Which Tractor

[toewsrus]

I've been lurking around here for a few weeks. I've gotten a ton of great information and you all have helped me narrow my choices. I hadn't heard too much about gray market tractors and was pretty skeptical, but feel better after reading the posts here. So much so that I'm pretty well set on a Yanmar tractor. But I'm trying to decide on which model.

Are some models better than others? More reliable, easier to get parts for, easier to work on, more standard sized items, etc. I had two Yanmars on a boat I owned and the only way to change the oil in the drive was to pull the boat out of the water, close to $1000 round trip operation on a maintenance item that needed to be done every 50 hrs (needless to say, I usually went over the hrs). The only way to change the shaft seal was with a special tool that cost a couple of hundred bucks, etc. I figured I'd ask up front and hopefully avoid those overlooked hassles with a tractor.

Here's what I'm considering as my basic criteria: HP in the high teens to mid 20's, 4WD, FEL. We have 23 acres but only 4-5 will be cleared to work on: garden, orchard, small livestock etc.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Coldwater]

ym 1610 and ym 2010 2310 all are good best parts buy.not hard to work on.we have a ym2010 in classifieds.

 

[kenmac]

Are some models better than others? More reliable, easier to get parts for, easier to work on, more standard sized items, etc.

I don't think any mod is any better than the other. Just depends on your intended use which mod is best for you.some want (use) small models some larger ones...Most are easy to get parts for & easy to work on.

Not sure what you mean as standard sized items

 

[clemsonfor]

In that size you may want to go with the old faithful ym2000 or american ym240 its 24 engine HP and is about one of the most common and you can get pretty much every part from Hoye tractor. The same with the 1500 just less hp and its a smaller frame tractor. Those that coldwater mentioned with the 10 after the first 2 numbers are powershift. That means that you can shift your gears on the fly, usefull when say bushhoging and needing to change gears, you dont have to clutch and stop. Both have good parts availibility in either variant.

 

[normde2001]

I pretty much agree with coldwater, except I would go for the "D" 4WD models. With a loader, you will appreciate that along with the power shift. Here is one of the better gray Yanmar listings around.

 

[toewsrus]

Learning new things every day:

Alright the 10 means powershift, which with a loader seems like a good idea

The D means 4WD, which also seems like the right choice.

There's also a B after some models, what does that signify?

 

[normde2001]

Learning new things every day:

Alright the 10 means powershift, which with a loader seems like a good idea

The D means 4WD, which also seems like the right choice.

There's also a B after some models, what does that signify?

That just means upgrades and refinements. Always get a "B" if you can find it. On my YM2000B it's better seat, upgraded dash, better sheet metal, steel fuel tank, chrome fuel cap, and some other stuff.

 

[clemsonfor]

Learning new things every day:

Alright the 10 means powershift, which with a loader seems like a good idea

The D means 4WD, which also seems like the right choice.

There's also a B after some models, what does that signify?

Your getting there. 10 and 20 models are both powershift, the difference is that 20 models are newer and the shifter was moved from the floor between your legs to the steering column. I dont have one just what i have read here and other places.

The B model is just a newer version or that model with some "features". Take for example a 2000B it has gagues instead of idiot lights. Some of both models will have clutch saftey switches but all B models do. There is more side sheet metal on a B model to help quiet it. There are several more NORM can tell you as he has a B and seems to keep up with the model differences.