B1550 hst or B7100 hst-What to look for?

kcoburn · Jun 22, 2012

I'm considering buying one of these machines for my son who owns 5 acres with a long, steep lane. I've owned 2 larger Kubotas and have been generally satisfied. These tractors have been on our local Craigslist for a couple of weeks. I think either could be bought for ~ $4000 or less. Here's a brief description of each. I'd be interested in any input, watchouts on them.

1995 B1550hst, pwr strg, 1300hrs , 60"rear finish mower, front blade plus a 30 gal sprayer trailer. I saw this one and have a couple of concerns. There's a distinct low "growl" somewhere
in the drive train. Doesn't sound "normal" to me, but I have no experience with these small hst machines, just with my L5240HSTC. This one has had two water pumps in the last 2 years,
but is still running hot. The servicing dealer thinks the old worn rear finish mower is just too much for this tractor. They claimed no knowledge of the noisy drive train. Thoughts?

1991 B7100HST, 1600 hrs, 60" mid mount deck, no pwr strg. Tomorrow I'm going to see, try this one. I'll get a chance to compare drive train noise. Are there any known common
problems with these machines? Anything I should be looking for?
Thanks for your help

hodge · Jun 22, 2012

I don't have any experience with a 1550, but I do have a B7100. Like all HST's, it will whine. Otherwise, the B7100 is a very solid tractor. If it was taken care of, 1600 hours is not bad- the engine can go for 4000 hours or more.
I run a 60" Woods finish mower behind mine, and a 48" tiller- it pulls them both admirably. I have used a 6' scraper blade, which was too much. I have a 4' blade that I use now, which is fine- the tractor handles it very well, and could use a 5'.
At first glance based on your description, I'd lean towards the 7100.
Are they 4WD?
The 1550 came with manual steering also, and power steering was optional.
Both tractors are in the same hp category.

dover52 · Jul 2, 2012

I own a B1550HST. In total I am very satisfied with it. I purchased it used, it started its life on a golf course with a 54" MMM (mid mount mower). In the years I have owned it, it always ran warm to hot. I did all the normal cleaning of radiator and tractor, finally this year I removed radiator(four bolts and two hoses) sprayed with Scrubbing Bubbles rinsed with garden hose three times before the water ran totally clean. The tractor now heats to half way on gauge in 80 degree temps. Only other problem was a leaking rear seal on wheel, (think it was my fault) really not a difficult repair. A 60" rear mower sounds like a lot me! I just purchased a 48" and seems like about the right load for the tractor.
To give you some idea of my background, I grew up on a 120 acre general farm--- dairy, chickens, hogs, row crops. If it broke we mostly had to fix it ourselves or do without.
In conclusion I'd get the one I felt was in best shape and enjoy it--- but be prepared for some minor wrenching!