Kubota B8200 Reviews
Thirty-Three Years In The Family
Model Year: 1985
My dad purchased the 8200 in 1985. Kubota was way ahead of its time with the versatility of the machine . It had HST, three ranges, 4-wheel drive, and power steering back in mid 80s. Plus there were attachment like loaders, snowblowers, and trenchers. Kubota really planned out the B series. The tractor has been in the shop one time and that was because of operator error. It performs like it is a much larger tractor. At only 19 horsepower, this tractor will run out of traction before power. I use it for loader work and hauling 2,500-pound sap tanks in syrup season. I love the machine. In fact, I have two of them. Both machines have over 3,000 hours.
Pros: Mowing, loader, good power; it can handle almost any task
Cons: Power steering design
Model Year: 1985
My dad purchased the 8200 in 1985. Kubota was way ahead of its time with the versatility of the machine . It had HST, three ranges, 4-wheel drive, and power steering back in mid 80s. Plus there were attachment like loaders, snowblowers, and trenchers. Kubota really planned out the B series. The tractor has been in the shop one time and that was because of operator error. It performs like it is a much larger tractor. At only 19 horsepower, this tractor will run out of traction before power. I use it for loader work and hauling 2,500-pound sap tanks in syrup season. I love the machine. In fact, I have two of them. Both machines have over 3,000 hours.
Pros: Mowing, loader, good power; it can handle almost any task
Cons: Power steering design
Kubota from the 80's
Model Year: 1985
The B8200 is an amazing machine. I am the third owner. The first was a contractor, then an airline pilot who left it out in a pasture for a long while. I had to clean it up and do a few repairs but it runs like a new machine. I built a backhoe and a grapple for it. It certainly has its limitations being the size it is but I found that to be an advantage for the type of work I need to get done. The smaller footprint of the tractor allows you to access some fairly tight areas. But it is big enough and has enough power to run a large Jinma chipper and maintain the driveway with a back blade.
Pros: Very reliable, easy on fuel.
Cons: Kubota parts are pricey.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 1985
The B8200 is an amazing machine. I am the third owner. The first was a contractor, then an airline pilot who left it out in a pasture for a long while. I had to clean it up and do a few repairs but it runs like a new machine. I built a backhoe and a grapple for it. It certainly has its limitations being the size it is but I found that to be an advantage for the type of work I need to get done. The smaller footprint of the tractor allows you to access some fairly tight areas. But it is big enough and has enough power to run a large Jinma chipper and maintain the driveway with a back blade.
Pros: Very reliable, easy on fuel.
Cons: Kubota parts are pricey.
Photo Uploads:
Takes a Licking, Still Ticking
Model Year: 1985
I bought the B8200 new when I moved to my current acreage and started an orchard. The tractor has worked daily at all tasks (mowing, tilling, snowblowing, bucket work, etc) without fail. It's even been submerged in my pond (needed some work then). My neighbors have commented on how reliable it is and several have bought Kubotas because of mine. I now also own a B2400 to mow, blow, and till with, and use the older B8200 for mainly bucket work and towing.
Pros: Extremely reliable.
Cons: Older models had poor charging system.
Model Year: 1985
I bought the B8200 new when I moved to my current acreage and started an orchard. The tractor has worked daily at all tasks (mowing, tilling, snowblowing, bucket work, etc) without fail. It's even been submerged in my pond (needed some work then). My neighbors have commented on how reliable it is and several have bought Kubotas because of mine. I now also own a B2400 to mow, blow, and till with, and use the older B8200 for mainly bucket work and towing.
Pros: Extremely reliable.
Cons: Older models had poor charging system.
Kubota B8200 HST-D 4WD
Model Year: 0
19 hp, hydrostatic drive, 4 wheel drive, 2 speed live PTO, with BF 300 front end loader. This is a little work horse. I don't know how many hours it has as the hour meter cable was missing when I bought it, but it has was well used. My only problem with it is the steering shaft assembly and the whole steer box is obsolete, and mine is broken. I was able to get new balls and tubes for the steering ball nut from Weaver Compact Tractor and am in the process of rebuilding the steering box now 2/13/13. But if the the worm gear shaft and ball nut were damaged I would be looking at trying to retrofit another steering box in. I have not found any used steering parts or complete steering boxes for B8200s.
Pros: Mostly well built and powerful for 19 hp. Good hydraulics.
Cons: Weak steering assembly for a tractor with a front end loader. Obsolete steering parts.
