Newbie looking at 2 Yanmar tractors

fl setwork · Mar 13, 2016

I have been looking at the 40 to 45 hp John Deere and Kabota tractors with loaders for the past several months and came across 2 yanmars at a savings of about $6k. A dealer has 2- 2013 models that he picked up from another dealer who went bankrupt. He has a LX 4100 with loader and canopy for $23,000 and a LX 450 with loader and canopy for $21,500 out the door. They both have factory warranty of 5 years and show just a little outside sitting wear. Is this a good price or should I look elsewhere? I do like the idea of not dealing with the new emission stuff but still I am buying a 3 year tractor when it gets off the lot. Also the 4100 pto hp in only 28.5. Is this enough for a 6 foot tiller all day. Will be using a loader and grapple most of the time doing back and forth underbrush clearing so the HST is attractive but the 450 has much more PTO power. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

tjthomps5629 · Mar 13, 2016

I have an LX4900 and use it much in the same way you describe you will use yours. HST is very nice for the back and forth work. However, It does get a little old when I am putting in a full day of brush hogging. I don't have a tiller (yet) but I think either would handle a 6' tiller unless you have some really tough ground you're working. Price seems ok, but for me it's only worth what I will pay for it.

Wagtail · Mar 13, 2016

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Enjoy the site.

I don't know which Milton in the world you're posting from, so your $ amount could be good or bad. Anyway, my 4105 is a bare-bones HST that handles a 6' slasher (bush hog) with ease. Mine also has the 300CX FEL.

2ndhalf · Mar 13, 2016

Welcome! I don't know a lot about the Yanmars you mention but regarding the tiller to hp size that should be plenty for 6' tiller. General rule of thumb I have seen guys post on here is 3.5 PTO HP per foot of tiller.

fl setwork · Mar 13, 2016

I am in the lower Alabama area. What is 3oocx fel? How is the weather there now?

Wagtail · Mar 14, 2016

The weather down here is good. We've had a bit of rain and it's beginning to cool off as we head into Autumn.

Sorry about the acronym FEL = Front End Loader (the 300CX is the JD model that I have). I also miss-read your first posting as you were talking about a tiller, not a slasher. I also run a JD 655 tiller off of my 4105 with no problems whatsoever. My HST tractor has a Yanmar 3 cylinder diesel 40.5hp donk, so the Yanmar 'name' is a respected one all around.

Here's some background information on the two tractors you're looking at (from TractorData.com = a very handy website):

TractorData.com Yanmar Lx41 tractor information
I know it's the more expensive one but it's HST. A very simple rig, especially for someone 'starting out'.

TractorData.com Yanmar Lx45 tractor information
If you're confident in running 'gears', then I'd look at this one.

Both rigs' PTO will handle a 6' tiller.

Ask if the dealer has a Quick Attach (QA) for the 3-point-hitch (3PH) at the back... VERY handy for changing implements. The same goes for the FEL, a Skid Steer QA (SSQA) is popular.

motownbrowne · Mar 14, 2016

Those look like some nice machines. Tractordata doesn't list PTO HP for the LX450, but I'd guess it to be almost 10 more than the 4100. Personally, I'm not going to be without my HST tractors. I do a lot of rototilling (never all day, though) and I think a hydro transmission is perfect for the job because I can instantly change my ground speed relative to tiller tine speed.

Are you really going to be running a 6' tiller all day? How many days/year? I think either tractor will handle the job just fine, but the 4100 will obviously be less powerful than the 450. It is possible however that you can make up for some of the power loss by being in the perfect "gear" at all times. I don't know what your situation is, but if I had several days of tilling to accomplish, I'd be looking at different equipment. Maybe paying a neighbor to come in with a plow or heavy disc first and then till myself, or just let them do the whole shebang. At least around here, there's plenty of old iron already hitched to tillage equipment just waiting for the call to get fired up.

It looks like the LX450 has a power-shuttle transmission, so it's not just a straight gear box. If you couldn't have HST, this would be the way to go.

I think you really need to go spend some time on both machines and see which you like better. If you do get the HST model, be sure it has cruise control if you're gonna be doing tilling or mowing all day.

NHSawyer · Apr 12, 2016

I have an LX410 which is a shuttle shift. I would not want an HST as I feel it would be tiring if you are running the tractor for long periods.

I am able to run a JD655 tiller with no problems but I am doing a relatively small area. I can also run a 72" snow blower with no problems.

The LX4100 and LX450 should have the same engine just bored out a bit more on the 450.