decoding the VIN

Bill8200

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Equipment
B8200
Oct 12, 2020
29
1
3
PA
actually, i don't want to decode or understand the VIN, i just want to know when my tractor was made. every single search inquiry made figuring this out more confusing. if someone that understands how to decipher this alpha/numeric code would be kind enough to tell me, i would be grateful. here is what's on the top of the engine: KT2 D89 3706M.
 

85Hokie

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BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
Jul 13, 2013
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Bedford - VA
Bill,
I know that you know that the year made has little bearing on the machine. True - certain years did have tweaks that made them different slightly thus buying a certain part will have to have a serial number to establish which version - I.E. B7100 - old version vs new version.

Your machine was built from 1983-1990 - which I am sure you know. Now maybe there is a version of the engine of something that may have changed during those years, thus the reason for the inquiry.

NIW knows quite a bit about those engine codes - maybe a PM to him? I am sure others know more about the stamp too.
 
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19thSF

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B2650, loader, MMM, pallet forks, tooth bar, rear blade, JD 318 w/plow, JD X350
Mar 1, 2020
408
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Glendale, Rhode Island
I went through this exercise some time ago for the same reason as you. I wanted to confirm a tractor's age. I found out that you cannot decode Kubota ID (serial) numbers to give the tractor's manufacture date. The serial numbers are sequential. Tractors are usually dated by date of original sale rather than date of manufacture. The three methods I have used to find out a Kubota tractor's age are:

1) Give Kubota customer service the information via e-mail and they will probably give you the date of manufacture and the original selling dealer.
2) A dealer has access to the information. A dealer may help you out (especially if you buy parts or get service from the them (or, they are just willing to be helpful).
3) Look at websites selling used tractors that give a date of manufacture and serial number. Tractorhouse usually gives a year and a serial number. Compare the information to what you have and you can get close.

Hope that this information is useful to you.
 
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GeoHorn

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M4700DT, LA1002FEL, Ferguson5-8B Compactor-Roller, 10KDumpTrailer, RTV-X900
May 18, 2018
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Texas
I called the nearest Kubota dealer and he gave me the date it was mfr’d, the date it was first sold, the name and contact info of the selling dealer, the name and city of the buyer, and the dates and type of service history that dealer posted. I contacted the selling dealer and they emailed me copies of the work orders performed on the tractor.
 

19thSF

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Equipment
B2650, loader, MMM, pallet forks, tooth bar, rear blade, JD 318 w/plow, JD X350
Mar 1, 2020
408
123
43
Glendale, Rhode Island
Good job GeoHorn! I am sure that Bill8200 will be glad to have the info ( I'm just assuming that you got the information on his machine). I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised at the cooperation level you received from the dealers. Some dealers are "show me the money" motivated, and do not consider that being helpful builds a lot of good will.
 
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GeoHorn

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Equipment
M4700DT, LA1002FEL, Ferguson5-8B Compactor-Roller, 10KDumpTrailer, RTV-X900
May 18, 2018
6,040
3,316
113
Texas
Good job GeoHorn! I am sure that Bill8200 will be glad to have the info ( I'm just assuming that you got the information on his machine). I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised at the cooperation level you received from the dealers. Some dealers are "show me the money" motivated, and do not consider that being helpful builds a lot of good will.
I was referring to the information provided to me when I inquired of my own previously-owned tractor, not that of the OP.
And Yes!... the cooperation I rec’d from my local dealer gave me the desire to do more business with him whenever sensible. An example is the fluids and filters I purchase... While I can get them elsewhere, I don’t.... I buy from my local dealer as a show of support and appreciation for their attitude.
It has paid off handsomely too. When I had some after-market adaptors mfr’d for my pin-on FEL ...I needed some extra 30mm pins to attach them. None to be had anywhere without special-order, so I drove to the helpful local Kubota dealer who listened to my plight.... found the outrageously priced pins normally provided on a FEL by the U.S. mfr’r.... and the freight charge... Then said, “Hold on...!...”.
He went into the back of his shop and located a bin where un-used assembly-parts are tossed... and returned with 30mm pins which are rarely used in Back-Hoe installations and are usually tossed into the trash. They fit perfectly. (Charged me $10)
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
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Sandpoint, ID
On a B8200 there is no simple way to know when it was manufactured or sold.
There is no real numbers system to follow.
Unlike the B7100's there was only one run of that tractor, so they are essentially the some tractor from the first made to the last made.

On the geared model only, they did make some changes to the hydraulic system and engine along the way in production.
If yours is gear driven, give us the serial number, and I can tell you if it was early production or later production, and even with that they don't put a date to it.

FYI: The date of the tractor will be the first sold date, and not the date it was made.
Very different than an automobile.