completed B7100HSD project

[TripleR]

This tractor got a lot more than just a paint job. It got new tires all around, all of the hydraulic hoses were replaced, because the old ones had rotted and where leaking, new radiator hoses and fan belt, new seat, new headlights. The bevel case seals were leaking, so not only did the seals get replaced but the bearings were destroyed and they got replaced along with one of the bevel cases because the area around the seal had been busted off, I replaced the axle seals while I had the bevel cases apart, I replaced the valve cover gasket and checked the valve adjustment while I was there, the decomp lever was frozen and the decomp wire had been cut off, the LH brake was stuck so I disassembled that and got it working, and now I dicovered it looks like the freeze plug behind he starter is leaking so that will have to be fixed too. It also got all new filters and fluids too. The lady that sounds like she is buying it today will be getting a solid machine for $5000. I have about $2500 into it, plus my time, so I think I will come out okay on this deal.

Brian

I never bought a new tractor until 2003. We always bought used to VERY used. My brother was a mechanic for many years and actually started out at the age of eighteen as a tractor mechanic having worked part time during high school. I have watched and "helped" on some of his projects, so I can fully appreciate and recognize the work you put into it. My brother has thought about doing that when he retires and I sure hope he does. I just don't know if he will be able to part with one if he does.

 

[redberankubota]

VERY NICE !!! Someones getting one heck of a nice tractor for 5K !

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I never bought a new tractor until 2003. We always bought used to VERY used. My brother was a mechanic for many years and actually started out at the age of eighteen as a tractor mechanic having worked part time during high school. I have watched and "helped" on some of his projects, so I can fully appreciate and recognize the work you put into it. My brother has thought about doing that when he retires and I sure hope he does. I just don't know if he will be able to part with one if he does.

Parting with it would be my problem too.

While in relative good shape I have done some of this to my late FIL 1976 265 MF but it most likely will be in the family 50 years from now.

This kind of restore is more common in some parts of the world that have like 100% importing taxes because once the the taxes are paid that much value remains in the item.

All pre computer controlled vehicles/machines can be made like new for much less than buying a new one especially if one can do the labor and has a shop to do it in. It is a great hobby if you can do a three hour task in three hours or three months.

The hard part as the OP mentioned is there is no good stopping place on "what" to redo when you have a section opened up.

We just when through this with the motorhome refrigerator this summer when I really dragged out the simple task of replacing the cooling unit because everthing that was held together by bolts or screws came apart. Two months later it was like working a puzzle. :B

 

[BigD23]

Outstanding job...In my old hot roddin days, we would have called it "sanitary".

Don

 

[Randyj]

Very nice !

I also like the big lugs on the front AG tires. What is the brand name ?

 

[BrierPatch]

I am curious if you showed her the before pictures and told her everything that has been done to the tractor. Kind of a full disclosure kinda thing. I only say this because I fell victum to thinking I was buying a wonderful tractor because it had a great paint job and the seller did not tell me everything that had been done to it. After about 6 months my tractor started blowing smoke like a fog machine. Next thing I know I am having conversations with the local Kubota dealer and $3000 rebuild numbers are flying around or $1500 trade in value for my new to me tractor. It ends up someone had been under the valve cover doing some kind of work and did not get the 3 rocker arm bolts tightened correctly and it was coming loose not actuating the valves properly. I also found two extra washers inside the head, which were rocker arm washers, which further lead to my conclusion about the work done. Luckily it only cost me about $200 in new rings and parts to repair it and I did the work myself. I am not sure if something like this were to happen to the woman buying your tractor that it would turn out as good. I realize you have put a lot of hard work in it and repaired alot of stuff, but like the freeze plug, what will show up next once it starts getting used. It is amazing how many people have commented on how great of a tractor someone is getting, when I think it is more accurate to say someone is getting a great looking tractor. Also don't get me wrong I don't think you are intentionally trying to sucker someone, but it is impossible for anyone to know the true condition or life the tractor has had now unless you pass this info on to them.

Great job on resurrecting a derilict tractor and I really enjoyed the pictures of your project. :thumbsup:

 

[brain55]

I understand what you are saying. There are no guarantees with a used tractor. That is why it is being sold for $5000 and not $15,000. When you buy a used tractor you assume the risk of not knowing what you are getting. I can't promise that a hundred hours from now (or even an hour) that the engine, hydrostat, rear, differential, or transmission won't have a problem. It would not make sense to open all of these components up to check their condition. Nobody would pay $10,000 for this machine even with a warranty.

Brian

PS. She could do a lot worse than this machine for $5000.

 

[BrierPatch]

Brian,

First off let me apologize if I have offended you. I am not the most articulate person. I think you did a great job and took a lot of care in restoring your tractor. Like you mentioned about the costs and such, I believe you went above and beyond what most people would do to try and do it right (as if it were going to be your own). I know you put a lot of hard work in it as well and you should be rewarded for your efforts. My point was merly about the passing on of information.

Please accept my apology, in no way did I mean to take away from your work or fairness in selling price of your tractor.

 

[brain55]

Jeff, I wasn't offended, just making a point. To answer the first part of your original question. No, she was not shown the before and after, and I really don't know how much my buddy disclosed to her on what was done. I'm sure she saw the freeze plug leak since she demo'd it before I could fix it. I'll know today if she is really buying it or not. My guess is, that my buddy sold her on the obvious stuff that could be seen, and my 23 years of Kubota experience.

Brian

 

[grossgary]

i flip cars for fun, i know everything about Subarus. he's doing the right thing, sounds like a great price.

the more familiar and knowledgeable someone is - the more you can tell them and they understand. folks with no mechanical base at all frankly don't want to or need to know many specifics, they just get "deer in the head lights" kind of looks if you go to far.