Kubota B2150 - JD 855 Comparison.

[Andyfr]

Is there anyone who has experience of both machines who can give an unbiased opinion. I have been on the lookout for a Kubota b2150 for some time (there are two dealers nearby). I have been offered several JD 855's in good condition (no dealer for 100+ miles). I should point out that they are several hundred miles away so I can't go to see them at the moment, and they have 1600 hours+ on them. All with hydro transmission.

So if you have any first hand information on these I would be grateful. Do I consider <font color=green>Green</font color=green> or wait for <font color=orange>Orange</font color=orange>?

Regards

 

[Muhammad]

Andy,

I'm almost positive I have a B2150 vs 855 comparison/feature recap at the office... but not published anywhere online. I'll post that later, assuming I find it. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif IMO, the 855 is a fine machine, but at 1,600 hours, the condition or price would have to be very good for me to be interested.

 

[Andyfr]

Muhammad

It would be good to see if you find it. Does the 1600+ hours concern go for the B2150 also. I am finding that a lot of the compacts for sale have 2000 - 3000 hours. I have been told that as long as the machine is well maintained I shouldn't worry and a dealer had a B2150 which had been used on one of the Royal estates with over 8000 hours and was still running fine.

By the way the prices are from £6000 (that's about $9000) plus 17.5% VAT.

Regards

 

[Muhammad]

Hmm, the write-up was for a B2400 vs 855... I made a few changes and applied the B2150 to the recap. There are some other issues from a statistical point of view that I believe give the B2150 an advantage, but I don't really have the time now to do a side-by-side comparison. For B2150 specifications, <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/tractors/kubota_b2150_specs.htm>click here</A>.

Off the top of my head, those advantages would be ... larger fuel tank, less fuel consumption, resulting in longer field time; higher 3-point hitch capacity; bi-speed turn option; transmission choices.

(Keep in mind that this was written in 1999)

Kubota B2150 vs John Deere 855:
The Kubota B2150 and the John Deere 855 are close competitors. The 855 will be discontinued for 1999, but replaced with a larger model, which competes with the B2710 Kubota, the B2150’s replacement. So, this recap is of two previous generation tractors at the end of their production cycles.

And with that, the B2150 and 855 both have been solid and reputable tractors since their introduction. At this time, there are few compact tractors on the market with the reputation for solid quality and trouble-free operation, but the B2150 and 855 both fit into that select group.

Loader Performance:
The 855 and 70A loader is a very good team, but falls short of the B2150/LA350 in performance. The B2150’s LA350 will lift higher and has higher capacities, while the 70A on the 855 has an optional 60" bucket. The LA350 is only available with a 50" bucket.

Backhoe Performance:
The 855, teamed with the model 7 backhoe from John Deere, offers very respectable performance and a stable mounting system that allows for very easy attachment and removal. The B2150 has two backhoe options, one digging 6’, and the other digging 7.5’ and using a 3-point hitch mount, giving the B2150 a slight advantage in digging depth.

Engines:
The 4-cylinder Kubota V1200-5B E-TVCS in the B2150 pumps out 24 gross horsepower at a peak engine speed of 2,600RPM. With quick starts, low exhaust, and smooth running operation, the Kubota engine is a tough one to beat.

The 855 is powered by a 24-horsepower Yanmar engine, which achieves maximum horsepower at an engine speed of 3,200RPM. At full throttle, the Kubota engine will have an advantage of about 10lb-ft of torque.

While the 855 runs at a higher engine speed, there is no considerable evidence pointing to that resulting in shorter engine life. As mentioned, the 855, engine and all, has been one of the most reliable and sturdy compact tractors on the market.

Price:
The 855 and B2150 are in a similar list price range, but the John Deere will not see as much of a discount (off of list price) as the Kubota will, in most cases. So, depending on which attachments and options you choose, you could see a difference of up to $3,000 in price between the two.
--

Personally, I would give the nod to the B2150, for a number of reasons, but the 855/955 are two tractors (similar, with different engines) on my favorites list. Very sturdy, reliable, good performers, and available on the used market for a reasonable cost.

Here in America, a 1,600 hour 855, tractor only in good condition, would probably bring US$7,000-$8,500. While that's not a whole lot less than what a B2150 would cost, I've found that the 855/955's availability is a little better than the B2150's...

 

[Andyfr]

Muhammad

Thanks for the information, it really helps. I must admit that all things being equal I would prefer the B2150. I have managed to locate a new Lewis loader for a B2150 so if I can just find a tractor to go with it!!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

Thanks once again

 

[babybober]

Muhammad:
I would love to see the B2400 to 855 comparison if you can find it.

Andyfr:
I have a B2400 and my brother has a JD855. Both are equiped with MMM, Loaders, and Backhoes so I am comparing like units and have used both many times. Some say the B2400 is a step down from the 2150 others say a step up. In any case:

My impression is the B2400 has a lower center of gravity then the 855 and it seems a bit more responsive at lower speeds. The 855 seems to have a better high end on the speed catagory as the 2400 looses torque in hi range. The 855 seems a little sturdier when you start looking at things like the 3pt, etc.

The loader is bigger on the 855, 60in vs. 50 ont he B2400 but I have done equal work with both. I have the 4672 BH so the hoe on the 855 wins out there. The B2400 only takes up to a 60" MMM while the 855 takes a 72".

Bottom line, both are great units and you can't go wrong with either if they have been well maintained. I had a chance to buy an 855 but chose the B2400. I likes the lower center of gravity with the hills I have.

Babybober

 

[Andyfr]

Babybober

The lower centre of gravity would certainly be a consideration for me as we have a sloping and rocky site.

Thanks for your input

 

[Muhammad]

Originally written in late 1998, I believe.

B2400 vs 855:
The B2400 and 855 are close competitors considering their similar price range, size, attachments, and horsepower. The 855 will be discontinued for 1999, while the B2400 is a much more recent model, having been released in 1996.

Loader Performance:
The 855 and 70A loader is a very good combination. It will equal the B2400/LA351 in capacities, and performance, but it has an optional 60" bucket, while the LA351 is only available with a 50".

Backhoe Performance:
The 855 has another advantage in the backhoe area. The model 7 backhoe will dig down 7.5’, while the B4572/B4672 is limited to a little over a 6’ digging depth.

Engines:
The Kubota E-TVCS with quick starting and smooth, low exhaust operation is a tough engine to beat. The B2400 purrs at 2,600 RPM at full throttle, while the 855 is pushed up to 3,200 to obtain peak horsepower. But, the 3,200 RPM engine loses a considerable amount of torque while running at the higher speed. The B2400’s torque @ 2,600 RPM is 48.5 ft. lbs. The 855’s torque @ 3,200 RPM is 39.4 ft lbs.

Size:
The 855 is slightly larger all around. The operator platform is slightly larger, but nowhere near as comfortable or user-friendly as the B2400’s. the B2400 has a rubber flat deck with isolation mounting to reduce vibration, rubber-padded pedals, clear EZ-checker® instrument panel, and "soft touch" levers and switches. The 855 is in the stone age without even rubber padded pedals.

Price:
The 855 and B2400 are in a similar list price range, but the John Deere will not get as much of a discount as the Kubota will. So, depending on which attachments and options you choose, you could see a difference of up to $3,000 in price between the two.