Buying Advice The best Yanmar made?

[Doty]

The topic will be subjective of course, but I'd like your opinions on the best Yanmar made.

After some careful shopping I have decided the Yanmar may be the tractor for me. Price point, available features, and classic styling have led me to this conclusion. I'm shopping in the 25 to 30 hp range and realize Yanmar has several models in this category and beat the competitors prices quite a bit. I have need for 4wd and an FEL also.

Your thoughts and dealer suggestions please...

 

[bullbreaker]

Your thoughts and dealer suggestions please...

Their are others here that know more than me about Yanmars,but where are you located(more or less).It does not say" in your about me".
Boone

 

[/pine]

After some careful shopping I have decided the Yanmar may be the tractor for me. Price point, available features, and classic styling have led me to this conclusion. I'm shopping in the 25 to 30 hp range and realize Yanmar has several models in this category and beat the competitors prices quite a bit. I have need for 4wd and an FEL also.

when you say "careful shopping" does this mean you are aware of the plethora of Yanmar gray market and (Vietnam) reconditioned tractors that are on the market? these tractors tend to sell for much less than comparable tractors that were intended for the US market and or not "reconditioned" overseas ?

 

[shawnjvl]

As far as reman Yanmar Fredricks equipment in AL
Yanmar Tractors -- Parts -- Sales -- Service

 

[California]

The best Yanmar made?

Mine, of course. YM240. This mid 70's model scared John Deere so bad they contracted to have Yanmar build for Deere to sell in the US market, instead of Deere designing something themselves to compete against it. As soon as Deere drove one they knew they were outclassed.

(That oughta get the traditional Deere partisans going!)

More realistically - get a Yanmar with Powershift as well as the 4x4 and loader you already mentioned.

And beware the VN 'reconditioned' version. Those are priced lower because nobody knows how an individual unit will work out. Some maintain Yanmar quality, some are cobbled together out of salvage or handmade parts. You and your seller won't discover this for a while.

Yanmars that are imported intact from Japan and cleaned up here maintain Yanmar quality, in contrast to the ones that get retired to VN to get totally worn out in a second and harder life before they ever come over here.



Added: I just saw Shawnjvl's post. Fredricks is one of the good guys, not only a large direct importer but also the importer (and source for) many maintenance parts.

 

[shawnjvl]

My dream tractor ym2020d with a loader..:thumbsup:

 

[YanmarFever]

The topic will be subjective of course, but I'd like your opinions on the best Yanmar made.

After some careful shopping I have decided the Yanmar may be the tractor for me. Price point, available features, and classic styling have led me to this conclusion. I'm shopping in the 25 to 30 hp range and realize Yanmar has several models in this category and beat the competitors prices quite a bit. I have need for 4wd and an FEL also.

Your thoughts and dealer suggestions please...

Doty, how tall are you?
This will help us determine which one fits you the best>

 

[Doty]

Doty, how tall are you?
This will help us determine which one fits you the best>

About 6' 3", 280 lbs

I gotta admit, never thought of that question....

 

[frankmako]

About 6' 3", 280 lbs

I gotta admit, never thought of that question....

I got a YM1601D and with my size (5'10", 220) I fill up the driver area and seat. Been to Fredricks equipment, he got a good setup. The tractors come in and they rework them and make them look new. If they get a tractor that is in bad shape they use that tractor for parts for a good tractor. This way they don't put any junk on the lot. There are several good dealer that do their on rebuilds, just do you home work before you buy. You don't want to get a VN rebuild.

 

[Bill Martin]

I bought a grey market YM 2210D with a FEL four years ago. It's been an incredible workhorse. I've just graduated to a larger tractor but this was a wonderful starter for someone who knew nothing about these vehicles early on. They are easy to service and with the right parts source easy to get spares for. No rocket science on any of it, they remind me of how simple it was to maintain cars in the 60s and 70s (and I'm NO mechanic!).

I'm 6'3" and fit well in the seat. Honestly, I'd like to have little more room but it's fine.

You'll discover the various sources for Yanmars and there seems to be controversy over who provides the best used vehicles and the best parts and service. I was where you are 4+ years ago. I suggest you check out Little Miami Tractor Co.'s website (Columbus, OH) and see if they might have one that will suit you. The owner, Wayne, gives you honest, dedicated service and is in this for the long haul so will be there when you need the part or advice on something that may be wrong.

Finally, though I bought a 1979 model this babies have great resale. I put it on Craigslist and found a quick and willing buyer who will be driving down to Virginia from Rhode Island in a couple weeks to pick it up. This tractor will outlive me (and its new owner).

Good luck with your search. You've done good research to end up looking at YM, an affordable tractor that will serve you well. Bill