B7100 Restore Project Has Begun

[j t huskins]

Began working on the B7100 that I brought home in August. The tractor had set for three+ years with the upward exhaust uncovered. I resisted the urge to just try and crank the engine before doing some investigation into possible water damage to it. Good thing I did. Even though the engine was not stuck it did have rust in no. 2&3 cylinders along with stuck rings. Some water found its way to the crank no. 3 rod and main journals which made a small rough spot on both. No. 1&3 cylinder walls have a ring groove worn at the top. I began the task of finding and pricing parts and was shocked to discover the high price of each component.Before I waste any time or money purchasing parts I will wait for the verdict from my machine shop as to whether the cylinders can be cleaned up with a .5mm bore and the crank can be turned within the under size bearing specs offered by Kubota. I have pictures but haven't figured out how to ad them to my post yet.

 

[timswi]

Keep us posted, sounds like an interesting project.

To post pictures, just hit the paper clip on the TBN post menu and find your picture folder, then upload

 

[WayneB]

Good luck with the refurbish! Sounds like a major undertaking.

 

[j t huskins]

Yea, i'm afraid that an undertaking might become an under statement before this is over. I can carry on with the news that the block wiil need to be re sleeved but if the crank can't be turned then the project will have to be scraped and the tractor parted out unless I can locate a good used crank that is reasonably priced.

 

[Mudfarmer]

Yea, i'm afraid that an undertaking might become an under statement before this is over. I can carry on with the news that the block wiil need to be re sleeved but if the crank can't be turned then the project will have to be scraped and the tractor parted out unless I can locate a good used crank that is reasonably priced.

Be careful. I have a B7100 and love it, just bought new tires for the front - $300 plus. Looks like your tires are worn in the back, pretty expensive to replace. I see B7100s offered for abouyt $5000 on Craigs list in our area. Doubt they are going for that much, especially if you don't have a loader. Hence, don't let the refurb get out of hand. Other than that they are a great, no-nonsense, all metal machine.
Mf

 

[Baby Grand]

Good luck, JT! Keep us updated. I'm particularly interested in how your restoration goes as I am starting to dig into a newly acquired B5100D.
Jim

 

[Johndeere3720]

Looks like an interesting project. I know what it's like when looking for used engine parts, they aren't cheap. Good luck in your search!

 

[KubotaSam]

I love those factory rear wheel weights. If you decide to part it out let me know.

Seroiusly; You may be able to purchase another b7100 with a better engine for less than the rebuild on yours. I see them on craigs list from time to time. You could build one from the parts of 2 then sell or keep the remaining parts for spares.
I love my B7100.-- looking for factory rear wheel weights.

 

[j t huskins]

Got my head, block, and crank to the machine shop yesterday. Good news so far. The cylinders are good for a .5mm bore and the crank will just get a polish. Ordered 675.00 worth of parts from Messicks just to get the machine work going and put the bottom end back together. Thankfully I obtained this tractor very cheap on a NC sealed bid so I have a lot of room to spend before I exceed the value. Hopefully I will have a like new tractor for the same money that I would have paid retail for one then had to make repairs. As for the wheel weights, the tractor has front and rear factory weights. With the FEL being plenty of weight for the front I am considering not using the fronts if the restore continues. The tires have never been loaded with fluid so my wheels should be in good condition. Spent 4 hours washing engine parts spic and span to prepare for a restore paint job as I re assemble. Will have to get the engine going before I will know what else needs repair besides the charging system which was the reason for the tractor being taken out of service.

 

[KubotainNH]

Cool thread. I have a B6100, these little orange beasts are really tough.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I'll be watching your project with great interest. I have a B6200 vintage 1983 that my brother bought new. Good luck.

 

[j t huskins]

This is my first Kubota and I hope it is as tough as my 1210 Ford 4x4 that I bought new 27 years and 1900 Hrs ago. When my dad and I were shopping for a compact tractor in 1984 to use in our Christmas Tree business we narrowed our search down to the Ford 1210 4x4 and the Kubota B7100 4x4. The Ford won out on price and leg room for Dad who is 6' 3".

 

[Martian]

Looks like a fun project. Did basically the same thing 7 years or so ago with a 1950's Farmall Cub. My great grandfather actually bought it new all those years ago and practically built the largest electric company we have here in Michigan with it. Great machine though, never failed to start. It could be -20 below and I would bet on that machine to start over my 2008 JD 3120, my Gator, my 5410 or even my truck for that matter. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

[j t huskins]

This is a must have for any one who goes very deep into one of these machines. The manual provides wear limits for every component along with testing procedures.Absolutely worth the cost.

 

[Baby Grand]

Got my WSM from Messick's, last week. Having some issues with worn front PTO splines. Found a section of copper tube jammed between the teeth when I finally got them apart. Looks like I'm going to have to do some modifications if I can't find the parts.

 

[dennis52]

This is a must have for any one who goes very deep into one of these machines. The manual provides wear limits for every component along with testing procedures.Absolutely worth the cost.

There is also a Technical Manual which is pretty impressive

 

[petes]

I picked up a tired but complete B7100 with FEL for $500 with a cracked head and worn cylinder liners. Used heads for a reasonably cost seemed to be unobtainium. The bottom end of the engine (rod and main bearings) looked like new so I bought new rings planning to reline the cylinders. Long story short, the cost of liners, a new piston, and $7-800ish for a head turned me to looking for a replacement engine. I ended up finding a D950 in an Onan marine diesel generator that was in fine shape for a good price, so swapped a few parts (heh heh) and how have a 20hp D950 (with a real waterpump!) powering my B7100. It's been a great tractor. I don't need the additional horsepower, but often wish for more traction! Anyway, I have the D750 "left over". Crank is in perfect shape. I've got a set of new rings for it and an installed-and-torqued-but-never -run head gasket. I could be talked into parting with it for not a bunch of $$, which would eliminate the temptation to rebuild it someday!

 

[j t huskins]

Still waiting on my parts shipment from Messicks. Tracking shows them to be scheduled for tomorrow.

 

[RobertN]

Might keep an eye out on the marine boards/forums; small Kubota motors are used in 25-40' sailboats and other marine applications.

 

[Leejohn]

I might be able to help you out with the front PTO splines. I have 3 different ones. I know one is splined the same as the rear PTO. The other 2, one is little longer then the other.I well look and see what the spline count is on each one.