Hmm, the write-up was for a
B2400 vs 855... I made a few changes and applied the
B2150 to the recap. There are some other issues from a statistical point of view that I believe give the
B2150 an advantage, but I don't really have the time now to do a side-by-side comparison. For
B2150 specifications, <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/tractors/kubota_b2150_specs.htm>click here</A>.
Off the top of my head, those advantages would be ... larger fuel tank, less fuel consumption, resulting in longer field time; higher 3-point hitch capacity; bi-speed turn option; transmission choices.
(Keep in mind that this was written in 1999)
Kubota B2150 vs John Deere 855:
The Kubota
B2150 and the John Deere 855 are close competitors. The 855 will be discontinued for 1999, but replaced with a larger model, which competes with the
B2710 Kubota, the
B2150’s replacement. So, this recap is of two previous generation tractors at the end of their production cycles.
And with that, the
B2150 and 855 both have been solid and reputable tractors since their introduction. At this time, there are few compact tractors on the market with the reputation for solid quality and trouble-free operation, but the
B2150 and 855 both fit into that select group.
Loader Performance:
The 855 and 70A loader is a very good team, but falls short of the
B2150/LA350 in performance. The
B2150’s LA350 will lift higher and has higher capacities, while the 70A on the 855 has an optional 60" bucket. The LA350 is only available with a 50" bucket.
Backhoe Performance:
The 855, teamed with the model 7 backhoe from John Deere, offers very respectable performance and a stable mounting system that allows for very easy attachment and removal. The
B2150 has two backhoe options, one digging 6’, and the other digging 7.5’ and using a 3-point hitch mount, giving the
B2150 a slight advantage in digging depth.
Engines:
The 4-cylinder Kubota V1200-5B E-TVCS in the
B2150 pumps out 24 gross horsepower at a peak engine speed of 2,600RPM. With quick starts, low exhaust, and smooth running operation, the Kubota engine is a tough one to beat.
The 855 is powered by a 24-horsepower Yanmar engine, which achieves maximum horsepower at an engine speed of 3,200RPM. At full throttle, the Kubota engine will have an advantage of about 10lb-ft of torque.
While the 855 runs at a higher engine speed, there is no considerable evidence pointing to that resulting in shorter engine life. As mentioned, the 855, engine and all, has been one of the most reliable and sturdy compact tractors on the market.
Price:
The 855 and
B2150 are in a similar list price range, but the John Deere will not see as much of a discount (off of list price) as the Kubota will, in most cases. So, depending on which attachments and options you choose, you could see a difference of up to $3,000 in price between the two.
--
Personally, I would give the nod to the
B2150, for a number of reasons, but the 855/955 are two tractors (similar, with different engines) on my favorites list. Very sturdy, reliable, good performers, and available on the used market for a reasonable cost.
Here in America, a 1,600 hour 855, tractor only in good condition, would probably bring US$7,000-$8,500. While that's not a whole lot less than what a
B2150 would cost, I've found that the 855/955's availability is a little better than the
B2150's...
