YM or F?

[rlee6]

I am looking for my first tractor. For the same HP, is Fxx better than YMxxxx, or vice versa? Are parts availability and serviceability much different? Specifically, I am comparing FX24D to YM24xxD (and FX22D to YM22xxD). Thanks.

 

[kenmac]

I think it has been stated in the past ,that there are more parts out there for the ym's than the f of fx models.

 

[mark777]

I don't see how you can loose regarding your choice.

The YM's been around a long time and parts are readily available. The F series are newer, more features and probably be around plenty long enough so when they DO eventually need parts, those will be available too.

Either way, shop for a good, well maintained and low hour unit.

Most routine service and maintenance parts are available now....from dealers or cross referenced at good auto parts stores.

Mark

 

[rlee6]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Either way, shop for a good, well maintained and low hour unit. Mark )</font>
What is considered low hour for these models? Less than 1000 hours?
Thanks.

 

[buppy69]

You'll like the synchronized transmission on the F's along with independent parking brake and the fact that you can turn off the engine with the key.

Eugene

 

[kayssupply]

One of the smoothest running , best starting tractors I ever had was showing 1100hrs when I got it.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Mine had 1024 hrs on it whan I bought it from Ernie. No regrets from either the dealer or model.

 

[EFC]

rlee6, are you tall? If so the FX22 can be cramped. The YM series bigger than YM20xx are plenty roomy no matter how tall you are. With the longer wheelbase the YM series is nicer for ground leveling. If you need to get around in tight quarters the FX is more maneuverable.
What is the #1 duty you want your tractor to perform and then what is #2.

Buck

 

[rlee6]

Thanks for the answers.

I am 5-7, 160 lbs.
Honestly speaking, I don't know what will be #1 duty. I have never owned a tractor before and don't know what to expect.

I don't think tight maneuvering will be important. I will definitely be doing some ground leveling. I have cleared about an acre with a rental loader. I need to plow and level it for planting trees. I plan to increase the size of my tree farm about an acre a year for next 5 or 6 years. Once I buy a tractor, I am sure it will find other ways to serve me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

PS: Second thought. Tight maneuvering may be important. Trees will be planted ~15 feet apart in rows and columns. Is this tight for tractors?

 

[Tractors4u]

If you are planning on putting a loader on the tractor, go for the FX. Here's why, the shuttle shifter is on the right side fender and when you are using the loader and changing directions alot, that shifter being in close proximity to the FEL joystick is nice.

 

[rlee6]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If you are planning on putting a loader on the tractor, go for the FX. Here's why, the shuttle shifter is on the right side fender and when you are using the loader and changing directions alot, that shifter being in close proximity to the FEL joystick is nice. )</font>To be honest, I don't quite understand how the shifter being close to FEL joystick can be advantageous, because I have never run a tractor before. But I vaguely remember from running a rental loader that I operated root rake joystick and gear shifter with my right hand while left hand was on the steering wheel. Is this correct? Do YM22xx and YM24xx have the levers farther apart?

Thanks.

 

[Tractors4u]

I'm jut saying that the shifter is closer to the FEL controls and it is handier. Not that the others are inferior in any way.

 

[normde2001]

"The F series are newer, more features and probably be around plenty long enough so when they DO eventually need parts, those will be available too."


Is someone making aftermarket parts, gears, etc., for the "F" series tractors? Otherwise where are the parts going to come from?

 

[waynokakid]

I have heard rumours of someone starting to manufacture gears. But that is all so far. Mostly have to find a parts tractor for them. Other things such as filters and maintance parts can be found rather easily. I would guestimate it won't be long before parts come readily available for the "F" series. Not as many of those have made it to our shores yet. It is difficult to find gears and such, even off a parts tractor.

 

[ym2610]

To answer your question about the shifter, yes they are futher apart, my 2610 shifter is between my legs on top of the transmission, and to shift it I have to lean over some, not bad but if the FX is by your right hand, I can see were that would be avantage, go check out both before you buy. but this is just my 10 cents worth. Robert

 

[PAB_OH]

I don't own a tractor yet but I have gone through the same process more-or-less as you have and I'm getting ready to buy a tractor next week. It happens it is not a Yanmar, though that is what I thought I wanted for a long time.

Anyway, take this for what it is, an opinion from someone who has only done research. I would opt for the FX. Having the shuttle shift will be a huge bonus for FEL from what I understand (the 10 and 20 series YM's have it too though). Also the open deck design is really nice in my opinion. There is nothing wrong with the standard config but I think the open deck is nicer.

Good luck with whatever you decide to go with. If it's a Yanamar I've heard you won't be sorry.

 

[LMTC]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I would guestimate it won't be long before parts come readily available for the "F" series. )</font>

First let me say this post is not directed at you...it's directed at the topic. The point you make an all-too-often made point that is based on wishful thinking. What "causes" parts to "become readily available"? Nothing. Parts do not "become" anything. Someone, some business entity, undertakes the design and manufacture of a part, or line of parts, and then there are parts available on the market. Businesses do this to make a profit. That means they have to expect to sell enough to cover the design, start-up, and production costs AND get a good return on the capital invested, all in a reasonable time frame.

It is very expensive to set up the manufacture of a given part. Start up costs are labor & design intensive. There has got to be reasonable assurance of a profit, and that is dependent, among other things, on the size of your market. To my knowledge there is only one business currently having any significant amount of aftermarket parts made for Yanmars, and those parts are for YM models (unless by chance they also fit Fs) because of the number out there. I have some knowledge of the costs involved in the development of some of these parts, and they are in some cases staggering. There are plenty of YMs left in Japan. Until there are a large enough number of Fs in this country to justify the HUGE investment to get parts made, it is not going to happen. Dealers who sell Fs and maintain good parts resource for their customers get most of those parts from Japan.

They all tend to be good tractors, and there are seldom breakdowns, but it is going to be a long time, if ever, before F and FX parts are as available as YM parts.

 

[HGM]

When I was looking I had the oportunity to put my butt in both models. I felt more comfortable in the YM, it seemed like a more traditional tractor feel to me(if there is such a thing). If you have the chance, I definitly recomend driving both. The YM is a little more difficult to get on and off untill you get a system down, but again, it seems like I have more leg room and dont feel quite as cramped(though I'm a little larger frame than you are)..The FX might be a little more ergonomic,but see what works for you. I dont see why anyone wouldnt let you test drive them before buying one..