The
B8200 is more tractor than the
B7100 is, but as stated in another reply the
B7100 does a lot of work for its size.
The
B7100 does not have power steering; as I understand it power steering was an option on the
B8200 (at least I've operated one that did not have power steering).
The
B7100 is probably the longest production tractor in Kubota history, being produced from late 1970s (1976?) thru around 1998. The older hydrostat models had 4-lug front wheels while the newer models had 6-lug front wheels.
COOLING SYSTEMS: The
B7100 has a "thermo-siphon" cooling system, meaning that it is a pressurized cooling system that has no thermostat nor water pump and relies upon fluid temperature differential to move the fluid around. It is a good and simple system, but a lot of engines have been ruined (including the one in my
B7100) by adding more than 50% antifreeze to the cooling fluid and/or not pre-mixing the coolant mix. Excessive blow-by through the valve cover vent tube is on sign that the engine has been damaged by overheating (again, I'm speaking from experience; I didn't realize until after I bought the
B7100 that the compression rings were bad and quickly got worse). I believe (but am not sure) that the
B8200 has a normal cooling system with therostat and water pump.
PRICE: Without more knowledge of the shape of these tractors it would be hard to give an accurate estimate. MY OPINION (worth about 2 cents): A newer model (mid-1990s)
B7100 HST in tip-top shape with mid-mower might approach an asking price of $6000; I think the
B8200 was produced from the range of 1981-1988 or so and one in excellent condition would also probably be priced in the $6000 range. The problem with these higher prices is that if I were shopping for either of these in that price range I'd just go ahead and spend a little more and buy a new BX2300 and have a lot more tractor. Accordingly, I'd have to see either one in the $3500 to $5000 range in very good or excellent condition to avoid going the BX route.
Good Luck,
Kelvin
