I did it !!! B20 coming home!

MikeInOnt · Jun 11, 2002

Well I managed to find myself a B20 with only 500 hrs of private use on it. Had to travel 500 miles each way to find it but compared to everything else I could find, if I could find anything, it's just like new!! It's got a 750 hoe with auto return, a bonus I suspect.

So any gotch-ya's I should watch for on a B20? I couldn't find any during my research.

Thanks!

Mike In Ont

Carl_NH · Jun 11, 2002

Mike,

Congratulations on your find - all your work was successful.
You will enjoy this for many years to come.. To find one with these hrs and a private sale is great as I assume you have the complete history as well. Did you find this in the states, and if so any issue with border crossing?

No gotchas that I know of tho I haven't researched them, but you might want to talk with a local dealer to hear their opinion of known issues or possible.

Changing the oils, fluids, fliters etc. is probably in line unless the owner has recent history as well.

Good luck and post some photos when you can.

Carl

Carl

Turfman · Jun 11, 2002

Congrats on the purchase. My friend has one at his nursery. He loves it and won't let me on it. His only caution is that the hyrdaulics are more powerful than on his regular tractors (B2510s) and if you are used to them the B20 can give you a wild ride. Just take it easy until you get used to it and you'll be fine. He claims they are very rugged and he has only had minor maintenance (lubes, oil changes and an occasional belt). They run them hard on this retail nursery and have been very happy with the ones they have. They also keep them a long time. I tried to buy one of their tractors from them, but they won't sell, claiming that they are very hardy and don't wear out quickly.

Turfman

MarkV · Jun 11, 2002

Hey Mike, that is great news and I know you will find the B-20 a great machine. There were really very few changes from the B-20’s to the B-21’s. I think the biggest change was to the flat operators deck and if I remember right slightly more hydraulic power. When I was searching I tried to buy a B-20 but after advertising the unit the owner decided he could not part with it.

I think you will be glad you waited and found this rather than the B21 with 2800 hours. For a 98 model it was seeing 700 hrs a year and that is more than most of us do in 4.5 years. Your B20 should last you for many years to come.

Just my 2 cents, but if you don’t know when the fluids were changed last, do it. The prices of filters and fluids will throw you so just remember it only has to be done every 250 hrs. I know I mentioned it to you before, but for backhoe use I would recommend loading rear tires and getting a tooth bar for the loader when you can. It makes a huge difference in the stability of the machine while backhoeing

After you have a few hours using the backhoe I would be interested in what you think of the auto return system. I have never used one and I don’t believe they offer them on the B21’s anymore. Sure seemed like a good feature.

MarkV