I own a 1999 B7300 HST with a RCK54 belly mower. I believe the tractor is 16 hp but it is manual steering. I now a of last Summer have only very limited use of my left arm and can no longer turn this tractor. What would be a comparable B Series tractor with power steering and 3 range trans? B2301? Clearance under the machine and the belly mower is VERY important. I also run a 4 ft. small brush hog on the rear 3 pt. hitch. I just put 1700 into this machine replacing a leaking seal on engine/trans,etc.. so I'm really bummed but I just can't drive it. I looked for a front loader for over 18 months and that is needed as well. TIA for any replies.
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- Thread starter WatervilleBob
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BAP
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2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
The B2301 is the closest B series that Kubota offers to your B7300. Are you looking to buy new? Or used? B2301 is not as popular as the B2601, so if you are looking used it might not be as easy to find.
Many Tks. for getting back. I can't afford new so used with <150 hrs. seems the way to go. I'm 71 and have health issues so tractor will outlive me. The belly mower clearance with the mower deck raised all the way up is my biggest concern as I have 17 acre ornamental conifer farm I need to mow between rows. Old cow pasture. Also my trailer is maxed out at 1900 lbs. so tractor weight is important. The B2301 was <350 lbs. lighter than the B 2620's which appear to be a dime a dozen used. The B7300 was just perfect as it fit, had the power, etc. I just last Summer had all the seals done, etc. so really bummed I can no longer drive it w/o power steering but life goes on. I'll look into the B 2601's Tks.
BAP
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Lifetime Member
Equipment
2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
I don’t know if you do Facebook, but on Facebook Marketplace, there is someone in Colchester selling a B2601 with loader and mower.
You might look at the B7510HDSD as well. Compared to your B7300 the B7510 is:
The B7510HSD has only a two-range hydrostatic tranny, like your B7300. I use low for FEL work, and High for most everything else - no issues.
This site has a good summary of all the specs of the Kubota tractors:
www.tractordata.com
Also, the B7510 was offered with the RCK-54 mower - maybe the same as your B7300?
- Newer - B7510 was made in 2003 - 2008
- Has Power Steering standard
- Substantially more engine and PTO HP (1000cc vs 700cc in the B7300)
- Has nearly identical wheelbase of 59"
- Weighs 1367 pounds (vs 1312 pounds for B7300)
- Has same size front tires
- Has bigger (9.5-16) rear tires
- Often for sale with the LA-302 loader - somewhere around $10k here
The B7510HSD has only a two-range hydrostatic tranny, like your B7300. I use low for FEL work, and High for most everything else - no issues.
This site has a good summary of all the specs of the Kubota tractors:
TractorData.com - Kubota farm tractors sorted by model
Also, the B7510 was offered with the RCK-54 mower - maybe the same as your B7300?
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OntheRidge
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Kubota L47 TLB, Homestead 55" grapple, LP 1684 rear blade, WR Long 84" snowplow
BAP
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
Must be. I just went back to look and don’t find it anymore.I just looked and could not find it but maybe was sold
Looked into it and it's a real bear to do as engine block/trans, etc. are not setup for it. Possible but cost prohibitive. I hate oil leaks so I put $1,400 into my B7300 tractor just early last June. Hand injury was Sept. and now I cannot drive it. I guess everything happens for a reason.......
It's been many a moons ago, but I had a B8200 that I installed power steering on. I bought all the components, hyd control valve, steering wheel, hoses, cylinder that was on a JD 420 (I think). When I got done there was no evidence it was not a factory set up because I ended up using the original steering wheel. Took a bit "thinking it through" but not too big of a project. I had about $250 in all those components, bought on Ebay. Never had one bit of trouble with that system.
I bought that tractor new in 1985 and sold it about 5 years ago. Was an excellent machine, I just had too many and wasn't using it enough to change the oil. My neighbor worked for JE Dunn and I had two tractors at his place working on a drainage problem in his back yard. I left the tractors over there for a few days and told him he could use either one. That's when he offered to buy one, sold I sold him the B8200 because I knew he would take care of it.
I bought that tractor new in 1985 and sold it about 5 years ago. Was an excellent machine, I just had too many and wasn't using it enough to change the oil. My neighbor worked for JE Dunn and I had two tractors at his place working on a drainage problem in his back yard. I left the tractors over there for a few days and told him he could use either one. That's when he offered to buy one, sold I sold him the B8200 because I knew he would take care of it.
