Yanmar 1700

sirgknight · May 21, 2004

My local compact tractor dealer has offered me a package deal which includes the 1700 w/used tiller, a new 4' bushhog, a new 4' grader blade, a new 2-gang harrow, a new boom pole and a new 12" turning plow for $5,000 including tax and free delivery. This dealer is well-known and has an excellent, honest reputation in our area. Is this a good package price for this tractor. By the way, the tractor is completely reconditioned with a 30-point inspection and new battery, filters, belts, tires, etc. Please be honest with your reply and thanks a million for your input.

Tractors4u · May 21, 2004

The YM1700 is a solid tractor and in my experience with them they have proved reliable. I am in Alabama and the $5000 price is probably $400 to $500 higher than that package would sell for around here. That is assuming that the equipment is new with the exception of the tiller. One thing that does concern me is the harrow. You may not be very satisfied with the performance of the tractor pulling that disc. A four wheel drive would handle it much better.

sirgknight · May 21, 2004

Thanks Brent. Yes, the dealer told me that the two-gang harrow may be a little much for that tractor and the purchase would be on the basis that if I'm not totally satisfied with the harrow that I could return it and exchange it for a single gang at a lower price. This will be my first experience with a compact tractor but I only have about 4 acres to keep cut and a small 1/4 acre garden to tend. I've reached the point in life that I can't do a lot of the things "by hand" anymore.

Soundguy · May 22, 2004

That is about the right price for the tractor and the implements if you bought them seperately. You might be saving a hundred or less if you bought that stuff here depending on tax.. etc.

I also agree at a dual ganged disc.. if it is a 6' model will be a tough row to hoe.. however a 5' or 4' if you could find those.. might be ok. 1700 is a strong tractor... be prepaired to use the diffy lock.. and then steer with the brakes when you want to turn with that harrow attatched...

Oh yeah.. and as for reconditioned.. that means lotsa different things.. anything from fluids/filters and wire... to paint.. to any degree of mechanical work.

Most of us see these tractors with only a few hundred hours on them, and they are purported to be 'rebuilt'.. etc.. which begs the question.. why does a tractor with a few hundred hours on it need rebuilding unless the owner abused the fire out of it...

It isn't uncommon to see antique gas tractors and 60's era diesels with 3-4 thousand hours on them and no refurbishments... so just keep your eyes open and make sure what you see jives with what the dealer says. Clues to look for are new gaskets at the head, and block area.. and hyd cover.. etc.. hoses.. are they painted? new?same with the belts... Nothing says auction paint job like a painted belt, hose or wire...

Soundguy

sirgknight · May 22, 2004

Thanks Soundguy: Would you consider using some sort of weight in the front of the tractor? I've read somewhere where the maximum recommended weight should not exceed 220 lbs on compact models. But maybe 100 lbs. or so? Also, since my wife is anxious to help with the mowing, I'm seriously considering an overrun clutch on the PTO just for safety reasons. Are these readily available?

California · May 22, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I've read somewhere where the maximum recommended weight should not exceed 220 lbs on compact models. )</font>

I'm not sure this is directly comparable but my YM240 (US version YM2000) has the same chassis as your YM1700. It has the optional heavy duty adjustable width front axle.

That Great Bend loader shown in my sig photos adds 1200 lbs to the 1700 lbs my tractor should weigh according to its spec sheet. The center of gravity for this weight is at or in front of the front axle. (before adding the 900 lbs of rear ballast needed to offset it).

This loader shows 20+ years of heavy use. The tractor doesn't show any consequential damage; its steering, wheel bearings, and axle-center pivot are tight and no frame damage.

I don't think any reasonable weight on the front of a YM1700 is going to hurt anything.

Soundguy · May 23, 2004

I put about 180# on the front of mine so I could use my 30" dirt scoop to full potential.

An ORC is always a good bit of insurance on non-live/independent pto tractors.

Soundguy

Dingbat · May 23, 2004

Thanks for asking this because I was looking for an excuse to thank the folks here (esp Soundguy) for their counsel in the purchase and initial operations of my 1700. Have almost 30 hours on it now and what a jewell. Pulls a 5' box blade, 5' finish mower and a 24" scoop with no problems at all. My bride is amazed at how agile it is mowing around her plants. I'm going to add Soundguys front weight system sometime...have got used to her lifting a little /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif when I have a heavy load on the back so I've learned what to do and not do. Based on my experience, you're going to love the 1700 and enjoy that startup hammering and then smooth diesel hum as it works and works and works. I paid 2400 for mine (no implements) but it was one of the first ones the fellow here started selling. I see that he's raised the prices now. Like someone said, "reconditioned" is an undefined word. Mine looks brand new and the only problem I've had was a defective ignition switch which the folks here diagnosed. I have no idea as to what was "conditioned". Good luch ... you'll get a lot great counsel here. Steve

sirgknight · May 23, 2004

I really appreciate the input and, believe me, I am taking all of this in for everything it's worth. I've already learned from Soundguy that the 1700 has a standard 1 3/8 6 spline PTO and I discovered that Agri-Supply (MSI) has the overrun clutches for $45. Not a bad investment. I have also decided to begin using my tractor with about 150# weight on the front. This should prevent me from getting into "bad habits" or from taking unnecessary "risks", not to mention that it will probably add to the performance of THE MACHINE. I'll be able to do what I feel comfortable with and should be able to stay within safer guidelines. One can't put too much emphasis on SAFETY. Usually good performance goes hand in hand. Again, Steve and Soundguy, Thanks! I'm certain I'll be making many more posts with questions and requests for info. Peace be with you.........!

jimstractors · May 24, 2004

I had a 1500 2wd that I used with a box scraper. With no front weights on it, if I really tried, I could start off and ride a 15 foot wheelie! Neighbors got a kick out of it...
Front weights put an end to that, and made it more useful.