1981 Yanmar 155 Information

jperry507 · Mar 5, 2007

Hello everyone,

I have started this tread because I am looking for information about a tractor that I may be interested in purchasing. I have searched the forums and have learned more about this model than I knew before, but there are still some questions I have. About me: I am 6' tall, medium build, slightly above average mechanical ability (enough to be dangerous), and would like a tractor for garden work (ie tillage, cultivating, moving water wagons, etc. Someday in the distant future animal care might be added to the tractor's workload, I'd consider a small loader for stall cleanup, moving heavy goods, flipping compost, etc. My "seat time" philosophy would fit in with the group that believes that there are jobs which require a big tractor (with loader) or a small tractor (with loader), so someday I would have both, rather than trade up. I have been looking at two wheel tractors, but I am reaching a price range that is overlapping small yanmars.

Enough about me.

I have found a 1981 YM 155 in upstate NY. 565 hours, 18-19 HP, standard transmission (8x2), 4x4, 3pt with 3 speed PTO, it is green in color. The tractor comes with a 48" Yanmar tiller, and a 44" finish mower. I don't need the mower. The pictures that the seller offers show a tractor and implements in terrific condition. The price is 3,600 which is about at the max of my price range. Serial # 3032

Is this model a VM rebuild, how can I find out?
I have read that the driver platform is small, can a 6' body fit (perhaps a little seat fabrication)?
Any huge problems with this model I should look out for?
Are parts available?

Thanks guys I have really enjoyed lurking through your posts.

LMTC · Mar 5, 2007

15 HP, app. 1150#, domestically sold model. NOT a powerhouse, nothing inherently wrong with the model.

If it had a loader, perhaps a good starter unit. I would never consider investing the necessary $2500 or so on a new loader for such a machine unless I thought that particular machine would meet my needs for many years to come. Just my opinion....

normde2001 · Mar 5, 2007

If its a YM155D, 4x4, the price sounds good. Yanmars were all red in 1981, it's probably a '75,'76 model, probably more than 565 hours, (1565, 2565), US model, not gray market, good parts availability. You should definitely try it out before purchase.

LMTC · Mar 5, 2007

Being a so-called "US model" does not inherently mean parts availability is good. MANY parts for domestically sold Yanmars are now NA from the OEM....some of them are in our aftermarket parts catalog because they also fit various gray models.

swedish-fish · Mar 5, 2007

Hi JPerry,
A number of things sound a little off about the listing you describe on the 155 which would make me a little suspicious if I were a buyer.
1. The YM155 is 15HP. PTO HP is less, not 18-19.
2. I thought the '81 model was red.
3. The transmission is 6x2, not 8x2.
4. Since the hour meter is only 3 digits, it very well could have rolled over.
5. 3 speed PTO?? Mine has two speeds, 540 & 770 RPM. Does neutral count?
6. The serial number I believe should have 5 digits.

Not saying it's bad, just enough truth stretching to make me suspicious. Checking it out yourself is best. In fact, I live in upstate NY. If it's anywhere near Rochester, let me know an I can report back to you.

Things to look out for...
Check for any leaks. Mine had signs of the front wheels being reversed for a wider stance. This can cause problems. The front ends on this model (YM155D) can be a weakness and parts difficult to replace. Make sure the fluids are OK.

I bought a 155D last year and it's great for my small property. I paid $4200, 720 hrs on meter (probably 1720 but seller swore it was 720) It came with loader and 42" bush hog. I'm 6' tall and I fit OK. Good luck! In my opinion, it's much more useful than a garden tractor.

LMTC · Mar 5, 2007

Check serial # on left of transmission housing. On all models I've seen pre-1983 or so the serial number starts with the model, as in YM155D-12345. If it reads YM1300D-12345, someone is trying to slip one over on you....the two tractors are very similar.

jperry507 · Mar 8, 2007

This is the ad for the Yanmar 155 on tractorhouse.com.

I am a little turned off on a seller that makes an advertisement with so many mistakes...

LMTC · Mar 8, 2007

Well, the hood decal says 1500, not 155. The 1500 was last made in 79. Tractorhouse as far as I'm concerned is more of a -----house for tractor ads. Look through it...there are usually many, many ads with misrepresented yanmars. Just now I found a supposed 1998 YM155, a 1989 YM1401, a 1986 YM1401...and on and on. These are the sellers that damage this market for those of us who play straight.