B1550?

[sw18x]

Hi all

I'm a new homeowner doing everything I can to avoid buying a throw-away Lowes lawn mower. I really like the later model Kubotas and I'm looking at a listing for a B1550 with about 2100 hours and a 5 foot belly mower for about 3K. I'm wondering what kind of life can I expect out of that 3 cylinder diesel (assuming good maintenance) and the transmission. Is there anything specific I should be looking for when I see the tractor? I don't have much experience with diesels so any information or tips you can give me on this model would be helpful, thanks.

By the way, I only have a 3/4 acre lot so not a lot to mow. It'd be nice to have a bucket to move firewood and plow with, but haven't seen anything in this price range that includes one, so it's not a necessity. As for the PTO, with the right pump I'm wondering if I could run a log splitter off the back. Again, thanks for the input.

Steve

 

[Theekillerbee]

Kubota diesel motors will go a long time with the proper maintenance, so I wouldn't worry about that. Finding out how many hours on it is the first thing to find out. If it is gear driven, plan on changing the clutch, this is just regular maintenance. If it is HST, make sure the filters are clean, and I think dirty oil will be the biggest reason for failure here.

 

[cabu]

Hello,

maybe that helps: http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230

When I bought my Kubota I was also in favour to mow the lawn with it. But I did it with a mulcher and it was not collecting the cut. So in the end I bought an extra lawn-tractor with a collecting box...

Just an idea to think about the cutted gras.

Welcome!

carl

 

[sw18x]

Thanks. It has 2000 hours, HST. Does anyone know what kind of fun gadgets are easily available for the rear hitch (1) and pto? How hard / expensive would it be to mount a small loader? (there are no hydrolics currently mounted on the front)