Cedar Bill
New member
After 30 years living overseas, I'm coming home to settle in. Rural Virginia on the Blue Ridge. Building a nice home on a hill on 21 acres inside a 74 acre (8 lots) Association. I need a tractor for roadwork, bushogging and gardening and after a few days of internet research the older Yanmars look great. This Discussion Forum is just one of several places that are helping to convince me that these are fine older machines that are affordable and relatively easy to maintain. Price is a factor, I can't afford nor can I justify a new Kubota, for example Here are several questions I'd like help with from this forum that I'd like some help with:
1) It seems that Yanmar is NOT a big name in this part of Virginia. If I "import" one from another part of the country does anyone know of a reliable and reputable dealer in this area? I'm pretty good with mechanics and maintenance but am not one who can do it all himself and will need help when something major happens (can't machine parts or do overhauls myself, for example).
2) What can you tell me about RCO Tractor out of Austin, TX? Is this a reliable supplier for good reconditioned tractors and parts? Any other recommendations? Can I assume that if there is no Yanmar dealer in this area bringing one in would be a dumb idea?
3) Some of the threads in some of the discussion fora imply that getting a good reconditioned tractor is the luck of the draw. Is this the case with RCO?
4) For 21 acres (4 to be mowed the rest wooded), a mile of gravel road, and a one acre garden, if I get a Yanmar what model would you recommend?
5) I am assuming a 4WD with an FEL, a box blade and a bushog. Sound right? Any advantage of a regular blade over a box blade? What's the difference to the road grading function? How big?
I hope to monitor this forum for some time to learn. And if I end up buying a Yanmar in coming weeks I will certainly stay in the group. This seems like a knowledgeable group that is great to share information and opinions. Many thanks for any advice you can give on any of the items above. #1-3 are where I need the most help. Cedar Bill
1) It seems that Yanmar is NOT a big name in this part of Virginia. If I "import" one from another part of the country does anyone know of a reliable and reputable dealer in this area? I'm pretty good with mechanics and maintenance but am not one who can do it all himself and will need help when something major happens (can't machine parts or do overhauls myself, for example).
2) What can you tell me about RCO Tractor out of Austin, TX? Is this a reliable supplier for good reconditioned tractors and parts? Any other recommendations? Can I assume that if there is no Yanmar dealer in this area bringing one in would be a dumb idea?
3) Some of the threads in some of the discussion fora imply that getting a good reconditioned tractor is the luck of the draw. Is this the case with RCO?
4) For 21 acres (4 to be mowed the rest wooded), a mile of gravel road, and a one acre garden, if I get a Yanmar what model would you recommend?
5) I am assuming a 4WD with an FEL, a box blade and a bushog. Sound right? Any advantage of a regular blade over a box blade? What's the difference to the road grading function? How big?
I hope to monitor this forum for some time to learn. And if I end up buying a Yanmar in coming weeks I will certainly stay in the group. This seems like a knowledgeable group that is great to share information and opinions. Many thanks for any advice you can give on any of the items above. #1-3 are where I need the most help. Cedar Bill