Yanmar F145 ...any info at all? Looking to buy...

[canucklehead]

I am looking at Yanmar F145. Only info I can find is that they were made from 1983-1987, 14HP at rear pto, 2 & 4wd.

This unit has 587 hours. I was told 3 numbers in model number generally means USA tractor, not grey market. Owner tells me there is some english writing, plus japanese writing, so I'm wondering if it's grey market.

Finding info from dealers is almost impossible, and they're disinterested. Yanmar USA hasn't returned messages. Several dealers have said Yanmar is hard to deal with, slow to respond, and difficult to get parts. All these seem like warning bells.

BUT...they are well built, good quality. JD has been using their engines forever. This unit is a gear jammer (not hydrostatic), diesel, 4WD, 587 hours is quite low. It may go many years before needing anything. Cost is about $2000 (trading for a car). No attachments, no bucket, just a 3 point hitch. Seller says 19HP, dealer said more like 17HP if the rear pto is 14HP.

A low hour 4wd diesel is hard to find this cheap. Does anyone have any info? Suggestions? if it is grey market, how do you go about getting parts? Not expecting to have to do much...hoping it will be reliable and only need maintenance.

thanks for your feedback.

 

[Eyecatcher]

Check with Howe Tractor. they're gray mkt yanmar experts

 

[canucklehead]

where are they located? thanks for the info too!

 

[canucklehead]

I went to Hoye Tractor and they have a fantastic website and great staff, very helpful. They have a "tractors to avoid" link. The three digit F series fall in there and I think this sounds too risky for me. It could run perfect for a long time, but the moment something happens, it might become a paper weight. I was only going to use it as a brush cutter, and can find other ways to accomplish same job. I think a pass is in order.