What are your guys thoughts on a small TLB?

[sansbury]

I have a Deere 1025R TLB and recently added a 2-ton Chinese mini-ex to the collection.

Knowing everything I know now, I’d seriously consider swapping the TLB for one of the little Chinese stand-on skid steers. On my terrain a tracked machine would be better, as are the range of attachments. I’d love to have a mulcher in particular. I bought the mini-ex because I was starting to do a lot more digging and it’s just much better suited to it. It’s also a huge plus to have two machines that can work together.

That said, I have no regrets about the purchase. For someone who knew nothing about machinery, it was an easy entry point. I got a lot done with it and local dealer support is great for a first timer.

 

[GeneSimm7]

I have both a TLB and an excavator and since I got the excavator I haven't used the hoe on the TLB. Wish I had bought the tractor without the hoe. Whatever you choose, decide what the largest, most powerful TLB you think you need and then get a larger one.

 

[Fxfymn413]

Don't sell the BX line short. They are small, but very well made machines that are capable of "punching above their weight".

I have an L4060 and a BX2660. I recently had to dig out three 6x6 posts that supported my front porch which had rotted out. I used my post hole auger to punch a hole next to the posts which allowed me to pull the old posts quickly with minimal hand digging. The first two posts I was able to access with the L model, but the third was inaccessible by the big machine. I put the auger on the BX and was able to get to the the third post and quickly punch a 12 inch hole with the little machine.

My point is that this is very typical of the kind of jobs you will face when doing a flip and that bigger isn't always better when access will always be an issue. Given the price difference between a BX and a larger unit I'd go with the BX and use the difference to rent a bigger machine for the few times you need it.

Also used BX's with a BH are relatively common and pretty affordable.

 

[newbury]

I have both a TLB and an excavator and since I got the excavator I haven't used the hoe on the TLB. Wish I had bought the tractor without the hoe. Whatever you choose, decide what the largest, most powerful TLB you think you need and then get a larger one.

And consider what you can get in a mini-ex that:
Will fit in your relatively small properties and future flips
Will be easily towed without changing trucks
Will reach what you want
Will comfortably fit your wallet

In 2009 I went with a B7610 and added a $8K Woods backhoe to get a 7' dig depth.
They didn't have min-ex's for $8K.
Now you can get a pretty good min-ex for $8K.

Like I wrote before, one of the big advantages of a TLB over a mini-ex is speed of travel. If I need to go several hundred yards on either of my tractors it's not bad. I've driven my tractor w/ backhoe miles on roads because it took less time than loading/unloading, parking trailer, etc. But it goes about 10 miles/hr or so. A mini ex might take 10 times as long.
Your situation reads like you will put the tool at the site.

 

[Gord Baker]

Hey all,

I’ve been tossing around ideas of what my first piece of machinery should be for a while. My fiance and I are currently flipping a house and we would like to do more flips following this one. What I am looking for from the machine is to do jobs around the house (Right now I don’t need for acreage but we do have goals of getting 5-10 in a few years time) some side jobs between houses, and moving material/digging/grading when needed at our future flips is the primary goal. Mini-ex/skid steer is the ultimate setup but I’m not operating strictly from my machine, I’m using it to help things move along. I like the idea of having one sitting at a housing project I can do whatever I need with even if it’s a little slower. I currently have a 7’x16’ flatbed trailer that I believe should fit it ok.

I had done a decent amount of searching and then stumbled upon Kubotas TLB series. They seem to offer similar digging forces to the small mini-exs. They have better hydraulic flow than other options I’ve found too. I like its compactness. It can lift over 1300lb on the FEL and breakout force on the hoe is almost double what some of the cheaper options like TYM and Kioti had. The con here is pricing which is upwards of $50,000. It’s a lot of cash upfront compared to just adding a backhoe attachment to a standard tractor. I will have this machine the rest of my life so spending the extra money isn’t something I am against but I want to be sure it’s worth it. Has anyone ran the Kubota TLB series. I’m wondering how much better they perform beyond the typical tractor with backhoe added. Are there any others I may have missed that I should be looking into as well?

Thanks!

Just remember 'nothing is forever'. That is indeed a lot of cash.

 

[Carl_NH]

There are several good looking B26 in PA - one in Pine Grove with 680 hours on FB Marketplace for $29K. I was looking to upgrade from my B21 with 750 hours but decided to keep it and add the QA bucket, 3rd function and Hydraulic thumb

These 4000 LB TLB can do a lot of work and will fit your trailer - the L47 is the next step up at 7200 Lbs would be marginal on your trailer and a F150 or RAM 1500 class truck.

 

[teesquare]

My prior tractor was a Montana 34hp 4wd with an add on backhoe. I liked it - but dealer support was a real ZERO. So - sold it and bought aa Kubota L47 TLB. I could not be happier with the performance and that it will fit into places that the Montana could. The L series are built heavier duty than the B series, in several respects. Not the least of which - the high flow hydraulics. With a hydraulic thumb on the back hoe - moving rocks and logs is a snap. An extra set of hydraulic connections on the front means you can run grapples, or other attachments as well. Highly recommended for the mid-size category of "swiss army knife" tractors. And...if you need - you can remove the backhoe - and run farm implements on the 3 pt hitch....

