"New" B7100

[Bluelick]

Greetings all,
I have just (two hours ago) taken delivery on a Kubota B7100 HST E, which is my first tractor (not counting the Murray riding mower I have been abusing and repairing for the last ten years). It is also my first diesel motor. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions.

I have downloaded an operator's manual that covers the B7100D which of course is a mix of useful and not so useful information since it doesn't cover the HST, but certainly better than nothing. I have also downloaded a parts list which will be very helpful I'm sure. I'd appreciate leads on any other useful information that I can download or that anyone can share via pdf. I imagine I'll be getting a shop manual of some sort as I do for all my other motor-driven things.

I have a lot of experience with motors of various sorts, and have all the usual tools, but I'll be drawing on the expertise here that I don't have. I will start by checking all the fluids, then use it a bit to get a feel for it, and then this winter hope to go through it and get everything more or less put right.

I would appreciate any recommendations about critical things to check immediately so I don't foul something up while I'm finding my way in this new territory. Thanks!

 

[funwithahoe]

Greetings all,
I have just (two hours ago) taken delivery on a Kubota B7100 HST E, which is my first tractor (not counting the Murray riding mower I have been abusing and repairing for the last ten years). It is also my first diesel motor. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions.

I have downloaded an operator's manual that covers the B7100D which of course is a mix of useful and not so useful information since it doesn't cover the HST, but certainly better than nothing. I have also downloaded a parts list which will be very helpful I'm sure. I'd appreciate leads on any other useful information that I can download or that anyone can share via pdf. I imagine I'll be getting a shop manual of some sort as I do for all my other motor-driven things.

I have a lot of experience with motors of various sorts, and have all the usual tools, but I'll be drawing on the expertise here that I don't have. I will start by checking all the fluids, then use it a bit to get a feel for it, and then this winter hope to go through it and get everything more or less put right.

I would appreciate any recommendations about critical things to check immediately so I don't foul something up while I'm finding my way in this new territory. Thanks!

Well first of all if you want to be part of this forum ya got to supply pics (of the tractor - not you)

 

[BigD23]

Congrats on your new B7100...You're gonna love the HST.

Don

 

[thetooth]

Congrats ! on the new tractor . I would recommend changing all the fluids and filters ( motor oil , HST oil , and front axle ) .

This website has some helpful photos and descriptions
Kubota B-Series Fluids and Filters
Kubota B-Series Checkpoints

 

[czechsonofagun]

Congrats! I went the same route except it was 42" Craftsman I kept running with a lot of welding and ingenuity.
When the Kubota came along - B1750 - it was like a dream come true. She keeps taking the abuse and more and keeps ticking. On top of it Kubota is build with a lot of thoughts, if cars were build the same way, roads would be full of old iron
The only downside is the price of parts; I usually go with Tractorsmart.com, but Messick is also good.
Back then my tractor came with changed fluids from Kubota Manassas - oil and HST - and I changed the front axle and gear box for MMM in few month after the purchase. If you have already experience with other motors, you will do just fine:thumbsup:

 

[TripleR]

Congratulations on your new acquisition, you are really going to like it.

 

[Egon]

Several notes of awareness:

Don't overfill the fuel tank as it runs down onto the clutch.
Check the cleanliness of the radiator and operation of the whistle on a very regular basis.
If the rear wheels have a lot of slop the newer hubs may be considered.
Keep the steering box well adjusted.
:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[dodge man]

When I got my Kubota, I had quite a few metric tools but I found out I needed some large metric wrenches and sockets. Just to change the oil and HST fluid takes some really large wrenches.

 

[Bluelick]

Thanks for the quick responses. I haven't gotten on the tractor yet, rain this morning, but looking forward to it. I have read about the issues with the steering box and radiator (no water pump, convection cooling I believe). Can you tell me how to check the whistle?

As you will see in the pics the MMM has a good bit of welding on it, but it sounds good so I am hoping for no immediate spindle repair. Appears to be 1180 on the meter, but no idea yet if it is working. Mower has obviously been worked hard, but motor sounds good, no smoke. I paid $2525 delivered to my place from two hours away. Other than the MMM no attachments.

Having read a couple of threads here on lubricant brands and preferences, I will refrain from asking for recommendations on oil and hydraulic fluid lest I rekindle smoldering passions! I will plan to change them all as soon as I can get some serious wrench time. However, my daughter's wedding will be here on our place Labor Day weekend and I will have NO time for anything but finishing the construction projects between now and then!

