Yanmar ym187D. What to look for?

[arnoldziffel]

Having digested all your posts on this matter I don't think you should buy either Yanmar. I think pricing on both you have listed is on the high side. Just my opinion.

Winston1 you may be correct.

Perhaps I've been seduced by the looks and idea of a small vintage tractor and it is clouding my good judgement.

 

[California]

While this is a desirable model, I wouldn't pay nearly that much for one without a loader. The loader (and 4x4) are what make these small tractors so broadly useful.

I think you mentioned your objective is mowing only, and I see you have a couple of larger tractors. Maybe a zero-turn dedicated mower at similar cost would best meet your needs.

On other other hand ...

Perhaps I've been seduced by the looks and idea of a small vintage tractor and it is clouding my good judgement.

I think we all feel that way about our Yanmars. There is nothing else anywhere near their quality in this price range. If you simply admire good engineering and apparently can afford several tractors - Just Do It. Heck I have three Yanmars for no particular reason, when I could get by with one.

 

[arnoldziffel]

While this is a desirable model, I wouldn't pay nearly that much for one without a loader. The loader (and 4x4) are what make these small tractors so broadly useful.

I think you mentioned your objective is mowing only, and I see you have a couple of larger tractors. Maybe a zero-turn dedicated mower at similar cost would best meet your needs.

On other other hand ...

I think we all feel that way about our Yanmars. There is nothing else anywhere near their quality in this price range. If you simply admire good engineering and apparently can afford several tractors - Just Do It. Heck I have three Yanmars for no particular reason, when I could get by with one.

I'm starting to justify this purchase from a "collector tractor" standpoint. Dangerous territory for me. I've collected a fleet of large Wheel Horse tractors based, in part, upon the concept of "saving" them from some unjust fate.

I need to stay focused on my mowing needs.

But......

 

[Yanmartyr]

On other other hand ...

I think we all feel that way about our Yanmars. There is nothing else anywhere near their quality in this price range. If you simply admire good engineering and apparently can afford several tractors - Just Do It. Heck I have three Yanmars for no particular reason, when I could get by with one.

I concur with California, These older Yammies are built rock solid and built to last. Great Japanese engineering in a small but potent package to say the least. I too have the Yanmar addiction, first a 155D (which was all I really needed), next a 1401D in which I added a FEL, and now I just purchased a 2420D with a FEL from Fredricks...still awaiting its arrival...I need help...please, someone stop me!

 

[California]

Can't help you bro.

If you don't mind - can you give a rough idea of the cost for shipping that clear across the country? I wish Fredricks had dealers out here.

 

[Yanmartyr]

Can't help you bro.

If you don't mind - can you give a rough idea of the cost for shipping that clear across the country? I wish Fredricks had dealers out here.

Of course you can't help me, you're inflected with the same addiction!

$hipping...not cheap. I used R&L Carriers basically because I have an account with them and have always had good luck with them AND I wanted it shipped in a box trailer rather than on a flatbed trailer. $1,195.30 from Fredricks to San Diego.

"Wish Fredricks had a dealer out here"...I concur brother. They sure were awesome folks to deal with in all aspects of my purchase, I would recommend them to anyone looking for a 'top to bottom' quality rebuilt Yammie.:thumbsup:

 

[California]

These older Yammies are built rock solid and built to last. Great Japanese engineering in a small but potent package to say the least. I too have the Yanmar addiction, first a 155D (which was all I really needed), next a 1401D in which I added a FEL, and now I just purchased a 2420D with a FEL from Fredricks...I need help...please, someone stop me!

I love mine. I intend to make the YM186D with loader my primary tractor --- however --- the first YM186D is already set up for watering, so today I spent all day on that one. (130 new trees to water).

I routed 12V to a back outlet for the water pump, and installed brackets to carry the watering wand. The saddlebags carry drinking water and pruning tools.

Photos taken last year: Photo 1 Photo 2

 

[Yanmartyr]

I love mine. I intend to make the YM186D with loader my primary tractor --- however --- the first YM186D is already set up for watering, so today I spent all day on that one. (130 new trees to water).

I routed 12V to a back outlet for the water pump, and installed brackets to carry the watering wand. The saddlebags carry drinking water and pruning tools.

Nice set-up there California, but I thought it was against Sonoma code to grow anything other than grapes! You must be a rebel.



Photos taken last year: Photo 1 Photo 2

I would recommend one of these little workhorses to anyone looking for a reliable, tough as nails tractors. I have had zero issues with my 155d & 1401D, although I am very **** when it comes to maintaining them correctly. I believe ARNOLDZIFFEL would be very happy with the 187D if it has been maintained by it's previous owners.