 

[panamaguy]

Hey all,

I’ve been tossing around ideas of what my first piece of machinery should be for a while. My fiance and I are currently flipping a house and we would like to do more flips following this one. What I am looking for from the machine is to do jobs around the house (Right now I don’t need for acreage but we do have goals of getting 5-10 in a few years time) some side jobs between houses, and moving material/digging/grading when needed at our future flips is the primary goal. Mini-ex/skid steer is the ultimate setup but I’m not operating strictly from my machine, I’m using it to help things move along. I like the idea of having one sitting at a housing project I can do whatever I need with even if it’s a little slower. I currently have a 7’x16’ flatbed trailer that I believe should fit it ok.

I had done a decent amount of searching and then stumbled upon Kubotas TLB series. They seem to offer similar digging forces to the small mini-exs. They have better hydraulic flow than other options I’ve found too. I like its compactness. It can lift over 1300lb on the FEL and breakout force on the hoe is almost double what some of the cheaper options like TYM and Kioti had. The con here is pricing which is upwards of $50,000. It’s a lot of cash upfront compared to just adding a backhoe attachment to a standard tractor. I will have this machine the rest of my life so spending the extra money isn’t something I am against but I want to be sure it’s worth it. Has anyone ran the Kubota TLB series. I’m wondering how much better they perform beyond the typical tractor with backhoe added. Are there any others I may have missed that I should be looking into as well?

Thanks!

My 2 cents. The 1 ton excavators i have seen can not dig hard soil. Put the bucket doen and lift the hoe up. I have a IHI 15NX 4000 lb machine and have dug tons with it including swimming pools. The only time i got stuck and had to stop digging was in a material here in Panama we call tuska. But the guy working near by walked over with a Cat 320 and tried. Then he told me it was a rock the size of a house. The contractor i was digging for spent a week with a jackhammer to remove what he needed.

 

[Redlined0002]

Hey all,

I’ve been tossing around ideas of what my first piece of machinery should be for a while. My fiance and I are currently flipping a house and we would like to do more flips following this one. What I am looking for from the machine is to do jobs around the house (Right now I don’t need for acreage but we do have goals of getting 5-10 in a few years time) some side jobs between houses, and moving material/digging/grading when needed at our future flips is the primary goal. Mini-ex/skid steer is the ultimate setup but I’m not operating strictly from my machine, I’m using it to help things move along. I like the idea of having one sitting at a housing project I can do whatever I need with even if it’s a little slower. I currently have a 7’x16’ flatbed trailer that I believe should fit it ok.

I had done a decent amount of searching and then stumbled upon Kubotas TLB series. They seem to offer similar digging forces to the small mini-exs. They have better hydraulic flow than other options I’ve found too. I like its compactness. It can lift over 1300lb on the FEL and breakout force on the hoe is almost double what some of the cheaper options like TYM and Kioti had. The con here is pricing which is upwards of $50,000. It’s a lot of cash upfront compared to just adding a backhoe attachment to a standard tractor. I will have this machine the rest of my life so spending the extra money isn’t something I am against but I want to be sure it’s worth it. Has anyone ran the Kubota TLB series. I’m wondering how much better they perform beyond the typical tractor with backhoe added. Are there any others I may have missed that I should be looking into as well?

Thanks!

 

[Redlined0002]

Kubota L3200 4x4 Quick Connect Loader and Bucket. Quick Connect Backhoe. 32hp. Only 60hrs. Came from estate sale. $28,500. Located in Tennessee. John 904-813-4740

 

[Little Red Tractor]

If you're going to go with the TLB option, I would only add that a Kubota B series would be my preference over the BX. More mass--mass is your friend unless you're working on extremely soft ground.

 

[Qbota]

Hey all,

I’ve been tossing around ideas of what my first piece of machinery should be for a while. My fiance and I are currently flipping a house and we would like to do more flips following this one. What I am looking for from the machine is to do jobs around the house (Right now I don’t need for acreage but we do have goals of getting 5-10 in a few years time) some side jobs between houses, and moving material/digging/grading when needed at our future flips is the primary goal. Mini-ex/skid steer is the ultimate setup but I’m not operating strictly from my machine, I’m using it to help things move along. I like the idea of having one sitting at a housing project I can do whatever I need with even if it’s a little slower. I currently have a 7’x16’ flatbed trailer that I believe should fit it ok.

I had done a decent amount of searching and then stumbled upon Kubotas TLB series. They seem to offer similar digging forces to the small mini-exs. They have better hydraulic flow than other options I’ve found too. I like its compactness. It can lift over 1300lb on the FEL and breakout force on the hoe is almost double what some of the cheaper options like TYM and Kioti had. The con here is pricing which is upwards of $50,000. It’s a lot of cash upfront compared to just adding a backhoe attachment to a standard tractor. I will have this machine the rest of my life so spending the extra money isn’t something I am against but I want to be sure it’s worth it. Has anyone ran the Kubota TLB series. I’m wondering how much better they perform beyond the typical tractor with backhoe added. Are there any others I may have missed that I should be looking into as well?

