I need a suggestion on what model Yanmar I should

Trae1170 · Sep 29, 2004

Hello all, I am new to the forum and also new to purchasing a tractor. I am from Northern Illinois and will have approximatley 2.5 acres to mow (with small creek at one end that will need to be crossed to mow small section, water is approximately 6-8 deep where I will cross). I also will be cleaning the driveway in the winter with my purchase. My question is what would be my best choice, I am going to use a 4-5' finish mower and a FEL. I found only one Dealer anywhere near me and I am not sure if his prices are good or not. Do I need a 4x4 or will a 2x4 work ? Below are some tractors he has and prices. None of them have Loaders but he said for $2500 he would install a new one.

YM 1820D $6000
YM 240 $3500
YM 226D $5500
YM 1500 $3000
YM 1610D $5500
YM 1510 $3500
YM 2000 $4000

Any suggestions on what I should get would greatly be appreciated.

gbirky · Sep 30, 2004

If you are going to use it to move snow with the loader, I would definately recommend 4x4. Of the tractors you listed, my choice would be the YM226D. It is roughly the same size as the YM1610D (maybe a little bigger), but has better parts support because it is a made for U.S. model. I think the prices you list are perhaps a little on the high end. Check out some of the dealer websites for a price comparison. In the end, the condition of the tractor will dictate whether the prices are good or not.

LMTC · Sep 30, 2004

I respectfully differ on the parts situation. Some parts for the 226 may well be NA from Yanmar...perhaps a very few, but some. Will anyone be making aftermarket parts for the 226s? Nope, not enough of them around. 1610s on the other hand are an ever increasing model in the US. There are already numerous aftermarket parts available, and that is far more likely to continue than not. I would bet on the 1610 being easier to support at this time and into the forseeable future.

mark777 · Sep 30, 2004

The prices quoted may seem a little high, but realistically they are in line with the better dealers and the services they offer.

I have a 1610D and a fairly equipped shop to service and fabricate most of what I need. If I tallied up the receipts I would guess I am pretty close to $8K with the new FEL, which is where you would be with this model and FEL.

gbirky · Sep 30, 2004

I stand corrected on parts support for the YM1610D, and am glad to here it. And I also agree that the prices are reasonable, I was just trying to point out that a tractor's condition will dictate whether the price is good or not. Certainly I would also expect that a reputable dealer that offers service and parts support deserves to get a bit more for a tractor. He stands behind his product, and to me that is worth money.

MarkLeininger · Sep 30, 2004

There's a guy in Dixon named Leonard Schaeffer that sells Yanmar. I'd go check him out before you buy. He seems to be honest and committed to supporting what he sells.

My 2cents: I'm not sure you need a tractor or a FEL. You could buy a brand new garden tractor with front mounted snow thrower for less than what you're considering spending. Unless you have some other tasks you haven't mentioned that would justify a tractor.

Trae1170 · Sep 30, 2004

These quotes are from Leonard Sheaffer. He seemed to be very knowledgable and talked as he is becoming quite big as a parts dealer. So I should have pretty good support if I needed anything. In response to a question from a reply, I plan using this tractor for mowing 2.5 acres, removing snow from my driveway(relatively flat and level driveway), and some minor landscaping projects (dig a small pond for the wife, ect.) ,moving bricks,gravel,dirt and what not around, maybe even clean up my creek a little. He has a price of $5500 on the 1610D and $6000 on the 1810D, isn't the 1810D for an additional $500 a better deal?

mark777 · Oct 1, 2004

With respect to all the dealers who participate on TBN, I think you are very fortunate to have Len in your back yard.

If there were a top 20 list in the world, I would think most of them are here on TBN, and a few, like Len are certainly near the top.

gbirky · Oct 1, 2004

The YM1810D for $500 more is worth the difference as far as the increased size, weight, and hp. But keep in mind that there are alot more YM1610D's out there than YM1810D's. I can't say for sure, but I would think that parts support is better for the YM1610D. However, with Len Sheaffer as the source, and his reputation for great parts service, I don't think I'd hesitate to get the 1810D. I have dealt with Len, and can tell you that he deserves the great reputation he has.

Trae1170 · Oct 2, 2004

Has anyone heard of a dealer named Todd Halopka from Dorchester, Wi., he is only about 3 hrs. north of me. I talked to him on the phone and he says he gets a load of new tractors in every month and is also a parts supplier. He said he could get me a YM 1610D with a new Koyker loader installed for $6500.00
Anyone have info or comments.