Possible Purchase of B6100e

[Jeepxj]

Newbie here! I have been lurking around for quite a while. I am going to look at a B6100e tomorrow. It doesn't have a hour meter and I don't know the year yet. It does have a Woods 48" mmm. This is one of the features I have to have.

I will primarily be using it for grass cutting. I do however have a fairly large garden. I plan on getting a tiller for it before next spring. I also need to do a lot of work on my driveway.

I have looked all over the place trying to find a used compact. They are hard to find around here. This tractor is looking like my best bet and is in my budget.

What are the common items to look at when looking at a used tractor? I am pretty mechanically inclined. Is there anything I should especially look for with the b6100e?

Thnks in advvance for all your help!!

 

[buzst]

Jeepxj,
The b6100 series is a very good tractor (though I never saw one without an hourmeter). However (and this is just my opinion), if I recall the e model was only two wheel drive which would be a serious limitation given your location, tiller requirement, and driveway maint.

 

[Kelvin]

Jeepxj,

As "buzst" pointed out, the "E" suffix indicates a 2wd, gear drive model. I also think that you will quickly regret purchasing the 2wd tractor, unless you are getting a really good deal.

Rationale: It is my opinion that you will have a problem selling a 2wd compact tractor; if you get it cheap, you might be able to sell once (or if) you become dissatisfied with the 2wd.

Hour Meter: My older B7100 does not have an hour meter either. It is supposedly a 1978 model. I believe that they were optional on earlier models and standard equipment on the later models.

Cooling System: These older Kubotas use a "thermo-siphon" cooling system which has no water pump or thermostat. It is a good design, but requires that a maximum of 50% PREMIXED antifreeze solution be used. If you put 100% antifreeze in the radiator, the engine will overheat within a minute or so, even at idle. I had to rebuild my engine due to this problem. It had some light "blow-by" coming out of the valve cover breather tube when I purchased the tractor. I now assume that the tractor had the wrong coolant mixture in the radiator when I purchased it, because the "blow-by" got progressively worse and worse until oil started coming out of the tube. Upon the initial startup after the rebuild we put 100% antifreeze in it, but luckily had a temperature guage attached and watched as the temperature rapidly shot up. We then drained and refilled the radiator with the proper mixture coolant and the tractor's been running strong for over 5 years now.

Hope this helps,
Kelvin

 

[SteveM]

I used to have a B6000E with a 48" MMM and tiller. Great little rig, the 6100 is a little bigger and has a smoother 3cyl engine if memory serves. First, you will be fine with tilling with 2wd in most cases. I had ag tires, but even with turfs I cannot imagine you will spin much while tilling soil. If it is wet enough to be sticky you shouldnt be tilling anyway. Before you venture into this deal, check out the prices of tillers - not cheap at all! Figure a minimum of $500 for a used one, up to about $900 for a new cheap brand 42" or so. I had a 44" and it was about perfect for the power and weight of the machine. Regarding price, every area is different, but in very good condition a 6100E with mower should be $3500 or less. I sold mine with tiller and mower for $3500, but it was a bit smaller and less powerful.

There are lots of posts that give guidance on what to look for in a used tractor, so I wont go down that road. Good luck

 

[Jeepxj]

Thanks for all your help. I ended up purchasing the b6100e with a rear 60" blade for $3,700 out the door. I ended up getting it from a local Kubota dealer. He had originally sold the tractor new in 81. The previous owner used it for grass cutting 95% of the time and had all service done at the dealer. The tractor also came with a sixty day warranty.

The tractor does not have an hour meter on it. They are guessing that it has between 400 and 500 hours. All the fluids were changed at the dealer.

I ended up dealing with the owner Keith. He was really good and was willing to "help" me with the price. The rear blade is brand new.

Ilove this tractor! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif