Buying Advice New Tractor

[urban farmer]

I have some new options for buying my first tractor. I have 2.5 acres, about 1.5 is gently sloped woods with brush and weeds that I hope to keep cleared and use a FEL to move bark, rock, dirt, etc. There are 2 Yanmar tractors that are for sale locally and after reading some threads on this site, I am a little fearful to buy this brand of Tractor since many note problems with their upkeep and parts used to make them resellable here in the US.

So my first question is how to tell if I am getting something that might be a problem. Will the seller likely know where the machine came from, whether Vietnam, Japan, etc.
The two machines are a 1610D and a 1300D. Is one of these more likely to be a problem than the other?

The 1610D is $2200 more than the 1300D and so I am wondering if the additional horsepower and size is really needed as well.

I am quite green in regards to tractors and so would appreciate any advice as I look to purchase.

 

[Don87]

I have no idea about parts availability for either tractor. You could post in the Yanmar section and maybe the guys there could answer that question.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/yanmar/

 

[Grandad4]

That's kind of like someone who chooses some odd make of foreign car for their first vehicle... it can make an otherwise boring lifestyle quite entertaining and take up a huge amount of time, but most people find their comfort zone in something a bit more mainstream. If you're the adventurous handyman sort person and don't mind taking the time to keep it running, there's probably nothing wrong with something like one of those. If you're looking for a reliable tool that you don't need to fuss around with, you might look around some more.

 

[flusher]

I have some new options for buying my first tractor. I have 2.5 acres, about 1.5 is gently sloped woods with brush and weeds that I hope to keep cleared and use a FEL to move bark, rock, dirt, etc. There are 2 Yanmar tractors that are for sale locally and after reading some threads on this site, I am a little fearful to buy this brand of Tractor since many note problems with their upkeep and parts used to make them resellable here in the US.

So my first question is how to tell if I am getting something that might be a problem. Will the seller likely know where the machine came from, whether Vietnam, Japan, etc.
The two machines are a 1610D and a 1300D. Is one of these more likely to be a problem than the other?

The 1610D is $2200 more than the 1300D and so I am wondering if the additional horsepower and size is really needed as well.

I am quite green in regards to tractors and so would appreciate any advice as I look to purchase.

Rule of thumb: if you're bothered with doubts about these tractors, move on. There are better options out there (Ford 8N, Farmall A/Super A, Massey Ferguson 35/135, the list goes on and on). I'd stick with a gas engine tractor rather than a diesel given you newbieness.

Good luck.

 

[professor]

I have owned a 155 4WD Yanmar built for the USA market from 1987-1996 with absolutely no problem. I now own a grey market YM 1410 2WD since 1999 and have logged well over 1000 hours. Besides regular service I have rebuilt the started and replaced the front wheel bearings. They are tough machines and very reliable. Viet Nam doesn't build Yanmars however they "rebuild" Yanmars which are mostly junk and junk after the "rebuild'. Some of the ways to spot a VN rebuild are:
very low hrs. on meter
deluxe paint job
Bulldog brand loader
Don't let parts scare you on those two models. Hoye equipment can supply you with both parts and technical information and really care about as a customer.

 

[murphy1244]

I have owned a 155 4WD Yanmar built for the USA market from 1987-1996 with absolutely no problem. I now own a grey market YM 1410 2WD since 1999 and have logged well over 1000 hours. Besides regular service I have rebuilt the started and replaced the front wheel bearings. They are tough machines and very reliable. Viet Nam doesn't build Yanmars however they "rebuild" Yanmars which are mostly junk and junk after the "rebuild'. Some of the ways to spot a VN rebuild are:
very low hrs. on meter
deluxe paint job
Bulldog brand loader
Don't let parts scare you on those two models. Hoye equipment can supply you with both parts and technical information and really care about as a customer.

Good post, those are what he needs. Are the prices a good deal ?

 

[urban farmer]

Thank you all for your replies. I am continuing to look as I am not sure these are the right ones. The 1610 seems to be one of the freshly painted low hours tractors rebuilt in Vietnam and I am not willing to try that. Your advice was helpful there. I will post again when I find something else or have more questions.