto didn't appear to ever been used. She ran well no smoke other than the startup. Nowhere to dig but the backhoe operated smoothly as did the frontend loader. The stabilizers at idle (1100rpm) easily lifted the backend with filled tires (calcium Cholride). Nothing seemed bent as far as loader, etc. I did like the skid plates under the tractor and protecting the tierods. Now for the areas that concerned me. It has been sitting outside for 4 years in sun and snow. The orange paint was very faded. The good part of that was the paint job looked sound no rust or bubbling of paint.. It hasn't been used very much and just sitting so most controls were very stiff. It was very difficult to switch into 4wd and back. The loader lock must of never been used for nobody could move it into the lock position(looked rusted). FYI, I had the employees double check these issues so it wasn't operator error:laughing:The backup alarm and horn had been disabled (wires cut). The parking brake wasn't locking (probably adjustment needed). Dent in hood and several rust spots (looks like a heavy rock hit it) metal hood not very thick. Missing locking pin for backhoe (transport lock). The other big issue were the precutouts(holes) on the dash for items like the throttle, cruise control(doesn't have) and was missing a cap on leftside of dash panel exposing the wiring. The problem being that snow rain had entered these areas and you could see rust, etc. I believe these areas will be corrected but my concern is with the lack of use and the elements rusting linkages, springs, wiring, etc. I still need to speak to "the man" who makes the calls and see what will be addressed, price, etc. I did get there rather late. FYI, the work lights are great. I did attach a few pics to show some of the areas I saw snow enter. Time to ponder.

 

[Ductape]

Still looks like a deal to me. Gotta expect to put a little TLC into a former rental unit. It looks a hundred times better than most rentals I've seen (and should considering the hours). I'd still be buying it if I were you.

 

[Mike476]

Looks in really good shape for a rental unit. As far as the missing covers, as a Kubota dealer note your concern with them, have them replace missing covers after inspecting for possible corroded wiring / connections / cables. If you were to have problems down the road you'd have a record of it. When it comes to the paint and dented hood, that's something I look for in a second hand machine as it detracts from the price but is easy and relatively inexpensive to repair. If it's sound mechanically and works well, I'd go for it.

 

[Martian]

I'm in agreement with what's been said. Thing looks real good for a rental. Only very minor problems. If it were me, the deal would still be on.

 

[herefromthere]

I remember looking at an older vehicle once that looked really clean and well maintained but had several little things that needed work. I hemmed and hawed, and meanwhile someone else recognized the value and bought the silly thing. Lesson learned.

Due diligence is good. If you can inspect your areas of concern to your satisfaction and have an overall good "feel" for the machine, don't lose sight of the forest for the trees. I've looked at enough stuff that I generally get a feel for things based on level of deferred maintenance, appearance of abuse, etc. When I override that gut feel due to thinking I'm getting a great deal, that's where I screw up. What's your gut tell you when you look at the machine? Not trying to preach, but I'd hate to see you miss out on what seems to be a very attractive price on what seems to be a great TLB.

 

[digger2]

Engagement of the 4WD....mine does the same thing.Also,it seems changing of the range selector,same thing.Range selector does work clunky.
Slight movement of the hydro pedal (forward or reverse,then leave off)
then try your lever(s) when encountering difficulty,seems to help the situation.

 

[Dadof3]

Man, these guys will really help you lighten your wallet. You've got an exciting dilemma. Enjoy!
PS. I have an L39 and love it.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Mines almost paid off and never been rented and can't imagine life with out it. As far as how it looks??? I have replace a few parts and hoses but it has held up like a tank. The little things u see there don't hurt anything as for setting out? Mine been has been 1/3 on a trailer 1/3 left on job and 1/3 in shed and I haven't had any issues from the weather.

 

[troutsqueezer]

Those things are minor and will give you an opportunity to get to know your tractor better as you go about bringing it back to showroom condition. When I bought mine, it looked pretty sorry but by the time I dismantled and cleaned and painted, I was glad I bought it and I knew the thing inside and out. I paid $10k without BH (1300 hrs). Put another $1k into it plus the BB and grader blade. Replaced all the hoses, learned how to shine and repair plastic. Learned how to paint with a HVLP gun. It had a couple of dents in the hood so I bought the 7 piece body and fender kit from Harbor Freight for 30 bucks, learned how to use it and knocked out all the dents in the hood, canopy and fenders.

