B7100 HST - how good is this tractor?

[travelrider73]

As I was researching my first tractor, I just found out there's a 1990s Kubota B7100 HST 4x4 already in the family that I can probably have for free. It's in decent condition, but sadly it doesn't have a FEL. I've read that a FEL might be asking too much of this tractor anyway?

I can see that this question has been asked before, but the links provided in the old posts are dead.

If I already have a zero turn mower, tell me -- how much work is this little tractor capable of? The only implements it comes with are a deck mower and maybe grader. Anything else I needed would have to be bought.

Any thoughts on what you'd do with this "free" tractor, if anything? (Trade-in value?)

How much work can the PTO on such a small tractor do for me?

Thanks!

 

[4570Man]

A free tractor sure beats no tractor. What's the problem?

 

[travelrider73]

A free tractor sure beats no tractor. What's the problem?

Only "problem" is that it's in North Carolina and I'm in Florida. It has to be useful enough to be worth going to get it. I also wonder if I'd be spending money in the best possible way upgrading a 20 year old tractor (IE: FEL).

I agree "free is better than none". I just wish it had a FEL.

I just watched a few videos of the B7100 doing a variety of work (including this video: Tilling With Kubota B71 and FL1 Tiller. - YouTube ). Looks like it's a strong little workhorse.

Any general thoughts about this particular tractor?

Picture attached.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I would travel from Florida to North Carolina for a free B7100.

Use it for awhile before deciding on buying a fel for it. It's preferred to have power steering for fel work.

 

[Egon]

They are a little mule. Steering is hard with a load in the loader. Extremely capable little tractor and used properly may amaze one with its capabilities. There are only about 12 HP at the PTO. The rad and oil cleaner must also be kept clean and the whistle in operation. Hot weather & hard continuous work may lead to overheating.

 

[McREBEL]

Here is a link that might be of interest concerning the FEL.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/196284-my-new-coldwater-front-end.html

 

[JWR]

I would travel from Florida to North Carolina for a free B7100.

Use it for awhile before deciding on buying a fel for it. It's preferred to have power steering for fel work.

Agree ! Main question is what shape is it in ? How many hours and how well cared for ? If it is really in good shape it has to be worth a trip to NC to pick it up. Use it a while and decide to keep it or trade it. I doubt you would want to put a FEL on it. Too much cost and difficulty for an older machine without PS.

 

[4570Man]

I would make that trip for it. Worst case scenario that engine is worth quite a bit and I would use it to power a wood splitter.

 

[travelrider73]

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:

 

[4570Man]

You'll want a new seat because the factory one is terrible. The hour meter is only a 3 digit meter so it probably has 1000 more hours than the meter shows. Not that that matters on a free tractor.