B7100 FEL Question

Kelvin · Oct 22, 2001

Ed,
I know that sometimes there are errors in sales brochures and the salesperson may have updated information, but in this particular discussion of "sales brochures says the B7100 FEL is rigid mount" vs "sales person says the B7100 FEL is quick-attach", I'd go with the sales brochure's answer. I would bet that the sales person (1) hasn't sold a B1630C FEL in over 3 years, and (2) has sold nothing but "quick-attach" loaders in that same time span.

Since Bird has had a B7100HSD with the B1630C FEL, and I believe he currently has a B2710 with quick-attach FEL, he would probably be most qualified to offer comparisons of the two and comment on whether the "rigid-mount" or "quick disconnect" would be the best description of the B1630C.

My agreement with the sales brochures is based upon my comparisons of my Kubota B2150 with quick-attach FEL and observations of FELs for B7100s that I made while shopping for a FEL for my older model B7100.

In any case, you must ask yourself if you are planning to remove the FEL at all. Most people want the quick-attach loader for the "just in case I have to remove it" and then never remove it. With the B1630C FEL mounted on the B7100HSD, the mid-mower can be removed and installed as desired; in fact, R&R of the mid-mower may be easier with the FEL installed since the FEL has the capability of raising the front wheels.

Just be sure and avoid the B1630 FEL if you want to use the mid-mower, and you should have no problems.

Kelvin

edfortmiller · Oct 24, 2001

So given that it is not a quick disconnect unit could you estimate about how much time it would take to take it off? Also since you own one how annoying is it not to have power steering?

Bird · Oct 24, 2001

Ed, I never thought about it enough to have a reasonable estimate of the time it would take to remove the FEL (I just knew I wasn't ever going to do it). Just a wild guess would be a couple of hours.

Power steering? I didn't consider it a big deal when I bought the tractor (I was in better shape physically at that time). Generally speaking, I didn't consider it hard to turn at all, although it really was pretty stiff turning with a full load in the FEL bucket, but not too bad as long as you were moving (hard to turn sitting still). But after having both hands operated on for carpal tunnel syndrome . . ., that's when I decided to shop for a tractor with power steering and traded up to the B2710. And of course, since you own a B7100, I'm sure you've already learned that you better have a good hold on the steering wheel on rough terrain because, when you hit a rut, or something similar, it can quite suddenly spin the wheel all the way one direction or the other and be a little hard on thumbs or fingers.

Bird

bpence · Oct 26, 2001

I think I have pretty close to the same tractor you have. Mine's 1995 model B7100HST.

I was also thinking about getting a front loader and had pretty much settled on a Great Bend Loader. They're built by Great Bend Mfg. in Great Bend, Kansas. There are dealers all over. Anyway, the B7100 uses the model 220 GB loader, it is compatible with the 60" mm mower, is a "quick" disconnect, will supposedly lift 800 lbs with a lift height of 6'5". They'll paint it to match your Kubota. Price I was quoted, installed, was $2,525. This was in March here in Michigan.

I opted not to get the FEL based on advice (direction) given by the chielf financial officer. While I may be the chief operating officer, I don't get to handle the money very much.

It looked like a well built piece of equipment, was available and compatible, and was priced fairly. Might want to see if you can find a dealer in your area that handles Great Bend. They have a web site: www.greatbendmfg.com. The B7100 is an elephant eater if you just remember to try and do it one bite at a time. A FEL would be a good add, as long as you remember you don't have power steering.

Bob Pence

Bird · Oct 26, 2001

"quick" disconnect and lift 800 lbs and installed, was $2,525

Sounds like a bargain to me, and better have plenty of counterweight on the back, since I think the B1630C had a capacity of about 510 pounds, know it was not quick connect, dealer figured $2,400 for it in '95, and it would lift the back wheels off the ground.

Bird

Anonymous Poster · Jan 3, 2002

Ed, I recently traded in a 95 b7100HST with a mmm & FEL, the loader was a 1630c. Purchased the unit inclusive of all attachments. Great machine but very slow if I was operating the mmm and had the FEL attached. The B7100hst only has a single hydraulic system. I set up the FEL w/quick attached hydro hoses, and just removing the (4) pins was able to detach the FEL in a matter of a couple of mins.
Hope this info helps

Anonymous Poster · Jan 3, 2002

> I set up the FEL w/quick attached hydro hoses, and just removing the (4) pins was able to detach the FEL in a matter of a couple of mins.

Now I am throughly confused. Other postings indicated one had to unbolt the unit to get it off and may take a fair amount of time to do so.

Did you modify it so you could remove it by taking out the pins? Did you have to add the quick disconnect hoses? and if so what was involved?

Bird · Jan 3, 2002

Ed, I wonder about it a bit, too. I had a B1630C and understand it was a bit different from the other 1630C, but don't know the details. And I had no mid-mount mower.

Thomas · Jan 3, 2002

Ed,
On my B1630C FEL there are no quick disconnects,and to remove the FEL you shall need wrenches and blocking,and figure about good hour when everything unhook and clean up and put away.
The only pins on my FEL are for the pistons also the bucket.

Kelvin · Jan 3, 2002

This is information that I've posted before from some Kubota sales brochures that I have. Bird already knows this information; I'm adding this to Bird's post for the benefit of everyone else. The last time I posted this information I apparently caused some confusion by leaving the "B" off of the "B1630" FEL model number.

Kubota produced two FEL models that were designed for the B7100 (and some other models); the B1630 and the B1630C. Both were RIGID mount; the B1630C was the newer of the two and was compatible with the mid-mower where the B1630 was not mid-mower compatible. Neither was "quick attach" as they came from Kubota.

Kelvin