Interest in Iseki TS/TX Models

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi, I'm a wannabe compact tractor owner that hopefully will soon own one, and I like the looks of the Iseki TS and TX models, in 15 to 19HP range and prefer 4x4. Also like the idea of the 3-cylinder diesel for smoothness. I have some questions though: 1) Is the rear PTO always live / independent (2-stage clutch?) or is this something that is an option and must be investigated for each unit? 2) Is there a belly mount mower available for these tractors or only rear mount (Woods doesn't list any for Iseki)? Thanks!

Bill in CO

 

[Tractors4u]

I have heard of a few larger, 40+hp Isekis that have 2 stage clutches, but I have never personally seen one. I can definately tell you that the small ones do not have live independent PTO or 2 stage clutch. To run a belly mower on one you need either a mid or front PTO which these tractors do not have. I have seen belly mowers that run off of the rear PTO, but they are expensive and from the looks of them would be too expensive for the complications associated with them. Most people use a rear mount finish mower. The rear mounts are a lot easier to remove when you want to use other equipment on the 3 point hitch.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks for the info Brent. I guess my next question would be: Do any of the Japanese grey tractors have live pto's? Seems like it would be nice to have a tiller or mower spinning full operating speed while you're slowing down the ground speed of your tractor. Most of the US farm tractors have had that since the late '50's/early '60's, for instance. Thanks!

Bill in CO

 

[Tractors4u]

You would need an independent live PTO if you want a PTO that is not affected by the tractors ground speed. I have never seen a grey with that. Like I said in my earlier message, there is supposed to be an Iseki with a 2 stage clutch, but it still isn't an independent PTO.

 

[stnickstoys]

Keep in mind these little tractors were designed to run rototillers at slow speeds. Not much ground speed changing going on while rototilling. Mostly creeping along while tilling. I too wish they were indep pto for some jobs such as mowing but the powershift or shuttleshift models allow for shifting while the tractors are in forward or reverse motion. May be an avenue to check into if you feel you will be needing to do that a lot. Happy Hunting
Nick

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks for the rreplies, Brent and Nick. I guess the mower would also require an overriding clutch on the PTO too, so you can stop forward motion without the mower pushing the tractor ahead, right? I guess the Woods belly mowers are usually driven off the front PTO on Yanmars from what I gather from their web site Not familiar with the operation of a front PTO on these tractors, or if they all have one.

Bill in CO

 

[DavidD]

I bought an Iseki TS1610F a few months ago and have been impressed by it since. If I can answer any questions just let me know.
David

 

[Tractors4u]

An over run coupler is not needed with a finish mower, tiller, or post hole digger. The don't have enough momentum to push the tractor. If you are using a rotary cutter, AKA Bush hog, then you will need the over run coupler.

 

[gbirky]

As someone posted, the closest thing you can find to live pto is the Yanmar powershift. With this transmission, you can put the tractor in one of multiple transmission ranges, powershift in neutral, engage the pto, and release the clutch. The pto turns, the tractor doesn't move. Now shift into one of 3 forward gears or reverse on the powershift and the tractor moves.

In general, putting belly mowers on these tractors can be a challenge. The options are to run it from an electric clutch on the front of the tractor, or from the rear pto. In both cases, belts and pulleys transfer the power to the mower. Keep in mind that the front pto is "independent" due to the electric clutch. The rear pto would not be "live/independent". The major problem is that these tractors are of an "axle back" design. The front axles are placed further toward the rear than most US compact tractors. This causes problems with fitting a reasonable size mower between the front and rear wheels.

I have mounted a YMM45 on my YM1301D. I got the deck complete with the electric clutch. It was designed to go on a YM135/YM155/YM155D. I could mount a larger deck, but for my purposes this is sufficient. If this is to be your tractor, and you wish to keep it indefinately, then go for it. Find a Woods 348 or whatever and give it a shot. With some fabrication and machining, you could make it work. I have even relocated the front axle on a YM1110D to accomodate a belly mower.

Greg

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Greg, thanks for the detailed reply. You've explained the situation, things to look for, and potential problems so that even I understand what's involved. I like the "traditional tractor" looks of the TS and TX Iseki models that I've seen pictures of, but I'm afraid I may be getting into some potentially serious installation issues with a belly mower on one of these. I think I would have fewer problems mounting a belly mower to a Yanmar, which Woods does accomodate. Thanks again to all who have responded. The wife expects the tractor I get to "do it all," including mowing and tilling. And frankly that's what I want too. I don't have the money or room on my place for multiple tractors dedicated for one duty only.

Bill in CO

 

[gbirky]

Bill,
I agree completely. Right now I have a YM1301D that I got with tiller and loader. I attached a pic. I have since mounted the belly mower, but it isn't compatible with the loader since the electric clutch mounts on the front of the bumper and adds about 4 inches. It interfers with a cross brace between the loader arms. I plan to have that brace moved forward about 4 inches so that this tractor "does it all". Then it would be perfect except that a powershift would really be nice.

As for mounting the deck on a "non-Yanmar" grey tractor - it can be done. The deck I mounted was not intended for a tractor like the YM1301D. (YM1301D is 3cyl, the YM135/155 are 2 cyl, and the frame dimensions and bumper spacing is different). I know the compacts that Mitsubishi sold in the US had the same front pto arrangement for belly mowers and snowblowers. Most of the imported tractors have mounting holes in the front bumper, and a "cutout" in the sheetmetal for the shaft. The most difficult problem would likely be getting the "stub" that mounts to the crank pulley. Then of course there is the issue of idler pulleys, etc.

I also have two YM1110D's. They have the powershift, and are really nice - but very small. Thus relocation of the front axle comes into play. They are lots of fun to play with - but my wife's not too happy about all the tractors hanging around....and we only have 2.5 acres.

Greg

 

[lens12]

Wood's has discountinued many of the belly mowers for the smaller compact tractors. I bought the last ones for the YM155 (included front electric clutch) & YM186 (rear pto drive). I handle a quick mount belly mower that can be mounted on most compact tractors with a 3 point hitch. It fastens to the pto with a shaft & to the 3 point . It was sold by Yanmar as the YQM model. It can be removed in about the time it takes to remove a finish mower. Cheaper than a Woods . I also have several new Woods 60" gear drive belly mowers for sale. sheaftractor@coiinc.com

 

[hdl65]

The only grey tractor other than a Yanmar with powershift to have live PTO that I have had is my Shibaura SD3040AT. It has a true 2 stage clutch.