Fire Damage 1999Kubota B2150 ?

[Dead-Goldstar]

Im looking at buying a 1999 Kubota B2150 Tractor w/Loader it caught on fire inside the engine would like to get it operational again any ideas of if its repairable or am I looking at a money pit-taking this job I don't mind working on it just want to be sure its worth it and suggestions or advice is appreciated first time working on this tractor. I hope the picture helps looks like a lot of fire damage in the engine compartment and the drivers console and steering wheel are also melted as well

 

[Mountainman]

Short of finding a donor tractor that is not going to be cheap to get back in good shape and likely hard to find some parts. Not a lot of b2150 in salvage yards. If its cheap enough its worth buying for the loader itself. Then you can find a b2150 without a loader as they are typically fairly inexpensive and youll have a good tractor with loader

 

[GreensvilleJay]

curious, downloaded the WSM from www.kuubotabooks.com....
NO WIRING diagram !!!! Ar least not in the electrical section, near the back.
Before buying, get the WSM and the electrical wiring diagram !! Without that it'll be 'challenging'.

Could be a nice long term project though.... 25 year old .

 

[jaxs]

Unless you get it for $800 and willing to allow 8-10 years for learning and parts acquisition to completion, you should pass.

 

[Jsjac]

Hard pass for me also.
I have worked on burnt stuff before. Not for me.
If they expect you to pay for it I would not give them much

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yeah, I don't need that project but..... if you showed up with trailer and 2 , $50 bills, I suggest you get it, assuming it can roll on 4 good tires.....

 

[Dead-Goldstar]

Im still debating on this big project since burnt wiring can be a nightmare on its own my only concern is being able to get parts for it and a wiring diagram and then the cost for getting parts fora 25 year old tractor. I appreciate everyones responses to the question posted especially from individuals that have owned or worked on one. Thanks again

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I have the wiring diagrams for both the DT and the HST, the wiring is fairly simple, and does not affect it running or not.

If you get it and want the WSM's (with wiring diagrams) just ask.

 

[Dead-Goldstar]

I have the wiring diagrams for both the DT and the HST, the wiring is fairly simple, and does not affect it running or not.

If you get it and want the WSM's (with wiring diagrams) just ask.

I will know on Feb 14 its an insurance write off if I do get it I would very much appreciated both the wiring diagrams they will definitely be an asset when I am replacing the wiring and any hydraulic lines along with many other items. If I could get back to you on these it would be appreciated any good suggestions on getting used parts fora tractor this old Im sure I will require a wiring harness for sure. Thank you for offering.

 

[jaxs]

If I were taking this tractor on I would approach it differently than most do. In the interest of saving time and money I wouldn't buy factury wiring harnesses and eliminate most electrical safety devices. I wouldn't need wires, relays and switches to open and close fuel shutoff,just use the manual wire instead. I'd use thin aluminum plate for dash , cut and drill for generic guages,lights and switches. If glow plug controls have been damaged I would fabricate with generic parts. Any hydraulic hose can be made up locally for a fraction of cost for oem. I would hit Mountain Man up for injector lines,steering wheel and parts not easily fabricated.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: I will know on Feb 14 its an insurance write off

really 'IF' ??

There's NO way an insurance company will fork the coins over to assess if it can be fixed, let alone actually repaired. Obviously needs 100% new wiring, gauges, etc. Every 'rubber' seal should be replaced (valve orings of course..), maybe rad hoses, air cleaner,etc. Paint of course. The BIG issue is possible( probable) internal damage to engine and drive train and of course the $200 battery and 'computer' ( if it has one..).

Now the real question is what they expect to get for it !

 

[Dead-Goldstar]

If I were taking this tractor on I would approach it differently than most do. In the interest of saving time and money I wouldn't buy factury wiring harnesses and eliminate most electrical safety devices. I wouldn't need wires, relays and switches to open and close fuel shutoff,just use the manual wire instead. I'd use thin aluminum plate for dash , cut and drill for generic guages,lights and switches. If glow plug controls have been damaged I would fabricate with generic parts. Any hydraulic hose can be made up locally for a fraction of cost for oem. I would hit Mountain Man up for injector lines,steering wheel and parts not easily fabricated.