As requested, some pictures:

 

[Egon]

To check the whistle just look to see it is still there and has not been lost!

If you use a loader on the tractor I'd suggest removing the spinner.

 

[Bluelick]

One time I was mowing by my driveway with my riding mower, with the wheels on one side up on the bank next to the driveway. It was kind of tippy so I put my foot out on the downhill side to steady the mower, but since I was still going forward it was pulling my leg. I mean REALLY PULLING MY LEG!

That's kind of the same feeling I got when I read the reply above about the whistle and the spinner...

 

[Egon]

whistle and the spinner...

No legs being pulled!

The whistle is connected to the Radiator overflow line and alerts you when the tractor overheats.

With no power steering and four wheel drive engaged and the proper rut or some such is hit by a front wheel it may grab and spin the steering wheel on you. That spinner kinda hurts when it hits your hand.

Some folks have no problem with this happening.

 

[Thomas]

Congrats on purchasing working mule.
Folks have cover about everything..keep traveling pedal well lube also seat belt latch,also locate your fuses,if tractor not under cover you may want to slide tin can down over exhaust stack.

 

[Bluelick]

Thanks for clearing that up, Egon, my leg feels much better now! No FEL or FWD, but I was thinking of taking the spinner off anyway, at least until I get used to this critter. I'll look for that whistle and make sure it's there.

The guy I bought the tractor from had a plastic bottle with the top cut off over the exhaust, but of course you'd have to wait for the muffler to cool so it wouldn't melt the plastic. Thinking fast, I quickly drank a can of beer to replace it. It's light enough that it pops right off if I forget to remove it on starting the engine as I discovered almost immediately. Of course, I might lose it, and oh darn, I'd have to drink another beer (not while operating machinery of course).

 

[Bluelick]

I checked and both the whistle and the overflow tube are missing. Suggestions on where I can find replacements? Or an alternative? How about attaching a tube that comes out the side or somewhere that would be visible in the event of boiling over? Or is the whistle a commonly available part?

Also, a question about the engine oil dipstick. Mine has a bend in the middle between the end of the dipstick and where it seals to the block. Is this normal, or does it need to be straightened?

Thanks!

 

[funwithahoe]

I checked and both the whistle and the overflow tube are missing. Suggestions on where I can find replacements? Or an alternative? How about attaching a tube that comes out the side or somewhere that would be visible in the event of boiling over? Or is the whistle a commonly available part?

Also, a question about the engine oil dipstick. Mine has a bend in the middle between the end of the dipstick and where it seals to the block. Is this normal, or does it need to be straightened?

Thanks!

You know Eon is Sh***** about the whistle, Right? Congrats on a good purchase - Seems like you got a "whistlin" deal and you said the engine is givin no smoke so I would suspect you'll get plenty of hours out of her!!

 

[Egon]

Whistle is for fact. :laughing:

Just run the overflow tube to a spot you can see the end. Steam comes out when to hot. Heck, you could probably find a toy store whistle that hooks up.:thumbsup:

210 66204-58730 TAPE RADIATOR 1 0.01 0.022
220 14301-73110 COCK DRAIN 1 0.094 0.2068
230 15371-72850 PIPE WATER 1 0.21 0.462
240 15371-72940 PIPE WATER 1 0.164 0.3608
250 15108-72870 BAND 4 0.027 0.0594
260 66204-58750 WHISTLE STEAM 1 0.028 0.0616
270 66706-58810 LABEL RADIATOR 1 0.001 0.0022​

280 66706-58820

 

[Bluelick]

Yes, I looked up the whistle in my parts list and there it is.

I mowed a little bit for the first time yesterday, what a difference from the old riding mower! The grass was pretty wet and my old mower would have been spinning tires on the hill, but no slipping at all with the 7100, even with the relatively old turf tires on it.

Anybody out there with a 7100 who can address my dipstick question? I'm concerned about getting an accurate reading on the oil level, and right now it reads as if it is overfilled, but since the dipstick bends downward, that could be a result of the bend. I'd really like to know!

 

[Thomas]

When I had my B7100HST 1995 I don't recall bend,just slight cure new top of rubber stop.

 

[WVBill]

Anybody out there with a 7100 who can address my dipstick question?

I have a B6100 from 1978 and the dipstick has a bend in it.