Opinions

nexus01 · Jan 3, 2011

So I have a potential purchase ahead and need some informed opinions. A person I know just inherited a Yanmar (ZEN-NOH branded) YM2000 from his deceased father. It doesn't currently run and he doesn't have much background on it other than the fact that it did run 6 months or so ago. It does turn over while on a jump pack/ battery charger, but the battery seems bad.

So what should I look for to know whether or not I should purchase this tractor, and what would a fair value be.

Also what is a good starting point to bring this thing to life being that I don't have any background on the condition.

Is there a good place to get a copy of the manuals for this tractor?

Sorry for so many questions and thanks in advance.

Travis_R · Jan 4, 2011

Hello and Welcome to TBN!

I have a YM2000 Operator's manual that I'm looking at right now that I keep by my computer desk. If you need any info, let me know.

I used to own a YM2000, (which is probably the most common Yanmar 'gray market' tractor and definately has the best parts availability) but mine was "reconditioned" in Vietnam. I had over heating issues and sold the tractor.

There are lots of people here on the Yanmar forum who can give you better advice than I can.

Travis R

California · Jan 4, 2011

6 months since last use won't hurt anything aside from the battery. Try charging it overnight; replace if needed. A diesel, especially a big twin, needs a strong battery. It needs to spin fast to start.

There is a compression release under the instrument panel near your left knee. With a weak battery, you can relieve the compression and spin up the engine. Then while it is spinning, close the compression release. This adds the inertia of the heavy flywheel spinning, along with the force of the starter. It should start.

A couple of tips from the operation manual:

Cold weather starting:
Verify there is diesel in the little bottle above the front-left of the engine. This fuel runs down a tube into the Thermostart (manifold pre-heater). Twist the key left 10-20 seconds to warm the Thermostart.

Then set the throttle to full (all the way back on YM2000), crank as described above, and pull the throttle back to mid-speed as soon as it fires.

You may need to do the Thermostart/crank ritual a few times before it starts. If you have a charger or battery pack leave it attached to assist with the first start.

Bad fuel can cause hard starting. Replace it if you have any doubts.

One more tip: This model clanks crudely like it is about to throw a piston through the block. Just a feature, not a problem. But it can be a little unnerving when you are appraising a tractor for the first time.

You can click on my sig below to see a brochure for the US version of your tractor. Not much different, just some safety features.

We encourage photos, and they will probably get you a lot more replies. Please post any you have of your initial exploration. And welcome aboard!

Willl · Jan 4, 2011

A compression test on all cylinders 'should' confirm upper/lower 'correctness'. (is that a word ?)

Hard to test a tranny on a tractor that won't run.

Hows it look ?

Travis_R · Jan 4, 2011

Excellent advice from California...

But the VERY FIRST thing I would do is check the engine oil and radiator fluid.

nexus01 · Jan 4, 2011

@Travis Thanks for the info, any interest in selling the Op manual?

@California Really good info, thanks for the links one of the big concerns was I didn't know if there was a US counterpart to this one. I will give the starting techniques a shot tomorrow when I go over there. Is there anything I should check prior to attempting to start further to prevent doing damage? Just nervous since I don't really know the history of this tractor.

Also on the page you linked it said there overrun coupler on the US PTO. I have heard these can be incredibly important to safety, can it be added to ZEN-NOH one?

@Will Any idea where I could get a compression tester for a diesel motor? I have a regular one but it is made to be threaded into the spark plug holes.

Also it looks incredibly clean and well maintained and doesn't seem to be a refurb (it still has all its japanese labeling although the writing is heavily faded).

nexus01 · Jan 4, 2011

I will check both prior to starting.

Am I just looking for cross contamination? i.e. water in oil and vice-versa

Travis_R · Jan 4, 2011

Nah, Imma keep the manual. Kinda like a collector's piece for me. But you can purchase manuals and parts from Yanmar Tractor Parts - Shop Online or from Untitled if you would like. They are both good people and are members of this forum. I have purchased from both of them in the past. Also, other good people to do business with are RCO Tractor - Used Yanmar Tractors in Austin Texas - The World's Finest Compact Tractor On Sale Now! and Yanmar Tractors -- Parts -- Sales -- Service.

Travis R

California · Jan 4, 2011

If the elderly owner died then I expect this was was set aside in good condition. This isn't the same situation as an old tractor that could have been abused and run to death. In that case you should expect the worst and test accordingly.

If the compression feels stiff when cranking then I don't see a need to test compression. I would just check fluids as Travis suggested then run it around and verify everything works. Then if you buy it, do a full service.

The first evidence of low compression is hard starting. (and then smoke out the engine breather tube). If it starts readily enough you don't have a compression problem.