Model Year: 0
19 hp, hydrostatic drive, 4 wheel drive, 2 speed live PTO, with BF 300 front end loader. This is a little work horse. I don't know how many hours it has as the hour meter cable was missing when I bought it, but it has was well used. My only problem with it is the steering shaft assembly and the whole steer box is obsolete, and mine is broken. I was able to get new balls and tubes for the steering ball nut from Weaver Compact Tractor and am in the process of rebuilding the steering box now 2/13/13. But if the the worm gear shaft and ball nut were damaged I would be looking at trying to retrofit another steering box in. I have not found any used steering parts or complete steering boxes for B8200s.
Pros: Mostly well built and powerful for 19 hp. Good hydraulics.
Cons: Weak steering assembly for a tractor with a front end loader. Obsolete steering parts.
Kubota B8200
Model Year: 1993
Got the tractor with 70 hours. Used for quite a while. Had been setting and had not been used. Changed water pump and related stuff. Does not charge well. Changed dyno (I think that's what they called it) and not much of a change. Maybe would stay charged a little longer. Did buy the electronic module but have not installed it yet. Have really used this tractor, some would call it abuse maybe. Has held up well.
Pros: This tractor can work.
Cons: Parts are expensive. I guess they are for all tractors.
Model Year: 1993
Got the tractor with 70 hours. Used for quite a while. Had been setting and had not been used. Changed water pump and related stuff. Does not charge well. Changed dyno (I think that's what they called it) and not much of a change. Maybe would stay charged a little longer. Did buy the electronic module but have not installed it yet. Have really used this tractor, some would call it abuse maybe. Has held up well.
Pros: This tractor can work.
Cons: Parts are expensive. I guess they are for all tractors.
Orange Antique Still Doing It's Thing
Model Year: 1974
Have had very good luck with my B8200 and the Caroni mower I bought at the same time. No repairs other than normal wear items--tires, belts, etc. Mows several acres of lawn and moves the snow from my 800 ft driveway in Maine. Tractor is sort of like me--too old to do it but too stubborn to quit.
Pros: Rugged, always starts to -20 degrees, simple and effective.
Cons: None noted in 35 years of use.
Model Year: 1974
Have had very good luck with my B8200 and the Caroni mower I bought at the same time. No repairs other than normal wear items--tires, belts, etc. Mows several acres of lawn and moves the snow from my 800 ft driveway in Maine. Tractor is sort of like me--too old to do it but too stubborn to quit.
Pros: Rugged, always starts to -20 degrees, simple and effective.
Cons: None noted in 35 years of use.
First in the Neighborhood
Model Year: 1984
When I bought my Kubota, nobody in my neighborhood had one. My next door neighbor (1/2 mile down the road) bought a "green painted" tractor at the same time. Over the next few years, 6 of my neighbors and/or friends have purchased Kubota, based on how well and how long mine has been in operation. A few years ago (about 10) I bought a used B2400 to go along with my B8200. Both are still in use and going strong. The "green painted" tractor down the road got traded off for a Kubota a few years ago.
Pros: Dependable, hard working.
Cons: Replacement parts are expensive (have to go through dealer).
Model Year: 1984
When I bought my Kubota, nobody in my neighborhood had one. My next door neighbor (1/2 mile down the road) bought a "green painted" tractor at the same time. Over the next few years, 6 of my neighbors and/or friends have purchased Kubota, based on how well and how long mine has been in operation. A few years ago (about 10) I bought a used B2400 to go along with my B8200. Both are still in use and going strong. The "green painted" tractor down the road got traded off for a Kubota a few years ago.
Pros: Dependable, hard working.
Cons: Replacement parts are expensive (have to go through dealer).
B8200HST 2WD Used
Model Year: 1984
I bought it used, from a friend who owned a landscape company. I needed a tractor with a 3 point hitch and a belly mower and he needed lighter more maneuverable mowers to carry on his trailer. Because of its weight its not very portable from site to site in a hurry. That's about the only down side I could find. I used it for many years with no issues. I refurbished it a few weeks ago to sell as I bought another one a B9200HST 4WD with a front end loader on it as we have turned into a small horse ranch. The Kubota engines just keep on going the loader is perfect for manure mulch gravel. The Big turf tires make it a bit slippery but it has the differential lock which helped with the steep grades I have to deal with. These are great tractors used or new.
Pros: Great mower, lifter loader diesel engine never quits solid. Just keep it maintained.
Cons: If you can get power steering, it's a good idea tight maneuvering is a job as you get older.
Model Year: 1984
I bought it used, from a friend who owned a landscape company. I needed a tractor with a 3 point hitch and a belly mower and he needed lighter more maneuverable mowers to carry on his trailer. Because of its weight its not very portable from site to site in a hurry. That's about the only down side I could find. I used it for many years with no issues. I refurbished it a few weeks ago to sell as I bought another one a B9200HST 4WD with a front end loader on it as we have turned into a small horse ranch. The Kubota engines just keep on going the loader is perfect for manure mulch gravel. The Big turf tires make it a bit slippery but it has the differential lock which helped with the steep grades I have to deal with. These are great tractors used or new.
