Comparison B21 vs. B7500

[Stokes]

Hey Guys,
I'm ready to buy a machine with a backhoe on it. I've ran an ad, and had two great responses, so now I need to decide which one to get. Your thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated. The one thing I do *need* to do is rehabilitate a few septic systems (not new installs, but just dig up the tops and maybe some trenching in the drain fields). Otherwise, I'm a typical homeowner here in the PNW, and have no plans to use this for finish mowing or such. Here is what I've been offered.

(a) B21. 1500 Hours. Full service less than 100 hours ago. $10K
(b) B7500 (Unknown hours, but checking). Backhoe, Grader Blade, Brush Hog, FEL. $9K

I don't know what size hoe is on the B7500, but I'll assume it's an appropriately sized, Kubota matched, hoe that was bought from the dealer at during the original sale. If not, I'll discount significantly.

Thanks for your thoughts on this decision!

 

[Gary Fowler]

The B21 is a professional grade machine compared to a homeowner quality of the B 7500. They were likely twice as much new as the B 7500. I have B 26 (latest model -B20,B21 then B26and new now they list for over $40K. The B21 would seem to be the much better deal for a back hoe. If you can check the specs, I think you would find you would find big differences in digging force on the two. I don't think you could put a backhoe on a tractor without a FEL, it is needed to stabilize the tractor when digging and of course to move the dirt after digging. I would go for the B 21 personally. Does it have the 4 post FOPS system? Some had it and others just had a ROPS. Here is a photo of mine digging up a "small" stump.

 

[Carl_NH]

As Gary says get the B21 - its the TLB (purpose built for BH) series and has a FOPS too, weighs in about 4K and is a sturdy machine for what you want to do. The specs on the B21 are likely 1.5X the B7500 in FEL and BH lifting and digging force.

The B7500 is the same engine but likely a woods or maybe Kubota BH and should have a sub-frame, if a 3PTH don't buy it.

R&R on the hoe is so much easier on the B21 plus the entire sub-frame is a structural part of the tractor, and dual hydraulic pumps to run the BH and steering not found on the B7500.

The price for the B21 seems good, as they go for $10-15K higher would be low hours, in very good condition.

The B21's don't have many/any real problems to speak of, the clutch is rarely used so that should be good, you might want to ask if they cleaned the transmission strainer located at the suction port just in front of the back hydro filter. A bolt and flange holds it in.

Good luck with your investigation and send some pics too!

Carl

 

[Egon]

B2100 for sure. :thumbsup:

 

[powerstroke444e]

I have a b26 and can't say enough good things about it. Spent last few days digging a drain around my house at 8+ foot deep. I usually rent a machine when doing this for other people but decided to do it with my machine. Its a little slow but does a nice job.
There is unbelievable difference between kubota's pro grade backhoe's and adding a hoe to a machine.
Just depends on your use I would buy the b21

 

[art]

B-21 for sure for the money.

 

[josolar]

Where are you located? I've got a Kubota b20 TLB with 950 hours for sale near Boston.

 

[vic4news]

B21 definitely. I used one to clear a quarter-acre of land a few years ago. Great machine.

 

[Carl_NH]

Where are you located? I've got a Kubota b20 TLB with 950 hours for sale near Boston.

The OP said "I'm a typical homeowner here in the PNW" so 2600 mi or so from the NE USA.

Is that your posting on CL - if so it looks like a nice B20?

 

[Stokes]

I don't know the history on the B21, but it seems there is a very good chance it ex-rental. Does that scare you guys off? Is there something I should pay special attention to when looking it over? Does $10k seem like a good price assuming its in good condition?

 

[Carl_NH]

Stokes,

As I mentioned before $10K is a very good price for that unit and hours - fairly low, and they should run for another 1000 or more without issue.

I would look for things like:

Pull the strainer in the hydro reservoir tank or ask if it was cleaned to look for metal - sandy metal fines are OK, chips of metal are not. It takes 15 minutes to check this.

Check the pins and bushings, and the buckets BH or FEL shouldn't have too much slop/play, and same with BH operation - if you have operated a BH before you will know if its smooth or not.

Then cylinder leaks, scoring of the shafts on the FEL and Stabilizers, then if recently repainted that can be signs of a tough life.

Driving and HST response in Lo and Med should be strong, and Hi range is used for traveling not working so its not as strong.

 

[NE Tractor]

Where are you located? I've got a Kubota b20 TLB with 950 hours for sale near Boston.

How Much?

 

[Carl_NH]

If its the same one I saw on CL around $12K I think

 

[josolar]

How Much?

Reduced to $12,400. I have $4,400 in dealer service receipts over the last 5 years.

Kubota B20/B21 Tractor Loader Backhoe *Price Reduced*