What can you tell me about this B7100 (Is it a HST model, what's the value?)

[braxx]

Hello,
I'm trying to become a new (used) Kubota owner.
I found one at what I think is a awesome price and the owner is holding it until Tuesday (I'm out of town) for me to look at it. Here is his description and a photo:

"Only 638 hours. However inexperienced operator ( son in law!) wore out clutch. has some minor oil & water leaks. needs a new battrey. 5ft Kubota underbody mower deck & a woods 4ft angle rear blade, front removable weights."

It looks like a "HST" but I was thrown off by the clutch comment. After some research I found that a HST model has a clutch so I guess it is possible.
Can you guys give me any info (ie, roughly what year it is, is it an HST model, anything in perticular to look at?)
I know the basics of checking out if everything functions, run it as long as possible to make shure it's not over heating, check for blow by etc..
Oh, it looks like a ROPS is behind the tractor so wouldn't that mean it is more than likely a later model B7100?

Also if you don't mind what kind of value would you think this package is worth?

Thanks!

 

[Kytim]

Hello and Welcome to OTT!!! while I have a B7100 i don't have or ever have had a HST. So, I'm sure some one with experience trouble shooting the clutch vs Hydro will be along soon. Stick around, one of us can get you through it. If and when you get this or another Kubota, you've found the place to be. Glad your here.

 

[hodge]

That is a later model, hydro B7100 with a clutch. The clutch controls the hydraulics for the HST, and for the PTO. The clutch can be adjusted, if it is worn, and hasn't been adjusted before. It has the ROPS, but someone has cut the bulk of it off. They are great tractors, and the HST is nice. Mine doens't have a belly mower. I have a rear finish mower. Value? There are a lot of them out there for sale, and some run real reasonable, and others are real high. You should do a craigslist search for your state, and get a feel for what they are bringing. I bought mine with 640 hours, pristine condition, with a Woods 5' finish mower for $3000. For my area, that was a real good deal- they seem to run $4000-$5000, if they are in good, cared-for shape.
Either way, it is definitely worth taking a closer look at. You can usually pick up a decent B7100 for less than a quality new rider, and you will have much more for your money.

If the rims are original to the tractor, you should be able to find a date stamped on the rear rims. That will get you close to the year model, without having to figure it out by the serial.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Wow just that fact that you've been warned that an "inexperienced operator" damaged the clutch throws the red flag up, how do you do this? Whats up with the oil leaks and water leaks? did it get hot? You know to do the clutch you must split the tractor, if your doing this yourself then money is save but if your going to haul the old girl down to the dealer watch out. As for the tractor, yes it's HST, year, that's where I get miffed,the grill cover is newer style and the decal on the hood ( Kubota ) is newer style, yet it's painted old orange and is blue framed, but again it has the newer mower, so with that being said I would say it's about a 1990,1991 model, I remember looking at a new one in 1992 and it was bright orange and grey framed and the black on the air cleaner was flat and the cover on the muffler was also. Price wise I'd be happy at $2000, like Hodge said, you can pick one up in better condition between $4000-$5000. I paid $4800 for mine 5 years ago with 1177 hours on it and did nothing to it. It's really up to you how far you get into this.

Bast of luck Big Kahuna

 

[braxx]

Thanks for the info guys. I write repair manuals for one of the big 3 and am ASE certified. I will be able to do all of the repairs myself.

 

[Stumpy]

Considering it needs a clutch and the leaks I'd say $1500 is about what I'd want to pay for it. That's assuming I didn't detect any further issues upon inspection. Best thing you could do is run a compression test on each cylinder before buying but that's above and beyond. Keep an eye out for any coolant in the oil or vice versa.

As a cautionary tale: When I bought my L175 it had a stripped out steering box and the reverse gear needed replacing. The motor ran ok other than a little while smoke from the exhaust and breather (I figured it was normal cause of the cold). It had an oil leak from the gear case but the motor sounded good otherwise. I figured I'd do a little R&R and run it for a while. Paid $1000 for it.

Got the steering box out and discovered ice had broken the bottom of the box right off into the clutch bell housing. Everything in there was rusted. Had to redo the clutch and replace the steering box. Took the exhaust manifold off in preparation to split the tractor it was obvious there was a problem, one of the runners was caked in wet deposits and there was visible oil on the valve stem. Turns out both the guides on the exhaust valves had rattled loose and were leaking. Had to take that to the machine shop to get over size guides pressed in. Went to put the head back on and noticed one of the cylinder liners had shifted. It appears someone overheating this thing and kept right on mowing ignoring the radiator whistle. Plus the hydraulics system still may have issues. We'll be about $4000 into this thing when before I even get to drive it.

This is an extreme case (I think I'm cursed ) but just FYI you may be able to fix it but don't buy more project then you've got the time, money, or interest to handle. Go over that thing with a fine tooth comb but be aware of hidden surprises.

 

[braxx]

SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!
I brought it home.
Clutch - is fine, it was a very bent (Like 45/60 deg bend in the middle) clutch linkage/rod. Basically the rod was only 2/3 the original legnth because of the extreme bend. Straightened the rod and it works perfect.
Oil leak - leaky oil pressure switch/sender
Coolant leak - not leaking at the moment and the coolant is clean and full.
Just put an hour on the machine and it is awesome!

You can kinda see the bent link in the photo.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Score, more like the mother load! Thats GREAT.

Big Kahuna

 

[Stumpy]

Agreed. Keep an eye out for trouble but sounds like you made off with a good deal. Sender is a cheap fix too.

 

[Bluegill]

Congrats! Just the kind of rig I'm looking for.