Opinion in buying a B21

[1aplay]

Sorry I accidently posted this in Kioti 1st. (I know-what a rookie)

Well after my experience in almost buying a B20 I went back searching real hard for a B21. (not a easy machine to find)The B21 I found is at a Kubota Dealership with 995 hours and they were using it for a demo and a rental unit. Now I know that I am supposed to be a cautious about rental units, but since it is a dealership and only having 995 hours - should I stay still away? The asking price for this unit is $18,500 and it is located about 450 miles away from me. This does not help in trying to buy the tractor. If I go down to look at it, I would have to plan on buying it or not that day. I don't want to go home to think about it and have to back to buy it. I have been reading the brochure every night and I really think this is the right machine for me.(can't wait to get one) Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Kurt

 

[RoyJackson]

If you've got to ask the questions here, you're probably not ready to buy a tractor without a good look over and thought.

450 Miles is a several hour drive. Something to think about.

If you're not experienced in buying equipment such as a tractor, you may want to look closer to home. If you are experienced, or fairly mechanically inclined, by all means go look at it and operate it. If it pulls strong and all the controls and gages work, you'll know what to do.

If you've ever bought a used car, you're half way there already. If you know what to look for on a used car, you'll know what to look for on a used tractor. Not a direct comparison, but close enough.

If you aren't comfortable making this decision...then look closer to home.

 

[v8dave]

You are going to get pretty much the same answers about use as before. But, the B21 was made to be a rental unit. 1,000 hours isn't much on a B21. Go look at it. See what warranty the dealer will give you.

The hydrostatic transmission will whine in top (3rd) gear, it's normal. Check for bangs and clanks when operating the backhoe with the bucket in the air. Go from in/out, left/right quickly. Same with loader bucket. Make sure all controls operate fully and implements reach limits ok. Lift the tractor with the outriggers. Dig if you can, some dealers have a test dirt pile. Look for unusual paint wear. Make sure all the instruments operate, especially the tach and hour meter.

$18,500 isn't much discount, last year a new one was $24,000 or $25,000 when I looked. I didn't try to cut a better deal though. But never-the-less, that price seems to be near what I'd expect to pay if I were still looking. $17,000 would be great. I saw B21's advertised with 1,500 hours in the $16,000 range.

I drove 500 miles to look at one towing my trailer (B21 1,000 hours, $16,500). Passed on it because it: looked as though it had more than the claimed hours; the tach was broke; the out riggers were sluggish in operation, the transmission whined in top gear and the hrdrostatic trans allowed a creep forward.

As noted above I found out the whine was normal I also found out the hydro creep could be adjusted out. I asked after-the-fact what I should look for at a local rental yard. Too bad, I might have bought it.

I ended up with a new Kubota B7610 with a backhoe. Haven't regreted the decision.

 

[Henro]

1aplay,

450 miles is a long way if you end up having problems...different state may even make things worse if things go wrong.

Question comes to mind: Why a B21? Granted they are great, heavy duty tractors, but size wise a B21 and a B7800/B2910/B3030 are really close in size. Both have their advantages. The B21 being essentially armor plated, while the more standard tractors have more PTO HP and a loader that comes off easily.

Do you REALLY need a B21? If I were running a rental agency then I would rent out a B21. But for my own use, knowing that I would not abuse what I have, for my needs I would not buy a B21 over my B2910 (with backhoe).

Now let me say I don't know the loader or backhoe specs on the B21, and they may exceed my LA402 loader and BL4690 backhoe...but at the end of the day, I doubt I would trade what I have for a B21.

So I wonder if you are limiting your choices by seemingly being stuck on the B21, which is without question a fine, small TLB...but other models might be better, all around, in the long run.

Just a thought...the B21 really is a fine construction-oriented machine and you will love it for what it is if you buy one. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[v8dave]

1aplay, I agree with Bill's post. Even though I made a post about going to checkout the B21, you ought to look at a new tractor or two also.

You haven't said what your intended use of the tractor is. Also, have use used this type of TLB before?

If you intend to use it on your own property one of the tractors in Bill's list won't be likely to wear out. I chose the B7610 because it was the largest size that I could drive between my shop and retaining wall. A B7800 would have been a bit better, but it wouldn't fit.

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> I bought 5.5 acres and come spring time I will be breaking ground on my new house. I want to do as much of the work myself. Digging to foudation will more than likely be to much for this tractor but I will do the septic system and drain field. I would also like to use it to put up a fence, mow down the field,maintain the road(driveway),do the landscaping(the wife) and then someday use it to dig my shop foundation(3'-0" frost wall) My land is also on a slight slope downhill. </font>
Kurt
I copied the above statement from your B20 thread.
I would look at B2910 or L3130 sized tractors.
When you mention that you want to mow down a field. That brings up one of the B21 low points for homeowner use. It only has 13 PTO HP. This will limit you to a 4' rotary cutter.
Another item that limits the B21 is the FEL cannot be removed. The above tractors will both allow removal of FEL.
Both Henro and I have the same tractor with similar attachments. We have done similar projects as you describe above without failure to our tractors.
If I was to buy another tractor today I would look at the L30 line of tractors because of the added load capacity for the loader.
Here is a thread about B21 and L30 tractor. Click Here. It may help in your search for a tractor.

 

[1aplay]

If I was able to find a used b7800 or a b2910 w/FEL along with a bl4690 backhoe wouldn't I looking at spending the same amount of money or more?(approx. $18,000) Are there many bl4690's out there on the used market? Won't this be real hard to find? The Backhoe is going to be one of the first attachments I will be needing to use.
I was looking over the spec.'s, b7800 vs b2910 and I don't really see much difference? Why are there so many different models that seem very similar? All this advice has been great!
Thanks,
Kurt

 

[ronjhall]

Kurt
Most B21 are bought to be used commercially. Your chances of finding a used one that has not been well used are not good.
B2910 and B7800 are purchased by people like me. That want to get projects done. Most projects are one time jobs. My 2000 B2910 has just over 300 hours. Majority of those hours were put on cutting lawn.
These tractors are not the same. If you have not checked out the different models. I would suggest that you spend some time at a dealer to check them out.
I don't know if you are stuck on a <font color="orange"> Kubota </font> or not. You may want to look at some of the other manufactures to see what is available.
Finding a Backhoe should not be a problem. Finding a used one may be problem. But finding a good price on a new one should be easier.
Since you do not list lawn cutting in your projects. I would look at the L3130 or L3430. There have been post on TBN stating that a L3130 HST with FEL is only $100 more than a B2910 with FEL.
Another tractor that you may want to put on your list is the L3400 HST. Here is a link to a site that has better information that <font color="orange"> Kubota </font>. Click Here

 

[srs]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( but size wise a B21 and a B7800/B2910/B3030 are really close in size. )</font>

Isn't the B21 a much heavier machine though???

 

[ronjhall]

A B2910 with FEL, 50" bucket and BH weighs 3453 lbs.
B21 TLB weighs 3836 lbs.
I'm sure there is added weight with 4 point ROP's on the B21.