Price Check B2630 TLB--Worth It?

[BruceWard]

My local dealer has a similar age L39 for a similar price. I would not pay $20K for a used 26HP TLB with an aftermarket backhoe when you can get a factory engineered industrial TLB of similar hours for a similar price.

You could even get a JD 110 TLB for $20K. If I were buying another TLB (have a B21 now) I would buy a L39, JD 110 TLB or a L48. I believe the JD 110 to be superior to the L39 but less than the L48.

 

[nspec]

Sure, I could buy a full size backhoe (JD 410, Case 580, Cat 4..) any day of the week for under 20,000 - but we're comparing apples to oranges. Certainly the full size machine is more capable as a loader/backhoe. Problem is, it's too **** big for a lot of people. If it could even get into some of the spots where the little tractors work, it would absolutely tear the place up. My little B Kubota gets in some wicked tight spots without leaving much of a trace after having been there. I can also plow, till, seed, cultivate, chip, and mow all over the place - also in very small areas. It all depends on what you will be using the machine for. Bigger isn't necessarily better for everyone.

Sure big is nice, and productive, and fun - but I'd rather make the most of what I have rather than have twice the machine I need and not use it as much.

That's why some people like chocolate and some people like vanilla.

 

[newbury]

Other than:

Hi all!

I'm new here--I've been lurking for a month or so.

I was a Simplicity fan, still have a couple from the '60's, but need to move up. I mow my lawn with a 1984 Ariens riding mower (11 hp/gear/belt drive) and it does amazingly well. It was free, needed $200. in parts and MUCH TLC, and it does the job.

I want a BX because I'm tired of hurting my back (in my '40s). I have a Northern Trencher, but crawling around on the hoe itself (no powered transport, with a 5hp engine) isn't cutting it.

I plan to get a "thumb" and move the huge chunks of firewood I have tons of, on my property (cut to length, delivered free--I live in an expensive zip code and the arborists GIVE THE WOOD AWAY, BY THE DUMP TRUCK LOAD, cut to length!) The fact that injuries have kept me from getting stove installed/in use for several years, and will prevent it this year, as well, burns me up almost enough to heat the house with my own body temp! LOL

I want to FEL to lift things so that my back doesn't have to--nor my "firewood elbow." I healed up my shoulder after two years (knock on wood three times!) and I am just soooo frustrated to start getting stuff done, that a used BX seems almost like a bargain....

So...I'm going to mosey over to the Kubota forum now, that I've finished whining and baring my soul, in accordance with the anti-spam requirement that newbies introduce themselves.

Was this a TMI (too much information?) If so, sorry!

My Hoe

You haven't told us your planned useage, location, or dealer support network.

For approaching $20K you could easily hire someone to move firewood.

The price on the system your looking at is fair, for some areas, Barlow's has a B3030TLB for the same price. Bigger and better but older than what your looking at. They also have a sweet sounding BX24 TLB for $13.5K.

If you can see my ride in my avatar and sig that's what I'm playing with my firewood/milling wood with. The B7610 is just a step down from the 2630.

I've got to agree that the BH80X is overkill for your tractor. I know the BH70X is overkill for mine, but I'm planning on switching it up to a bigger tractor in a couple of years.

If all you are really wanting to do is move firewood a grapple on a FEL would probably be better and leave another $8K in your pocket.

 

[JJZ 109]

"4. What's Involved to Make the LA403 Have a "Quick Attach" Bucket?
My main use (near term) will be moving stuff I can't lift alone any longer. Therefore, I want real (solid steel) forks, on a frame (like a "headache rack" so the items don't fall back on the tractor?) that has the notches, so you can easily vary their width, just like on a real forklift. I would like the ability to "Quick Attach" either the bucket or forks.

This is a big deal for me, because I want to be able to switch quickly between bucket and forks. If switching between forks and bucket (without Quick Attach) is a 45 min. process instead of a 5 min. process (with Quick Attach) I know myself, and I'd probably just leave the tractor parked rather than start driving out pins, etc....

So that's why the cost of this conversion is important to me--if I can convert this loader to a Quick Attach system for the projected $1,000. in parts, plus labor (see below) I want it. If it costs significantly MORE than that to do the conversion, then I guess I'll wait for a tractor that already has Quick Attach....

The dealer told me Kubota does NOT make a Quick Attach setup for the B series, but I found a link which implies that there IS a "Quick Hitch" kit available from Kubota. Comments?

I understand the ears will have to be cut off of the back of the bucket, and a quick attach assembly welded on--I know a fabricator that can do this. The dealer told me that:

a) the aftermarket hardware for a "Quick Attach" system exists that will PIN onto my loader arms, without modfication--is this true? Anyone have a link?

b) the above kit would cost only $400.-500., plus labor. Is this true?

c) a used set of solid-steel forks, with adjustable fork-width frame and "headache rack" would cost $400.-500. and are readily available. Is this true?

d) He said a set of solid steel forks of 2,000lb. capacity would be plenty--agreed?

e) If there's anything I'm overlooking, in order to convert this B2630 LA403 loader to a "quick attach" set up, with a set of forks, I would appreciate your opinions and feedback. Per his figures, I'm looking at $1,000. in parts, plus fabrication labor--does this sound right?"


A lower cost alternative to ATI that I have on order and awaiting arrival of: QA_8295_NEW
A lower cost fork that I am also considering after the SSQA arrives and is mounted: Skid Steer Attachments Pallet Forks Hay Spears Bobcat Cat John Deere Mount Plate
The plate that is on order to be welded to my current LA 403 bucket: https://ssl.zoovy.com/panrack/c=30Y...-steer-attachment-adapter-plate-Model-C1.html
As ductape states, a 2,000 lb. capcity fork is more than enough for a 403. Way more than enough. The lighter the fork setup you can find, the better.

 

[MarkV]

The tractor you are looking at does not have position control. To the best of my knowledge position control is not available on any of the B series tractors. Position control is generally only found on larger tractors that would be involved in ground engaging Ag work.


Good luck,

MarkV

Thanks Ductape, my mind was thinking draft control and my fingers were typing position control. I'll edit the original.

MarkV

 

[DelSc]

I have a B3030HSDC with a BH70X Woods Backhoe. One thing the BH80X gives you that the 70 does not (besides more reach and weight) is better control on swing speed.

The 70 is a great fit for the B3030 and really productive when digging for such a small unit, but I have found the swing speed is pretty high and makes it harder for me to do really delicate positioning of the bucket when trying to grab something small between a bucket tooth and the thumb.

I noticed in the manual that the 80 series has a swing speed control knob that allows you to tone it down a little for fine movements. I have never used this feature, only seen it in the manual, so maybe Ductape can comment on it. It seems like a really useful feature.