Looking for a TLB

[sherpa]

Help, Which tractor?

I am looking into buying a used or maybe a new small TLB and found lots of different models. I am currently using a borrowed 2004 Kubota BX22 TLB with 475 hours on it. It is like new other than a couple of cylinder leaks. It is also for sale but I don稚 know what the price is yet. It seems to be pretty weak to me, but it may be that I am just not use to it.

I use to own a B20 TLB and it had a lot more digging power than this BX22.

I know there is someone on this forum that has already did lots of research on the little TLBs so if you have some knowledge to share or have a link to what I need please post it here.

I already own a New Holland TC 33D and love it. I just need a TLB.
Thanks.
sherpa

 

[TheMadOne]

Lots of people swear by the BX25D. Check out Paul Short's youtube videos for a pretty solid overview of what it can do.

Paul Short
- YouTube

 

[ultrarunner]

I have the model in between... the BX23 and no complaints.

As to digging it would depend a lot on conditions... I also added a toothbar to the loader which made a huge difference.

I believe the BX22 is similar to the 23 except the loader hydraulic controls stay with the tractor if you remove the loader on the 23 and newer...

If you can buy the BX22 right... it would be hard to loose any money.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I have the BX23 also and I like it a lot. But these little sub-compact TLBs do have their limits. The reach, depth and breakout force is not nearly has high as larger ones. But they will do a tremendous amount of work given sufficient time.

You say you have a New Holland TC33. Instead of getting a TLB, have you considered getting a mini-excavator? A mini-ex will dig circles around any TLB because you can dig, move, dig, move, etc., all without breaking down and setting up again.

 

[sherpa]

If you can buy the BX22 right... it would be hard to loose any money.

What would be a good deal on this "one owner" BX22 with 475 hours? He wants to sell it but will not give me a price, he wants me to make an offer. How much would you pay?
sherpa

 

[newbury]

Help, Which tractor?

I am looking into buying a used or maybe a new small TLB and found lots of different models. I am currently using a borrowed 2004 Kubota BX22 TLB with 475 hours on it. It is like new other than a couple of cylinder leaks. It is also for sale but I don稚 know what the price is yet. It seems to be pretty weak to me, but it may be that I am just not use to it.

I use to own a B20 TLB and it had a lot more digging power than this BX22.[/snip]

In comparison to the B20 TLB it is. The B20 was built as a TLB, the BX22 is a SCUT with a backhoe.

I already own a New Holland TC 33D and love it. I just need a TLB.
Thanks.
sherpa

If you don't want a separate mini-ex did you look into putting a backhoe (with frame) on the TC 33D?

My B7610 w/ Woods BH70-X backhoe makes a great TLB and has the additional weight, clearance and reach that the BX22/25 doesn't. It runs at lower RPMS and the fan is not a danger waiting to fail.

 

[newbury]

If you can buy the BX22 right... it would be hard to loose any money.

What would be a good deal on this "one owner" BX22 with 475 hours? He wants to sell it but will not give me a price, he wants me to make an offer. How much would you pay?
sherpa

Looking at Tractorhouse AND Ebay it looks like 10K would be a going price. I wouldn't have paid anything, it's too small for me I needed a 7' dig depth.

 

[Grandad4]

Help, Which tractor?

I am looking into buying a used or maybe a new small TLB and found lots of different models. I am currently using a borrowed 2004 Kubota BX22 TLB with 475 hours on it. It is like new other than a couple of cylinder leaks. It is also for sale but I don稚 know what the price is yet. It seems to be pretty weak to me, but it may be that I am just not use to it.

I use to own a B20 TLB and it had a lot more digging power than this BX22.

sherpa

Well, you're comparing a homeowner subcompact tractor to a commercial grade TLB. Of course there's going to be a world of difference in what they can do! I'd suggest your first step is to figure out which you mean by the term "small TLB". A BX sized machine is not just "small", it's very small. If that's what you want, there are several good makes to choose from. If you want something the size of that B20 (the bare tractor beneath the loader and backhoe is in the same size range as your TC33), you have other choices. Kubota still makes a commercial grade TLB in that size... The B20 has evolved into today's B26, but you'll pay a premium for the heavy-duty design. Alternatively, Kubota and most other makes offer loader + backhoe options for their tractors, including models that are similar in size to the B20, but are not "commercial grade" and are thus more affordable. Many owners find those machines are very capable and useful around their properties.

Are you keeping your TC33 or do you plan to trade it in? If it has a loader, you might be able to add a backhoe to it.

 

[sherpa]

My TC33D does not have a loader or a backhoe. I wanted the backhoe so I could make some more ATV trails on my property. It would also be nice to have a loader again. I am looking real hard at the mini tractors with the backhoe and loaders but I am not commited to any thing at this time.

At one time I looked into buying a backhoe for my TC33D but it was going to cost a lot since I did not have the heavy frame or hydraulics.
sherpa

 

[newbury]

My TC33D does not have a loader or a backhoe. I wanted the backhoe so I could make some more ATV trails on my property. It would also be nice to have a loader again. I am looking real hard at the mini tractors with the backhoe and loaders but I am not commited to any thing at this time.

At one time I looked into buying a backhoe for my TC33D but it was going to cost a lot since I did not have the heavy frame or hydraulics.
sherpa

But did you compare that cost and the capabilities you would gain versus the cost of a BX size machine?

My BH70-X with rear remote, frame, labor for install, dealer transportation, hoses etc. cost about $7 or $8K and I still think it was well worth it. But I also plan on moving it to my M4700

 

[ultrarunner]

I used my BX23 with toothbar and undercarriage metal shield to make a lot of trails... it did a really good job... a little slow but very capable.

Also moved about 180 yards of material that was delivered from a nearby construction site in 1/4 yard scoops.

Just finishing putting in some trails at my brother's place and used an old John Deere 350C dozer with 6-way blade... did a great job and lots of fun.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

If you can buy the BX22 for $10,000, you wouldn't lose much, if any, money on it if you used it for a while and decided to move up to something bigger. I'd probably offer the guy $9,000 and see what happens. But if it takes $10,000 to buy it, I'd say go for it. Look at it this way, for $10,000 or so you can have the tractor with loader and a backhoe versus paying $7,000 - $8,000 for a larger backhoe by itself.

My little BX23 is a very useful little tractor and is as tough as nails. I bought it with the intent of using it to clear a bunch of cedar trees (which I'm still doing . . . or would be if it would ever quit raining) and then selling it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to bring myself to sell it. It's just too handy to have around.

 

[sherpa]

Pappy,
Thanks for the post. That info is on the same lines of what I have been thinking. My TC33D is all I really need to keep. Once I get my roads/trails built I will have the option of selling the BX?
sherpa

 

[TheMan419]

What kind of time frame are you looking at to build the roads/trails. Would renting the right equipment be a more economical route if you are not planning on keeping the equipment after you do the work?

 

[sherpa]

I am not in a big hurry to do the roads, I actually tried to hire someone to do it but everyone is too busy to bring their equipment back in here in the mountains. It is a 10 mile dirt road to get back in here. Renting is not much of an option because of the same problem and it would take me a week or two to get what I want done.

 

[jenkinsph]

I am not in a big hurry to do the roads, I actually tried to hire someone to do it but everyone is too busy to bring their equipment back in here in the mountains. It is a 10 mile dirt road to get back in here. Renting is not much of an option because of the same problem and it would take me a week or two to get what I want done.

Rent the equipment for a month when you have the time and weather to use it. Monthly rates are more reasonable than day rates. As far as getting the equipment down the gravel road just ride it.