Ym 4x4 durable?

porkchop401 · Jun 24, 2009

Howdy fellas , I am considering a yanmar greymarket tractor , my question is are the 4x systems reliable and durable ? I have had 2wd tractors in the past but think 4x4 would handy for plowing and dirt work but I just dont want somthing that is will stay broken. Also does any body run a finish mow on a 4x4 tractor with ag tires and how does it do as for as cutting the ground?
Also what is the main diference in the Fx series and the ym series tractors ? I have had ym 2000 that was a good tractor but I see the f/fx series that look like good tractors as well. thanks

kenmac · Jun 24, 2009

Don't know about the others. But, my 3110D has had no issues

grassroots2323 · Jun 24, 2009

1300D 4wd is almost bullet proof.

lragan · Jun 24, 2009

If I understand correctly, the F series tractors are newer models (relatively) but since there are fewer of them they sometimes are more difficult to get parts for. I have a 4wd F20D that is a horse. Takes a lot more abuse than I should dish out but just keeps on working. Normal maintenance is strongly suggested and the better you take care of it, the better it will serve you. I run a Koyker 120 front end loader, Rhino bush hog, and a box blade that takes care of all that I need. Most of the use is with the fel and moving dirt, large rocks, logs and root balls on my Ozark 10 acres. I consider it the best investment I made when I bought my property. I try and make sure I deal with the larger parts supply companies (Hoye, LMTC, Fredricks Equipment, etc.) that are UTDA companies.

frankmako · Jun 25, 2009

I got a YM1601D and never had any problems with the 4X4. I have use it on the farm doing work in areas that my big tractor is to big to get into. I also pull a five foot finishing mower with it to cut my yard. It has the rice tires on it. I don't cut the yard when it is wet. Other time the rice tires don't hurt the yard.

Gary Fowler · Jun 26, 2009

I have a 4220D with R1 tires. It will dig up the grass when it is in 4 WD if you try to turn sharp. THe 4WD limits your turn radius by several feet as the outside tires have to spin when in 4WD and not when in 2 wd. I try to keep mine in 2 WD as much as possible when mowing pastures unless I am moving thru muddy areas or creeks etc. I would not consider ever getting a 2 WD tractor after having this 4 WD, especially with a FEL.

Ron D. · Jun 26, 2009

The 4wd systems are really tough. I also would not consider a 2wd after having 4wd.

The best advice when purchasing a grey market tractor, do it through a reputable dealer. Don't get sold on a new paint job and the words "reconditioned" unless you're dealing with a reputable grey market dealer. Two that I'm aware of, either through personal experience or through reading threads on this site, are Stan Hoye at StansTractors.com and LMTC (Little Miami Tractor Company). Talk to them. They will give you advice on which tractor fits your needs and which have good aftermarket support. This is critical and will be the most important thing you can do because otherwise you can wind up with something you can't get parts for.

I think both dealers I've mentioned are members of UTDA (Used Tractor Dealers Assoc). Their tractors will be sold with the proper upgrades for safety.

Good luck, and be sure and let us know what you do.

LMTC · Jun 26, 2009

Stan is not a member of UTDA. He was invited to the organizational meeting in '06, as were most dealers we knew about in this market, but did not come and has never joined. I can't speak for him, but feedback I've had from other dealers who declined to join is that the safety equipment raises the cost too much for them to be competitive. My response is that I don't know of a UTDA dealer who has gone out of business yet due to the increased cost. UTDA goes beyond the safety equipment too, although that was/is our main focus. It is (to the best of my knowledge) the first effort in the gray market to try to provide parts & service assurance to the buyer. It is a network of dealers who have agreed to the following "All Sales and Service Dealers agree to provide parts and service, to the best of their capability, for any UTDA certified tractor brought to them that was last sold by a UTDA member."

ritchieb · Jun 26, 2009

Yes, the YM's are very durable. I purchased my 1610D back in '07 from LMTC (UTDA tractor and dealer) Little Miami Trading Company - Compact Tractors and it has never let me down.

This unit has cleaned up after flash flooding hit my friends property in sandy mud up to the axles. It mows and keeps up with my thirty-three acres of very steep property here in WV, granted I have to mow a lot of it straight up and down the hills for safety. It cleans snow from a 1400 foot long steep driveway in the winter. I use it to skid trees about 16" in diameter to my area where I split logs for firewood and many other things along the way.

Wish I would have had it a long time ago, I think it is going to be as tough as a Gravely walk behind!