So many models to choose from

green_acres · Apr 29, 2004

I've been looking for a small tractor for a couple of years and I've narrowed the road to a used Yanmar (cost limitations, etc.)

I'm setting myself up to retire in a few years and want something that I can use as a general small farm tractor for a 5 acres hobby farm / orchard. Now - - how much horsepower and which model?

I plan to use it primarily for finish mowing with a monthly bout of bush hogging, an annual bout of garden plowing, discing & tilling. In between all that I'd like to spray and push dirt around and dig tree planting holes. A front-end loader would be nice.

I'm leaning toward 18 - 24 Horse Diesel w/4wd but have no idea why - my only experience with tractors has been driving my brothers 8n around his orchard.

As the handle implies I feel like Eddie Albert here and would appreciate a bit of help before Arnold Ziffel skins me.

Marv · Apr 29, 2004

I have just the tractor you are looking for. I have a YM2002D 4X4 24hp with 409 original hrs, & a new Koyker 110 FEL. All sandblasted eched primed & painted looks & run like new. IF intrested ckick on my name & e-mail me

Tractors4u · Apr 29, 2004

Some things to think about if you are unfamiliar with the Yanmars. You can get a Yanmar with a powershift transmition. It allows you to shift from forward to reverse and to down shift and up shift without clutching. The models that have that will have a 10 or 20 at the end of their model number. Such as a YM1610 or a YM2620. The F series will have an X if they are powershift, such as an FX28. You can also get Yanmars with power steering which is great for loader work. You will find power steering on some of the 20 series and F/FX series tractors. I have ran a Yanmar with a loader and no power steering. It was on a small YM1500. The bigger Yanmars I had, an FX26D and a YM2620D both with loaders had power steering. I would have hated to run a loader on those without it.

DavesTractor · Apr 29, 2004

Marv,

Is this your personal tractor, or are you a dealer? No problem by me either way, but you might fill out your bio so we know a little more about you.

green_acres · May 3, 2004

This will by a personal tractor - I am not a vendor. I'm not looking to buy right now - I'm probably 6 to 9 months away from that. I'm loooking for wise advice & experience.

Advice such as --- Are my thoughts about horsepower in the right range? Is there a web site or a manual I can go to & call up the specifications of the various Yanmar models? Which models have a 3-cyl diesel. Which models are easy to get spare parts for?