Buying Advice Opinions on YM2000

[redrider706]

Hello Everybody,

I just bought a house with 10 acres of land. I've been looking at used tractors. My main use of the tractor would be for bush hogging the land and some gardening.

I came across a YM2000 with a 4ft bush hog for $3900. I was wondering if that tractor would have sufficient power for my needs? or should I look for something more powerful?

Some of my friends who own bigger tractor are advising that I should go for a tractor with more HP (~30).

Any advise from people who own and operate Yanmars?

Thanks,
-Raj

 

[redrider706]

I also found a YM3000 for sale locally for $4900. He says that it has 1000 hours on the meter and he bought it in an estate sale.

 

[California]

YM2000 will do the mowing and gardening on 10 acres fine. It's sufficient, not extravagant. Its more maneuverable than a larger tractor, easier to trailer, etc.

YM3000 will do this and also impress those friends with bigger tractors if that's worth another $1000 to you.

The YM3000 might make sense if you were to buy larger implements ($$$) and start real farming.

 

[normde2001]

What California said, plus the YM2000 has better parts availability than any other Gray market Yanmar. If in good shape, the price is right.

 

[careyo63]

Yep! Mine is my Wkly Mower. Which I use a 5'FM.. I also have a 4ft BH. that the 2000 seem handles what I use it for easily. I haven't been watching CL. etc. but IMO. in Ga. on a Ym2000 make sure to talk to Spalding tractor in Hampton. :thumbsup:

 

[redrider706]

Thanks for the information and opinions. I am leaning more towards the YM2000 and I can use the savings to add a loader later on.

I am going to go see the YM2000 on Monday and will report back.

-Raj

 

[redrider706]

I saw their (Spalding tractor) on craigslist. Their price on the package deal was more than I wanted to spend now. I guess I could call them and see if they will make me a deal for the setup I want.

I will give them a call as well.

Thanks,
-Raj

 

[California]

You can buy a YM2000 or its US version YM240, with loader, for far less than buying the tractor now and the loader later.

I recommend a loader, and my advice is use SearchTempest to review Craigslist around a 300 mile radius.

 

[normde2001]

Although guys do it and put up with them, a YM2000D, 4wd, is highly recommended for a loader. Besides engine braking, easier steering and much beefier front spindles, it just looks better, although more to maintain and repair.

 

[California]

I think YM2000 is right at the line where 2wd is sufficient if the loader is used only occasionally.

It's a bear to steer, loaded, and probably would bog down with no traction (loaded) in soft ground where a 4x4 would drive right through. But the advantages of having any loader are so great that these limitations aren't deal - killers, just nuisances to work around. This assumes weekend-farmer hobby use. Of course if you earn a living with the tractor then do it right and buy something with loader, 4x4, and power steering.

I think for a 35 year old YM2000, an existing loader adds little to your purchase price but 4x4 has a substantial premium.

I was looking for photos for another thread and found these that may be relevant here. My typical use is one trip with the loader doing something I couldn't possibly do without it. I think only once in 12 years have I gone back and forth for hours moving a quantity of material.

And of course its a tremendous time saver and back-saver. Here I removed roofing gravel while taking down a shed. Effortless, compared to carrying those heavy buckets down the ladder.

In summary I wouldn't buy a YM2000 without a loader. But 4x4 will be much harder to find and will have a cost premium for that feature.