Thanks!

I own a Kubota B26, and consider it one of my best friends. Only weighs 4000 lbs, bucket attaches with standard skid steer quick attach, backhoe isn’t overwhelming, but adequate and provides counterweight for the bucket. I bought the 3pt hitch kit and use a mower and grade box. Then I bought a set of pallet forks and can use it for *many* chores. With the low weight and non skid steering you can drive on most lawns without damage. For big stumps I would rather have a full-size, but if I only have one, this is the right one for me. Fits on my 16’ flat trailer and is transported behind my F150.
His name is “Doug”.

 

[Steam Ray]

Hey all,

I’ve been tossing around ideas of what my first piece of machinery should be for a while. My fiance and I are currently flipping a house and we would like to do more flips following this one. What I am looking for from the machine is to do jobs around the house (Right now I don’t need for acreage but we do have goals of getting 5-10 in a few years time) some side jobs between houses, and moving material/digging/grading when needed at our future flips is the primary goal. Mini-ex/skid steer is the ultimate setup but I’m not operating strictly from my machine, I’m using it to help things move along. I like the idea of having one sitting at a housing project I can do whatever I need with even if it’s a little slower. I currently have a 7’x16’ flatbed trailer that I believe should fit it ok.

I had done a decent amount of searching and then stumbled upon Kubotas TLB series. They seem to offer similar digging forces to the small mini-exs. They have better hydraulic flow than other options I’ve found too. I like its compactness. It can lift over 1300lb on the FEL and breakout force on the hoe is almost double what some of the cheaper options like TYM and Kioti had. The con here is pricing which is upwards of $50,000. It’s a lot of cash upfront compared to just adding a backhoe attachment to a standard tractor. I will have this machine the rest of my life so spending the extra money isn’t something I am against but I want to be sure it’s worth it. Has anyone ran the Kubota TLB series. I’m wondering how much better they perform beyond the typical tractor with backhoe added. Are there any others I may have missed that I should be looking into as well?

Thanks!

I needed to dig my basement under the existing house, I bought a lightly used kubota BX23 TLB, it was excellent for my needs, I doubt I'll ever part with it. I had a 3 point add on backhoe, for 50 HP case I bought well used at an auction, it was okay for out in the yard, but it wasn't the fine operating machine the Kubota is. I didn't want to knock the house around while it was on old stumps and adjustaposts while I dug out from under it. It was a perfect tool for the operations and is still a great tool. It's too small for field work but anything around the house or buildings it's great. I dig a lot of trenches for electric and commo and drain lines. I can almost throw away my shovel except for a little light clearing work. One of my best ever purchases. I do have a bobcat 520, I bought broke and fixed, it was an even more wonderful tool. I can always find a way to use them.

 

[ultrarunner]

I could have written the same for my BX23...

Also did a fine job digging out a basement and moving 100' of yards dirt/gravel from a neighborhood project to level the lower yard...

The big 40,000 pound blade runner excavator owner said he'd never seen anything like it.

 

[mikester]

Hey all,

I’ve been tossing around ideas of what my first piece of machinery should be for a while. My fiance and I are currently flipping a house and we would like to do more flips following this one. What I am looking for from the machine is to do jobs around the house (Right now I don’t need for acreage but we do have goals of getting 5-10 in a few years time) some side jobs between houses, and moving material/digging/grading when needed at our future flips is the primary goal. Mini-ex/skid steer is the ultimate setup but I’m not operating strictly from my machine, I’m using it to help things move along. I like the idea of having one sitting at a housing project I can do whatever I need with even if it’s a little slower. I currently have a 7’x16’ flatbed trailer that I believe should fit it ok.

I had done a decent amount of searching and then stumbled upon Kubotas TLB series. They seem to offer similar digging forces to the small mini-exs. They have better hydraulic flow than other options I’ve found too. I like its compactness. It can lift over 1300lb on the FEL and breakout force on the hoe is almost double what some of the cheaper options like TYM and Kioti had. The con here is pricing which is upwards of $50,000. It’s a lot of cash upfront compared to just adding a backhoe attachment to a standard tractor. I will have this machine the rest of my life so spending the extra money isn’t something I am against but I want to be sure it’s worth it. Has anyone ran the Kubota TLB series. I’m wondering how much better they perform beyond the typical tractor with backhoe added. Are there any others I may have missed that I should be looking into as well?

Thanks!

It will be cheaper for you to stand on the street corner handing out $5 bills than to buy a SCUT TLB. You are doing this as a business - rent the right late model machine for your job, take the 100% write off this business year. No maintenance, no headaches, no fixing breakdowns. You still have to find a monkey to operate the machine and hopefully not kill themselves or bystanders or create more damage than they fix.