YM2020D with v2 loader - Should I buy?

Scotty Dive · Mar 15, 2011

Looking for some pro's and con's to help me make up my mind here. I had decided that I would not buy a VN refurbed tractor.....but....

In my area a 2020D came up. It is an officer in the military who bought it from TX in 2007. Has used it to snow plow and brush hog. Estimates he put on 150 or so hours since he had it shipped from TX in 2007. He is now being reassigned and he has to sell it.

With the v2 loader and the 2007 paint job its a sure VN recon - the only thing he ever replaced was a exhaust manifold due to rain going down the stack - he fixed that and added a exhaust flapper.

So...does the 150 hours tell me that it was probably a decent refurbed and if an issue was going to crop up it would have?

The V2 loader - its just metal, hoses and cylinders - do we know if these are crazy threads or pretty normal fittings for replacement?

Tell me like it is folks!

winston1 · Mar 15, 2011

Having been there and heart aches by the dozen qualifies me to speak. I would think the 150 hours would be a good test. If you look it over carefully, no leaks, no smoke, no unusual noises, good looking fluids, drives out good, blah blah blah, then it should be OK. Any of these 30 year old Yanmars can have problems. My tractor has the China made Bulldog loader and I have used it extensively with no problems at all. It uses npt and jic hoses. VN loaders could be different, I don't know. Look at the hoses on it, wouldn't doubt they have English nomenclature on them.

Car Doc · Mar 15, 2011

Any small 4wd tractor with a loader will be handier than pockets on a shirt you wont be sorry I don't think anyway jmho . hth

careyo63 · Mar 15, 2011

150 Hrs. is agood thing IMO. A VN was most probably was set on Zero. With a loader if something was going to fail it would have most likey done it by now.

Carey

Scotty Dive · Mar 15, 2011

Asking the owner to confirm hours that he used it and what the hour meter says. Also asked to see if he has his original sales receipt.

I sent an email out to VN1 tractor who told me the hoses and fittings are common hydraulic shop parts but was told they stock the cylinders which makes me believe those are not standard.

Still seeking opinions on what you folks think... I am on the fence

Car Doc · Mar 15, 2011

One thing comes to my mind is maybe if you have an idea what you plan on using the tractor for and have the attachments like tilling whatever the guy would let you give it a try for a couple hours its worth a shot all he can say is no?

If its big enough for the work you need to do etc and runs well and all that since its handy Id probably buy it especially if the price is right.

The alternative is obviously driving to who knows where to look at something that you probably cant get dirty beforehand assuming you can demo this unit or like some of us who bought basically sight unseen and trucked them in?

(imo since its a powershift and 3 cyl and 4wd a loader and power steering whats not to like about it! )

careyo63 · Mar 15, 2011

There is a VN-1 20 miles from me and from my dealings with them on parts etc. are as low as they get. The receptionist was the only one who could hardly even speak english. Never could get a return call on typical maint parts. It's hard to say all VN dealers are bad but they STINK. IMO which may match them on here 1 on a scale to 10. So bad I drove to Fredricks in AL. From the other side of Atl. to get the parts to repair my YM2000. And Guess who called getting parts while I was there Yeap!!!! :confused2: Not all that bad though. I picked up my Tiller while I was there.

Carey

winston1 · Mar 15, 2011

As far as metric or inch hydraulic cylinders I don't see much difference. Both are pretty common and I think repair parts are available for either.

California · Mar 15, 2011

150 hours? That first owner was the person who rolled the dice, absorbed the risk that it might be junk.

I would say after 150 hours / 3+ years this tractor is now proven to be in average condition and therefor nothing to worry about.

The VN Yanmars aren't all bad. They are just random. You are lucky someone else tested it for you.

I would buy it.