My winter Project: Kubota B8200 resto

[DeltaT]

I know it might not be a vintage tractor, but my friend has a Kubota B8200, built in 1984 (I think).
It has been used hard and it blew a head gasket last week. We replaced it and then decided to turn it into a total restoration.
He has been using it on a daily basis for -at least- 20 years. The hour meter stopped working long ago and I haven't been doing the math but there are a lot of hours on it. He has a marina and during the summer the 'B' starts up in the morning and is basically being used all day, 7 days a week. In the winter it is being used for snow removal and other chores. It spent it's life outside and is pretty beat up. Other then that, it has been a great tractor and deserves some tlc. He is planning on keeping it forever.

I will keep you posted on the progress. I have also made an image gallery for those who are interested.

I am sure we will need parts. Any help there is more the welcome.
Some parts (like the hood and grill) are barely salvageable. Replacing them would be a lot easier.

 

[RobertN]

Cool! I had a B8200 for 12 years. Great solid tractors. I'd still have it, but I moved up to a much larger tractor.

Is this gear or HST? Looks like a factory loader. Does it have power steering(many didn't)? If not, now would be a good time to add it; there are aftermarket kits.

Best thing I added was rear tip-tilt hydraulics.

 

[flusher]

I know it might not be a vintage tractor, but my friend has a Kubota B8200, built in 1984 (I think).
It has been used hard and it blew a head gasket last week. We replaced it and then decided to turn it into a total restoration.
He has been using it on a daily basis for -at least- 20 years. The hour meter stopped working long ago and I haven't been doing the math but there are a lot of hours on it. He has a marina and during the summer the 'B' starts up in the morning and is basically being used all day, 7 days a week. In the winter it is being used for snow removal and other chores. It spent it's life outside and is pretty beat up. Other then that, it has been a great tractor and deserves some tlc. He is planning on keeping it forever.

I will keep you posted on the progress. I have also made an image gallery for those who are interested.

I am sure we will need parts. Any help there is more the welcome.
Some parts (like the hood and grill) are barely salvageable. Replacing them would be a lot easier.

Nice project. Mine is restoring a 1951 Minneapolis Moline BF gasser

MM BF restoration-more progress - Page 3 - TractorByNet.com

Good luck.

 

[brain55]

Here are a couple of threads with pictures from a B7100HSD that I cleaned up earlier this year.

Starting work on B7100HSD

Finished B7100HSD

As far as parts, I didn't have the time or energy to be shopping all over the country for parts, and didn't really need anything that obscure. I always suggest the dealer first. If nothing else, it gives you a price comparison point. Good luck with your project. I learned tractor repair on that era of Kubota so I have always enjoyed them.

Brian

 

[DeltaT]

Is this gear or HST? Looks like a factory loader. Does it have power steering(many didn't)? If not, now would be a good time to add it; there are aftermarket kits.

It's a gear and it doesn't have power steering. You are right, it might be a good idea to add it. If you have a link, that would be great, if not I can always F$%^& google it.

Here are a couple of threads with pictures from a B7100HSD that I cleaned up earlier this year.

Starting work on B7100HSD

Finished B7100HSD

As far as parts, I didn't have the time or energy to be shopping all over the country for parts, and didn't really need anything that obscure. I always suggest the dealer first. If nothing else, it gives you a price comparison point. Good luck with your project. I learned tractor repair on that era of Kubota so I have always enjoyed them.

Brian

Wow, that is one great project. It always motivates to someones progress pictures.Awesome job ! :thumbsup:
First thing we did is go to the dealer for parts. Some are available and ordered. Stuff like some brackets, battery tray end we also found some decals.
We are still looking for the plastic grill, which is not available anymore and the hood. The dealer quoted a whopping $1200 +, and that is not including tax.
Maybe I can find one south of the border, Canada always seems more expensive when it comes to parts and stuff.

This is my first tractor build up, but not my first project. Last year I did the Bluebird (pics part 1 and part two) and a couple of years ago I tackled this (still have it, running strong).
I just can't help myself.:laughing:

 

[RobertN]

Search this site. There are a few threads on it right now. One was PS in 90 minutes... I think the company making the kits advertises here too.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/138014-power-steering-90-minutes.html

There are other threads too

It's a gear and it doesn't have power steering. You are right, it might be a good idea to add it. If you have a link, that would be great, if not I can always F$%^& google it.

 

[LBrown59]

I know it might not be a vintage tractor, but
my friend has a Kubota B8200, built in 1984
(I think).
I will keep you posted on the progress. I have also made an image gallery for those who are interested.

I would have bought one of these new in 1984 but the deal fell through due to financing.
Never got another tractor until getting my new BX23 in 2004.

 

[Thomas]

No better way to understand ones tractor than digging into it.

Do keep running log for its interesting also helpful to others...beauty of ride in back ground.

 

[wmonroe]

Awesome project. I grew up with a B8200 HST that my parents still have, probably 3000 hours on it and 24 years old. Good luck.

 

[DeltaT]

We have been spending some time on our little Japanese friend

. (updated pics in the gallery)
I have been working on the FEL frame and sanding and griniding down some loose parts to bare metal.

I might need some help from you guys. We are looking for some parts. We went to the dealer, but some parts are not available anymore in Canada or they are very expensive. So I might try further south.

First is the right foot rest/pedal assembly. The B8200 is a Gear tractor. As you can see, it is in bad shape and has some holes at the back and near the pedal bracket. It is fixable, but needs a lot of work. I would prefer a new one or one in better shape. The dealer has the left one.

Then there is the front grill. It is broken and part of it is missing. It will be almost impossible to bring it back to life.

And I am still keeping my eye out for a good hood. There are quite a few dents in it. Just getting a better one would save us a lot of time.