B7100 HST - how good is this tractor?

[natedog75]

My dad and I have a b6100 from the 80's I believe. While my dad hates it (he has no patience), I somewhat admire its capabilities. There are somethings it does well and somethings you will need something bigger for. We have the two wheel drive with no FEL.

It takes more time to do things than with a larger unit but it does not leave near the foot print that my LS XR4040 does.

If you want to work a small garden, move supplies around, do some light grading work you will be well pleased. If you expect to rip up stumps you might there a little while.

I do like to use it in the garden as it is light weight.

We have a tiller box blade finish mower brush hog and middle buster for it. All of the implements are 4 ft except the bush hog it is 3 ft. You have to go slower with mowing and hogging depending on the height of the grass but that goes for any unit. All of the implement work great when sized correctly. I will say to put some weight on the front end if you don't have a FEL as it likes to float with implements lifted.

Not having power steering sucks. Just don't get your hand caught in the steering wheel. It can turn ugly quickly.

Overall you will have a ball with it. It is a great first tractor.

 

[Egon]

"power steering sucks. Just don't get your hand caught in the steering wheel. It can turn ugly quickly."

And don't put your thumb around the steering wheel rim. Leave all spinners in the store.

 

[Thomas]

As Egon said "They are a little mule".
I had B7100HST w/FEL 1995 for 15 years never gave me problem,and there many times wish I still had it.
If you decide to have FEL install make sure you have some kind rear ballast.

 

[RobertN]

I'd go for it. Nice little tractor.

I added a loader to my old Kubota, a little bigger B8200. Worked great. Ya, harder to steer without power sterring, and a full bucket of heavy stuff. But there are options to add power steering. I will say, adding a loader to my B8200HST really made it a "tractor" to me. I can't imagine one without a loader now.

Only thing I would say about adding a loader, is be prepare for sticker shock; they are expensive... Mine was $3000 installed some 15 years ago.

I went with a Bushhog QA loader. Used it 10 years; it worked great. I know the guy who bought the tractor from me; the old B8200HST and Bushhog loader are still working great.

 

[Newbie7100HST]

I live in Ontario. It would be waaayyy cheaper in fuel and accommodations to drive from here the NC for a free 7100 than to pay the going rate for what the most beat up/abused ones are selling for around here.
Sweet deal - can you ask them if they have a free snowblower for it too lol.

 

[motownbrowne]

It gets better! I don't even have to go get it. They're headed my way in a few weeks and are going to bring it to me on a flatbed. Most I may have to pay is a one way U-haul flatbed fee.

I just scored a free tractor with delivery!

:cool2:

Some people have all the luck...



Congrats on the machine! I'd recommend leaving as is. It'll convince you how handy it is to have a tractor around, and then make it easy to justify a bigger FEL equipped machine. As it is, a 7100 will be a very nice tractor to have around.

 

[PILOON]

A friend has one, a beat up ugly poorly maintained (prev owner) with almost bald tires.
But you just can't kill it. Does every and anything he asks of it.
FEL bushings all loose, hoses pop one at a time etc etc. but it never fails him.
Got to be one of Kubota's best.

 

[KubotainNH]

I have a B6100 from the early 80's. Very similar but 2 HP less and gear drive. That little beast does most everything I ask it to do but it would be close to useless to me without the loader. That's the best part.

Nice score and the picture of it makes it look like it's in good shape. I added power steering to mine which makes a world of difference, too bad the guy I got the setup from is no longer selling them.

 

[travelrider73]

I live in Ontario. It would be waaayyy cheaper in fuel and accommodations to drive from here the NC for a free 7100 than to pay the going rate for what the most beat up/abused ones are selling for around here.
Sweet deal - can you ask them if they have a free snowblower for it too lol.

Fortunately I don't need a snowblower!!!! Lately, I could use a small boat though with all the rain we've been getting in Florida.

 

[travelrider73]

I'll use it as is for a while. If I can't live without the FEL, I'll either trade up or look into adding one.
I'd also be interested in knowing about who can sell me a power steering module for it if anyone has some good sources.