Yanmar Prices

Anonymous Poster · Aug 27, 2002

After spending a week looking for a YM1820D or larger up to a YM2220D, I have found that there is a few dealers selling them for a few thousand dollars less than others. At least that is what is advertised on the web sites. These are with loaders and tillers. They seem to range from $5K to $9K for what I think is basically the same tractor, excluding year. Does anyone have any thoughts on this, other than marketing 101?
I "need" to buy now,

Thank you,
Mitch

Calpyro · Aug 27, 2002

Mitch,
Tractors do vary a bit in price. The variations seem to be part competition, or lack of it, and quality. Some dealers unload the tractors from a container, mount the wheels and put them up for sale. These are sometimes you lowest price units and may appear cheaper at first, until you add up all of the costs of repairs that you may need to do.
Some dealers, like many of the one that frequent this site are very good about ironing all of the little details and making all of the necessary repairs. These tractors are generally a little more expensive, but may be the best value in the end.
If you live in an area that has several importers, you may be able to find the best deals. An example is the Pacific North West. Two years ago it was one of the most expensive areas to purchase a grey market tractor. Now there are several good dealers to choose from and some of the best prices anywhere.
If you do a bit of shopping I am sure that you will find a good tractor that fits your price and willingness to wrench on it.
One bit of warning, there are sharks out there that will tell you everything you want to hear to get your money. If anybody paints their tractor green and yellow and states it is a John Deere, don't believe it!
Hope it helps,
Cameron

normde2001 · Aug 27, 2002

Except for getting a general idea of pricing for a given model, I wouldn't put too much faith in website tractors. You have to visually inspect those $5K and $9K tractors to see which is the better deal. Check all around for oil seal leaks, hard to fix, condition of tires, expensive, personally I would steer clear of new paint jobs, they are never as good as original paint, and why did it need painting? I would much rather touch-up a factory job. Check all fluids for contaminates. I prefer that they have not been changed so I can see whats in there, oil in water, water in oil. And, most importantly, it's almost mandatory that you be pretty handy with a wrench, and a pretty good trouble-shooter or you probably shouldn't get a "gray" tractor in the first place. Probably the most important thing is to run it as much as possible before purchase. Forward/reverse in every speed and range, check all hydraulic lifts. Try all bells and whistles for functionality. after purchase, I would check/change all fluids/filters, and check all over for loose bolts, there is usually rust where it should not be.

jimstractors · Aug 27, 2002

I can sell the same tractor for $700-$1000 more in Northern Calif than I get in So. CA. It's based sometimes on supply and demand, or location. I sold 5 in the last two months to another dealer up north that adds that or more to my selling price, and sells them like crazy.
I usually don't paint the tractors. Like the two posts above, I think its best to see the original condition. I personally change the oil, coolant, front axle oil, filters, etc. My loader guy changes the hyd. fluid. I invite my customers to try it out and move some dirt in my arena. Usually axle oil leaks and the like will manifest themselves soon after working the tractor, so I try to put an hour or so on each one.
Jim
Jimstractors@hotmail.com

EFC · Aug 27, 2002

One thing is true, price has very little to do with the product for sale. Tractors are like stocks, at some point in there existence somebody is selling them for their actual cash value. Expensive doesn’t necessarily denote better quality and inexpensive doesn’t necessarily mean worse. Find somebody that you are comfortable with and you can talk to. If you feel tense or uncomfortable during the sale imagine what the atmosphere will be like trying to get him to live up to his warranty.