Pros: Great mower, lifter loader diesel engine never quits solid. Just keep it maintained.
Cons: If you can get power steering, it's a good idea tight maneuvering is a job as you get older.
My Outside Buddy
Model Year: 1982
I love my little Kubota B8200. He's a great friend and helps with everything I ask of him. He's not always able to push, pull and lift as much as I ask him. But he'll give most things a good try. If he has a lot of trouble with something and if it's more than he can handle, he as a bigger brother he can call for help. His bro is a Case 580L Extend-a-hoe, but that is not the norm and he works well by himself (I'm there too). He lifts posts, let's me mix concrete in his bucket and takes it to the job site, Roto-tills, digs post holes, landscape rakes, box scrapes, loads small trucks, picks things up and puts them down and so many things I can't think of now. Yes, he's been my little friend and buddy for almost 30 years. I love him a lot. Never any maintenance problems either.
Pros: Good worker.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 1982
I love my little Kubota B8200. He's a great friend and helps with everything I ask of him. He's not always able to push, pull and lift as much as I ask him. But he'll give most things a good try. If he has a lot of trouble with something and if it's more than he can handle, he as a bigger brother he can call for help. His bro is a Case 580L Extend-a-hoe, but that is not the norm and he works well by himself (I'm there too). He lifts posts, let's me mix concrete in his bucket and takes it to the job site, Roto-tills, digs post holes, landscape rakes, box scrapes, loads small trucks, picks things up and puts them down and so many things I can't think of now. Yes, he's been my little friend and buddy for almost 30 years. I love him a lot. Never any maintenance problems either.
Pros: Good worker.
Cons: None.
Reliable and tough
Model Year: 1988
Our little B8200HST has been ideal for working on our small olive orchard. We purchased a used model, which is surprisingly powerful, and versatile. The main use is for mowing between the trees, and, as our plot is quite steep in places, the small footprint of the machine is an added advantage.
Pros: Small footprint & good range of attachments.
Cons: Small wheelbase can make covering rough terrain difficult.
Model Year: 1988
Our little B8200HST has been ideal for working on our small olive orchard. We purchased a used model, which is surprisingly powerful, and versatile. The main use is for mowing between the trees, and, as our plot is quite steep in places, the small footprint of the machine is an added advantage.
Pros: Small footprint & good range of attachments.
Cons: Small wheelbase can make covering rough terrain difficult.
Kubota B8200H 4wd Diesel, Front End Loader
Model Year: 1982
This is a good little tractor. Perfectly reliable so far, even with it's age. I had to change a couple of seals for the brake drums, new float for the fuel tank, and adjust ALL of the linkage. You can't beat hydro-static, four-wheel drive convenience. It's a good little engine, but could use more horsepower. What saves the lack of horsepower is the 3-speed gear range. When you really get bogged down on a hill, go to low, otherwise use mid-range. I haven't found a use for high=range.
Pros: Reliable, easy to operate, low fuel consumption.
Cons: Not enough horsepower.
Model Year: 1982
This is a good little tractor. Perfectly reliable so far, even with it's age. I had to change a couple of seals for the brake drums, new float for the fuel tank, and adjust ALL of the linkage. You can't beat hydro-static, four-wheel drive convenience. It's a good little engine, but could use more horsepower. What saves the lack of horsepower is the 3-speed gear range. When you really get bogged down on a hill, go to low, otherwise use mid-range. I haven't found a use for high=range.
Pros: Reliable, easy to operate, low fuel consumption.
Cons: Not enough horsepower.
B 8200 HSD
Model Year: 1985
It could use a little more power at times, but it has served me well for 25 years. Use a 60inch mid mount mower to mow 2 ac, and a 60inch snow blower to clear a 450 ft drive way. the front loader is used to back drag around the garage. The power steering option works wonders.
Pros: One tough little unit. Nothing has broken, I did not severaly abuse it.
Cons: I wish I knew the 9200 was coming out the next spring!
Model Year: 1985
It could use a little more power at times, but it has served me well for 25 years. Use a 60inch mid mount mower to mow 2 ac, and a 60inch snow blower to clear a 450 ft drive way. the front loader is used to back drag around the garage. The power steering option works wonders.
Pros: One tough little unit. Nothing has broken, I did not severaly abuse it.
Cons: I wish I knew the 9200 was coming out the next spring!
Love it.
