Yanmar FX 17D ???

[gbirky]

My documentation indicates 1983 as the first year for the F series with the following models:
F13, F14, F15, and F16 (and 4x4 models of same)

In 1984 the following were available in addition to those above:
F17, F18, F20, F22, F24
FX16, FX17, FX18, FX20, FX22, FX24, FX26, FX28, FX32, FX42 (and 4x4 models of same)

In 1987, the FX17 was replaced by the FX175. So it looks like this tractor was built sometime within the 1984-1986 window. The FX17D weighs in at 1005kg, or roughly 2200 lb.

One of the things I noticed about the F series other than its completely different look, is a redsigned front axle. I believe some of the outter castings may be aluminum.

 

[Tractors4u]

All of the grey markets are nice, depending on the model some have more bells and whistles than others. I like the Yanmars and the knowledge depth and parts supply of the Yanmars make me give them the nod. I had a few Hinomotos and loved them. The 2304 with a suspension seat was one of my favorite tractors. After seeing a couple of torn up gears in the front axle from doing loader work, I kind of got away from them. I don't think you would have any problems with an F or FX series Yanmar. Greg is on the money with his list of years the F and FX's were built.

 

[fivestring]

<font color="red">"What would be your recommendation as far as name brand when buying a grey market tractor? Yanmar seems to me to be the standard in the grey market tractors."
</font>

Yanmar and Iseki seem to be the two greys with the best rep. I own an Iseki but I have a friend that has a Yanmar. Both are great machines. Hinnomoto and Shibaura also make good tractors, but the parts might be a little harder to find.
Check out www.nctractor.com . www.hoyetractor.com . There are other sites, do a search on Iseki, Yanmar, Hinnomoto or Shibaura.
Ken Sweet handles them also, I believe.
Good luck. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif