Added a kubota to the stables

The little craftsman mower, year 2014, is on it's second engine after the first breaking a rod, the starter replaced, the fuel pump replaced, all with spare parts I had laying around. Now the spindles on the deck went. I've had more than a few of these machines, and they never seem to last very long without something major going wrong.

Personally, I'll mend a tractor a hundred times, replace things if i have replacement parts, but if i have to buy major parts, the tractor gets replaced. I have no time to have the tractor in the garage a half dozen times a year for major repairs.

So I was browsing craigslist looking for a decent condition zero turn for under 4k. It's the end of the season, mowing tractors seem to be at their lowest price about this time of year. That's when I came across a [year unknown] kubota B8200 4wd hst tractor with turf tires for $2200. 651 hours and no attachments, but my father has a bunch for his B7200 that he never uses because he has the front end loader. Called the woman selling the 8200 up, she was clearing her fathers estate. drove 2.5 hours to see it, offered 2k, and was home before noon.



Trying to fit the RC60-72 mower deck and B2650 snowblower designed for the smaller b7200 on the larger b8200 has been a challenge, but it's coming along slowly. No manual for the snowblower, and having never hooked it up on the 7200, has made for a few frustrating evenings.

Well that was a good deal! Jim

Fatjay,

I think you got a very good deal. I realize that Tractor House is a marketing site that shows the "asked for" prices for the equipment, not necessarily the "sold" prices, but you bought your 4-wheel drive tractor for less than 1/2 of the asking prices for most of the 2 wheel drive tractors listed. Currently, there is only one four wheel drive listed and it is listed at something like $5,900.00.

Good deal. Hope it works very well for you.

Tom in TN

My requirements were 4wd, hydro, turf tires. Since it would be hooked up to the snowblower 6 months of the year, 4wd and hydro were rather important. Blowing snow with a gear trans is a pain. Plowing isn't an option since you're out of places to put it after about the 3rd snow. Initially I was searching for b7200 trying to keep the price down. There were zero results in 150 miles, so I figured I'd try the b8200, just for laughs. It popped up along with 4 others that were 3x the price, and had everything I wanted. The post was only 3 hours old at the time, but it was dusk, so I left the next morning at 6:30. I figured it wouldn't last long at that price and figured if it even starts, i'm ahead of the game.

I've lost more than one outstanding deal because I was late to the party. Wasn't going to lose another.

I think you got a heck of a good deal , Good Find

Good deal for about as much as a cheap new lawn tractor. They are bulletproof should serve you for years. Now you're a 'Bota man.

You stole that!! I had one of those, bought new in '86, traded in 2001 with 1200 hrs for a new bigger one. They allowed me 90% of what I paid in '86. Kubotas are about the cheapest tractor to own.

I bought a b8200 about six years ago. Mine is gear drive and
came with the rcb60 mid mount mower. It was owned by an older
gentleman who kept it inside and had around 700 hours. I paid
4000 for it and after looking around thought I got a good deal
for the area I live. it has been a great runner and is extremely
fuel efficient. Built well and I couldn't be happier. I'm sure
you will be too.

Great deal.

With turf tires on the back and R-4s on the front, I would check to make sure that it gears properly.

I would also change the hydro oil and filter as you do not know the history. Hydrostats are not tolerant of dirty or incorrect oil.

Dean

Sold a lot of the 8200s when we had them. Tough tractors.. You need to get the right front tires on there quick or you will be having front end trouble.