Model Year: 1987
I love the B8200D. I use it to mow with a 5 foot king cutter. I also have a post hole digger, a box grader for the gravel drive and have used a roto tiller off of the 3 point hitch. My only complaint has been the power steering unit that has 'Kubota' stamped on it but no one can even prove it existed! I finally dug up some part numbers but both dealers I work with came up empty as far as parts for it. I continue to manufacture my own gaskets. I was told numerous times that this model could not have a bucket put on it, but I see that varmit's B8200 has one! I am going to try and contact him to get a model number. It would complete this tractor if I cold get a bucket on it!
Pros: Ease of use. Perfect size. Big enough for hard work, small enough to get around. (3.5 acres)
Cons: Hard time finding parts and info on this discontinued line.
Model Year: 1987
I love the B8200D. I use it to mow with a 5 foot king cutter. I also have a post hole digger, a box grader for the gravel drive and have used a roto tiller off of the 3 point hitch. My only complaint has been the power steering unit that has 'Kubota' stamped on it but no one can even prove it existed! I finally dug up some part numbers but both dealers I work with came up empty as far as parts for it. I continue to manufacture my own gaskets. I was told numerous times that this model could not have a bucket put on it, but I see that varmit's B8200 has one! I am going to try and contact him to get a model number. It would complete this tractor if I cold get a bucket on it!
Pros: Ease of use. Perfect size. Big enough for hard work, small enough to get around. (3.5 acres)
Cons: Hard time finding parts and info on this discontinued line.
B8200HSTD 4x4
Model Year: 1985
I bought a B8200HSTD in 1999, as my first tractor. Originally, I had a 4' rotary mower and 5' scraper, as I had immediate needs for mowing. Later I added a Bushhog loader. I also changed from turf tires to R4. My B8200 was an excellent, trouble free tractor. The only thing I would note, is for it's size, it was underpowered at only 19hp. I only really noticed this when mowing thick grass or on hills. I put 800 hours on it, mowing, scraping, and loading. It really worked well, except it would have been nice to have another 5hp or so. Reliability was excellent; I never had any issues. I really liked the HST drive on the tractor. I kinda miss it
Pros: very reliable and built like a tank
Cons: only 19hp in a larger "B" series chassis
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 1985
I bought a B8200HSTD in 1999, as my first tractor. Originally, I had a 4' rotary mower and 5' scraper, as I had immediate needs for mowing. Later I added a Bushhog loader. I also changed from turf tires to R4. My B8200 was an excellent, trouble free tractor. The only thing I would note, is for it's size, it was underpowered at only 19hp. I only really noticed this when mowing thick grass or on hills. I put 800 hours on it, mowing, scraping, and loading. It really worked well, except it would have been nice to have another 5hp or so. Reliability was excellent; I never had any issues. I really liked the HST drive on the tractor. I kinda miss it
Pros: very reliable and built like a tank
Cons: only 19hp in a larger "B" series chassis
Photo Uploads:
Small but serious
Model Year: 1987
I bought the B8200 as my first tractor, after looking for a year or two at misc. small tractor. I feel like I lucked out, as the Kubota has proven to be totally reliable, and well suited for the tasks I discovered I had to do. It has a 4'Bush Hog loader, and a 5' J D rear blade. I also use a PTO post hole auger, and all this equipment came with it, from its first owner. It is all original, with the exception of Kubot aftermarket power steering I added about a year later. It needed it, for bucket work in tight spaces. It has turf tire, which are needed for operation on a lawn area. Until the recent blizzards, I didn't need chains, but now I have them. It needed a block heater, which I installed. I also installed some basic engine gauges, which I find useful. A bigger tractor, while nice to have, would be impractical for us. It sips diesel, which is nice. Used for snow removal, road maintenance, and fence rebuilding. Occasionaly, I haul logs out for my neighbor.
Pros: Well engineered and constructed, just the right size for my needs
Cons: Gear transmisson is not ideal of lots of back and forth work.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 1987
I bought the B8200 as my first tractor, after looking for a year or two at misc. small tractor. I feel like I lucked out, as the Kubota has proven to be totally reliable, and well suited for the tasks I discovered I had to do. It has a 4'Bush Hog loader, and a 5' J D rear blade. I also use a PTO post hole auger, and all this equipment came with it, from its first owner. It is all original, with the exception of Kubot aftermarket power steering I added about a year later. It needed it, for bucket work in tight spaces. It has turf tire, which are needed for operation on a lawn area. Until the recent blizzards, I didn't need chains, but now I have them. It needed a block heater, which I installed. I also installed some basic engine gauges, which I find useful. A bigger tractor, while nice to have, would be impractical for us. It sips diesel, which is nice. Used for snow removal, road maintenance, and fence rebuilding. Occasionaly, I haul logs out for my neighbor.
Pros: Well engineered and constructed, just the right size for my needs
Cons: Gear transmisson is not ideal of lots of back and forth work.
Photo Uploads:
