Considering old B8200

[Jay4200]

I figured I'd bring this up in the general forum for a wider opinion. I'm debating looking at a '85 Kubota B8200 HST 4x4 w/ ~1600 hours, but don't really know the pros/cons of that particular machine.

I've been looking for a lighter/smaller machine for light-duty work, and as a backup for my L4200 (2500+ hours). I figure I'd use it to pull a blade and/or rake (both 6') for grading and gravel driveway maintenance. In a pinch, I'd like to be able to run my 6' snowblower too (in case of unforseen L4200 failure), but I'd imagine the B8200 only has the HP for fairly light snowfalls - 16HP at the PTO, I think, assuming the 3pt can lift the blower at all (650#).

This little Kubota seems in reasonable shape from the pics and seller reports. No leaks, decent turf tires, has a mid-PTO, and comes with a front-mounted plow (no FEL). The plow is hydraulic lift with a leaky cylinder, manual swing. There are no other implements. Seller says that the only thing that doesn't work is the cruise-control. What is cruise-control? That isn't the steering stem throttle lever, is it? Asking price is $2850. I'm thinking more like $2000.

What do you think?

JayC

 

[brain55]

The cruise control (speed set control) is a lever that you engage to set the hydrostat at a constant forward speed. I've had very few customers that actually ever use it. $2850 ssems like a reasonable price, I think $2000 would be really really good price. I'm pretty sure that properly functioning 3-pt hydraulics on that machine will lift 650 lbs. depending on where the weight is.

Brian

 

[Jay4200]

The cruise control (speed set control) is a lever that you engage to set the hydrostat at a constant forward speed. I've had very few customers that actually ever use it. $2850 ssems like a reasonable price, I think $2000 would be really really good price. I'm pretty sure that properly functioning 3-pt hydraulics on that machine will lift 650 lbs. depending on where the weight is.

Brian

Ahh - gotcha on the cruise. I forgot about the hydro. I could only see no cruise as being a problem if you are trying to use split brakes (depending on pedal configuration). Is that a mechanically actuated thing (linkage), or done with some internal part of the hydro transmission? Is a non-functional cruise indicative of something bigger and/or is it an easy/inexpensive or big repair?

I wanted to get a dedicated 3pt machine originally, since removing my backhoe is such a PITA on my L4200. Now that I've removed it a couple of times, it's not all that big of a deal, but still enough of a pain that once on/off a year to mount/unmount the snowblower is enough. I guess I'm still struggling with the decision of getting a tractor that isn't equipped with an FEL. I also originally DID want a dedicated plow rig (was looking at lawn tractors for that), but brought up my ATV w/ plow, so the pressure is off for that function.

JayC

 

[RobertN]

I had a B8200HSTD for 11 years. They are a great tractor. Mine was built like a tank; more along the lines of the B20.

The only downfall of the B8200, is HP. It is the large "B" series chassis, with only 19HP. The B2710, B2910, B3300 are basically the same tractor, but with 27-33HP.

For most stuff, this did not matter; I could spin the tires before I ran out of power. But, for mowing, I really noticed. 15HP(HST version) just did not turn my 4' rotary mower very well except in very lite grass.

My wife started using a L3410 at the nursery she works at. She like the larger bucket, and extra power. That is how we moved to a larger tractor(NH TC40D).

I know the guy that bought the tractor(I sold, and bought the TC40 in January). I got it with 425 hours on it, sold it to him with 1250 hours. He has put another 75 on it this summer. It is working great for him.

FWIW, I had got mine with a mower and scraper. Paid cash. Then saved a couple years, and added TnT, then a Bushhog loader.

That price is cheap. I sold mine with loader, rotary mower, for 4 times that price. The guy that bought it, got a pretty good deal, for the prices and availability in my area.

 

[brain55]

Ahh - gotcha on the cruise. I forgot about the hydro. I could only see no cruise as being a problem if you are trying to use split brakes (depending on pedal configuration). Is that a mechanically actuated thing (linkage), or done with some internal part of the hydro transmission? Is a non-functional cruise indicative of something bigger and/or is it an easy/inexpensive or big repair?

JayC

The speed set is completely external of the hydrostat. It either needs to be adjusted, there are several friction discs that hold the lever in place, or I have seen the ear break off where the linkage attaches to the speed set. The brakes are not an issue because there is also linkage the disengages the speed set when the brakes are applied.

Brian