 

[California]

Nice set-up there California, but I thought it was against Sonoma code to grow anything other than grapes! You must be a rebel.

Who, me? Not a rebel, just 'self-directed'.

This Gravenstein (heirloom apple) orchard is mostly a pretty place to be retired. I could contract it to a vineyard corporation - and then be fenced out of my own land. Most of the neighbors in the vicinity did this and moved elsewhere. I think their descendents regret the loss.

Example of a winter project. I would rather tinker like this as I get older.

 

[Yanmartyr]

Who, me? Not a rebel, just 'self-directed'.

This Gravenstein (heirloom apple) orchard is mostly a pretty place to be retired. I could contract it to a vineyard corporation - and then be fenced out of my own land. Most of the neighbors in the vicinity did this and moved elsewhere. I think their descendents regret the loss.

Example of a winter project. I would rather tinker like this as I get older.

Well, you've succeeded in making me jealous. I'd love to get out of this rat race down here and move up to northern Ca. where life's a little slower and the weather a lot cooler.

 

[California]

Apples are also grown in Julian - an hour northeast of you. Maybe look around up there?

 

[Beauly]

I love mine. I intend to make the YM186D with loader my primary tractor --- however --- the first YM186D is already set up for watering, so today I spent all day on that one. (130 new trees to water).

I routed 12V to a back outlet for the water pump, and installed brackets to carry the watering wand. The saddlebags carry drinking water and pruning tools.

Photos taken last year: Photo 1 Photo 2

love the images, especially the first one, thanks for sharing. That's some land you have there, and also look at those trees in teh back. They are old? Wow!

 

[kenmac]

"Wish Fredricks had a dealer out here"...I concur brother. They sure were awesome folks to deal with in all aspects of my purchase, I would recommend them to anyone looking for a 'top to bottom' quality rebuilt Yammie.:thumbsup:

WOW ! A yanmar from the heart of Dixie all the way to Cal. I guess that's says a lot for Fredricks !!:thumbsup: They have good people there:thumbsup:

 

[Yanmartyr]

WOW ! A yanmar from the heart of Dixie all the way to Cal. I guess that's says a lot for Fredricks !!:thumbsup: They have good people there:thumbsup:

I honestly don't remember the last time that I've been treated so well. Every part of my transaction with Fredricks was a true pleasure, answering each and every question quickly, honestly and accurately. Over the years I've read nothing but great comments about them on the 3 tractor forums that I frequent, that being said, is the only reason I purchased my 2420D from them over the internet without physically checking the machine out in person. My first e-mail reply came from Tom Fredricks, the owner, from then on I only dealt with Bobby Sharp, their 'Operations Manager', not some sells man that tried to push every implement in the store on me. Kudos to Tom Fredricks for running a first class operation.:thumbsup:

 

[Yanmartyr]

Apples are also grown in Julian - an hour northeast of you. Maybe look around up there?

Unfortunately, Julian has become nothing but a tourist trap which is what I want to get away from. I'm born and raised in San Diego and it's just too populated for me anymore. I need 400 acres and pitch my 'tent' directly in the center! I've always said that I want enough property that if I wanted to go out and mow my lawn naked I could (although I wouldn't because I burn too easily) but you get the gist.

 

[kenmac]

I honestly don't remember the last time that I've been treated so well. Every part of my transaction with Fredricks was a true pleasure, answering each and every question quickly, honestly and accurately. Over the years I've read nothing but great comments about them on the 3 tractor forums that I frequent, that being said, is the only reason I purchased my 2420D from them over the internet without physically checking the machine out in person. My first e-mail reply came from Tom Fredricks, the owner, from then on I only dealt with Bobby Sharp, their 'Operations Manager', not some sells man that tried to push every implement in the store on me. Kudos to Tom Fredricks for running a first class operation.:thumbsup:

I bought from Tom Himself not too long after he started importing yanamrs. When I bought, he told me if I ever wanted a loader that, he would give me $500.00 off. Well 6 yrs ? later, I returned and wanted a loader. Tom wasn't at the yanmar place, he also now owns a large Mahindra dealership just up the road. But, the guy that I talked (I didn't know him) I don't think , wanted to give me $500.00 off the loader 6 yrs ?later so, he called Tom. Tom told him that the $500.00 off was still good ! When I bought. Tom also sold Chinese tractors. He bought some back from unhappy customers an stopped selling the Chinese tractors. I'm glad he's located in Alabama... just an hour or so up the road from me. O' the other than a seal or 2 the only thing that happened was the original tach broke while under warranty. They sent me a brand new tach for replacement. I know others that have bought Mahindra tractors from them, and they all say they treated well !