B5100E, enough machine?

looch · May 31, 2001

I have a 1981 B5100E (turf tires) with the following Kubota attachments:

single-stage snow blower
roto-tiller
rear blade
lawn aerator
mold board plow
42" mid mount mower

I have 3.5 acres, 1 mowable. The other 2.5 acres is an overgrown field.
I want to start maintaining the field but I don't think this tractor will be able to handle it. I don't know if there is brush cutter small enough or if it will accept a sickle-bar.
I was thinking about upgrading, either to a BX or a small L series. I'd like to keep the roto-tiller and plow. Problem is that I don't really know what this machine and other implements are worth. It's got 200 hours on it and it's in excellent condition (don't laugh, but I've even waxed it on occasion).

A Kubota sales rep came by today to evaluate my situation. He initially suggested that I upgrade to a BX2200. I told him that I would eventually consider installing a back hoe. He said the BX would handle it but recommended that I go the B7500. He drove me to the dealership where he had a demo for me to try. I was quite skeptical about the HST, I kind of like changing gears. I must say though, that I was quite impressed. Also the fact that you can't install a MMM on the standard model is making me favor the HST. I wasn't too crazy about all the plastic, my 5100 seems a lot sturdier in the operator control department.

Anyways, he quoted me 14700.00 for the standard and 16300.00 for the HST (Canadian dollars). Any suggestions?

I'm leaving for Delaware tonight (tickets to NASCAR). I'm back next Tuesday.

FarmerBob · May 31, 2001

Paul:

The price seems quite reasonable if I'm converting correctly. My dealer quoted $10,000 US for B7500 geared model with FEL and choice of tires. I believe your quote was around $9,550 US for the same tractor... provided it had FEL. My dealer quoted $11,000 US for the HST model.

The 7500 is a very popular tractor in the US and should give you years of good service and handle most any task.

FarmerBob

JonLeonard · May 31, 2001

A local dealer here quoted $14500 for the 7500 HST, FEL, and Mid-Mount mower (US Dollars here in WV)

It wasnt an "official" quote, I just asked and he told me, so Im not sure if its the 54" or 60" deck or which FEL, but in either case, it seems like you guys are getting MUCH better prices there.

crown · May 31, 2001

The B 7500 is a very nice tractor I purchased mine for $9700 the HST tractor did not get the FEL but the dealer qouted $2800 for it, making the package $12,500 US dollars.

Anonymous Poster · Jan 27, 2002

you can get a sickle bar mower for ur 5100 i have a 4200 iots got 12.5 hp and i also have a 4 ft flail mower for it with a flail mower you can cut it high then lower the cut to finish it then it will keep it cut ok - i look after 4 acres with my b-4200 here in Ontario have had it since 1988 n have 850 hours on it with no problem - i also have a front end loader on it from the factory

SteveM · Jan 28, 2002

I have a B6000E with the 48" MMM and I am in a similar situation. I have decided to buy a 60" tow behind brush cutter with a gas engine - these are often used by ATV owners. This way I can cut my fields with a bigger deck than otherwise possible, plus I can pull it offset and cut about 6' wide in a pass on the open meadow. For me, the ability to mow bigger areas is the only principal reason to upgrade. I have a question back at you, though: How does the land plow work on your 5100? I am thinking of a 12" plow from TSC but want to make sure my little tractor has enough traction.

Thanks

looch · Jan 28, 2002

Thanks for the update, albeit slightly late /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif - I already traded up to a B7500.

I did do some "limited-depth" plowing with some success. I used the plow to peel back sod so that I could install an invisible fence for my dog (buried wire). I set the guage-wheel to the minimum depth. Once in a while it would catch a tough bit and stop the tractor - just played with 3pt lift lever and it would start moving again.
A friend and I got bored one Sunday and decided to try different set-ups to get it to work like it should. We put chains on my turf tires, which helped a little but still wasn't enough. One guy behind the plow, leaning on it, applying forward pressure proved succesful. We determined that with extra weight on the rear tires and some up front to keep the nose down would have solved the problem. I was going to make 2, 8" thick concrete disks to bolt to the rear rims. AG tires would have also helped immensely.
With time, persistence, and experimentation you should be able to find a combination that works. It is often quite rewarding to do more with less.