I didn't consider the idea of making the a aluminum plate for the dash and installing necessary gauges only the wiring and relay switches I was going to do myself Im taking a chance on it hoping no engine damage was done wont know till its looked over. Im thinking I can get it for under $1,000 the rest of the Kubota looks good just the fire in the engine compartment. Thanks for your suggestions much appreciated

 

[Dead-Goldstar]

re: I will know on Feb 14 its an insurance write off

really 'IF' ??

There's NO way an insurance company will fork the coins over to assess if it can be fixed, let alone actually repaired. Obviously needs 100% new wiring, gauges, etc. Every 'rubber' seal should be replaced (valve orings of course..), maybe rad hoses, air cleaner,etc. Paint of course. The BIG issue is possible( probable) internal damage to engine and drive train and of course the $200 battery and 'computer' ( if it has one..).

Now the real question is what they expect to get for it !

I understand why the insurance company just paid the claim not only is it 25 years old but replacing parts and possibly escalating repair costs once they start on it. I can probably pick it up for $1,000 and can do the work myself it's my hobby working on vehicles this is my first tractor to work on. I don't believe the 1999 models had a computer on it so thats a bonus I am very mechanical minded and can do a lot of the work myself. Im thinking all the wires, hoses, air breather is melted completely the repainting of the hood I can do the prices for a used Kubota is around $10.000 to $14,000 price tag I can't afford that so Im considering this project one.

 

[Lil Foot]

I might tackle that project IF I had nothing else going on. (fat chance )
Assuming I could get it cheap. ($1000 or less ?)
But then I have the tools & skills to make or substitute most of the stuff needed.
Lots of work there.

 

[Dead-Goldstar]

I might tackle that project IF I had nothing else going on. (fat chance )
Assuming I could get it cheap. ($1000 or less ?)
But then I have the tools & skills to make or substitute most of the stuff needed.
Lots of work there.

I agree would of grabbed it for $1,000 and put the work into it but not for what it sold for I was an apprentice mechanic years ago still working on vehicles, ATV, snowmobiles, truck's, also do welding, dabble in body work, painting still learning. It's just a hobby not scared to take on a project like that just wasn't worth it for the price especially not knowing what engine damage might have been done due to the fire. There will be another project tractor I will find and work on just have to be patient for the right deal.

 

[jaxs]

That wraps this one up so based on what you have said I'll offer my thoughts on buying used tractors,esp tractors that don't run. When you see tractors for sale by someone with one or more similar, run away. The "jockey" has checked it out and found it will cost more than it's worth. Ads often say "don't know anything about it,took it on trade" or "was running when parked" or "needs battery and starter".
Ask yourself if you are experienced enough to out wit a guy that has bought and sold tractors for 10 years. While you wait for one you like, pay attention to ads for others and notice the pattern I speak of.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Damn it man!

I can never find that 10 foot pole when I need it.

Cause there is not enough patience/time/money in the Universe for me to touch that thing.

I consider myself "somewhat adventurous" in the risk taking category, but that thing is just a bit too far gone for a guy like me.

BTW I would not pay them a nickel for it. They would have to pay me to take it away.

Just my $.02


However, I would love to read about how you do it, so take lots of pics if you decide to tackle "project"

 

[Dead-Goldstar]

I have purchased many vehicles for a reasonable price and fixed them up and sell them on for the next project to take on Im fortunate that I usually find good deals that others don't want to take on. I enjoy the challenge and opportunity and its a great learning experience. I will find a tractor and I'm more than happy to take pictures along the way of the progress along the way. I have walked away from many deals that didn't feel right or a seller saying its my neighbour machine if its to good to be true walk away there's always another opportunity. Im also retired so plenty of time to look just takes that one good opportunity to come up.Thanks everyone for your suggestions and advice its always a pleasure chatting with others that have the same passion.

P/S The prices for small tractors used are $15,000 upwards depending on the year and condition and any other attachments. I would rather take on a project machine than pay those prices that way I know the machine and gained the knowledge working on it.

 

[chim]

Here's one that I saw in a front yard. Not sure what the owner might want for it, but it ran when parked.

 

[Dead-Goldstar]

Here's one that I saw in a front yard. Not sure what the owner might want for it, but it ran when parked.

View attachment 148409

Ha,ha good to see a scene of humour but I think the tree has ownership of that one.