Buying Advice Need advice - used B21 vs. new B7510

saxonyron · Oct 16, 2005

I'm a relative newbie to the tractor world, other than toying with the idea of getting one for a couple years, and having a little experience operating FELs and BHs. It's time to make the move. I have 5+ acres, 3 or 4 horses, need to regrade and expand the riding ring, dig some trenches (a couple hundred feet) and lay drain pipe, etc. I'd also use the machine to clear and regrade about a half acre (with more in the future), including trees, rocks, etc. Seems the B21 may be more suited for the heavy work, but too much firepower for daily stall mucking, dragging a york rake, etc. I'm afraid the B7510 may be underpowered for the clearing and trenching. Mowing is not a concern. The specs:

B7510 - new - HSD, LA302 loader, Woods 6500 Backhoe. $19,700

B21 - 400 hours. Don't know the specs yet as I haven't contacted the seller yet. But it has the manual transmission (doesn't bother me, but should it? I drive a manual every day). Has 14" bucket on the BH and the TL 421 FEL. Don't know the price yet, but I've searched TBN and it seems like $16-18K is about right?

Any feedback on pricing or which machine you think I should lean towards would be appreciated.

v8dave · Oct 16, 2005

I almost bought a used B21 instead of my new B7610. There was too much wrong with the B21 though.

You may be surprised at the price the used B21 will command. They are sought after and usually have a high price. You might find it close to the same price you state for the B2400. Even so, at 400 hours, if it looks good it is probably worth it. Especially so if it wasn't used by a contractor.

All the B21s I looked at had HST transmissions. I don't know if they ever made a manual B21. B21 HSTs have three ranges though. Maybe that is causing the confusion. By-the-way, the B21 will whine noticeably louder in top HST range when motoring along, than either low or mid range.

The 14" bucket on the BH is good. Narrower makes trenches you can't work in, wider spreads the dig effort wider and less pounds per inch aganst the ground of curl (dig power).

You won't be disappointed with a B21. They are one sturdy beast and quite capable for their power and size. Don't delay looking at the B21, if the price is lower than $17,000 to $18,000 it's likey under priced and will go quickly.

If you still want new, you might want to consider the next one (or two) sizes up in tractors. For your uses a bigger loader will be of benefit.

If you are up to receiving Private Messages, I can send you a rather lengthy note I wrote about my experiences with a backhoe and loader on my B7610.

saxonyron · Oct 17, 2005

Thanks for the advice! I'm not positive about the transmission. I'll try to check it out 1st hand with the seller on Monday. Any PM would be great - but I'm almost afraid of what you're going to say... If the B21 is priced too close to the $19700, I'm tempted to go new. I have a project list that's substantial, but I can be somewhat patient on the production end. Heck, I've been surviving around here with a Yamaha golf cart and a 15 HP Husqvarna mower!

Egon · Oct 17, 2005

Think the B21 is rated for construction use. They are built with backhoe use in mind rather than as an attachment. Many rental companies have them.

Egon

MarkV · Oct 17, 2005

Just as a reference I paid $19k for my 98 B21 with 400 hrs on it in 1999. It now has over 1200 hours and has never been in the shop. As Dave said they are a sought after machine and you will not find many low hour used ones around.

If you don’t know, the B21 does not have a removable loader or a mid PTO so no belly mower if that is important to you. It is a bit weak on PTO horse power with 13.5 although I have often questioned if that is underrated. I use a 4’ rotary mower and a 4’ tiller without any problems. Loader and backhoe capacities are the best you will find in that size tractor and the four point ROPS (FOPS) with its canopy is great for protection in the woods and sun. The B21 has only been offered with the HST transmission.

If there are any questions I can help you with just drop me a PM.

MarkV