Kubota B20 Reviews
1994 Kubota B20 Backhoe
Model Year: 1994
I bought this tractor because it was small enough for me to haul on a car carrier trailer without a CDL. It has served me well. Does a great job. Especially considering it is only 20 hp. I have had very little trouble with it. Right now I am attempting to repair a charging problem. I think I have it narrowed down to the Dynamo. I like this site. There are a bunch of knowledgeable guys on here, and I use it all the time. Good job. - Chuck
Pros: Small enough to move without extra large trailer/rollback etc.
Cons: Not a bad problem, but could use more traction on front wheels.
Model Year: 1994
I bought this tractor because it was small enough for me to haul on a car carrier trailer without a CDL. It has served me well. Does a great job. Especially considering it is only 20 hp. I have had very little trouble with it. Right now I am attempting to repair a charging problem. I think I have it narrowed down to the Dynamo. I like this site. There are a bunch of knowledgeable guys on here, and I use it all the time. Good job. - Chuck
Pros: Small enough to move without extra large trailer/rollback etc.
Cons: Not a bad problem, but could use more traction on front wheels.
Best Tool in the Box
Model Year: 1990
This machine never stops amazing me. From plowing snow to digging ditches or just a helpful lift.The only thing missing is a front edge hinge bucket for a little extra forward reach for dumping the loader bucket and Probably missing because it wasn't invented yet. In a nutshell, I wouldn't be without it.
Pros: Size power comfort.
Cons: No radio...yet.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 1990
This machine never stops amazing me. From plowing snow to digging ditches or just a helpful lift.The only thing missing is a front edge hinge bucket for a little extra forward reach for dumping the loader bucket and Probably missing because it wasn't invented yet. In a nutshell, I wouldn't be without it.
Pros: Size power comfort.
Cons: No radio...yet.
Photo Uploads:
Kubota B20
Model Year: 1990
I bought this tractor while owner of an asphalt sealing company and used it until I sold the business in '98. I kept the tractor as I had purchased a bush hog, box blade, 5' tiller and used it at camp as well as around the house and occasionally for hire doing odd jobs. It came with a loader and BT750 hoe with 18" bucket. It is a hydrostat and has always had a whine in second {which is what is used most of the time} but it doesn't seem to have gotten worse or better although I have added several additives to help it.
Pros: 4-wheel drive is a must when off-road with this and the maneuverability is great.
Cons: I can't think of a thing I don't like about this tractor and it's attachments other than the back hoe bucket won't swing occassionally (the "control unit" must be going out) and that is aggravating.
Model Year: 1990
I bought this tractor while owner of an asphalt sealing company and used it until I sold the business in '98. I kept the tractor as I had purchased a bush hog, box blade, 5' tiller and used it at camp as well as around the house and occasionally for hire doing odd jobs. It came with a loader and BT750 hoe with 18" bucket. It is a hydrostat and has always had a whine in second {which is what is used most of the time} but it doesn't seem to have gotten worse or better although I have added several additives to help it.
Pros: 4-wheel drive is a must when off-road with this and the maneuverability is great.
Cons: I can't think of a thing I don't like about this tractor and it's attachments other than the back hoe bucket won't swing occassionally (the "control unit" must be going out) and that is aggravating.
Good Value
Model Year: 1994
My B20 is really more of a commercial / rental than "farm" but it doesn't know the difference. I have an old 5' Servis brand shredder that's really heavy built and it's about more than I can pull but I get it done. I also use a 5' tiller behind it. When you are breaking ground for the first time you have to go really slow. 20 HP is only 20 HP after all. In reality, I wish I had a 30 HP tractor but I found this one with really low hours and at a good price. This sucker is heavy built. 3 things I would not be without on a tractor: Power steering, hydrostatic transmission, and of course a front end loader.
Pros: It's a Kubota!
Cons: I could use more horsepower.
Model Year: 1994
My B20 is really more of a commercial / rental than "farm" but it doesn't know the difference. I have an old 5' Servis brand shredder that's really heavy built and it's about more than I can pull but I get it done. I also use a 5' tiller behind it. When you are breaking ground for the first time you have to go really slow. 20 HP is only 20 HP after all. In reality, I wish I had a 30 HP tractor but I found this one with really low hours and at a good price. This sucker is heavy built. 3 things I would not be without on a tractor: Power steering, hydrostatic transmission, and of course a front end loader.
Pros: It's a Kubota!
Cons: I could use more horsepower.
