Yanmar Rant

[California]

Yes!

I think the YM - PowerShift models have the ideal balance of convenient features but still keeping run-forever simplicity. Then considering the low cost of the gray models and excellent parts support for them, I don't see how you can beat this combination.

The earlier two cylinder YM's are even simpler, about one step up from a water buffalo. Just fill the cooing system with ditch water and get to work. Most of the electric components, sensors, the oil filter, probably all the clutch components, ie bolt-on stuff that wears out, are common across several Japanese cars so should be available for many years. Need to do something under the cowl, say replace the keyswitch after 30 years outdoors? A ten minute job! Just reach underneath, or stick your head under there - it's all open and accessible.

I've had my early-80's YM240 for nearly 10 years now. After getting it cleaned up and put in service I doubt I've spent $50 for repairs.(Aside from problems I was completely responsible for, like tearing off the oil pressure wire in heavy brush). I'm still impressed by it. It simply feels like quality every time I use it.

 

[Yandaddy1110]

I own both a Yanmar directly imported from Japan and an Americanized Kubota. I feel most buyers are looking for loaders, hydro, turf tires, belly mowers all of which the greys do not provide. Price wise by the time you convert a typical grey to the way its most practical for your needs, you could have bought American. Plus the dealers offer financing for those who for no other reason want new. I would buy another grey Yanmar, but the prices cant justify it.

 

[California]

I feel most buyers ... hydro, turf tires, belly mowers .. by the time you convert a typical grey ... you could have bought American. Plus the dealers offer financing ...

I think the market for inexpensive tractors is broader than that. Of course adding those expensive features and hidden credit fees will make the price balloon up to unreasonable.

I think most people who buy these elderly Yanmars are the kind who pay cash, don't need a belly mower or may already own a zero-turn, and have decided PowerShift is close enough to hydrostatic for the mini-farm application they have in mind. This is a slightly different customer profile than someone maintaining a showplace - who would indeed be better off buying a modern compact tractor equipped as you described. Back when the grays were coming in at reasonable cost I think they filled a specific niche better than any other solution.

 

[Car Doc]

Yeah I agree on the rant we all on here were there at one point wondering if we were making the right decision buying one of the YM's etc and we all heard the bad stuff and still went ahead and bought them and happily and inexpensively use them.

But what it boils down to turned out to be just talk and mostly by non Yanmar folks or someone who had an axe to grind over a bad unit or more commonly as you realize someone who sells some other brand or spec tractor. Bottom line is a person has to follow the money and that leads to the root of the complaints and bad press.

Yanmar itself being the probably the worst of all imho bashing their own stuff and suing gray dealers and being anti gray simply to fend off the lawyers sad is all I can say it all boils down to stupid lawsuits and stupider people not bad equipment. my .002

 

[robsym240]

I regularly search Craigslist tractor listings in my area and I've noticed that nearly every older domestic tractor listing says ''new clutch'', ''engine rebuilt'',''tranny rebuilt'', ''hydraulics rebuilt'', etc. etc., but the majority of Yanmar listings say ''runs great'', ''everything works as it should'', ''strong little tractor'', etc.. I own a mid 70's YM240 that runs as good as the day it rolled off the line and for the quality, price, and dependability I've not seen a domestic tractor near the same age that I would rather have, I am sold on Yanmar.

 

[frankmako]

i got a 1601d and it has been the best tractor on the farm. no problems except voltage regulator, on the third one in 13 years. but that could be cause i use the 1601d to jump start the other bigger tractors and farm trucks when their batteries are dead from setting all winter. i just change oil/filter once a year and tractor on.

 

[farmfun]

Can't say I understand the bashing myself. For our little piece of heaven our 3110D was and STILL is a dream come true.
I'd do the deal again in a heartbeat as far as durability goes. I just wish we could have swung a 2nd for a his n hers pair.

You don't need a belly unit when you can set up a 6 ft flail mower.