HoyeTractor
Gold Member, Approved Advertiser
The lawsuit specifically targets the sale of "Zen-Noh" tractors as well.
Iwhat drives someone to buy a grey market or non gray market Yanmar in the USA? The ones that I see look to be about 18 HP but I assume they are great tractors in some types of farming.
John Deere quality at 1/3 the price. (Yanmar built Deere's smaller models for a couple of decades).
These aren't well matched to the sort of farming you likely need the MF 265 for. They are more in the smaller chore tractor category. One of my US Yanmars was originally bought for chores around a riding stable when it was new. The other one was last used only for snow removal at a long rural driveway. Think of the applications for a skid steer instead of a farm tractor; these fit more in that category rather than plowing etc. (But excellent for rototilling, with their high HP/weight ratio.)
The models that Yanmar used to sell here, and most of the gray models brought over subsequently, are extremely simple durable designs. They run years before they need anything and then repairs are about as simple as fixing a flat tire. Many don't have, and don't need, a water pump. Few have a fuel lift pump or fuel shutoff solenoid. The earlier ones don't have thermostats. The gas gauge is generally a float built as part of the fuel fill cap. (or often a transparent tank and no gauge). I used to do my own auto maintenance 30 years ago before cars became complicated. The maintenance and minor renovations I've done on my 30 year old Yanmars matches my (amateur) skill level. Parts have never been a problem, but the new owner should recognize that all parts are mailorder so these aren't suitable for use where it is critical to have replacement parts the same afternoon.
Your topic of 'Why Yanmar' really deserves its own thread, since this new issue of dealers being sued is critical to the continued use of Yanmars already imported here.
I do not have or ever driven any Yanmar.
Of all the well supported used tractors on the market today what drives someone to buy a grey market or non gray market Yanmar in the USA?
The ones that I see look to be about 18 HP but I assume they are great tractors in some types of farming.
The only dealers that Yanmar USA is going after are those dealers that are selling the gray models as a new unit and are not a Yanmar authorized dealer. If I was a corporation and I had US exclusive rights to a product I wouldn't want anyone else horning in on my territory.
JMNSHO!