Yanmar or Bota?

teach · Mar 4, 2005

Yanmar or Bota?
#597841 - 03/04/05 03:39 PM Edit Reply Quote

I have a dilema. I currently own (I have had since last July) a 1983, Kubota B7100 manual shift, 16hsp, 4x4, 2000 hours, in good shape, runs great. I use the following implements; york rake, scraper blade, rear dirt scoop, forks (carry-all), 42" brushhog, rear tire chains, and I have, but have never hooked up, a front mounted snowblower (the scraper blade did just fine, even in the "Blizzard of '05"). BUT I don't have a loader or trailer! I found a dealer in Mass., about 2+ hours from where I am in RI, who has a loader for my tractor which will run me about $2,400 installed. BUT he also has a Yanmar, 186(?), 4wd, loader, 18 hsp, 1000 hours, a 9" posthole digger, and trailer for $7,500. I have 6 acres, largely wooded that I am working on clearing out, an upcoming landscaping project this spring (moving/spreading loam, moving stone for wall and a walkway), a 300' steep driveway to plow, and occationally use my tractor to skid trees out of the woods for firewood on some other property that I maintain. I have a Bota' dealer just up the road, but I don't know about a Yanmar dealer/mechanic, nor do I know much about Yanmars. Do I just buy the loader for Bota' or...do I buy the Yanmar?
HELP!
Teach

mark777 · Mar 4, 2005

If I were adding a tractor to my property, and could afford the two, then I would strongly suggest buying the Yanmar. They are quite durable and the worst one I have ever owned was just good.

But, already having the Kubota and knowing it's strengths and weaknesses, then I would seriously consider adding the loader, especially since it is four wheel drive. You can usually shop and find a good trailer fairly reasonable.

Good luck, Mark

Whiskey · Mar 4, 2005

Teach:

I have to agree, keep the bota and get a loader for it.

arthr31 · Mar 4, 2005

teach:
I'm up the road from you, I'm about 20mi north (maybe) of woonsockett, ri. I know of a couple of places which migh be yanmar friendly.

But, anyway. if you own the kubota and can afford the yanmar, i'd say get the yanmar and see how if fits your needs. it 's an easy resell in our area if it doesn't work out. And, I'd dbl check, but i think the 186 is closer to 20HP. if you need to power and flexibility, the yanmar is good. I own 2 yanmars, they are good tractors. good luck.

Whiskey · Mar 4, 2005

Arthr31:

Nope The YM186 is 18 hp

my responce came off as kind of snobbish...wasn't ment to be

teach · Mar 4, 2005

Arthr,
Thanks for the input. I know it probably depends on the condition of the Yanmar, but do you think it will be an easy resell at $7000ish? I guess I'm saying that I don't really know what the Yanmar is worth. It is an early 1980' model I believe and like I said 1000 hours, loader, auger, trailer, 18hsp. I do know that Kubotas sell like hot cakes and that I could resell mine for at least what I paid for it last July (I have only put maybe 100 hours on it). If I get the Yanmar at all, I will buy it first and then sell mine privately rather than trying to trade it in. Thanks again, everyone for the advice!
teach

arthr31 · Mar 5, 2005

teach,
in our area it is hard to come by diesel tractors for that $$ amount... but, i tried selling one of my yanmars last fall (for 6500.00) and only got 3 calls, and they were more curiosity calls than buyer calls.... everyone knows kubota, and there's a few dealers in the New England area for them, so people play safe and go with the name they know... But, there are the occassional yanmars out there (have you checked the WantAD?)

teach · Mar 6, 2005

arthr
Thanks for the info. I've decided (actually the Mrs. did) to just wait a little longer and make due for now with my little loaderless bota.
teach