I am new to compact tractors. I am looking to buy one for gardening and working small deer food plots. I have found a used B7100 4WD and would like to get some help in learning more about it, and what to look for when I go back to inspect it. I do not know for sure what year model it is, but was told it was bought new in the mid 80's. I have heard it start and run, and it started easily and did not smoke after starting. It has over 700 hours on the hour meter, but I do not know if the meter works. I will check that out when I go back. It shows signs of grease and oil leaks around most seal areas, but nothing major. Steering linkages seem to be tight. Oil was black, but showed full. Paint is faded and there is rust on most areas, but nothing major. I also need to know about parts availability and technical support. It comes with a 5' finish mower only. The asking price is $3500.00. Any help would be appreciated as to what other areas are important to check, and if this price is anywhere near right. Thank you.
Used B7100 advice
- Thread starter TW5447
- Start date
In general, the B7100 is a fine piece of equipment, able to do more work than it looks like it could, is easy to maintain and forgiving, and very reliable. 700 hours, if the meter is working and has worked, is nothing. You will see others with 3-4,000 hours, still going.
The oil being black isn't an immediate issue- all diesels get black oil, from contaminants suspended in the oil- black shows that the oil is doing its job. I would find out what the maintenance schedule was- type used, frequency, what type of filters, etc. Also ask what has been done to the tractor, in the way of preventative maintenance or repairs. Check the condition of the antifreeze, as well as the radiator itself. Check the condition of the hydraulic/gear oil, too. If you are mechanically inclined and familiar with tractors, go over it, including putting it through its paces. If not, take someone with you who is.
To me, the price sounds a tiny bit high, at least for my area and what I paid for mine. That being said, if they are scarce in your region, the price may be low. Only you can determine if it is worth $3500 to you. Finish mowers aren't cheap, so that has to be figured into the equation.
I love mine, and am a believer in the quality of a Kubota, and the specific attributes of a B7100. If the tractor is solid, and the money is right, you certainly won't go wrong. They seem to hold their value, too.
http://s65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/br549_red/?action=view¤t=Sarahandtruck003.jpg - mine
The oil being black isn't an immediate issue- all diesels get black oil, from contaminants suspended in the oil- black shows that the oil is doing its job. I would find out what the maintenance schedule was- type used, frequency, what type of filters, etc. Also ask what has been done to the tractor, in the way of preventative maintenance or repairs. Check the condition of the antifreeze, as well as the radiator itself. Check the condition of the hydraulic/gear oil, too. If you are mechanically inclined and familiar with tractors, go over it, including putting it through its paces. If not, take someone with you who is.
To me, the price sounds a tiny bit high, at least for my area and what I paid for mine. That being said, if they are scarce in your region, the price may be low. Only you can determine if it is worth $3500 to you. Finish mowers aren't cheap, so that has to be figured into the equation.
I love mine, and am a believer in the quality of a Kubota, and the specific attributes of a B7100. If the tractor is solid, and the money is right, you certainly won't go wrong. They seem to hold their value, too.
http://s65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/br549_red/?action=view¤t=Sarahandtruck003.jpg - mine
Thank you for the info hodge. I will do all you suggested next visit. I'm also new to using forums such as this. I need a little help with attaching a picture of the tractor. Any help would be appreciated. Also, what are the two levers on the right side of the gearbox just forward of the axle? The seller told me these have something to do with the 4WD. I saw the differential lock pedal and corresponding decal. I'm sure all axles and the transmission have dipsticks and fill holes. I will check those out next time as well. Again, thanks for the help.
The levers on the right side there are front wheel engage (4WD) and Low/High range. The bottom lever is the 4WD and the top lever is the low/high.
Hope you get it and it's as sound as you describe!
Hope you get it and it's as sound as you describe!
Try this: http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230&page=2
"How to buy a good tractor." A list we made here in the forum together.
Good luck.
carl
"How to buy a good tractor." A list we made here in the forum together.
Good luck.
carl
Thanks for the info on the levers. They should stay put when engaged, right? I noticed that there is a piece of wire wrapped around the 2 levers. It looks like he is trying to keep one or both of them from moving. I will check this out more closely when I go back. Thanks again.
Thanks for the link to the items that must be looked at before buying one. I will definitely use this info.
If he had a wire around the FWD and Hi/Lo levers, the FWD lever has probably lost its detent ball and won't stay up without the wire. It is an easy fix, just remove the roll pin in the lever, pull it off the shaft. The spring behind the detent ball may be rusted in place, so it will have to be freed up and a new ball put in place. When I worked on one recently, the lever had been bent a little probably by someone forcing the lever up when the spring wouldn't let the ball back in the recess. So the lever may need to be bent back in place.
Another thing you may want to look at on the B7100. They started having a belly PTO about 83 or 84. If it has one, you will know it is a later model. It is also important to know if you plan to use a belly mower or any front PTO driven attachment.
Good Luck.
John
Thanks John. I will check out the levers more closely when I go back. Sounds like an easy fix. I will also check for the belly PTO. Appreciate the insight. The more I hear about these tractors the more I like them. I would also like to get your opinion and others opinions on how would this tractor compare in quality to a Yanmar of the same age and type (16HP/4WD, etc.)?
I took a look at the B7100 today(1983 model?). It appears the tractor has not been taken care of as good as possible (IMO), plus it has been sitting for 2 to 3 years. owner says it has not been used much during that time. I saw the following conditions that concern me:
1.) radiator was only half full (engine has been run hot?). owner added water before running it, no antifreeze available. I did see green tint to the coolant after water was added.
2.) air filter was extremely dirty. it was doing it's job, but very dirty.
3.) fuel tank had some trash in bottom, but no water.
4.) fuel filter had what looked like rust particles in the bottom of it, but no water obvious.
5.) small dipstick just below right side of seat was dry, no oil on it. could not see oil down in small hole using a flashlight. (hyd./trans fluid?)
6.) 3pt. lift squealed pretty loud (lift was not moving) when first moved to raise the mower. it did this each time the mower was raised. It's a 5 ft. finish mower. too heavy maybe? seemed to work o.k. after the squealing stopped.
7.) the oil pressure light does not come on when key is on. I asked owner about how he tells if engine has oil pressure. no answer.
8.) I opened oil fill cap while engine was running and saw a very small amount of oil up around the rocker arm area. after the engine ran awhile I looked again, but still just a small amount of oil present. is this normal? I would like to see more oil being pumped up to this area like you would see in a car engine.
9.) the engine would not start at first when owner tried, then the owner held glow plugs on for 20 seconds, it started then. is this normal on a 90 degree day? normal black smoke right after starting. seemed to run strong, no smoke visible while running.
10.) 4wd lever detent lock does not work, maybe ball is missing.
11.) left rear tire will not hold air, leaks down.
12.) tires are original, cracked and dry rotted some, but have some life left in them.
13.) the left brake does not work, the right one does.
14.) I heard what I would call a lot of gear noise when I drove it. don't know if this is normal.
15.) muffler is very rusty. little pipe on end of muffler is just about rusted off.
16.) clutch seemed to engage very quickly when pedal was coming up. it was not a gradual engagement process. is this normal? maybe a linkage adjustment might help?
17.) all seals seem to leak. lots of greasy dirt next to each seal area. I'm sure this is normal for a tractor of this age.
18.) cardboard underneath tractor was soaked with some kind of oil.
19.) no ROPS.
20.) glow plug indicator on dash does not work.
21.) looks like original bottom hose on radiator. cloth covered.
22.) the mower needs some service. belt badly worn and coming apart.
Positive things I saw and things I like about this tractor:
1.) pto worked great.
2.) trans seemed to shift good. did not jump out of gear.
3.) steered very easily. no slop in steering components.
4.) battery seemed to be fully charged. no issues with starting.
5.) turned the 5 foot finish mower with no problem. It cut grass pretty good.
6.) radiator fins were not clogged with debris.
7.) very easy to operate it.
8.) 4wd worked. front wheels were pulling.
9.) Hour meter worked today. It shows about 726 hours.
I tried to look at everything I could in the time available. I know I missed some areas. I made an offer way less than the asking price, and it was rejected. I would risk getting it for the right money. Owner took my name and phone #. There is no way I can give the asking price. Too much possibly wrong IMO.
