Going to look at a tractor tomorrow, tell me what to look for...

[RoyJackson]

Now is that something that the tractor has or something that I can buy?

Sorry I'm new to this .

You can buy an over running clutch at a tractor supply store. What this clutch does is a one way power transmission device. The tractor's PTO can drive the implement, but the implement's momentum cannot be transmited back to the tractor. Otherwise, that momentum can propel the tractor through the (tractor) transmission even if the clutch is depressed. When you would expect to be stopping, the tractor would continue motion in the direction the tractor was heading (forward or reverse) before clutching. Simply, you won't stop when you expect to be stopping.
Can you add a dual stage clutch...probably, if you want to spend the $1500-$2500 it would cost (it's more then just replacing the clutch pack...there are several other components that would require replacement as well. This assumes these parts are even available.

Y'know, dieselfuelonly...I'm not sure you're making a good choice with this Yanmar. I'm not saying it's a bad tractor, but it's probably not a good choice for a novice tractor operator. Perhaps you should reconsider this. Only you know your capabilities, so it's your decision.

To help you understand the tractor you're considering, I suggest you read over this info provided on Yanmar Tractor Parts, Sales, Service, and Delivery.. Seems to have a lot of info available right on the site as well as a source for manuals. Remember, any repair work or maintenance would be done by you (if you're OK with turning a wwrench) or come out of your pocket.

THINK!!!

 

[dieselfuelonly]

I guess it is a decision that I have to make. I've only driven large tractors a couple times before. I'm pretty good with diesels, so I'm pretty much at home working with the engine. I don't mind learning how to work on the rest of the tractor either.

With no prior experience with working on Cummins diesels I fixed the "Killer Dowel Pin" on my '96 Dodge 3500 diesel by myself. It was a big project, but I just took my time and got it all figured out. Here's the pics:

Finished tabbing my KDP to death! - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource Forums

I guess thats just all to say I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty.

I don't mind learning things in the least. I pick up on them pretty fast. I got the guy selling the tractor to show me what lever does what and I was able to hop on it 3 minutes later and drive it around just fine, operate the rear lift and the PTO just fine.

I really liked the tractor, it was clean, no leaks, and within my price range...

But, do you think I would I be making a mistake?

 

[Spiveyman]

I'm not dead set against grey market tractors...

Sorry, newbie question here, what's a "grey market" tractor? It's probably obvious, but afterall, I am a man. Sometimes you just have to hit us over the head with it before we get it.

dieselfuelonly, no prob on the link. I thought everyone knew about that little jewel. I love that site. That's where I found my tractor. This may sound crazy, but ebay has a decent selection of tractors as well and you can sort on specific things you want, like dieselfuelonly.

I'm certainly not a tractor expert, so I can't help you on the Yanmar. I've never used one. The only thing I noticed, was no ROPS. I don't know if you can squeeze that into your budget, and I don't know what your land looks like, but unless you are in the middle of Kansas or somewhere else really flat you might want to consider. I have a guy help on my farm, his dad just turned his tractor over mowing a field he's mowed a thousand times before. Just got too close to a ditch, the wheel slipped, the rotary cutter pulled the tractor in, and over she went. Luckily he was WEARING HIS SEAT BELT!!! and had a ROPS. Other than a few scratches and bruises most of the damage was to his pride. One thing you'll find a lot of here at TBN is a safety conscious crowd. I appreciate that. That's my $0.02. Happy tractoring.

 

[Grrrr]

Sorry, newbie question here, what's a "grey market" tractor?

[SIZE=-1]A grey market tractor is a used tractor, usually a compact diesel, imported from another country, usually Japan.

They are similar to the US versions of the same tractors but do not always have all the safety features like a roll bar.

See [/SIZE]The Small Tractor FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

 

[Spiveyman]

[SIZE=-1]A grey market tractor is a used tractor, usually a compact diesel, imported from another country, usually Japan.

They are similar to the US versions of the same tractors but do not always have all the safety features like a roll bar.

Ahhh, not so obvious. Thanks. I thought maybe it was referring to where it was bought (i.e. internet) or something. I was editing my post to include the comment about the ROPS while you were answering my question. Funny that's the thing that popped out in my mind.

Probably the reason I don't know much about the Yanmar's is that I'm more of a big name, more traditionally American tractor guy. I'm sure there are some great tractors coming from over seas, but I'm kind of old fashioned. I about cried when I found out Ford sold to... I think it was Fiat first, then New Holland. Oh well.

 

[dieselfuelonly]

Just to throw this out there, is this a good tractor/good price?

EquipmentTraderOnline

Know anything about that tractor?

Thanks,

Dennis

I'm still planning to buy the Yanmar, but if you guys might be able to change my mind...

 

[RoyJackson]

Just to throw this out there, is this deal too good to be true?

EquipmentTraderOnline

Know anything about that tractor?

I'm still planning to buy the Yanmar, but if you guys might be able to change my mind...

Might be a bit small...but could handle a 48" cutter with no problem. Parts and service would be readily available.
Resale or trade would definitely be better then the Yanmar...but the New Holland isn't necessarily a better tractor.

