Is YM1500D the right tractor?

inthewoods · Oct 7, 2005

I need a tractor to remove snow from my stone driveway. I would like a tractor for removing small stumps (6" dia. max.), leveling some hills, moving dirt and stones on my seven acres. I have found a YM1500D @ $6800 - includes a FEL. The tractor is a gussied-up Grey all shinny red with new decals, etc but I'm not sure it is what I need - I have read this forum for several weeks now and there seems to be a lot knowledgeable folks here so I hope you all give me some guidance. thanks.

YanmarFever · Oct 7, 2005

Keep looking !
I would want a bigger one for the stump work, and rock removal. at least 25hp.+
Ernie

Mickey_Fx · Oct 7, 2005

IMO I think you could use a little more tractor than a 1500 for stump removal and all the things you might want to do on your 7 acres.

I would also be concerned about the "gussied up" looks of the tractor. Could this be a VN rebuild? Could be a pig with lipstick, i.e. looks good but still a pig underneith. I would really check this out especially if the hr meter is almost zero hrs.

Don't know where you are located but around here, Portland Ore area one can get a clean and low hr, not rebuilt, newer model with the new loader for about the same $$.

One of the regulars here is tractor Ernie. I bought my tractor from him and find his prices are very competitive and his machine are indecent condition. You might want to take a look at Ernies site to get a ref for different models and prices. http://www.ernies.net/Current.htm

Mickey_Fx · Oct 7, 2005

looks like Ernie beat me to the post as I had to step away for a while.

inthewoods · Oct 7, 2005

I'm on the "right coast" - live in northern section of Maryland. In reading this forum I find that there quite a few dealers in the NW - rarely do I find any East Coast or more specifically Mid-Atlantic dealers for Greys participating in the forums. The stumps I want to remove are from trees I cut - in doing so I left 3' on the stump above ground thinking I could eventually push them over with a FEL.

edmartin · Oct 7, 2005

I agree that a 1500 is probably not enough for your situation. A YM2000d or 240d, or larger, might be better. It's also true about recons from vietnam, I inherited a recon from there just a few weeks after it was purchased and have had no problems despite working the tractor hard. That seems to be the exception rather than the rule though. My advice would be to get a bigger machine or you'll be frustrated with the lack of power. Good luck!

blackd · Oct 7, 2005

I think the closest dealer to you is: http://www.eastcoasttractor.com/ in Waldorf, MD.

I haven't dealt with them, but have talked/emailed them several times. Another dealer is Reggie Ferguson: http://www.ferguson-tractor.com/

Reggie is down in Emporia, VA. He usually has a pretty good supply. I have dealt with Reggie and can recommend him.

Normmm · Oct 7, 2005

If you are going to push up stumps you will need a really large tractor. you can get stumps up with a fel on a compact tractor but it will require extensive digging arround the stump before it will budge. I have a 2020d and like it very much. Look at the specs on the yanmar oweners website and you will see that the the 20 series ie 2020 2220 2620 2820 are heavier than most other tractors and will give you more ability to push and pull things.

inthewoods · Oct 7, 2005

Thanks for the links - I would like to thank everyone else who has offered advice up to now - but at the home page of one those kinks the seller says, "It undergoes a rigorous inspection at our Japanese office before export." Is there such a thing as the Japanese office where inspections are performed? I was under the impression that the Greys were just collected at the various co-ops and then packed in containers and shipped to the USA. Is this statement sales pitch or fact and is there merit to a "rigorous inspection at our Japanese office.."? I'm sceptical by nature. Thanks again all.

blackd · Oct 7, 2005

What Reggie is saying is that his supplier(s) in Japan look the tractors over before shipping to him to reduce the junk factor. He also goes over them thoroughly after he gets them to repair any obvious faults. My FX24D had a leaking front wheel seal after @ 10 months. He repaired under warranty. If you have been lurking long you will have seen the advice that the dealer makes ALL the difference after the purchase. I believe both these dealers are good, but can only vouch for Reggie becasue he's the only one I've dealt with directly.