noobie asking for advice

[AKfish]

For my previous stated requirements are there any advantages/disadvantages for going for a tractor base machine, like the Kubota B series, versus the Kubota TLB series?

Yes, quite a bit; actually.

Head over to a dealership and sit in the seat and fire a few of 'em up! Nothin' better than some first hand information - or maybe - hand's on information.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[IslandTractor]

Well once again I'm back asking for advice.
It seems that I can add a BH to about anything short of my new TDI, for about $6K
For my previous stated requirements are there any advantages/disadvantages for going for a tractor base machine, like the Kubota B series, versus the Kubota TLB series?
I know I need a FEL and a BH, but I don't know about the other differences.
tia

The dedicated TLBs are generally tougher than equivalent sized tractors with added BH however they are also significantly more expensive. For roughly (actually less) than the price of a Kubota B26 I purchased a Kioti DK40se with a Woods BH90x. That is not a fair comparison in terms of power as the Kioti is closer to a Kubota L39 but with the only downside being trailer weight (Kioti TLB about 2000lbs more) and manuverablility (Kioti is after all a solid 40hp tractor with a nine foot BH) there were not many advantages to the B26. The tractor for example comes with a fully functional 3PT which as I recall is a pain if even possible with some of the Kubota dedicated TLBs. Don't underestimate the need for a good bush hog or flail mower in land clearing. Even if a B26 is tougher than an equivalent HP tractor based TLB, it is not tougher than something as large as a DK. One big advantage for a B26 would be dealership access and quick resale but the Kioti/Woods will get lots more work done.

 

[newbury]

Well, thanks so far for all the info this forum has provided.
I finally got my first date with a tractor. Just got it home. Unlike my wife and most of my cars I don't expect this relationship to last. I'm already figuring heck I've got the trailer, how big can I afford next year?
It's a cute Kubota b7610, with 246 hours, it came with a FEL, boxblade an 18' 5 ton Hudson trailer and chains, all made in 2007. On the way to look at it I found a lightly used Woods 6' BH with 4 point hitch.
Rolled all together it'll be about $16K.
Already I know I need a grapple and bush hog. Tractors seem to suck money.

 

[AKfish]

Congrats! Looks like a real nice package and a darn good price! Your patience has been rewarded!

Should make those retirement days all the sweeter!

AKfish

 

[IslandTractor]

Nice little TLB package you got there. And, you are correct that the trailer gives you room to grow. Spend a year or so using the 7610 and figure out if you really do need anything bigger. It will do a lot of work for you.

You might consider a grapple bucket and a set of rear remotes to control it. If you can do your own work it shouldn't cost you more than $700-800 to add a grapple arm to the standard bucket and run some control lines to the remote. Your loader is not terribly powerful but should work very well with a simple grapple bucket. I'd hold off on QA adapters, third function valves and "real" grapples if I were you as those add more cost than could be easily justified given your 700lb or so loader capacity.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I agree with Eddie on the TLB as the best option...

The most value for the money in a TLB IMHO is a used Terex 760...

Look at machinery trader and you can find these full sized TLB's used in the 20-30 range...

The Kubota and other compact units are not in the same class as these units weigh in @ around 17K pounds...

If maneuverability and hauling is more important to you then the compact TLB's are a better option...

TEREX TX760, Used TEREX TX760, TEREX TX760 For Sale At MachineryTrader.com

 

[newbury]

<snip>
You might consider a grapple bucket and a set of rear remotes to control it. If you can do your own work it shouldn't cost you more than $700-800 to add a grapple arm to the standard bucket and run some control lines to the remote. Your loader is not terribly powerful but should work very well with a simple grapple bucket. <snip>

I'm seriously considering getting the grapple after the BH, especially after reading your threads. What is required to "do my own work" for adding a grapple and do you have any links for bucket top grapples?
tia

 

[IslandTractor]

What is required to "do my own work" for adding a grapple and do you have any links for bucket top grapples?
tia

There are several options available. The easiest to install are bolt on bucket grapples made by ATI, Add A Grapple or WR Long. I haven't priced those recently but I'm guessing $600-800 for the kit. To install you really just need to follow directions, drill a few holes in the side of the bucket and then assemble.

More involved but less money are the grapple arms available from Tatro, "Thumb" and a few others on eBay. I believe those are still available for $350 or so. The potential downside is that these require reinforcement of the bucket upper lip and welding (or bolting). Most people will weld these onto the bucket lip but it is possible to bolt them on if you don't weld.

With either type you still need to rig hydraulics to control the grapple. There are many threads on that subject but basically you either need to get a third function valve and tap into the power beyond circuit of your FEL controller valve or install a set of rear remotes. Costs for a third function valve depend on whether you are buying a fancy (and very nice) kit from WRLong for about $800 or learning enough to buy the parts yourself from internet discount sites for about $300-400. The alternative is a set of rear remotes which can be installed typically in an afternoon without too much trouble using a kit obtained from your tractor manufacturer (most cost about $300-400). With either option you also need to measure for and purchase a number of hydraulic hoses with appropriate fittings which can be done either over the internet if you are well versed in options and terminology or more easily accomplished by visiting a local hydraulic shop.

I think it is safe to say that nearly everyone is a bit intimidated by hydraulics the first time they think about modifying something on their tractor's system. However, in the end it is not highly technical work at all but rather a matter of understanding the basics and proceeding only when you become confident you know what you are doing and why. Other than that understanding, it requires only a set of wrenches and the correct fittings/hoses/valves.

 

[Johndeere3720]

You know, with my experience with skidsteers (track and tire) I liked the Deere best. Im not sure of its price but you might want to look at the Deere CT315 or a used CT322. Check out The Skid Steer Smackdown! and see ho much nicer the Deere is. Very easy to service because you can push out a pin from inside the cab and lock the loader in raised position. Then you open the back door and lift the top cover. Then remove both side panels and you have total access to the engine. To get under the cab, all you have to do is unscrew two bolts and it easily goes up. When my dad and step mom were looking for a Compact Track Loader, we went all over. That night I showed them the skidsteer smack down and Deere outlifted the new Bobcat T320 and new Cat 297. Deere packed lots of power into their CT332 since it camn gracefully pick up a 6000 pound pallet off a semi and set it on the ground. When we went to Bobcat of Portland, they compared the CT322 to the T190. I did some research and it is closer to the T250. look at the CT315 and a used CT322. My dad and step mom got their CT322 for 30K along with a tilt trailer to haul it. Can you believe im only 13!

 

[cann mulching]

Your doing a good job Johndeere! I love John Deere equiptment but I haven't looked into their skid steers yet, you have opened my eyes though!
Thanks
I have a ASV rc-100 & is very powerfull!