To rebuild or move on

[robs660]

The parts and having all the cylinders rebuilt totaled a shade under $10k. Worst part of the deal is the front dif and the leak in the bottem. That accouts for almost $3k of the job. Nothings cheap in NJ

 

[dstig1]

Got any pics to show what you are talking about? Always helps people understand what you are seeing and make some better recommendations. I know I'm curious to see it...

 

[brain55]

The parts and having all the cylinders rebuilt totaled a shade under $10k. Worst part of the deal is the front dif and the leak in the bottem. That accouts for almost $3k of the job. Nothings cheap in NJ

I missed the part of all the cylinders needing to be rebuilt. That is probably about $2000-$2500 right there for all 11 cylinders. I can see the transmission leak being about $2000. Is it just one bevel case, or axle seal or both, that are leaking. I can see that being as much as $400 a side. All of the hoses? If they are building them themselves and installing them another $1200, 50-100% more if they are using factory hoses. Complete wiring harness and installation maybe $800-$1000, a couple hundred for the headlights. The steering column leak another $200. $500 for fluid and filters. That is about $8000-$9000 so I guess it could all add up to $10,000. You really let that thing go to **** before fixing it. That machine would be like new afterwards. To me $10K for a like new machine beats $23K for a machine that you know nothing about. If it is in this bad of shape I think you will have a hard time getting $8000 for it. That is a lot of oil leaks to hide.

Brian

 

[Fxfymn]

Beautiful car. This will probably make you ill, but my Dad and Granddad took apart a 29 chevy sometme in the 30's to use the engine in a home made sprayer.

Never had to do much to the Kubotas. That's why I love them. I had to replace the bucket cylinders on the 3430 due to a bit of misfortune. I found those at Baileys for less than 20% of the dealer price.

I collect and work on old fire trucks. I presently have a 53 IH and a 52 Mack. The IH is for sale and I'm just starting on the Mack. I don't totally restore them, but rather I work to bring them back to original condition. I.e in the case of the IH it has original paint, that while not perfect, I prefer because it is original.

Given that the tractor is for work, even though working the tractor is rarely WORK, I'd be inclined to get something newer that I knew I could depend on. If the fire truck leaves me stranded I get it towed home, but if the tractor quits in the middle of a snow storm its a crisis. Plus I'd rather be working the tractor than working on the tractor.

 

[robs660]

Brian
She runs like a top digs like a groundhog and plows snow like a tank. All the leaks are very slow more of a pride thing then an issue. Since i have had this machine its been garage kept and washed and waxed often. Yes i wax the hood and fenders. I could rebuild it in stages and do it slowly over the next year. Its hard to think about it not being in the garage but then i think about biggef and i wonder. Wish i could have both!

 

[czechsonofagun]

I would address the problems one at a time - over a time - that way your spread the cost and it does not hurt that much. Also, I would do it myself as much as possible, but that's just me.

 

[duramax daddy]

B20 IS the rebuildable machine. plenty of new and used stuff out there.
BUT... sometimes newer models have more options and power.
tuff call.
budget will make your decision.