Is a YM1500 right for me?

mdcar · Apr 19, 2005

I have been looking for a tractor and came across a YM1500. When looking for information I found this forum, in which I have read a lot of good information. The tractor is in great shape and I am not concerned about the condition, but if it will suit my needs. I need to bush hog (4 foot) about 4 acres of pasture in which I will have two horses. I imagine it would not need to be cut too often. I would also like to put a blade on the back for snow or gravel. I might even drag some round bales around if I can find a hay buggy. The asking price is $2900. I have an 8n that I really like, but it needs to stay at another piece of property that I have. I thought about another 8n, but I really like the fact that the YM1500 is very maneuverable. Is there really any comparison between the two? Would the YM1500 work for me?

Thanks a lot,

Matt

Bama35640 · Apr 19, 2005

Hi I have a YM1500 and 3 acres here. I use a 4' finish mower, a 5 ft box blade for smoothing my 300 ft driveway and also have a 24 inch dirt scoop that I use around the house and the pond. I bought mine from Fredrick's in Hartselle with 638 hours on it for 2800.00 this included a 6 month warranty. I had to use the warranty as the fuel tank developed a leak and got another one with no problem. I don't have a bush hog but from what everyone says the 1500 will work just fine with a 4 footer. I replaced the rice tires with 13.5 inch wide turf tires as I got tired of tearing up the yard when I was mowing. Hope that helps some.

Bob in North Alabama

SailorBob · Apr 19, 2005

I have a YM1700 which is slightly larger in size an HP than the 1500 but very similar other than that. I have a 4' brush cutter and a 4' box blade. The tractor handles both fine. I think the 1500 should handle the cutter as well for what you described. I have cut quite a bit of brush and saplings over 1" thick with no problems.

MarkStewart · Apr 19, 2005

I think the main difference you will find between the two is weight. The 1500 probably ways around 1300-1400lbs, where the 8n weighs 2200plus. You will run out of traction long before you run out of power with the 1500. You should be able to pull 5'blade, 4'brush mower fairly well. That's what I use with my 1401 and it works ok.
The 1500 also has 3 pto speeds I think. Make sure you only use the 540rpm pto gear. As most implements made for this country are designed for. Maybe you can take a test ride to get an idea how it runs.

dgburgess · Apr 19, 2005

I am in the process of replacing my 8N with a newer tractor. I like the 8N for mowing but it is geared too high for most other work. I am looking hard at the Yanmars. My only concern is they are kind of narrow and do not have ROPS (yet). My land is kind or hilly. I think I will get a 20-25 hp tractor so I can use the 5ft bush hog I already have.

Normmm · Apr 20, 2005

Replacing an 8N with a yanmar look at the 3000 or 4000 series of tractor. the Hp will be higher than you may think that you need but the tractor is wide an stable. I have a 2020d and I find the 48'' width to be very stable. The rice tire lugs bounce a bit when running across an incline reduced speed is necessary to save teeth. Running up and sown an incline is much bettor.

Bama35640 · Apr 20, 2005

Normm that's why I replaced the rice tires with Goodyear Terra Track 16X13.5X15.5 tires sure makes a big difference in tearing up the yard.

Bob

Ozarker · Apr 20, 2005

What did you use for wheels? Is the rolling circumference the same as the rice tires so it can be used w/ 4wd?

mdcar · Apr 20, 2005

Thank you for all the replies. I decided that they guy was asking a little much and it was out of town so it would be difficult to go back to him if I had problems. I really like the little tractor, but I found a Ford Jubilee for sale and bought it last night.

Whiskey · Apr 20, 2005

Ozarker:

Check Bama's profile and he's got a link on there with pic's and story on the turf's

Rolling circumference dosen't matter if it's not 4x4 and from the pic's I don't think it is.