Kubota B6100 2wd- but do I need 4wd?

shawnmd · Apr 1, 2017

I have a 2 acre property with only 2 large trees and one barn, with a rather long driveway (slight incline, 200 ft). I had an deere la145 with front blower for removing snow, and mid mount mower for mowing. I also haul 12 cord of wood to my house with it every year. Needless to say, tractor isn't made for what I am doing. I've already had trans out twice. I have had that for 7 years.

I have found a 1981 Kubota!B6100 with new rear finish mower with les than 400hrs and in new condition. Exactly what I needexceptthat it is a2wd. ........i've always thought I would get a4wd...but do I actually need it. I have no hills and with loaded agri tires andchains, I dontthink I wouldneed4wd to plow or blow...and the price is verygood on the6100....thoughts?

newbury · Apr 1, 2017

People operated for years with 2WD. If the price is that good jump on it. Does it have a FEL and bucket?

Big Wave D · Apr 1, 2017

I've used/owned a B6200e for over 30+ years.

I have found the 6200 to be extremely capable for its size. Has mowed 1,000's of acres over that time. Mine has factory mmm, so can't comment on rear mower, but it's powered a 5' tiller on virgin ground with no problems. Also, a 6' bush hog. You have to be sane about speed and or 'bite' taken, but will get the job done.

Never had filled rears, but chains and diff lock will get you through a lot of poor traction situations. I never had a fel on mine. It definitely would improve performance if doing loader work, but nothing that I've ever used tractor for has had me yearning for mfwa.

Clutch got replaced decades ago. Known issue with spline metal being soft from factory. Did have bracket crack because used it to cut trails through fields, like one would use rotary cutter for. So, totally my fault on that one. Most recent, I rebuilt mower deck. That's it other than standard maintenance and consumables. It's still going on original turf tires.

Totally amazed at quality of cut, even after all these years. New/sharpened blades leave a fantastic cut, even on tall grass like around my pond. I don't cut it weekly.

Hours sound fantastic! I'd heavily endorse purchase if inspection and run out is passing. :thumbsup:

shawnmd · Apr 1, 2017

no fel or bucket, just new rear Kioti finish mower. I zoomed in on pic , its actually a B5100E, not 6100. only 12 hp.......;little smaller than i thought.

TheMadOne · Apr 1, 2017

That's an old small tractor. How much do they want for it?

How are you currently hauling the wood behind the LA145?

Do you plan on keeping the Deere?

Have you factored in the cost of changing to ag tires vs. finding a Ford 2000 or similar with ag tires already on?

shawnmd · Apr 1, 2017

I can probably get it for $3200 cdn, or about $2400 US. I would be selling the Deere. I was hauling the woo with a 10 cu/ft ump trailer

shawnmd · Apr 1, 2017

I'm worried now that it just won't have the horsepower for that mower or a future front snowblower.

TheMadOne · Apr 1, 2017

shawnmd said:
I can probably get it for $3200 cdn, or about $2400 US. I would be selling the Deere. I was hauling the woo with a 10 cu/ft ump trailer

Check your local Craigslist and machine sale websites. 2400 sounds like a lot for what you'd be getting. I recently checked out a dealer in Ontario that was selling an Alis 165 for the same price(Just looked and it apparently sold). The B5100E can only lift 300lbs at the three point. That seems light, and would size you out of most implements, as would the 10 PTO HP.

KubotainNH · Apr 2, 2017

I have a B6100 with a loader and 4x4. With a loader I think the 4x4 is a must. Without it maybe not needed. The 14hp on mine goes a long way, I'd like to know the torque numbers. The B7100's have 2 more HP in the same footprint of the B6100. Amazing little beasts.

rScotty · Apr 2, 2017

shawnmd said:
no fel or bucket, just new rear Kioti finish mower. I zoomed in on pic , its actually a B5100E, not 6100. only 12 hp.......;little smaller than i thought.

View attachment 504310

It's a really beautiful tiny tractor and I can see the appeal...super cute. But really I am afraid it is just too small for anything more than the very lightest jobs like mowing and such. Check the size of the 3 pt arms, with only a few hundred pounds lift the three point might be the garden tractor category 0 instead of the more standard category I typical of small tractors. If so, that would really restrict the kind of implements for it. Even if it does turn out to be category I size, keep in mind that most most category I implements weight several hundred pounds bare. That doesn't leave anything extra for when you hit a tough spot plowing or blading.

I'm not just guessing here. 40 years ago we did all our work on our first little farm with a 16 hp Yanmar that was also too small. But it was way more heavily built than a 5100 (or 6100) and had some things the 5100 did not. Such as 4wd, 6 speeds forward, much larger frame and axles, tires with chains, a decent loader that would lift 500+ lbs, and a real Cat I 3 pt that would lift 600+ lbs. It was still too small, but could be made to do some work.

Now an older Kubota 7100 with the original loader would really do you up right. They were popular for good reason.
But that 5100 is sure way cute...
luck, rScotty