Do TLBs make "bad" tractors?

[avc8130]

I am continuing my research and searching for a tractor to buy come spring. I have poured over specs and reviews. I have read many times that the TLB series make great...TLBs! I know their hydraulics are much more capable. Their backhoes are much stronger. Their FELs are not quick release.

The thing I can't figure out, is "do they make BAD tractors"?

Is the TLB series less capable with 3-point attachments? Is it the price premium that keeps them on commercial sites and out of homeowners sheds?

The extra lifting capacity (almost double for any given hp class) looks very useful. The extra backhoe strength and capability certainly couldn't hurt when the digging gets tough.

So what's the deal? Why doesn't anyone buy these residential?
ac

 

[mjw357]

What's a TLB? Kinda new here, still getting used to all the shorthand.

 

[RoyJackson]

What's a TLB? Kinda new here, still getting used to all the shorthand.

Tractor-Loader-Backhoe

 

[RoyJackson]

I am continuing my research and searching for a tractor to buy come spring. I have poured over specs and reviews. I have read many times that the TLB series make great...TLBs! I know their hydraulics are much more capable. Their backhoes are much stronger. Their FELs are not quick release.

The thing I can't figure out, is "do they make BAD tractors"?

Is the TLB series less capable with 3-point attachments? Is it the price premium that keeps them on commercial sites and out of homeowners sheds?

The extra lifting capacity (almost double for any given hp class) looks very useful. The extra backhoe strength and capability certainly couldn't hurt when the digging gets tough.

So what's the deal? Why doesn't anyone buy these residential?ac

These machines are built for commercial applications. Heavier built and priced accordingly.
If your primary task is mowing a few acres of lawn , then the TLB isn't a good fit

So, what tasks have you planned for your tractor? That should help in your purchasing decision.

 

[mjw357]

So what's the deal? Why doesn't anyone buy these residential?

Now that I know TLB = backhoe, well I guess because they just are not near as versatile. Can't put a mower on it as far as I know. If you own a farm and are always digging up tile or something, you would probably want one. What's the average homeowner going to do with a backhoe?

 

[radioman]

These machines are built for commercial applications. Heavier built and priced accordingly.
If your primary task is mowing a few acres of lawn , then the TLB isn't a good fit

So, what tasks have you planned for your tractor? That should help in your purchasing decision.

I am going to disagree here. IF you are looking at the BX or B series- the way its designed the backhoe and front loader comes off sooooo easy its a no brainer.
it converts to a mowing dedicated machine with NO tools. just your hands to swap implements. You can install the 3 pt hitch in minutes too.
Its the perfect lightweight tractor that you can use as a TLB for homeowner anytime you need.
things to keep in mind- its NOT a commercial unit and you are not going to do 8 ft deep of backhoe work and then load the TLB into the truck without ramps using hydraulics alone.


However if you are doing commercial work, it doesn't make sense to get either b or BX but the larger dedicated TLB's. It doesn't make it a bad tractor except for weight and cost. the stronger the unit for digging, the heavier it gotta be therefore costs goes up accordingly. costwise for labor, its better to get a dedicated TLB. If you need 3 pt attachments stuff- its better to get a separate tractor for that. The homeowner tends to get something more versatile, not a heavy, clunky machine that takes time to swap implements.

Afterall, If you need additional lifting power and need nimbleness of a mowing machine, I guess you could use more then one tractors.:thumbsup:

 

[Grandad4]

"Bad" isn't the right term; "less efficient and convenient" might better describe it. Examples:

Doing ordinary tractor chores with a permanently attached loader, particularly mowing. Heavy, bouncy, bumps into stuff, etc.
Permanent loader and reinforcing may also complicate maintence work.
Gearing for heavy dirt work may not be the best for other uses.

I'm not any kind of expert, so those are just observations. Some people do just fine using their 110, B21/26, L35/35/45, etc., for non-construction work. They are indeed more costly, which is probably the biggest factor.

If your actual work is 80% dirt work and 20% chores, a TLB would make sense. If it's the other way around, you could probably spend your money more effectively and be more productive overall with a utility or compact tractor .

 

[RoyJackson]

I am going to disagree here. IF you are looking at the BX or B series- the way its designed the backhoe and front loader comes off sooooo easy its a no brainer.

I don't think the B or BX series Kubotas are actually TLB's (although they may be advertised that way). Nice machines...(BX2200 and a B7500 were the first tractors I looked at back in 2000), but these aren't "backhoes"...OK for occasional residential use (planting a rose bush), but not dedicated digging machines.

 

[ryer]

All I have ever owned are tlbs,B26,L39 on my residence (39 acres).I use the tractor for tree removal,road maintenance,mowing,shredding,pond excavation,building etc.You can go from backhoe to shredding in about 15 minutes plus the capacities are so much higher that its a no brainer for me. Your TLBs usually come with R4 type industrial tires so you do give up a little traction if your main mission is to pull a plow or something although I work in pure sand with 4 wheel drive all the time and I pull a box blade and dirt pan and really don't have too many traction problems. I am so impressed with Kubota TLBs that we are looking to upgrade to our 3rd, an M59.
Ryer

 

[Runner]

"What's the average homeowner going to do with a backhoe?"