Tractor Sizing B26 vs L4701/L4600 with BH92

[Grandad4]

lzicc, your new L4060 package is going to weigh more than you think. Per the Kubota Canada website, where the weights are published, the L4060 + LA1055 + BH92 weighs the following:
L4060 3516 lbs
LA1055 1411
Standard FEL bucket 331
BH92 1800
18" BH bucket 152
That's 7210 lbs.
Something to keep in mind if you're going to trailer it. Very nice package you're getting, by the way. I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

 

[workinallthetime]

when i bought my b3030 tlb the sales guy was pushing me twords a b26, at the time i did not see much difference other than price. after 700 hours on b3030 i bought a l45 and looking back i should have gone with the b26 construction type tractor and not the b3030 ag type tractor. the speed, power, and weight are all in your working with you as you dig and haul. all of the tractors listed are good units but i would chose the one that is built for what you want to do and not build one to do what you want to do.

 

[lzicc]

Let me update my post. The price of the L4060 wasn't a little under $40, it was at $41 ish. I've been pricing so many tractors, I got confused. The L3560 that I had priced out was under $40, but still included all of the same implements.

 

[lzicc]

Grandad4, that's even better. I like seeing that. I want the weight. I have noticed from previous experience that weight means allot on a tractor. It can make a big improvement on the performance of the implements. If you are using it for lawn and garden stuff, it does mean so much, but when digging, pulling a box blade or doing BH work, weight means everything.

 

[Gary Fowler]

While the B26 is a great machine, I went the "L4060 + backhoe" route in 2002 and never regretted it either. Dang that's a long time ago when I stop to think about it! I can't say anything bad about the B26, but the tractor we got - the large Grand L Kubota offered at the time - has been a trouble-free workhorse that does everything you described and plenty more. I think you'll find the BH92 is actually more backhoe than what's on a B26, so your concerns about its capability need to be reconsidered. It is not a 3 point backhoe, as someone mentioned, it's a full subframe type hoe just like the one on the B26, only larger (compares with the L39/45). One difference is the BH92 has a separate operator platform so you move back and forth instead of swinging the tractor seat around as on the B26.

The L4060 is a larger tractor with considerably more weight, power, hydraulic capacity, pto capability and 3 point capability than a B26. The B26 is a ruggedized machine that packs a lot of digging capability into a smaller package, ideal for serious dirt work in a transportable size. Different machines optimized for somewhat different situations. You'll need to decide which is best for you.

According to the Kubota website, the B26 has more digging force by almost 1000 pounds than the 4060, more hydraulic flow also. Slightly less weight and less reach but it is much smaller foot print therefore more easily maneuvered into tight spots.
Both would be capable machines, I am sure, but the Kubota TLB series are designed first as a backhoe and secondly as a tractor with 3 PH. The L series would have a substantially larger 3 PH system and much more lift capacity I am sure. It just depends on what you want to do with it as to which to get. The Grand L would likely be a lot cheaper than an equivalent TLB like the L 45.

 

[lzicc]

It depends which BH you are looking at. The B26 has a digging force of 4211 and the L4060 BH92 has a digging force of 4548. Not a big difference. The hydraulic flow is a little higher on the B26 which is always a plus. The drawback for me anyhow is the B26 itself with the amount of BH strength it has. I came close to going with the B26, but the weight and HP bothered me. I think the B26 is a great all around machine, I just needed that extra omph or I would have opted for the B26. Like I mentioned before, I wanted a L45, that was my first choice, but just a little more than I wanted to spend. I looked at the L39 which would have been a good choice for me, but it doesn't come with the HST. GST only.

 

[dcdtn]

OP here. Getting a little closer to making a decision. I was getting ready to pull trigger on new B26, but got a lead on a slightly used one-owner "cream puff" L39 that has supposedly only been used in somebody's back yard. It should be about $7k cheaper. Only downside I can see is I won't be able to trailer it for service. Planning to look at it early next week.

 

[CHDinCT]

Just FYI if it's important to you, the L39 is not HST. I believe they were shuttle shift only fromwhat I've read.

 

[dcdtn]

Just FYI if it's important to you, the L39 is not HST. I believe they were shuttle shift only fromwhat I've read.

Thanks. I've read up a little on here about GST (glide shift). While not as easy and nice as HST, I think I will still be happy with it.

 

[powerstroke444e]

I have used a gst before and really liked it. I almost traded for L39 and probably best part of the gst is for pulling or mowing the transmission is a full power shift .