B7100 life expectancy

[furnacebrook]

Hello,

I have a question that I realize is pretty hard to generalize but here it goes............. I own a 1979 B7100 tractor with an FEL and back blade, had it for almost a year now and don't know what I would do without it. I have not had much experiance with diesel engines and what to expect for longevity. I have been told these engines are practicly indistructable, but anything given enough abuse will break. I don't belive the tractor was abused but, it certainly was used. Enough PTO work that I have a bearing or a gear to replace in there ( clunking noise). So far the tractor runs like a bear, plenty of power, no black smoke, good oil pressure. I run synthetic oil in the engine and have replaced all the filters. It does have a ratling noise in the engine untill it is warmed up and then it quiets down some. I know diesels sound like a can of bolts, but what's normal and what isn't? I noticed a little smoke coming out of the breather tube, but it stopped shortly after warm up.
Thanks for any input on this.

Scott

 

[RoyJackson]

How many hours on the tractor?

Anyway, it sounds like you have a strong engine. I'll wager you get many more years out of it.

 

[furnacebrook]

Thanks for the input Roy. I forgot to mention the hours it has. Stopped at almost 1800, God only knows how many since then. I am the third owner and not much history came with the purchase but, I'll run it it for as long as it keeps going.

Thanks again,

Scott

 

[BandDcabinet]

I have a 1983 B7100 gear drive fwd tractor with approx. 3100 hrs. The unit has had a typical diesel rattle since the first hour of operation. Other than the normal lube and filter changes and two new batteries it has not required any service nor has it been back to the dealer. It still runs as strong as the day it was delivered. It's a fine tractor built to standards that in my mind no longer seem to exist. I will allow that power steering would be nice and the HST on my new B3030 would be welcomed additions to the B7100. The older I get the harder that steering wheel turns. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[ZackaryMac]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It does have a ratling noise in the engine untill it is warmed up and then it quiets down some)</font>

Sounds exactly like my B6100. Mechanical clatter when cold, quieter when warmed up. Not just the diesel rattle either. It hasn't become any noisier with the 140 hours I put on it since I got it, so I just ignore it. Runs strong and faithful.

I've read somewhere that these engines were designed for 5000 hr operating life, but as many life-expectancy ratings, they can be easily extended a lot. Maintenance is the key. I have a one cylinder Kubota diesel engine that has at least 5000 hrs on it and it doesn't burn any oil, starts without glowing in the summer, and runs strong.

 

[Egon]

The local Kubota dealer told me there is one in the area with 10K hours on it. One new clutch.

Mine has 2300 hours - no engine problems but has HST creep.

Egon

 

[furnacebrook]

Thanks for all the feed back boys. I figured they must be built pretty tough for a 26 year old tractor to still be running this well.
It's a gear trans and the clutch seems to be good. Have not noticed any slipping. Snaps my neck back if I pop the clutch too fast in a higher gear.
The FEL is a lot stronger than what it is rated for. It's B219 and from what I read it is rated a 500 pounds, well I have had 640 pounds of cement bags in it and lifted it well above the tractor.
I have not been bothered by the lack of power stearing, only notice when I have a heavy load in the bucket.
I just put a new loader valve on the other day, the old one looked to be original and was leaking by. The new had the relief valve set too high and would stall the engine at the top end of the piston range. It works fine now, bet it lifts more too.
Anyway I hope this engine lasts as long as all of you have heard there good for.......over 5000!!! that sounds good to me I've grown rather attached to this tractor..........big supprise Huh

Thanks again

Scott