Buying a B21

[Anonymous Poster]

I just looked at a B21 TLB w/ 2400 hrs. It looked OK, but mechanically was very sound. Any comments? These machines are extremely rugged little machines. I mainly would use it at home, but I do odd jobs for neighbors and friends. Oh yeah price $12,900 with $100 for delivery!

 

[Muhammad]

Was this tractor either a rental machine or used in construction work? 'Ok' looks and high hours (for a fairly new tractor) usually point to those two applications... both I covered as tractors to avoid in my book.

Yes, the B21 is a rugged machine that will stand up to lots of heavy duty work, but how much life is left in this machine? You will need to physically inspect the tractor and do a complete and detailed mechanical inspection (or have one done). Finding out the history of this machine would be very important to me as a buyer.

Just from the sound of things, you might 'get what you pay for' with this one.

 

[mdbarb]

The B21 is a great machine - Good power in a compact package. But I would really look this one over carefully, perhaps with a knowledgable friend that could tell you not to buy it if he had to. Perhaps if your only using for a few odd jobs the hours will average out in a few...
and your 10 or 15K ahead for the repairs

 

[JonSpinosa]

The B21 is one great machine! I had a B21 and decided to trade it for a L35. The price for the machine you described appears to be on the high side. Last week, I went to an auction and a 1000 hour machine sold for $13,000. If you are patient you can find machines with less than 300 hours for $17,000. I have had many Kubota machines and I recommend to locate a good deal on a low hour machine because the cost of parts and repairs on Kubota equipment will break your bank. It is very possible to buy a low cost machine and spend big dollars for repairs and have more money invested than a low hour machine. I would not pay more that $10,000 for the machine you described. Good Luck!!

 

[Rick572]

Let me chime in on this one, even though I'm a new B21 owner. I really wish that I could have found one like this before I bought a new one.

First, I think that the price is a little high unless this is a very exceptional tractor. Also, if this is at a dealer, or even if an individual is selling the tractor, a service record should be available, if not for the actual service, at least for parts sold, so that some indication that the services were done. I'd be willing to bet that some one was making money with this tractor, so theres a record.

After that, I would not be afraid of this tractor for just the hours. At 2400 hours there is years of life left in her. I would look real hard at this tractor, focusing on abuse more than ware. Some things can be easily covered, especially by a dealer, but abuse and/or neglect always leaves it mark. At those hours, that tractor should be almost like new, except for the shine, The tires should be almost new ( But not new) and a pretty good indicator of what the tractor has been through. If the bars on the tires are striped, as if caused by spinning, that may indicate an abusive operator and may be an indicator of how the tractor was operated . Also if there is any spot painting it should be on one of the buckets, and not on the frame parts. There should be only factory welds, and the undercariage should be old paint and not bent, especially the pan. The hydralic cylinder seals should be good and the rods not scored, all the BH pins should be tight. All the hydralic lines should be in thier orginal bundle. The engine parts should be orginal, with no indication of being disassembled, After that the engine should start and run good, with only a little black smoke at startup then no smoke. After the engine is warm it should be able to be held at a high rev for a minute or so and then quickly backed off to idle with no white smoke. I would also crawl under the tractor looking for anything that had be disassembled or worked on. I'd also look pretty close at the electrical wiring for signs of hacking and alternations. I'd be looking for any jerry rigging anywhere on the tractor. I guess the scary part for me would be the transmission, but if all this checked out all right and if the transmission "felt" good I might take a chance, but the price would have to get closer to $10,000 and they would deliver at no charge.

Sorry for rambling.

Rick