Looking for first Yanmar

woolyAcres · Sep 5, 2015

@winston-

Thanks for pointing that out. This is about 3 hours away and I'm trying to decide if I should go see it. Asking price is $2500. He sent a few more photos. Comments welcome. I'm not sure what to make of this. Thanks.

It looks like this loader runs off the rear PTO. How difficult/expensive would it be to plumb that into the tractor hydraulics? This arrangement has the rear end occupied for loader use. I'd like to put a box blade on the rear and still be able to use the FEL.

Correction- The loader does run off the tractor hydraulics. That contraption on the rear is for an added remote, at least that's what the seller says.

Am I reaching on this one?

winston1 · Sep 5, 2015

I can't give good advice here. The price is cheap for a tractor with loader but no doubt this tractor has been around the block. Just the way I am I would go take a look believing I can fix anything. However, when I got there I might make a u turn and go home.

I notice an unattached quick disconnect up toward the loader in one picture. Wondering if he had a grapple on there at one time.

One thing for sure, the seller is not polishing it up, could be something said for that.

woolyAcres · Sep 5, 2015

I talked to the seller. Turns out he bought this from a guy who used it for fencing. Said it had a post pounder on the front and that's what the apparatus on the rear pro is for- running the front aux hydraulics. He doesn't use that but left it on the rear for weight. Post-pounding with the front sounds like it could be hard on a tractor- at least where I am- stones everywhere.

I know California has a YM240 that isn't pretty but runs well and gets a lot of work done. Maybe he'll chime in.

My father, who knows tractors better than I do, is actually going to be near where this is being sold and is willing to have a look at it. $2500 is not much for a 4WD with loader so I guess the bar is pretty low.... But I really don't want something that is in need of a lot of work. I'm not worried about the dents and scratches- I'm worried about the bones.

One thing for sure, the seller is not polishing it up, could be something said for that.

Is this good- he's not trying to hide anything? Or is it bad, doesn't look well cared for?

woolyAcres · Sep 5, 2015

The paint on the loader appears to be Yanmar green and match the rest of the tractor. It's be nice to know that's a factory loader and that it's really the bucket that too large for the tractor, not the loader itself.

Do you think that's a factory loader?

California · Sep 5, 2015

That thing looks slightly rougher than my similar YM240 was when I bought it. A couple hundred $ brought it up to good working condition, replacing fluids, battery, bashed headlight, etc. This model is pretty much unbreakable, if you verify that everything seems to work as intended. And idiot-simple to work on if it does need something. (No comments from the peanut gallery please.

)

That's a factory original loader except the bucket. He must have had a business selling mulch or sawdust or something. My nearly identical loader - a Great Bend third-party loader likely installed by the dealer - runs from the tractor hydraulics like that one, and is slower than you would want if you are buying the tractor to use specifically as as a loader. Also the non-syncro transmission is a nuisance if you want to go backward and forward all day. For farm or hobby-farm work where the loader is important but not used all day, this model is fine and has lots of lift power.

As Winston noted the front tires shouldn't be reversed like that. More risk of breaking a spindle, and running a tire into something could jerk the steering wheel out of your hands. Look for front end wear, but I doubt anything's broken.

The low front tires are a caution that he isn't keeping up on maintenance. For loader use they should be at the maximum pressure declared on the sidewall.

I'll bet with all the hydraulic plumbing and that big bucket, the tractor was used mostly stationary to power a log splitter.

That's a final-year YM240D indicated by the external air cleaner. (So 1981).

In summary, an excellent model but after 30+ years you need to verify that this individual unit is in normal condition.

Added I see there have been more posts while I was drafting this. $2500? If Dad says it looks ok, tell him to buy it on the spot. Else someone else will. At that price you have some margin for minor repairs. For me I would just do a major service - fluids, filters etc - and keep on trucking as-is.

I don't think a fence pounder could hurt it; not an issue.

woolyAcres · Sep 5, 2015

@California-

Thanks for your input. You're not only knowledgable but generous with your time and knowledge. The seller said he uses the loader for moving saw dust- he works it on a small beef farm. The post pounder was a previous owner. When he bought it it had the pounder on it so he removed that and added a bucket he bought for scrap- hence the wrong size. He says everything works but I'm sure my dad will check over it. I agree at the price there's some money for repairs and hopefully an ROPS in the not distant future.

Anything specific to look for on these models?

Again, thanks to everyone for the input. I'll let you know how this goes. I need to find a trailer and figure out how/when I can move it if it checks out.

winston1 · Sep 5, 2015

I am always a little leary when I see new paint. Sometimes trying to make silk purse out of a sow's ear. On the spot check over is the only way to pass judgement on this. As California stated, you should have budget left for some repairs if needed.

California · Sep 5, 2015

I can't think of anything specific to this model. Simple and bulletproof. As I've posted before, I believe this is the model that spooked Deere into contracting with Yanmar instead of designing their own line of small tractors, they couldn't improve on it.

Tell Dad the horrible racket likely isn't a rod knock, they just sound that way. CLANK CLANK CLANK.

Look for jumping out of gear, a slow starter motor (only $100), and the obvious diesel stuff - severe smoke at idle, etc. You mentioned Dad has experience with diesels so a general look-over should spot anything. Tell him to be sure to run through all the gears including FWD, check that the tractor's hydraulics lift the loader and 3-point, etc. That additional hydraulic system might be worth some money to somebody for a log splitter especially if can mount on any 3-point.

For me, I would look it over thoroughly - then I would buy it at $2500 if it checks out. That's a great price for anything with 4wd.

woolyAcres · Sep 5, 2015

@California-

I'll pass this along to him. He's used to a 3cyl Shibura and 4-cylinder on his Case so I'm sure that 2 cylinder will sound a bit strange.

I really do appreciate all your input. Having the support of this forum is better than 'having a buddy down the road'. I'll keep you posted.

Regards,
Peter

Todd8665 · Sep 5, 2015

Not sure how deep in the weeds you want to go, but you could think about this/keep in the back of you mind. Even if your like me and wouldn't really want to attempt this yourself you can look at Hoyes site and add up the parts for an engine rebuild. Take that, add 10% or so, then double it and that should be a Kentucky windage for the cost to get it rebuilt. I run about twenty or so pickup trucks for my biz and this has always been a fair price estimator for repairs.

I always look at the fluids. Make sure oil and hydro aren't milky - an indication of water getting where it shouldn't. Look at radiator fluid - free of oil?

Get a gut feel about how well the tractor has been cared for then ask him about his maintenance before you make any offer. This is a negotiation - shaming in this case is a non-judgmental tool...you abuse something it's on you not anyone else.