TLB purchase

[Josh]

All,

After taking my wife to look at tractors (I'm looking at buying a B21 TLB), she asked why I wouldn't be buying a larger one--the L35. She didn't think the price difference was so big (mark of a good woman), and was worried that I was buying the B21 just because it was cheaper. Did get me thinking, though, anyone got a good argument for going with the larger rig? Pro's and con's, anyone?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have used the B21 and the L35, rented, on some of my construction sites. I have also used a NH (TC33 I think) with the 3pt backhoe and loader. The other excavation and farm equipment I have used are large scale professional pieces. The L35 was far more powerful and versatile for digging in the heavy clay and pulling, digging or moving rock. The backhoe breakout force on both units seemed pretty good, but there were times the B21 could only break off pretty small scoops. The B21 was great for work up close to homes or when space was tight and it had plenty of power for heavy duty landscape work. It also worked well for footing trenches on out buildings and could actually dig far deeper than I thought it would. I am glad you asked your question because I am trying to decide whether to get an L35, L48 or another tractor to put a backhoe on. The comments on the L48 have been helpful, but I haven't seen much on L35. I need to place some tile and would like to dig a couple ponds and clean a couple of ditches. I maintain 90 acres of CRP which needs a little mowing and food and cover plots planted.

 

[TWINKLE_TOES]

Josh,T
I like the way your wife thinks./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif The answer is based on your plans for the tractor. I have the B21 and was pretty much in the same boat. The CEO had given me a thumbs up on either the B21 or the L35. I liked the increased lift height of the L35 106" VS 89", the increased lift L35 1653 #VS 926#. The increased digging depth of the hoe for the L35 111"Vs 92" was not important to me. I did like the HST of the B21 over GST (glide shift tran.) of the L35. Also the PTO hp of the L35 26 Vs 13.5 was not a factor. I didn't plan any three point attachments for this tractor. Other than these differences, I saw the B21 as just taking a little longer.
You can do what I did, buy your wife the B7500 with midmount mower and save yourself 2 - 4 hours a week mowing./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif This will give you all the time you need to make up for the time difference in the B21 VS the L35.
Al

 

[JonSpinosa]

Josh,
I first purchased a new B21 and traded it for a new L35. I found the B21 just too small. Depending on what you are doing, the B21 is very small and unable to perform any heavy work. Don't get me wrong, the B21 is a real work horse and is capable of doing more than what it appears capable of. However, if you dig any stumps or perform any heavier work you do need the L35.

 

[MChalkley]

Josh - If you don't plan to use the Kubota's three point hitch and mechanical PTO, or if hydraulic front mounted skid steer type implements would serve your purposes, you might also want to look at the smaller EarthForce machines.

MarkC

 

[TWINKLE_TOES]

Jon,

I thought you used the word "any" a couple of times too many.

<font color=blue>B21 is very small and unable to perform any heavy work. </font color=blue>
Hard to address this one, but if heavy means beyond the limits of the machine, then all machines suffer this.

<font color=blue>if you dig any stumps or perform any heavier work you do need the L35.</font color=blue>

Stumps are tough, and the bigger the rig the better. I have worried a lot of stumps out of the ground with the B21, the key words are "out of the ground". The L35 and the B21 pale in comparision to a full size backhoe and stumps are no slam dunk for the fullsize either. Some of my stumps puckered up a D7 cat.

Maybe Josh can talk his dealer into a trial of each and see what fits his needs.
Al

 

[Kubota-monkey]

I used to have a B20 which is not much different from a B21 and now I have the L35. Both are great tractors but it really depends on what you plan on doing with them to factor into your purchase. I would say for a somewhat "farm" operation and larger amounts of acreage that need "things" to be done to it, go with the L35. If you sole purpose is for more landscape and "lighter duty" jobs- B21. As far power Comparisons-
L35 / B21
Gross Power- 35.1 / 21
Net Power- 32.5 / 19
3pt hitch cap. 2315 / 1057

Loader lift- 1653 / 926
B/hoe curling- 4971 / 3110

The L35 hoe is also quite a bit faster (it seemed to me anyway) If you like lighting quick speed however it does take some time to return to your digging area if you move the control sticks to fast. PTO HP could also play a big factor if you intend using heavier and more powerful implements. Both backhoes are easily removed, in fact even tho the L35 is bigger (unless they changed the B/hoe removal on the B21) i believe removal of the L35 hoe is easier. With the B20 you had to unscrew two bolts which never came undone easily. You will not be upset with either tractor however just dont buy something underpowered for your jobs that you want to tackle. Good Luck.........Also a test drive of both would be quite helpful and let us know how it all worked out!

 

[Josh]

Folks,

Thanks for all the words of wisdom. Turns out we decided to buy the B21TLB. Much of what we have to do is landscaping and moving small (3-400lb) granite rocks to create environmental backdrops. My wife is a photographer and she went along with the purchase as a tax rightoff for the business--we have a studio under contruction on the property also. Anyway, I will be landscaping many small areas around our stream that the L35 just seemed like it would not fit into. The extra horses probably wouldn't be needed either, though they would be fun to have.

Thanks again for the help. My Christmas present arrives on Monday.

 

[TWINKLE_TOES]

Josh,

Pretty darn nice Christmas present./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Give the CEO a big hug. The B21 is a tuff little tractor. I think you will be amazed how strong it is. Congratulations on your new TLB.
Al