Is there a subframe on this tractor (YM 186D)?

I have been reading up on compacts/sub-compacts on this site for a couple of years (just joined so I could post/etc.). I appreciate TBN a great deal, so I'll start with a thank you.

Long story short - I would like to get a small (<25 HP) used TLB to do chores like landscaping my yard, prepping a garage foundation, etc. Seems that small tractors with a backhoe attached are much more expensive than possibly finding a tractor (with loader) and backhoe separate. I am having a tough time finding a TLB combo for less than $10k while there are many small tractors in the ~ $5k range (with loader)...and I think I can get a used BH for less than $3k. While reading, I of course came across the issue of a BH being mounted via 3PH vs a sub-frame. I found a YM 186D for sale and I cannot tell by the pictures if there is a sub-frame on it already. I am assuming the TBN community will know the answer to this from the supplied photos, but please let me know if you need something showing more of the bottom.

Did the 186d have an option for a sub-frame? Know where to find 3rd party ones (assuming they exist)?

I could go with a 3PH version, but most people don't think that is the best idea.

Thank you for any advice or feedback you can give...including if you think it is a good idea to try to find the tractor and BH separately, or if I am stuck spending $11k on a TLB setup.

Welcome...there always more involved in buying separate unless you absolutely know what you are looking for and what you are getting. If your hydraulics aren't set u correctly, that will be a big expense. Definitely go with a subframe mount BH. Buy a complete unit to save yourself money and frustration unless you are experienced.

Thank you for your insight Gary...I notice you are near me - know of any TLBs for sale (at a decent price)? I don't know if I can swing $10k...

I don't know of any good deals right now but follow Craigslist as I have recently seen some decent deals.


My recommendation is to get the tractor you need without the BH. You probably won't use it as often as you think but that is me. It looks fun and they are but limit use.

Unless you plan to use a backhoe frequently; I'd rent a mini-excavator instead for those times you need that kind of equipment. No sense tying up cash in a seldom needed piece of equipment. Plus if you rent a mini-ex, you still have your tractor free for other work that will result from your digging.

I don't see a sub-frame on that tractor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JD 4520

Definitely go with a subframe mount BH.

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Why ?

My 790 has lived very happily with a 3pt BH thank you very much. :)

Welcome Gudor!

I own a a YM186D and love it. I think it is the ideal small-property tractor if it has 4x4 and loader. However - I think it is too small to mount a backhoe that will be productive, even if you pay a substantial amount to have a subframe built. (And I don't see a subframe in those photos). The tiny 3-point BH that was sold with it isn't very powerful or productive, its better than working with a shovel but not much more than that. Mjncad's suggestion to rent a mini-excavator for the rare occasions you need that capability, makes more sense.

I also own a noticeably larger Yanmar and have the larger 3-point BH on it that was sold with that Yanmar. This serves my narrow orchard needs, digging planting holes and stumps, but it isn't nearly equal to a 'real' backhoe in strength or particularly, sufficient reach. Typical project - dig a # pattern around a small tree to transplant it. Due to the short reach, continually moving the tractor to dig the length of a (shallow) trench isn't very productive.

Also see my sig photo, linked below.

If you decide on a Yanmar or just want to talk about the one you found, come join us over in the Yanmar Forum.

Back when I was looking for my first tractor, I was in a similar situation. I actually went one step further and bought a bare tractor and added a loader first, and then a backhoe. Here is a thread where I made a subframe to add a Woods BH6000 backhoe I bought to my YM 186D. I did my own welding, but did have to have a steel shop cut me some steel. I sold that tractor years ago, but kept the backhoe for awhile and actually still have that subframe I made sitting in my barn. Too bad you are so far away, I'd give it to you if you could come pick it up. If nothing else.... this might give you some ideas on how to add a subframe to that tractor.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/b...-my-25-yr.html

Ductape that's a wonderful step by step description of your BH mount. I'm impressed with your design and fabrication. Thanks for posting that.