Korean tractor dilemma

[Yander]

Manufacturing post-COVID seems almost unpredictable, certainly from this outsider looking in's perspective.

I will say that you seldom see problems with Yanmar. I'd like to think that's not just due to their lower sales volume, but instead a positive display of their quality.

Even Yanmar has their issues. This is my 2 year old SA425's hood issue which they've issued recalls on but still, they can't build a damn hood that stays together and the stickers stay one? Always stored in the barn and I've always been really careful with opening and closing the hood.

It is a very thin fiberglass hood. I'll be calling Yanmar tomorrow. I also had a seal blow ($4 dollar part) and fixed under warranty. But other than that, not issues and I work it HARD (Bush hoggin, tilling, grading). I wouldn't part with that little tractor. It is a beast.

I tilled a guys yard this summer that felt like concrete. My tiller was bouncing all over but it got it done (5' tiller no problem).

They all have some problems eventually. Built by humans!

I do like to leave some mispelings for 5030 to find BTW.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

That's new, part of a recent partnership between the two. That SM is the first model I've seen made by TYM.

No doubt the made in Japan ones are as good as ever, but I think it kind of diminishes the brand name when you rebrand a TYM as yanmar.

 

[2manyrocks]

IMPO, partnership tractors are more risky because partnerships don't last and then neither of the former partners wants to take care of the parts and service.

 

[Dftodd]

A lot of new LS owners state they have oil leaks and you have to keep an eye out for loose bolts all the time.

But I get your point, spend up to 20% more up front for hopefully less headaches down the road.

The local Massey dealer also sells LS tractors.

They push the LS if your paying cash.

But if you finance then they push Massey due to the difference in interest rates.

I don't think they sell many LS tractors.

 

[Dftodd]

The point is, it appears that korean built tractors are not built as well as kubota, deere, yanmar, massey. Seeing how i am 2 for 2 with them. Do i bite the bullet and spend the extra money up front for a so called name brand in hopes of having better results or do i try another korean built one and hope 3rd times a charm. I can tell you its not from how i am using them. I can also tell you that if you had been buying korean built tractors instead of kubotas , you wouldnt of had such good luck.

My Massey 1825E was 6 grand less then Kubota or Deere's comparable model.

 

[Dftodd]

Massey is japan aswell. Its their culture, they have no life. Every thing is work work work and they have alot of pride. Koreans do alot of out sourcing, parts come from china vietnam ect. Plus they dont care as much. Remember when daewoo cars came to america? They were pure junk, same goes for kias and hyundais today.

The engines are manufactured is Japan. AGCO has three manufacturing plants that build the tractors. One in France, another in Brazil. Plus a large horsepower plant in the US.

 

[murphy1244]

No Cuts, Scuts or Putz here, never will be. I have no plausible use for a small tractor. Only 'putz' is me. If it's not at least 60 PTO power, it has no place here.

This is NOT about you!!

 

[5030]

TS to you

Even Yanmar has their issues. This is my 2 year old SA425's hood issue which they've issued recalls on but still, they can't build a damn hood that stays together and the stickers stay one? Always stored in the barn and I've always been really careful with opening and closing the hood.

It is a very thin fiberglass hood. I'll be calling Yanmar tomorrow. I also had a seal blow ($4 dollar part) and fixed under warranty. But other than that, not issues and I work it HARD (Bush hoggin, tilling, grading). I wouldn't part with that little tractor. It is a beast.

I tilled a guys yard this summer that felt like concrete. My tiller was bouncing all over but it got it done (5' tiller no problem).

They all have some problems eventually. Built by humans!
View attachment 1159304

View attachment 1159303

I do like to leave some mispelings for 5030 to find BTW.

Reminds me of the JD plastic hoods...lol

 

[jyoutz]

I called a dealer about their SM475 (75 horse tractor for $54K). The guy I spoke to told me it was just a rebranded TYM, not a real Yanmar.

I think that’s a few models, but most are not.

 

[uphere]

I've had 3 LS tractors - all have performed very well. Still have one that I use primarily for snow. If you treat them well AND only do with them what they have been engineered to do, they will serve you well!