About to buy a Tractor..Need info

miketheDrummer · Sep 23, 2005

Hi all. I'm new here..Been reading your posts for a week or so..Here's my usage pattern: I have 10 acres in Washington State..Trees, brush, Bushes, Blackberries, field & woods. All on rolling hills. I am capable of cutting&welding. I have run machinery before, but not so many tractors. I want to be able to: Get firewood, dragging or lifting short Fir/Alder logs to a landing, Driveway care, (FEL) Field & brush mowing (roto-cutter) Dig ditches & root out bushes (backhoe)

I am considering a Yanmar due to the many positive things I have heard about them..(new Kubota TOO expensive) Do you think that a YM1500D would do my jobs?

There's a Gray Market dealer an hour from me in North Bend Wa called "The Tractor Company"..Has anyone done business with Mitch Bogden there? He owns the business & seems to be legit.. He also carries Iseki, Kubota (used) and several other brands including some new Chinese or Korean units. He has a YM1500D with Bueler FEL & small backhoe for $11,900
Thoughts?..Thanks in advance!! Mike

mark777 · Sep 23, 2005

Mike,

That is a nice tractor and package FEL/backhoe. If it is in exceptional condition, low hours, well maintained and dealer has a warranty, than it probably is worth the money. It may be too small for your tasks, unless your in no hurry.

It may prove to be difficult to find a bigger TLB in good condition for $12K. Just IMHO. Good luck.

Sorry, don't recognize the dealers name or company.

Welcome to TBN...Mark

scrinch · Sep 23, 2005

You might want to check with Buck at EFC Tractors also. He's a well respected dealer in Washington that contributes regularly here.

arthr31 · Sep 23, 2005

hi there,
welcome to tbn.

I personally think that a 1500 might be a bit under-sized for skidding logs (not under powered tho, so with weight might be OK). The dealer you mentioned, I believe he deals gray market tractors from Vietnam, he can explain the details of their re-making process to you, be sure to search here for feedback too.

also, depending upon the slope of your property, be sure the tractor will be able to traverse the terrain. If the dealer is close by, see if you can try a tractor for a day, try some chores or at least drive around your property.

Again, verify your dealer and the product. Its important to understand the product you are getting. Mind you, I'm a yanmar fan, own two, one gray, one US. I like 'em both. GOOD Tractors.

Contact me via pm if you want to talk further.

p.s. Mark777, are you alright with Rita coming!?!? Good luck Tractor Friend!!

arthr31 · Sep 23, 2005

er.. forgot to add, you might want to check out Ernie's tractors. Ernie's a good guy, as all tractor guys are! check 'em out at: www.ernies.net
he carries the yanmar line too and has good parts support for the west. -art

arthr31 · Sep 23, 2005

OK, I'm back here.. the dealer that is mentioned has a website:
http://www.tractorco.com/
I've seen this before. I think I own a tractor from the same open air factory. I've seen the same type of curly writing on my 1601.

The factory family also owns a dealership in texas called vina tractor. www.vinatractor.com (i think). they never get back to me.

so, basically, look at the factory on this website. Decide for yourself if you feel comfortable with their published practices. I didn't have this reference when I purchased my tractor.
contact me for details about the condition of my machine during it's first year. Not totally unfavorable, but not un-problematic either... -arthr

P.S. keep in mind, this is a topic which raises lots of HEATED discussion on this board...

good luck tractor friend.

kenmac · Sep 23, 2005

If you have been reading for a while ,then you know there is alot of talk here about reconditioned tractors from Vietnam. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

miketheDrummer · Sep 24, 2005

Ok, I'll try again..Musta pushed the wrong button..It all disappeared in a moment!
I had not been lurking here long enough to know that the gray market subject garners heated discussions, but it stands to reason with all the opinions about jobs going overseas, etc. I just want tractor info, not politics, so I'll keep on keepin' on. I appreciate the info so far..It makes one think. I do think I have the time..to use a bit smaller unit that will fit my budget. I want what I CAN afford..Best bang for the buck..They are thin around here. Just got the wife to "Buy in" after 15 years..I guess I shoulda had her help me digging holes 12 years ago!! (ha) After using up all the cartilage in my knees, power tools are in order! I need a tracor that fits my 6'2" frams & 230lbs, as well..I CAN move the seat back..I can weld..Sounds like the YM1500D might just do the trick..I promised myself I'd check the domestic dealers before I buy. JD, 'Bota, etc. Just to see that I AM getting better value in used/reconditioned. Much to learn!! What JD or Kubota models are commensurate to the YM1500D (4X4)..Oh, and how does one find all these other Japanese tractors WITHOUT buying gray mkt?..Also considering Mahindra or similar Chinese..IDEAS??...Mike

miketheDrummer · Sep 24, 2005

Oh..Yeah..And thanks for the welcome! Went to website for EFC tractor in Richland..Good looking site. I have family in Yakima so I could get over there..'tis on the other side of the state, tho. ;-) Mike

BruceR · Sep 24, 2005

Hi,
I am a new poster as well. Long time lurker though. I have seen and read enough on here to be sold on Yanmar being the "best bang for the buck". I live in East Texas close to several "reconditioned" tractor dealers. It's not about politics Mike. It's about buying a quality used tractor. A new hour meter and paint do not make a tractor more reliable. These tractors are made to last 4000 plus hours before any major repair so why would they not want you to know how many hours it had on it. These tractors are 30 years old Mike, don't let anyone tell you different. Most un-reconditioned Yanmars I have seen have less than 1000 hours on them, so that seems to me as they are just getting broken in.
What do they have to hide ? is the question you should be asking. Even though I can buy a shiney "new" Yanmar with zero hours on the clock close to home, I am willing to drive several hundred miles in order to purchase a clean low hour ( less than 800 hours ) unpainted Yanmar.
I can understand needing to get the most for your money. Don't waste it on new paint. A little elbow grease and some cleaner\wax will make that baked on enamel shine as well.

Bruce