Kubota B1550 advice

[chan58]

Neighbor has a Kubota 1550 with 1640a front loader and hydrostatic tranny. Not sure the year, but likely mid-to-late 90's? 495 hours, well maintained (as far as I know), in great condition (as far as I can see), original tires. He is retiring and moving in a couple of years, and wants to sell it to me. Not sure what he paid, and we haven't set a price yet.

I own one acre, landscaped, that requires lots of time hauling, digging, planting, etc. I plan to do some excavating in the near future to install some french drains. The tractor doesn't currently have a backhoe, but I believe it can be installed. My driveway is too large to shovel. We normally don't get too much snow, but I type those words having just cleared 40" of heavy, packed white stuff off the driveway.

I have four questions. First, is this a good tractor? Second, is it right for my situation? I think the answers are both yes, but just want to make sure.

Third, given many variables that make this a loaded question, what (very rough) price range should I expect to pay?

Finally, I had an idea. I borrowed this tractor over the course of the last several days to clear my driveway and those of several neighbors. I can't say it was easy with that volume of snow, but the tractor got the job done. Then it dawned on me - why not buy the tractor now, in a "time share" arrangement? My neighbor has work to do on his property. I have work to do on my property. He wants to sell the tractor to me in two years. Why not pay him now, in monthly installments, and get some use of the tractor? It seems win-win: he sells the tractor at today's prices, but gets to keeps his tractor over the next couple of years and receive some regular income out of it. I save some money since I don't have to rent equipment to do my french drains. We could split maintenance costs. In two years, it becomes mine.

Does this sound like a good idea? Obviously, there are some finer details that would have to be worked out, but it seems workable.

Thoughts?

 

[dodge man]

Looking at this website, I'd say its a late 1980's tractor. http://www.kubota.com/priorproduct/BSeries.aspx

Does it have power steering? That would be a big minus if it didn't. It also might be hard to find a backhoe and subframe for it, but I'm not sure.

If it were me, I'd either buy it outright or pass on it. What happens if a major repair comes along. Who is stuck with that bill?

Tractor House is a good source for a rought idea on price for used tractors. They have two listing now at between 5 and 6k.

 

[RoyJackson]

I must agree with dodge man...buy it outright or don't buy it at all.
If either party damaged the tractor or caused undue wear and tear...well, it would not be good for your friendship.
Otherwise, keep the relationship as it is...it'll work out best for both of you.

 

[srs]

Neighbor has a Kubota 1550 with 1640a front loader and hydrostatic tranny.
First, is this a good tractor?

Thoughts?

Chan, I owned a B1550, 4wd, hydro, turf tires, with I believe the same loader. I traded it in on a cabbed B3030. The B1550 had approximately 1200+ hours. Other than new front tires (just before I traded) and batteries over the years I NEVER had any problems with this tractor. It was built like a tank and as far as I'm concerned built a lot stronger (cast iron vs. cast aluminum) than the B3030. I had the tractor about 18-19 years. I can't say enough good things about the 1550. I ran the tractor hard but did not abuse it, changed fluids sooner than required, and it never failed me. Not the biggest tractor but for my 3 acres it was more than enough. Sorry I can't answer the other questions but I give the 1550 2 thumbs up. Good luck in your decision.

 

[chan58]

I think you all are right-on: this purchase scenario could either be good, or horribly BAD. So why take the chance? Anway, at 495 hours, this well-maintained tractor seems to be a great buy. Unfortunately, it's not in the cards. After seeing some prices online (thanks for the link) for tractors with 4 times the usage, there is simply no way I can justify the cost just to maintain one acre. It seems more cost-effective to rent a backhoe when necessary, and pay someone to plow the driveway.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[GPintheMitten]

Chan,

That sounds like a good tractor. Slightly larger than mine. Mine is 15hp hydrostatic 4wd Kubota B6200. Mine has a little over 900 hours.

I wouldn't rule it out completely. You never know what your neighbor might offer it up for. Next time he brings up the subject, just tell him what you posted here, that you like it but it would be hard to justify for the use. Let him set a price. He might just want to do a neighbor a good favor and offer it to you cheap.

I remember when I got divorced and left the countryside neighborhood, I gave several tools to a good neighbor and sold him my tractor very cheap. My ex-wife agreed to make our neighbor a good deal because he was a good friend and we had traded favors a lot over the years.

 

[chan58]

Good idea GP. We've done lots for each other over the years - in fact, I just plowed his driveway with HIS tractor! We'll see what happens. Meantime, it's good to have this tractor next door...

 

[RollingWoodFarm]

I have a B1550 that I bought from a dealer just over a year ago. RC54B mower and B2551 2-stage snowblower plus enclosed cab. I added an 854 pto driven Trac Vac for my leaf pickup. Also have a Howse 5-ft backblade and 30-inch dirt scoop. I can't say enough good about the whole arrangement. We live on 15+ acres with about 5 needing maintenance. Care for 4 miniature horses.

 

[art]

For the price of a backhoe it would be cheaper to rent a excavator and use the tractor for the finish work. Good tractor for an acre and then some. With good care should go many more hours then you will use it!