I welcome any input. Thank you.
1.) radiator was only half full (engine has been run hot?). owner added water before running it, no antifreeze available. I did see green tint to the coolant after water was added.
2.) air filter was extremely dirty. it was doing it's job, but very dirty.
3.) fuel tank had some trash in bottom, but no water.
4.) fuel filter had what looked like rust particles in the bottom of it, but no water obvious.
5.) small dipstick just below right side of seat was dry, no oil on it. could not see oil down in small hole using a flashlight. (hyd./trans fluid?)
6.) 3pt. lift squealed pretty loud (lift was not moving) when first moved to raise the mower. it did this each time the mower was raised. It's a 5 ft. finish mower. too heavy maybe? seemed to work o.k. after the squealing stopped.
7.) the oil pressure light does not come on when key is on. I asked owner about how he tells if engine has oil pressure. no answer.
8.) I opened oil fill cap while engine was running and saw a very small amount of oil up around the rocker arm area. after the engine ran awhile I looked again, but still just a small amount of oil present. is this normal? I would like to see more oil being pumped up to this area like you would see in a car engine.
9.) the engine would not start at first when owner tried, then the owner held glow plugs on for 20 seconds, it started then. is this normal on a 90 degree day? normal black smoke right after starting. seemed to run strong, no smoke visible while running.
10.) 4wd lever detent lock does not work, maybe ball is missing.
11.) left rear tire will not hold air, leaks down.
12.) tires are original, cracked and dry rotted some, but have some life left in them.
13.) the left brake does not work, the right one does.
14.) I heard what I would call a lot of gear noise when I drove it. don't know if this is normal.
15.) muffler is very rusty. little pipe on end of muffler is just about rusted off.
16.) clutch seemed to engage very quickly when pedal was coming up. it was not a gradual engagement process. is this normal? maybe a linkage adjustment might help?
17.) all seals seem to leak. lots of greasy dirt next to each seal area. I'm sure this is normal for a tractor of this age.
18.) cardboard underneath tractor was soaked with some kind of oil.
19.) no ROPS.
20.) glow plug indicator on dash does not work.
21.) looks like original bottom hose on radiator. cloth covered.
22.) the mower needs some service. belt badly worn and coming apart.
Positive things I saw and things I like about this tractor:
1.) pto worked great.
2.) trans seemed to shift good. did not jump out of gear.
3.) steered very easily. no slop in steering components.
4.) battery seemed to be fully charged. no issues with starting.
5.) turned the 5 foot finish mower with no problem. It cut grass pretty good.
6.) radiator fins were not clogged with debris.
7.) very easy to operate it.
8.) 4wd worked. front wheels were pulling.
9.) Hour meter worked today. It shows about 726 hours.
I tried to look at everything I could in the time available. I know I missed some areas. I made an offer way less than the asking price, and it was rejected. I would risk getting it for the right money. Owner took my name and phone #. There is no way I can give the asking price. Too much possibly wrong IMO.
I welcome any input. Thank you.
It sounds like either the tractor has more hours on it than the meter shows, or more likely, it was worked hard and minimally maintained.
The clutch grabbing could easily be from sitting. Brakes will do that, too. They get a rust film on them.
I think it is normal to need the glow plugs to start a 7100, even in hot weather- mine is in excellent condition, and it does. Once it is started, I won't need them again that day. But once it has cooled down, even in summer temps, I will need the glow plugs to start it. I have read posts by other owners who need to do the same thing. Just natural for the tractor.
It sounds like there is no gear oil in the transmission- it would probably quiet down once that is topped off.
My 7100 squeals when you raise the 3 ph- others do, too- I have heard them in youtube videos. It is how the hydraulic system works. Instead of trying to feather it, just pull the lever all the way back until it lifts to where you want it- I bet it is working fine.
It sounds like to me that this tractor needs some serious attention, but it is still a viable project. If the price is right, and you have the skills and money to revive it, then I think it may be a solid starting point. If your funds are limited, and you need a ready-to-go tractor, then this one will not live up to the task. It needs some maintenance. A lot also depends on the asking price.