Used B20
Model Year: 1991
1991 B20 with FL420 loader and BH750 backhoe. Living on a small partially wooded acreage, heating with wood, gardening and enjoying "messing around" with the dirt are situations well supported by the B20. This used tractor was found at a local garage sale and driven home. It had 750 hours on it when new to me and though the exterior was a bit rough, having apparently spent a fair bit of time out in the NorthWet elements. However, the engine compartment and underbelly of the machine looked near new. The backhoe that came standard with the unit was the deciding factor in making the purchase. A backhoe is EXTREMELY useful if dealing with trees and any dirt moving projects. Though I wasn't thinking of one when I was looking for a used tractor, in retrospect I can't imagine not having one, or a small excavator ;' >. This machine, according to the original sale brochure, was designed for the landscaping and as rental unit. In that, construction is very robust. Particularly the sub-frame support for the backhoe. By the way, if you are considering a backhoe, best to get it that way from the factory. If considering an aftermarket backhoe, be sure to get the sub-frame installation as part of the deal. Tremendous stresses are placed on a tractor by a backhoe. Check the forums for lots of input on this issue. I have looked over the newer B21 units, and the B21 looks to offer the same utility that the B20 does, but everything seems to be smaller and lighter weight. There have been several times when I have wished for more power when digging with the hoe or lifting with the bucket, but hey, the thing is only rated at 19 horsepower from it's small 3 cylinder engine, so hey, for what it is, it does a great job. Less grunt requires more finesse by the operator. The B20 is simple to work on. Documentation is reasonable. My experience with dealer support has been excellent. Parts are readily available. So, if you come across a used unit at a comfortable price.... well, let me say, I'd do it again.
Pros: Robust - "simple" to work on - Backhoe standard.
Cons: Could have more power.
Model Year: 1991
1991 B20 with FL420 loader and BH750 backhoe. Living on a small partially wooded acreage, heating with wood, gardening and enjoying "messing around" with the dirt are situations well supported by the B20. This used tractor was found at a local garage sale and driven home. It had 750 hours on it when new to me and though the exterior was a bit rough, having apparently spent a fair bit of time out in the NorthWet elements. However, the engine compartment and underbelly of the machine looked near new. The backhoe that came standard with the unit was the deciding factor in making the purchase. A backhoe is EXTREMELY useful if dealing with trees and any dirt moving projects. Though I wasn't thinking of one when I was looking for a used tractor, in retrospect I can't imagine not having one, or a small excavator ;' >. This machine, according to the original sale brochure, was designed for the landscaping and as rental unit. In that, construction is very robust. Particularly the sub-frame support for the backhoe. By the way, if you are considering a backhoe, best to get it that way from the factory. If considering an aftermarket backhoe, be sure to get the sub-frame installation as part of the deal. Tremendous stresses are placed on a tractor by a backhoe. Check the forums for lots of input on this issue. I have looked over the newer B21 units, and the B21 looks to offer the same utility that the B20 does, but everything seems to be smaller and lighter weight. There have been several times when I have wished for more power when digging with the hoe or lifting with the bucket, but hey, the thing is only rated at 19 horsepower from it's small 3 cylinder engine, so hey, for what it is, it does a great job. Less grunt requires more finesse by the operator. The B20 is simple to work on. Documentation is reasonable. My experience with dealer support has been excellent. Parts are readily available. So, if you come across a used unit at a comfortable price.... well, let me say, I'd do it again.
Pros: Robust - "simple" to work on - Backhoe standard.
Cons: Could have more power.
Tired But Still Running
Model Year: 1995
Purchased used from a dealer who took it as a trade from a landscaper. Not sure how many times hour meter spun past 999. Judging from wear and tear, it either wasn't maintained regularly or was used heavily. In spite of this, I dug my 250' driveway down more than a couple of feet, dug the foundation 4' deep for a new barn, dug 1,500' of conduit and water lines, and moved a lot of trees, stumps and other debris with it. It still works hard in spite of the looseness of everything on it. Blew the HST front seal last spring and spent the summer splitting the tractor and fixing multiple problems all through the drive train. Next spring I'll tear the engine down as its smoking and loosing power badly. Not too bad to work on, local dealer (Saxby) is a great source for advice. Parts sure aren't cheap though. Just as bad as J-D.
Pros: Compact size gets in tight spots and can do everything needed.
Cons: Always can use more power on backhoe. You never can have too much.
Model Year: 1995
Purchased used from a dealer who took it as a trade from a landscaper. Not sure how many times hour meter spun past 999. Judging from wear and tear, it either wasn't maintained regularly or was used heavily. In spite of this, I dug my 250' driveway down more than a couple of feet, dug the foundation 4' deep for a new barn, dug 1,500' of conduit and water lines, and moved a lot of trees, stumps and other debris with it. It still works hard in spite of the looseness of everything on it. Blew the HST front seal last spring and spent the summer splitting the tractor and fixing multiple problems all through the drive train. Next spring I'll tear the engine down as its smoking and loosing power badly. Not too bad to work on, local dealer (Saxby) is a great source for advice. Parts sure aren't cheap though. Just as bad as J-D.
Pros: Compact size gets in tight spots and can do everything needed.
Cons: Always can use more power on backhoe. You never can have too much.