Should I trade my B7100 for a Bx1870?

[comfun1]

I have a B7100 that I bought new in 1992 with a fel. It has had quite a bit of hard use, tilling pumpkin fields. Leveling pads for buildings, lots of loader use, etc. At a little less than 1000 hours I had to have the top end of the motor rebuilt. Currently the loader bleed down so quickly you will spill your load within 10 to 15 seconds. The front tires are bald and full of plugs and slime. The steering gearbox is worn out but still working. I have lots of rear implements for this but don't know if they would work on a BX1870? I have a 48" tiller that is heavy for the B7100. I also have a 5' box blade that is a bit much sometimes for the B7100. I have an auger and don't know if a bx1870 could raise it high enough to operate. Then there is the question of ground clearance on the Bx. It seems like I might get caught up a lot. I got a cash price of $11,300 for the bx with fel.

I guess the question is should I spend several thousand to repair my B7100 or buy the Bx and sell the one I have? I just found this forum and hope that you folks can offer me your suggestions and advice on this matter. I would be great if I could hear from some Bx owners as I know nothing about them. I just happened into the Kubota store the other day and that's the first I've seen them.

 

[skeets]

Well Im not sure about the sizes between the7100 and the BX, but I will say that, from having green and yellow tractors in the same sub compact class my little BX 2360 out shines them all.
Look around construction sites and you will see BX's mostly with the FEL and BH and they work their arses off. Now in MHO, and I know you are attached to the old gal other wise you wouldn't have hung on to it this long, I would opt for the BX 23 or BX 26 if you can. I filled the rear tires and wheel weights about 75 on each wheel And what I have found out is I run out of traction long before I run out of power, even in 4wd. I am not easy on equipment but I don't abuse it either. I don't think you would go wrong with the BX. This is of course only MHO some will tell you that the BX is nothing more than a big lawn tractor, don't you believe them. These machines are working fools and I couldn't be happier. Now on ground clearance the BX sits a little lowed than the B, and the hydro fan sits underneath in from of the rear end, and you can clean it right off with a stick. You can build a skid plate to cover the blades or there are several company's that make them as well.
Just do a youtube, search tons of info on the BX. I could go on and on but I will finish by saying, that I should have bought a BX years ago. And before I forget,,, WELCOME to the orange

 

[ShaunBlake]

Hi, comfun1; welcome to OTT.

I'm a new owner (in my first year) of a B6100 with a FEL and the appropriate age and wear as well. Not nearly as bad a yours, but "everything" needs attention, and some overhaul is on the near horizon. I feel like I have a good idea of what you're faced with when reducing your inventory.

If you spend time researching the prices of B7100s (AuctionTime.com and TractorHouse.com are a couple of my favorite resources) and consider how much it will cost to do all the repairs, I think you will agree with my thought that it would be better to sell the B7100 with the loader "as-is".

Selling the implements and attachments separately should be quick and prolly get you a greater return than packaging them with the tractor.

Hope this helps. Please keep us advised of your progress with the B, and let us know how the BX search goes.

 

[85Hokie]

I guess the question is should I spend several thousand to repair my B7100 or buy the Bx and sell the one I have? I just found this forum and hope that you folks can offer me your suggestions and advice on this matter. I would be great if I could hear from some Bx owners as I know nothing about them. I just happened into the Kubota store the other day and that's the first I've seen them.

I would sell the B in parts or whole as others have said. Then get the BX, and I agree with Skeets on moving up a step - I think you will find the BX is even a better machine than the B....in this case. And if you are financing it - the zero % will be even better.

then again - having two tractors is an awesome thing - even if one is a little "sick"

 

[Grouse Feathers]

If you look at the specifications for the B7100 and BX1870, the BX appears to be slightly more powerful and have a little more 3 point lift capacity than the B. You should be able to do all of the same things just a little easier. You may even notice a big increase in capability given the present condition of the B. The smaller tires on the heavier BX will probably have at least the same traction as the larger tires on the lighter weight B tractor. The BX may ride a little bumpier and seem a little tipsy in comparison, but rear wheel spacers would help that.