B1550

sw18x · Apr 24, 2011

Hi all

I'm a new homeowner doing everything I can to avoid buying a throw-away Lowes lawn mower. I really like the later model Kubotas and I'm looking at a listing for a B1550 with about 2100 hours and a 5 foot belly mower for about 3K. I'm wondering what kind of life can I expect out of that 3 cylinder diesel (assuming good maintenance) and the transmission. Is there anything specific I should be looking for when I see the tractor? I don't have much experience with diesels so any information or tips you can give me on this model would be helpful, thanks.

By the way, I only have a 3/4 acre lot so not a lot to mow. It'd be nice to have a bucket to move firewood and plow with, but haven't seen anything in this price range that includes one, so it's not a necessity. As for the PTO, with the right pump I'm wondering if I could run a log splitter off the back. Again, thanks for the input.

Steve

Buster57 · Apr 25, 2011

sw18x said:
Hi all

I'm a new homeowner doing everything I can to avoid buying a throw-away Lowes lawn mower. I really like the later model Kubotas and I'm looking at a listing for a B1550 with about 2100 hours and a 5 foot belly mower for about 3K.".

$3K for a B1550 with a MMM, if it in good shape-buy it now!

You should expect 5000 hours on that power plant. Great opportunity for sure.

For comfort have a local shop check out the PTO via a dyno to make sure it is up to performance specs. Make sure they are diesel experts, and honest. Pay them $100 or so then buy it. Better yet, please provide me with the sellers contact info!

sw18x · Apr 25, 2011

Thanks. I'll be having a dealer check it out first, more than likely. Does anyone know what kind of fun gadgets are easily available for the rear hitch (1) and pto? How hard / expensive would it be to mount a small loader? (there are no hydrolics currently mounted on the front)

Buster57 · Apr 25, 2011

sw18x said:
Thanks. I'll be having a dealer check it out first, more than likely. Does anyone know what kind of fun gadgets are easily available for the rear hitch (1) and pto? How hard / expensive would it be to mount a small loader? (there are no hydrolics currently mounted on the front)

Is this unit 2WD or 4WD?

I think you are out of luck for a FEL on this little unit. Probably real hard to find or probably cost about as much as you pay for the used machine.

I don't think it would be worth it but others may know better?

Wolfy · Apr 25, 2011

I have a 2 cylinder diesel with 3,600 hours, change the oil often, always use 15W40. If the front end loader is hard to find or expensive, a rear 3pt scoop would be a nice alternative, not as powerful but would work. Keep in mind, a hydraulic or PTO driven wood splitter means more hours on the tractor engine.

sw18x · Apr 25, 2011

2w drive

Wolfy · Apr 25, 2011

If its a 2wd and has directional tires, they could be reversed, giving greater traction when going backwards with the scoop. I have 2wd tractor and it mows, plows snow, and york rakes very well.