Kubota B8200

[buckeyepost]

Kubota B8200 diesel tractor

Here is a link to a tractor I'm looking to buy. I talked him down to $3,300. It has 531hrs on it and is a 1985 model. I don't know a lot about tractors but the Kubota name is supposed to be strong. Anything I should look out for with this? All I'll be using it for is mowing and plowing slow. I went and looked at it, started it and mowed a little circle, seems fine other than the mower deck not being able to raise. He said he would check the linkage and it should be able to raise. I need this since the grass/field I'll be mowing is pretty long and uneven. I also have to cut and reweld the ROPS to shorten in about 5" to fit in my shed. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Morgan Kubota]

tractor looks great! I have sold a number of machines in that kind of shape for 4000 to 4500 in great mechanical shape. As long as the engine and trans are in good shape you are looking good. It is also still very easy to get parts fro those machines.

 

[moeh1]

Is the ROPS one piece? My Bota has a top piece and 2 side pieces with a bolted in bar connecting the sides to the top. If you really needed to shorten, you could cut down the sides and re-drill for the bolts (as long as the ROPS police don't catch you).....
Stay safe.

 

[buckeyepost]

Thanks Morgan, that makes me feel better as I am kind of going into this blind. So the mower deck not raising isn't a big deal then?

Moeh, the roll bar is one big piece. I've seen some that fold back but that must be a newer model. Do you think the bar will still be "safe" if it were to tip/roll over. I have flat land so it shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks for the input!

 

[moeh1]

Mine doesn't fold, but it was still 3 individual pieces. The "rule" on ROPS is no welding or even drilling, so you are definitely over the line with your plan. I don't think you have alot of options unless you build a taller shed for it.

 

[TripleR]

Mine doesn't fold, but it was still 3 individual pieces. The "rule" on ROPS is no welding or even drilling, so you are definitely over the line with your plan. I don't think you have alot of options unless you build a taller shed for it.

There is an old thread on here somewhere concerning "modifying" a ROPS, I have had it done as have many others. I would have no concerns as long as the person doing the work knows what they are doing.

 

[buckeyepost]

I was concerned about the same thing but he assured me it would be just as strong, if not stronger, than before. He's the kinda guy that won't give you something back if it isn't safe or doesn't work. He fabricates pretty much anything he needs so he knows his way around the shop and has every tool known to man. He is also going to look into the mid PTO housing because the shaft coming out appeared to be loose. Hopefully just the bearings and nothing major since that drives the mower deck. And, he's going to sharpen the blades and move the seat back a few inches for me since I'm 6'7". I can't wait to get it and get to mowing!

 

[buckeyepost]

Well, looks like the gearbox that drives the mower deck needs major work. I knew the front output shaft was loose and the guy who sold it to me said he replaced the bearings but didn't say anything about the housing being worn. They guys I have working on it said it's in bad shape and it would be best to just replace it. So all I can find for the model# RCB60-1 gearbox is $715 from Kubota. They will install it for free since they feel I got ripped off which is super nice. So, basically I'm going to be paying the full asking price with a new gearbox. And while I do feel put out by the seller, I think I still will have a nice mowing tractor for $4k, don't you?

 

[TripleR]

Well, looks like the gearbox that drives the mower deck needs major work. I knew the front output shaft was loose and the guy who sold it to me said he replaced the bearings but didn't say anything about the housing being worn. They guys I have working on it said it's in bad shape and it would be best to just replace it. So all I can find for the model# RCB60-1 gearbox is $715 from Kubota. They will install it for free since they feel I got ripped off which is super nice. So, basically I'm going to be paying the full asking price with a new gearbox. And while I do feel put out by the seller, I think I still will have a nice mowing tractor for $4k, don't you?

Yep, I still think you came out OK.

 

[moeh1]

I would think you might find a gently used deck for less than the price of that gearbox and have a whole lot of extra parts left over...