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 | jimpotter
Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 7 Ottawa, Canada 
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2008-01-22 150556
Have an opportunity to acquire an early 80s B5100E. Looking for a solid machine for grass cutting, snow moving, and light earth moving. Any opinions?
Thanks,
Jim
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 | candoarms
Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1932 North Dakota 
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2008-01-22 150557
Jimpotter,
The B5100E is a 2-wheel drive model. Additionally, it only has 11 horsepower. You'll be extremely limited with this tractor. It won't be able to do much.
When looking at smaller tractors, 4-wheel drive is a MUST HAVE option. Turf tires will make this tractor even less capable than it already is.
I would reconsider.
Joel ....
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| jimpotter
Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 7 Ottawa, Canada
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2008-01-22 150558
Thanks, Joel - just the kind of info I was looking for!
Cheers,
Jim ....
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 | Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada 
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2008-01-22 150561
Jim, Joel gave you some sound info. there, you won't like dealing with snow using a light 2WD machine. Big farm tractors yes, but not the little stuff.
Not like you ever get any snow there in Ottawa right? ;)
Best of luck. ....
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| jimpotter
Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 7 Ottawa, Canada
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2008-02-05 151108
Snow. Never. 18" this past weekend - and I was away - had to move it _all_ when I got back. :(
How about a B7200HSD? Only 16HP, but 4WD...
How tough would it be to find a belly mower for such a beast?
Thanks!
Jim ....
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| candoarms
Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1932 North Dakota
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2008-02-05 151111
Jimpotter,
You won't have a real difficult time finding a mower deck for that tractor, but the chances of finding a serviceable one will be pretty slim. After 20 years, most mower decks are either rusted through, or in need of some serious attention.
I'm working under the assumption that you're looking for a tractor that will be relatively inexpensive. There are two ways to approach this problem. The up-front costs might be fairly low on an older machine, but the maintenance costs will surely be a lot higher, as well. (tires, battery, belts, wiring, etc.) A newer machine will cost more up front, but the overall maintenance costs will be considerably lower.
Actually, a tractor that's only 5 years old won't cost you much more than a 20 year old Kubota. These tractors hold their values. If you are willing to spend just a couple of thousand dollars more, you can move up to a much newer machine, as well as a slightly bigger and better one.
Check out the prices at tractorhouse.com You'll find that a 20 year old machine still sells for somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 dollars. For about 6000 dollars, you'll find that you have far more options, and a much better selection to pick from.
In the long run, the extra 2000 dollar purchase price will easily pay off for you.
Joel ....
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| jimpotter
Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 7 Ottawa, Canada
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2008-02-05 151112
I'm finding that the 5 year old machines are listing in the $10K and up range - many of them closer to $20K. This one is $3500 with a blower. Not sure I can justify the extra 7+ grand...
Jim ....
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 | Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 6898 Waterville New York
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2008-02-05 151113
There were two models of the 7100. One is older and dates into the 70's and the newer one is in the ninetes. For many of the Kubota decks they were built with heavy enough steel that they can with stand most all but the rust from the grass being left on them and the sand blasting from the southern states. ....
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| candoarms
Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1932 North Dakota
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2008-02-05 151114
Jimpotter,
Have you considered the Kubota BX series tractors? They're on the smaller side....not much bigger than a riding lawn mower......but capable little machines.
If you don't need a loader, the little BX tractors will likely fill the bill. You can get a loader for these tractors, should you decide you want one in the future.
Here's one that might catch your eye!
....
Link: BX1800 with Loader.
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 | kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 5275 South Carolina
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2008-02-05 151115
Jim, have no idea about dealership options for you, but for me a 60 mile drive made a lot of difference in used price. I found the compact tractor model did not hold it's price as well in true farming country as it in more urban area. kt ....
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 | bvance
Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 280 The Great Pacific NorthWet, Olympia, WA
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2008-02-06 151120
Joel, Joel, Joel,
"....not much bigger than a riding lawn mower."
JimPotter,
Joel and I have a running battle here on the merits of a BX model SCUT. He's a good guy with lots of good advice, and I appreciate the credit he just gave "the little tractor"....but cmon Joel, the BX does not deserve to be put in the same class as a riding lawn mower :)
We're making progres though, because he actually did recommend the BX for something! I think I see Joel trading his B model for a BX! :)
I just couldn't resist having some fun with Joel, but again his advice to go for a 4X4 in a SCUT is spot on. If you go the BX model, I think you will be impressed with all the chores it can do for you...it's an amazing "little" machine....despite Joel putting it in the rding lawn mower class....I'll keep working on him :)
Brian ....
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