Parts are readily available, and there are a ton of 7100's out there- no issues with getting whats needed to bring it back up to par. Let us know what you do.
I love my 7100. It is a tough, fine little tractor, capable of more than its size would lead you to believe.
The clutch grabbing could easily be from sitting. Brakes will do that, too. They get a rust film on them.
I think it is normal to need the glow plugs to start a 7100, even in hot weather- mine is in excellent condition, and it does. Once it is started, I won't need them again that day. But once it has cooled down, even in summer temps, I will need the glow plugs to start it. I have read posts by other owners who need to do the same thing. Just natural for the tractor.
It sounds like there is no gear oil in the transmission- it would probably quiet down once that is topped off.
My 7100 squeals when you raise the 3 ph- others do, too- I have heard them in youtube videos. It is how the hydraulic system works. Instead of trying to feather it, just pull the lever all the way back until it lifts to where you want it- I bet it is working fine.
It sounds like to me that this tractor needs some serious attention, but it is still a viable project. If the price is right, and you have the skills and money to revive it, then I think it may be a solid starting point. If your funds are limited, and you need a ready-to-go tractor, then this one will not live up to the task. It needs some maintenance. A lot also depends on the asking price.
Parts are readily available, and there are a ton of 7100's out there- no issues with getting whats needed to bring it back up to par. Let us know what you do.
I love my 7100. It is a tough, fine little tractor, capable of more than its size would lead you to believe.
I just got a B6100 with the belly mower for about half that in VA. It's a '77 or '78 and ran well from the get go. I'd say it had some of the same stuff as this tractor. It had been sitting outside for a couple of years but with use. Rear tires were dry rotted and had holes, replaced filters, had to replace fuse holders, replace decompression cable, replace the seat, and some other clean up. I even had the 4WD detent issue (300ZX fixed that plus a couple of these other things).
I have to hold the glow plugs on mine for 10 s or more, even in the summer. I also hear gear noise in mine (gears and oil are in perfect condition visually), especially in low range. My clutch also engages pretty quick and low. I haven't tried to adjust it.
If you have the serial number, you can check with Kubota to see if you can get the special pricing on the ROPS. If you can, it will be about $250.
I think you have some additional money to invest once you get it. Probably about $1000 - $1500 with tires and all. I've spent around $750 on mine (tires, mechanical, electrical, no cosmetics and no ROPS).
I have to hold the glow plugs on mine for 10 s or more, even in the summer. I also hear gear noise in mine (gears and oil are in perfect condition visually), especially in low range. My clutch also engages pretty quick and low. I haven't tried to adjust it.
If you have the serial number, you can check with Kubota to see if you can get the special pricing on the ROPS. If you can, it will be about $250.
I think you have some additional money to invest once you get it. Probably about $1000 - $1500 with tires and all. I've spent around $750 on mine (tires, mechanical, electrical, no cosmetics and no ROPS).
I just saw your post on the price- by the sound of things, it is overpriced quite a bit. I bought mine in excellent condition, garage kept and original owner, for a lot less than that. Unless you can't find them easily in your region, I'd either counter him with an offer, or walk away.
kubotasam
Well-known member
Equipment
B2410, B7100dt, B7500,Woods BH750,Landpride 2660RFM, Tiller, B2781 Snowblower
If the transmission has been allowed to run dry the tractor could need major repair. Just because it moves and drives now does not mean that major damage has not happened. There are lots of B7100's out there. This one sounds way over priced for what you are getting. Walk away!!
gktilton
New member
Equipment
79 B7100 w/ FEL, Deere 261 Finish Mwr, Woods M4 Bush Hg, Potato Plow, Cultivator
Depending on how low the transmission was and if it was run for long the hydraulic pump could be damaged as well.
I got my B7100 with 2300 hours, no loader no attachments for $2000 and it didn't need anything but paint.
This one sounds like it should be either 1/2 the price or left where it is.
I offered $2000.00. Asking price was $3500.00. After thinking about it for a while, I think the $2000 was too much. $1750 would have been a closer offer to what it is worth to me. Too much unknown about true condition of engine and transmission for instance. Thanks for all the input.