1st time buyer - 35 hp comparisons

[CloverKnollFarms]

I’ve read that Bobcat had some design changes, the units were not identical. Again, not unlike Rural King and TYM, where Rural King does not use the Kukje diesel.

 

[KBA CPA]

As of now, I’m leaning VERY heavily towards the YM342 over the YT235. The 342 is about $1k cheaper and already has the suspension seat, 1 rear remote, and extendable lower link arms, not to mention the 342 is about 1,000 lbs heavier and the loader can lift nearly double that of the YT235. For an “economy” tractor, seems like it has a good bit of bells and whistles.

My main concern is that the 342 has a shuttle shift. I’ve only driven a HST tractor in the past (only twice so still not much experience). If I’m doing 50/50 loader and 3 pt work, will the synchronized shuttle shift be a disadvantage?? I plan to go drive both but can’t get out there during tax season.
I will say that I do know how to drive manual vehicles and I actually like to do so. Just don’t know how precise I can get with the shuttle shift trying to unload something out the back of a truck or trailer.

 

[4by4]

The tractors are the same, the attachments have a different supplier though. Or that's my understanding.



I think it's more just to get a feel for the ergonomics.

I have both Kioti and Bobcat nearby- good to know.

 

[scootr]

As of now, I’m leaning VERY heavily towards the YM342 over the YT235. The 342 is about $1k cheaper and already has the suspension seat, 1 rear remote, and extendable lower link arms, not to mention the 342 is about 1,000 lbs heavier and the loader can lift nearly double that of the YT235. For an “economy” tractor, seems like it has a good bit of bells and whistles.

My main concern is that the 342 has a shuttle shift. I’ve only driven a HST tractor in the past (only twice so still not much experience). If I’m doing 50/50 loader and 3 pt work, will the synchronized shuttle shift be a disadvantage?? I plan to go drive both but can’t get out there during tax season.
I will say that I do know how to drive manual vehicles and I actually like to do so. Just don’t know how precise I can get with the shuttle shift trying to unload something out the back of a truck or trailer.

Shuttle shift rpm is tied to ground speed. HST rpm is set and ground speed is variable. Big difference. HST is more user friendly in all applications. IMHO

 

[airbiscuit]

I've had both hydro and shuttle tractors. Prefer Hydro for loader work, prefer shuttle for mowing, ground engaged, 3pt work.

 

[4by4]

As of now, I’m leaning VERY heavily towards the YM342 over the YT235. The 342 is about $1k cheaper and already has the suspension seat, 1 rear remote, and extendable lower link arms, not to mention the 342 is about 1,000 lbs heavier and the loader can lift nearly double that of the YT235. For an “economy” tractor, seems like it has a good bit of bells and whistles.

My main concern is that the 342 has a shuttle shift. I’ve only driven a HST tractor in the past (only twice so still not much experience). If I’m doing 50/50 loader and 3 pt work, will the synchronized shuttle shift be a disadvantage?? I plan to go drive both but can’t get out there during tax season.
I will say that I do know how to drive manual vehicles and I actually like to do so. Just don’t know how precise I can get with the shuttle shift trying to unload something out the back of a truck or trailer.

I'm comparing those two as well, with some dealer input tomorrow. Both great tractors looks like. I want to have some hands on with both of those transmissions, but also am interested in what the dealer has to say about models.

 

[KBA CPA]

I'm comparing those two as well, with some dealer input tomorrow. Both great tractors looks like. I want to have some hands on with both of those transmissions, but also am interested in what the dealer has to say about models.

Let me know how it goes. To me, with the 342 being around $1k cheaper and being a whole lot more tractor for the money, I’d like to know if you’d think that transmissions is a dealbreaker.
I also just saw a new 2022 342 model on sale for $25,800 so that’s pretty tempting too

 

[airbiscuit]

FWIW, I had a 34hp New Holland hydro. Now I own a 40hp New Holland shuttle. I like the larger frame shuttle way more for the work it gets done. YMMV

 

[Torvy]

As of now, I’m leaning VERY heavily towards the YM342 over the YT235. The 342 is about $1k cheaper and already has the suspension seat, 1 rear remote, and extendable lower link arms, not to mention the 342 is about 1,000 lbs heavier and the loader can lift nearly double that of the YT235. For an “economy” tractor, seems like it has a good bit of bells and whistles.

My main concern is that the 342 has a shuttle shift. I’ve only driven a HST tractor in the past (only twice so still not much experience). If I’m doing 50/50 loader and 3 pt work, will the synchronized shuttle shift be a disadvantage?? I plan to go drive both but can’t get out there during tax season.
I will say that I do know how to drive manual vehicles and I actually like to do so. Just don’t know how precise I can get with the shuttle shift trying to unload something out the back of a truck or trailer.

If you have that kind of money to spend and have a good dealer nearby, Yanmar is the real gold standard. Kubota has more dealers, but if all else was equal in this size range, I'd buy the Yanmar with the proprietary transmission.

 

[KBA CPA]

FWIW, I had a 34hp New Holland hydro. Now I own a 40hp New Holland shuttle. I like the larger frame shuttle way more for the work it gets done. YMMV

That’s what I like to hear!
That being said, majority of my work would just be around the house and in the woods. I don’t think I may ever really be using it for field work or at least not in the next 5 years. Still would pick the shuttle?