B1700/B2100/B2400/B1550/B1750/B2150 as an upgrade from B7100HST

[jas67]

I'm contemplating upgrading from my B7100HST.

My B7100HST is a late-model (I'm told by PO '98) with a Woods DuAl 145 quick-detach loader. I have brand-new turf tires and wheels on it, plus the original tall & narrow-style R1's.

I love the B7100HST, but there are two things I feel it "needs":
Power Steering
More 3 point lift capability -- I would like at least 800 lbs lift.

I would also like a little more FEL life capability.

Adding power steering costs about $500 + labor, but I'd still have an anemic 3PH.

The B7100 has one of the weekest 3 point lifts in its class at 400 LBS. The Ford 1210, which is roughly the same size, HP and weight is rated at 880 lbs lift. John Deere 650's are around the same.

I'd like to stay orange, so I'm considering the following models:
B1700
B2100
B2400
B2410
B1550
B1750
B2150
B7500 (power steering?)
B7510 (power steering?)
B7610

Must haves: FEL, good condition.
Would like to have: Turf tires in decent condition, or at least the correct wheel size for turfs (no narrow-tall, R1 only wheels).
Must not have any mechanical needs, and would prefer decent-looking condition (which is usually a good reflection on how well it was maintained).
Prefer under 1000 hours. My B7100 only has 520 hours on it.
Prefer quick-detach loader (complete loader, not just bucket).
Priced at or under $8000


I'd also like a little more PTO power, so that rules out the B1700 and B1550, unless I find a really good deal.

The B2410 and B7610 are probably too new to find a decent one in my price range, but would certainly fit the bill (as would any Bxx20 or Bxx30, but again, too new to realistically exepect to find in my price range).

I just recently missed out on a 490-hour B2400 with LA351 loader, back blade and a 14' trailer for $8000. It looked to be in very good condition. This is now my benchmark.

What are problem areas to watch for on any of these models (esp. the older Bxx50 models)?

Will my turf tires and wheels fit any of the above models (I know they fit the B7300, but the B7300 doesn't have power steering)?

Are the B1700/B2100/B2400 a lot better or improved vs. the B1550/B1750/B2150?

Which loader models that came on these models are quick-detach, and which ones are not.

Does anyone out that have owner's manuals or sales brochures for these models that show 3PH lift ratings?
Does anyone out that have owner's manuals or sales brochures for the various loaders that came on these that show the specifications (lift force, breakout force, curl force, etc)?

I guess I might consider the right deal on a B7300/B7400/B7410. It is my understanding that they don't have power steering. What is the rear lift rating on these models? I might consider them just for the rear-lift upgrade, and, and least with the B7300, if it doesn't come with good turfs, I can move mine over from my B7100 (the wheels on my B7100 are B7300 wheels -- I drilled a 2nd set of holes in the front ones for the smaller bolt pattern of the B7100).

 

[Ductape]

I'll offer what I can here, as I used to have a B2400.

My opinon: I'd stay with the 17/21/2400 or newer. These are more or less the same tractor as the 75/7610s. That means..... if you wanted to add a backhoe, its not much of a problem to have a subframe mount. That chassis had a long run and Woods (and I assume most others) have a subframe readily available for it. This will also be the case when adding a MMM and other attachments. I don't recall what the lift capacity was on my 2400, but it would lift my Wallenstein BX62r chipper, which had to be a thousand pounds (though I had to steer with the brakes). It will lift more than you'd want on the back.

I never owned a '50' series, but I'd have to assume that if things like subframes are still available, they would be phased out long before the '00' and '10' series tractors.

As far as swapping wheels, I guess you'd have to make sure the gear ratios between front/ back were compatible. Certainly plausible..... but not something I could answer.

One thing you have going for you is the economy, and I've seen the '10' series tractors become more affordable as some owners have had a reduction in income.

Good luck, and have fun searching!

 

[AJE]

My B7510 does have power steering.

 

[B2400]

The B2150 is a 24hp machine but is a slightly heavier chassis and a 4 cylinder engine as compared to a B2400.It is a very good machine but may be getting hard to find chassis specific hardware for ie.. FEL, MMM and such. I upgraded from a B7100 to my 2400 for the power steering and FEL. If possible, I'd stay away from the Bi-Speed turn models if FEL use will be a majority of your work. I have the feature and it can be handy when mowing, but I have had an issue with the axle pivot o-ring leaking and it is very time consuming to repair due to the Bi-speed gear box.

 

[jas67]

Other than requiring different loaders and back hoes (I don't need the backhoe), and, of course, the slight age difference in the models, are there any pros or cons of the B2150 vs. B2400?

How is the 4 cyl. 24HP engine in the B2150 vs. the 3 cyl. 24 HP engine in the B2400?

Anyone out there have any problems with either of these models (or the B1750, or B2100 for that matter)?

I think that I've narrowed it down to the following models:
B2400
B2150
B2100
B1750
B7500
B7510

I figure I might as well get a HP upgrade while I'm at it, so I'm not really looking too much at the B1550, B1700, or B7300 (which doesn't have power steering) -- that is unless I find a REALLY good price on one with a loader.

Thanks again,
Jay

 

[jas67]

I got a great deal on a B7610, see this thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/146604-new-me-b7610.html

My B7100HST left for its new home this evening.
It served me very well for the short time (11 mos) that I had it.