Help me decide

[ldunlap]

A couple of years ago, I acquired a 1979 Kubota B6100E, gear driven 2 wheel drive. I started giving it TLC. As I live in town, it doesn’t get much use.

I really would like a loader. Factory loaders are impossible to find and aftermarket loaders are around $4000. I spent $1800 on the tractor. A Metkit pkg is $2500 plus plans. I’m having a hard time justifying the expense of the loader for what the tractor is worth.

I would like a loader, and power steering. I’ve thought about getting a different tractor, but this one is in really good condition for it’s age. Since I live in town the tractor won’t see much use either way.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

 

[jimh406]

I’d take a look for a similar model with loader and sell your current one. I don’t know if power steering can be retrofitted.

I don’t know how long you plan to stay into tractoring, but it might make sense to go even newer to ensure your tractor is in great shape while you are at it.

 

[Tire Biter]

You won’t like using a loader without power steering. See what you could get on a trade for something used with a loader and 4wd.
I added power steering to a tractor once, and while it was pretty straightforward, it took some fabricating and finagling.

 

[ldunlap]

I had looked through this forum and saw that adding power steering is an option with some using the Hoye power steering cylinder. In tight areas, steering it is a bear without the loader.

 

[NCL4701]

Totally agree with Tire Biter.

I’ve spent numerous hours on a 2WD, no power steering, trip bucket loader (which may not sound like much of a “loader” but it would lift around 1800lb). And if you had anywhere near 1800lb on it, it was a beast to steer and good luck getting any traction to back up if the nose was even slightly downhill no matter how much weight was on the back. 4WD and power steering are needed to get full use of a loader. Not saying you can’t put a loader on it, but definitely agree you’ll almost certainly be disappointed.

 

[SRRGC1]

Get rid of that B6100E and get a loader tractor with power steering. I did have a B1550DT with a woods FEL and worked great. Still a low HP gear tractor but had PS. If you anticipate alot of FEL work get a HST. Much better for FEL work and less abuse on the clutch.

 

[PaulL]

As others have said, general rule is that you can trade your tractor for one with the features you want for less money and hassle than you can add the features you want to your tractor. Tractors hold their value pretty well, you don't lose a lot of money switching. Whereas modifying a tractor is quite a hit and miss affair.

Look for a 4WD tractor with a loader, work out your price to change, and work out whether you could make your existing tractor that good for less money to change.

 

[ldunlap]

Thanks to all that responded.

 

[Impala]

Yes unfortunately you will have a difficult time finding an affordable loader. You always see the guys that find the loader itself but have none of the hardware or mounting. On an older machine you end up searching forever or fabricating something.

 

[PaulL]

Neil from Messicks put up a video very recently on almost exactly this topic - the things you need when you get a loader to add to your tractor. It was insightful. Summary was that in general, don't. You'll end up spending a lot of money at the parts counter when it turns out bits are missing.

 

[mikester]

Since I live in town the tractor won’t see much use either way.

I think you answered your own question.

If money is burning a hole in your pocket buy a nice new tractor. Doesn't matter what it is, just buy it.