Tks. for your reply! From the research I did a B7300 would need alot of reengineering as it was not "set up" for any power steering conversion. I also have been looking for over a year and a half for a front loader for that machine. Zero luck. I've been told a B2301 or a B2601 would be "like-kind" machines so I've been keeping eyes out for one of those used. Thoughts are someone who is looking for a bigger machine selling one of these. Sometimes I just have to accept equipment losses but a newer machine same weight class, etc. I think would be the way to go. Tks. again though for taking the time to reply.
WatervilleBob, I am sorry that you are facing some hurdles with your hand. And, I may be way off base but have you checked with Messick's to ask for a power steering kit for your tractor? Apparently Kubota has had one in the past. Messick's say they can find discontinued or hard-to-find parts. In reading posts on other forums about this particular problem, it seems that others have found the kit solved their steering problems. But...what would I know? I'd just like for you to be able to get your tractor up and going well.
You mentioned above that it was cost prohibitive and my suggestion may be redundant if you've already nixed it. But if you could find a kit, that may be something to consider. If you don't choose to attempt this yourself, maybe there is someone locally who could be of help.
It sounds like you have your tractor at a good spot except for the power steering. I hope you can find something to add for the steering in order to keep the tractor you've worked hard to get operational. I'd hate for you to have to start over to get all the little annoyances of a used tractor remedied.
Tractor Gal
You mentioned above that it was cost prohibitive and my suggestion may be redundant if you've already nixed it. But if you could find a kit, that may be something to consider. If you don't choose to attempt this yourself, maybe there is someone locally who could be of help.
It sounds like you have your tractor at a good spot except for the power steering. I hope you can find something to add for the steering in order to keep the tractor you've worked hard to get operational. I'd hate for you to have to start over to get all the little annoyances of a used tractor remedied.
Tractor Gal
WatervilleBob...you may have either already seen this site or maybe you already know you don't want to proceed, but this site has a phone number for Tom Bower. It seems he has replied not too long ago...2023. Maybe turning over one more rock will find what you're looking for. Plus...he would be able to advise you about installation, etc., if he's still communicating.
TG
Kubota B7300 Power Steering - Kubota Tractors - Popular Compact Tractors
I was wondering if there is any interest in a bolt on power steering unit for the B 7300. I have built several kits for the local area and have had pe
tractorpoint.com
TG
Tks. I'll try and reach out to Messick's even though I got a thumbs down from 3 different Kubota dealers that this can be done.
I followed up and actually reached Tom Bower. He's no longer making the kits but he did say(explain) to me that you indeed can put power steering onto a B7300.....just have to find someone who still wrenches vs. computer key strokes. There are hydraulic lines in place and a plate to bolt up the kit on the right side of the B 7300. The search continues! Tks. for the tip.
TG, that looks like a lead that could get good results. Good find. Need to find out how to get in contact with Tom Bower.
I actually spoke to Tom but he's no longer fabricating these units.
. He did say that you can put power steering unit on a B 7300. I just will try and see if anyone near I am in northern Vt. can do. Tks. again for the follow up.Three final thoughts...I wonder if a JD conversion kit would fit your tractor? I know...JD...perish the thought. But, you could spray paint orange! It looks like these may be around $1K or so. Maybe by looking at the parts you or someone here would know if that may work.
Power Steering Kit John Deere 58465
I visit a forum called Yesterday's tractor. Someone on there converted their Kubota 8200 steering. You may be able to contact him through that forum to get info about where he got his kit or parts, etc. There are pictures. Seems a bit daunting but then...
Maybe MountainMan (on this forum) has info about a kit or parts or knows where you could get something.
That's all I've got, WatervilleBob. In case you're wondering about my interest in your problem...I have a pinched nerve in my upper arm that hampers what I can do, so I feel your pain! Hope you get some kind of positive solution. We need our tractors.
TG
Power Steering Kit John Deere 58465
I visit a forum called Yesterday's tractor. Someone on there converted their Kubota 8200 steering. You may be able to contact him through that forum to get info about where he got his kit or parts, etc. There are pictures. Seems a bit daunting but then...
Maybe MountainMan (on this forum) has info about a kit or parts or knows where you could get something.
That's all I've got, WatervilleBob. In case you're wondering about my interest in your problem...I have a pinched nerve in my upper arm that hampers what I can do, so I feel your pain! Hope you get some kind of positive solution. We need our tractors.
TG