New owner of a model on the 'Models to Avoid' list - Yanmar FX235D

[Wagtail]

I'm wondering if a nice email to YANMAR (with the attached pictures) asking for a translation to English would be the best way.

Failing that, a somewhat local Japanese language school/college asking the same. There are enough English language schools in Japan, curriculum at least, that it could provide answers.

 

[kenmac]

He would have to e mail yanmar japan. I doubt they would answer. they don't want to support us in any way. Could fredricks help with a japan contact ? Don't know. may be worth a call to them

 

[WYdirt]

Maybe this post from the past will help you? http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/yanmar/82142-fx235-question.html

 

[California]

Maybe this post from the past will help you? http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/yanmar/82142-fx235-question.html

Good find! It seems that John47 who posted re his FX235 in that thread is still around, logging onto TBN to post once in a while. And he also seems to be a Ham radio enthusiast, ie knowledgeable in electronics. If you send him a PM he might eventually see it. Possibly others in that thread could provide information also.

 

[kenmac]

Mickey FX is who I was referring to. Seems like he hasn't been around in a while.

6-5-16 is the last time I see john posted

 

[California]

I'm wondering if a nice email to YANMAR (with the attached pictures) asking for a translation to English would be the best way.

Failing that, a somewhat local Japanese language school/college asking the same. There are enough English language schools in Japan, curriculum at least, that it could provide answers.

You guys in Tasmania may have a friendly relationship with your local Yanmar dealers but for the gray market models imported to the US without Yanmar-US's permission, the relationship to those is literally unacknowledged bastard. Even the early US-version Yanmars aren't recognized by former Yanmar-US showroom dealers, in my experience. My local Deere agency with a 'Genuine Yanmar Parts' sign out front had a tantrum when I asked him if he could support my YM240. He ranted about gray-market Yanmars and I couldn't get through to him that his own dealership may have sold my tractor to its first owner. 14 years later and after that Yanmar lawsuit against gray-market importers, I doubt his attitude has improved.

I like the language-school translation route.

 

[clemsonfor]

I remember that. Bit that's about it. Ha. My memory seems about as good as yours

 

[Wagtail]

You guys in Tasmania may have a friendly relationship with your local Yanmar dealers but for the gray market models imported to the US without Yanmar-US's permission, the relationship to those is literally unacknowledged bastard. Even the early US-version Yanmars aren't recognized by former Yanmar-US showroom dealers, in my experience. My local Deere agency with a 'Genuine Yanmar Parts' sign out front had a tantrum when I asked him if he could support my YM240. He ranted about gray-market Yanmars and I couldn't get through to him that his own dealership may have sold my tractor to its first owner. 14 years later and after that Yanmar lawsuit against gray-market importers, I doubt his attitude has improved.

I like the language-school translation route.

I was just throwing out suggestions. I wasn't aware of grey market Japanese tractors though, but it makes sense especially regarding post-war Japanese products.

Come to think of it, some of the Universities would have language departments/colleges that may assist.

 

[California]

I wasn't aware of grey market Japanese tractors

Are the Yanmars you see there the 'export' version sold by dealers representing Yanmar corporation, with English manuals and labels? What we see here now is some of those sold here originally before Yanmar abandoned the US market, but outnumbered by Japan-market versions imported used/clean condition in some cases, and often the condition of the used imports is 'reconditioned' in VN after what may have been a second lifetime of use there. Yanmar-US won't discuss or sell parts for anything but the English-language 'export' version Yanmars that they originally brought over.

After a fatal rollover of a VN recon some 10 years ago Yanmar-US sued all the gray market importers and drove most of them out of business. Fredricks is (I think) the sole exception, they already had an agreement with Yanmar to properly recondition and add US-spec safety gear on their recons so they were allowed to continue.

Yanmar returned to the US market recently and is now selling their current models here, again, after some 20 years absent.

How does this compare to what you see there?

 

[sixdogs]

Nice looking little tractor, this forum definitely needs a "ask a Japanese dude" button! I wish I could help, welcome and good luck!

WYdirt--any more pics and details of your great looking Yanmar?