It was all fun, I tell ya.

Before:

After:

 

[Carl Bert]

Those things are minor and will give you an opportunity to get to know your tractor better as you go about bringing it back to showroom condition. When I bought mine, it looked pretty sorry but by the time I dismantled and cleaned and painted, I was glad I bought it and I knew the thing inside and out. I paid $10k without BH (1300 hrs). Put another $1k into it plus the BB and grader blade. Replaced all the hoses, learned how to shine and repair plastic. Learned how to paint with a HVLP gun. It had a couple of dents in the hood so I bought the 7 piece body and fender kit from Harbor Freight for 30 bucks, learned how to use it and knocked out all the dents in the hood, canopy and fenders.

It was all fun, I tell ya.

Before:

After:

Wow, very nice job! What year is that tractor?

 

[troutsqueezer]

Thank you. It is a 2002 model.

 

[Rhino421]

I was working all day yesterday and didn't get a chance to check back here until now. I am still interested it is just the person I need to deal with won't be around til tomorrow. It did give me the weekend to ponder my options. I am not too concerned over physical appearance for most things I have bought are used, ie 1979 IH Cub Cadet 1450 (love this thing). I was more concerned with snow moisture messing with controls, wiring,etc. Had a bass boat that had these issues when I bought it and took forever to iron them out and a few $$$. That would be my main concern esp. w/o warranty. I do love the ability to have the hydro thumb:drool:. One concern is with brush cutting grant it will be 2-3 times a year. Can u get away with a 5ft brush hog even in thick stuff if you go slow or is that overworking it. What size tiller? I will see about repairs regarding the few things I noticed needed attiontion. Question I do have is regarding the loader lock (attaching pic). I have never used one and the employee showing me the tractor wasn't 100% on it. Use? When? Plus this item seem rusted and frozed in the unlock position unless the employee didn't know how to move it for I sure didn't. I do have another option which I have also looked into. My local Kubota dealer stated with not much increase in size could get L3200/3800 TLB for a few thousand more and this would give me alot more hp esp at the pto. 0% keep my cash working for me and I wouldn't be in a great hurry to have to build a new tractor shed (B26 doesn't fit my current storage options). I know two different animals but another option. I have been concerned with the 3 pt for last year it was jerking on the one I tried. He stated he tried one this year with a rear blower on it and it wasn't bad (sold it so couldn't see). He is currently putting a L3200 together to allow me to see it. I love alot about the B26 size, power,layout except PTO (but would be using only a few times a year). L3200/3800 less features little bigger more hp but bh/loader similiar. Keep cash... Is the used B26 for a few thousand less than the new L3200/3800 still a better longterm option? Either way I will have my mind made up by tomorrow I think:confused2:

 

[Martian]

The B26 would have the power to run a brush hog and tiller, just smaller and it will be slower than an L. If you want the bigger then the few times a year you need it I would see it as a better option to rent a bigger machine when you need it.

 

[powerstroke444e]

I run a 5' brush hog and tiller I have used a 60" brush hog brand and handled it OK but I am use to a 60" howard tiller on M5400. Mowing unless I am in tall fescue or switch grass it seems to do real good with a 60" landpride brush mower and a 72" finish mower.
The loader look never have used mine it may be frozen?? After running the commercial line of tractors its makes the others look cheap and afraid I am going to break them.

 

[Rhino421]

Well my mind is made up and price agreed on for the B26. I have a gentleman's agreement with payment Wed. They are going to fix the few minor issues, brake, loader lock,etc. and are ordering my hyro thumb:thumbsup:. I will give it another once over Wed with a buddy of mine to be an extra set of eyes and if we find anything that I missed they stated will correct. All manuals, maintainence records, drawbar, 3pt arms, etc will be supplied. They agreed to weld on some bucket hooks and I could use some advise on how many, location, and what type works for you more experienced tractor operators... I advised my local (40mile away) kubota dealer that I have been working with about my decision and let him know I appreciated his time and effort. I let him know I will be using his dealership for all my extras and any service needs based on how well he treated me during my time of indecision. I would like to thank every here for thier help and look forward to some digging time