"Grey Market" tractors are brought in by independents, rather then a larger company like Deere or Kubota. They may be used and designed for an entirely different market. The manufacturer may not offer any parts or support (I don't think Kubota does).
"Grey" tractors may not have any safety devices and, if a ROPS is installed it most likely hasn't been tested to the US requirements.
Parts and service may be spotty and you may have to wait a considerable time to get a required part. Service...roll up your sleeves because you'll probabaly have to do your own.
Resale or trade in value will probably be very low. Major manufacturer dealers may not even accept a "grey" in trade.
Like anything else...you get what you pay for...

So, buying "grey" is a risk...I wouldn't...but that's just my opinion.

 

[Grrrr]

Just to throw this out there, is this a good tractor/good price?

EquipmentTraderOnline

Know anything about that tractor?

Thanks,

Dennis

I'm still planning to buy the Yanmar, but if you guys might be able to change my mind...

I'm going to try to steer you away from the Yanmar

I think that the PTO is gonign to annoy you lots. A grey fergy has the same type of PTO and I had a very hard time when I tried bush hogging with it.

I also think that for a new tractor operator, it is going to be more difficult to learn on (and more unsafe). I think you are going to wish you had a more modern tractor with easier controls.

The servicing and repairs parts are going to be difficultish to get hold of and if anything major breaks, you are stuffed

Also, you would probably want to get a roll bar, and that will add to the cost straight away.

If I was in your shoes, I would leave this tractor. I think you might be starting to tell yourself it will do. I would keep looking

As for the TC18, I think it would be a lot better than the Yanmar for a good price.

It has a live clutch, so you will have no problems there. There is already a ROPS so you don't have to worry about that. You will also be able to get help with servicing and get parts easily.

It is hydrostatic so it is easy to drive. It has four wheel drive which the Yanmar doesn't.

The only thing is is that it is slightly smaller then the Yanmar.

As RoyJackson said it would easily run a 4 foot cutter or if you cut regularly, should handle a 5 footer.

If you were going to use a finish mower, you could run a 5 footer easily.

It could also run all the other attatchments you mentioned in your first post.

You could get a loader fitted on it in the future if you wanted it too.

And the hours are pretty low.

Can I make you change your mind?

P.S. Sorry about the anti Yanmar post!

 

[Ductape]

I'll give you an opinion that opposes Grrrr. The parts are readily available for the YM series Yannies..... though you will not find then at your local JD or Kubota dealers. A phone call will get you virtually any part you need. Of course, the drawback is you may have to wait a few days for it to arrive. The YMs are very simple, and easy to work on. They are very rugged tractors, you won't need to baby it at all. They have a great following..... i strongly suggest you do some (LOTS) reading up on them over in the Yanmar section of the forum. I'm quite sure a manual is available on the 2000, it is a popular tractor. There most definitely is a (certified) folding rollbar available for it, i believe they are roughly $700.... if you desire to add one ( i would recommend it !). Once you get used to tractoring, you may find several uses for the multi-speed pto. And, yes..... buy a $70 over running clutch for the pto, its cheap insurance against your brush hog pushing your tractor into a fence or over an embankment. Filters can be crossed to brands carried @ your local parts store... again just hang out in the Yanmar section for the part #s. As long as the tractor is in good shape, there is no reason that YM2000 won't last you twenty years or more.

On the other hand.... the NH TC18 looks pretty nice also. It is much smaller, but 4X4 is nice too.

I guess you just need to decide what you want to accomplish with your new tractor !

Good luck !!

 

[dieselfuelonly]

Ok, I read in another thread that hydro vs. standard clutch can become a war.

I don't know if the NH tractor is even for sale any more, I will call tomorrow.

However, which would you recommend:

Remember, here is my situation:

I have about 5 acres of relatively flat land. The only un-flat parts are the little ruts and stuff in the ground.

I am buying the tractor mainly for the purpose of mowing 2 pastures for the horses. I understand that a bush hog will not do a clean job, so I can still use my little 20HP riding mower for right around the house.

I am completely comfortable driving with a clutch, not that it is really challenging on a tractor (as far as I know ). Unless I get a loader that comes with a tractor I highly doubt that I will be able to justify the cost of one soon/in the future.

Are the hydros as strong as a gear transmission? Do you have to worry about heat buildup? Do they take time to "warm up" like an automatic does in cold weather?

Which would you recommend for ME?

Is it worth the extra cost for the NH over the Yanmar, because the NH costs 500 more than the Yanmar and it doesn't include any attachments?

From what I've been reading it sounds like the YM2000 is a tough little tractor. I found the site Yanmar Tractor Parts, Sales, Service, and Delivery. which seemed to be a great source for parts, if I ever need any. The seller also recommended Antique Tractors - Yesterday's Tractors : Antique Tractor Headquarters too.

I know the NH looks nice and has 4WD and has some of the newer features, but I loved the sound that little 2cyl Yanmar made when it fired up, it seemed very simple to work on, the tractor was built like a rock, so I really don't know.