Questions about new (sort of) B7100 HST

[Egon]

Thomas, I think he will find that little enjoyment all by himself but rather than blame the tractor put the blame on the weight of the glass of water drank after a hards days work.

 

[Gryantaylor]

I've got a similar early 90's B7100 HST with ag tires and rear chains. in the 6+ months I've owned it I've used the PHD to drill ~12 holes in rocky soil, till the same rocky soil, mow some 6' tall weeds, rake the fields, relocate ~25 yards of dirt (the hole is about 3' deep), move tons of concrete, cut in a road down to the creek, plow snow, etc. etc. etc. I've been very impressed with what it will do. If you want to move fast it lacks power but if you take your time it will do almost anything. I have a 7' rear blade that it will pull full of dirt if you go slow. Last weekend I was able to push back snow piles my neighbors L series w/ R4's couldn't get the traction to move.

I don't know how much the truf tires will change the preformance but my guess is you'll be impressed by what it can do.

 

[teach]

Thanks to everyone for the imput and pics! I used my tractor this afternoon at a friend's house to dig out an embankment next to his new garage in prep. for a retaining wall. I was quite pleased (as was he!). I was very impressed with new 5' Woods rear blade and how well it worked too. Several of you said the little b7100 is a real mule, and I must agree! Can''t wait to see how it does plowing snow(if we actually get some plowable snow this year) and how well it skids out trees for firewood, tills my feed patches, drills holes, and cuts brush.

I ordered a set of tire chains from tire chains.com ($82 + including shipping), they should be here by the end of next week.
Oh, and as far as the steering, I plan on putting a suicide ball on the steering wheel, like I have on my 1983 model (which by the way is still for sale, with a front mounted snowblower, rear chains on ags, a rear blade, and rear dirtscoop if anyone in/near New England is interested) Thanks again everyone!
Teach

 

[Egon]

Just for interest; fill the bucket with rocks when pulling stuff like logs. Does wonders in the traction department and helps keep the front end on the ground.

 

[sugarmaple]

I have owned a B6100, B7100, B8200, and L4330. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar,the 7100 was the best of the lot. It sold for more than I paid for it by 25%. I made a set of duals for it when I went to the newer and less rickety axle attachment utilizing the old hub as a wheel spacer; the stability increase was significant. Except for the 6100, all have been Hydros, and all have been trouble free except for the 8200 which has suffered a broken head bolt and a water pump replacement. The L is the only one purchased new (weak moment) and it is pretty groovy except for once a month. The 7100 would lift a ridiculous amount of weight; stones that would only just barely fit in the bucket width wise for example.