YT359

[Oldoak]

Drove the YT359C today. There's a lot going on with buttons levers and knobs. Think once you got used to all that it would be nice.

That's for sure. I looked long and hard at Yanmar's YT359 before ordering my new Kubota. What made my decision was the fact that I had no need for all the electronics and controls offered as standard on the YT359, so why pay for those things I really had no use for. However, I really liked the idea of their hydraulic mechanical transmission (i-HMT).

I do think the YT3 Series are great tractors, just not for me.

 

[eekbin]

Drove the YT359C today. There's a lot going on with buttons levers and knobs. Think once you got used to all that it would be nice.

I'm sometimes accused of over-thinking things, but what I did before purchasing the YT359C was to make a spreadsheet with the pros and cons of each tractor I was interested in or looked at. There are a lot of good tractors out there. Each has its pros and cons and more importantly, each pro or con means something different and is given different weight based on how you will use the tractor and your personal preferences. I think spending the time to put this together is worthwhile because the more tractors you bring into the picture the more you get confused and forget specific pros/cons; this is a substantial purchase. It also forces you to give weights to your preferences! As part of that list, give good weight to the dealer reputation and how far away that dealer is.

Here are some of the thoughts that were going through my mind during the decision making, and some of the things that I really liked about the YT359C.

1) I've had a positive experience with all Yanmar equipment that I've been exposed to so far, especially the engines.

2) Yanmar is an integrated manufacturer like Kubota and makes all key components on the tractor and those components are designed specifically for this tractor.

3) I'm a John Deere fan and Yanmar has made a ton of the smaller JD compact tractor models for many many years, up until fairly recently. JD still purchases Yanmar engines for some tractors, including the comparable 4052R and 4066R models.

4) The cab is really thought out well and co-designed with the tractor. It looks integrated into the design and more aesthetically pleasing than others I looked at. The cab roof is painted metal, like a car roof instead of others which are plastic and more likely to fade and possibly crack. All the controls are in good locations, easy to access. However, I prefer the dual petal setup seen on most other Hydro tractors, which this tractor does not have. It took a little while, but I have gotten used to the reverser knob. The JD 4066R cab had a bit better visibility due to the wrap around window, but I do like having the small side windows that you can open up.

5) I like the simple cruise control setup..... and also the less simple but versatile A/B system that allows you individual control of the engine RPM and tractor speed, and the ability to switch between modes easily from a button on the joystick.

6) I like the IHMT. It is a smart design, with the transmission being essentially fluid-locked (no slippage) when you are at your working range. My previous tractor had a standard hydro, which I loved the control of, but it would heat up dramatically when doing heavy pulling. This tractor has no such problem, because at working speed the hydro is not pumping and heating up the fluid.

7) I like the gas filler location. Later, I found out that the tractor beeps when full....handy.

 

[Ffphil]

I'm sometimes accused of over-thinking things, but what I did before purchasing the YT359C was to make a spreadsheet with the pros and cons of each tractor I was interested in or looked at. There are a lot of good tractors out there. Each has its pros and cons and more importantly, each pro or con means something different and is given different weight based on how you will use the tractor and your personal preferences. I think spending the time to put this together is worthwhile because the more tractors you bring into the picture the more you get confused and forget specific pros/cons; this is a substantial purchase. It also forces you to give weights to your preferences! As part of that list, give good weight to the dealer reputation and how far away that dealer is.

Here are some of the thoughts that were going through my mind during the decision making, and some of the things that I really liked about the YT359C.

1) I've had a positive experience with all Yanmar equipment that I've been exposed to so far, especially the engines.

2) Yanmar is an integrated manufacturer like Kubota and makes all key components on the tractor and those components are designed specifically for this tractor.

3) I'm a John Deere fan and Yanmar has made a ton of the smaller JD compact tractor models for many many years, up until fairly recently. JD still purchases Yanmar engines for some tractors, including the comparable 4052R and 4066R models.

4) The cab is really thought out well and co-designed with the tractor. It looks integrated into the design and more aesthetically pleasing than others I looked at. The cab roof is painted metal, like a car roof instead of others which are plastic and more likely to fade and possibly crack. All the controls are in good locations, easy to access. However, I prefer the dual petal setup seen on most other Hydro tractors, which this tractor does not have. It took a little while, but I have gotten used to the reverser knob. The JD 4066R cab had a bit better visibility due to the wrap around window, but I do like having the small side windows that you can open up.

5) I like the simple cruise control setup..... and also the less simple but versatile A/B system that allows you individual control of the engine RPM and tractor speed, and the ability to switch between modes easily from a button on the joystick.

6) I like the IHMT. It is a smart design, with the transmission being essentially fluid-locked (no slippage) when you are at your working range. My previous tractor had a standard hydro, which I loved the control of, but it would heat up dramatically when doing heavy pulling. This tractor has no such problem, because at working speed the hydro is not pumping and heating up the fluid.

7) I like the gas filler location. Later, I found out that the tractor beeps when full....handy.

Eekbin,

Thank you for your thoughts. We are approaching this purchase the same way. We are looking at 4 now but 2 are rising to the top. I have a spread sheet with all weights and capabilities listed. I think the YT359 and the JD4044R will be the top two for just the same reasons you listed.

The JD is simple with the two pedal operation and we like the self leveling bucket. Although at only 43hp it still has all the lifting capacity of the YT359. JD has a larger hydraulic pump which may be the reason for this. I don't know if that is good or bad. We are thinking if we go JD we could probably get the 4052R, capacities are the same just more hp.

The YT359 is a bit more complicated, but with a little time behind the wheel I don't think that will matter. The go pedal off to the right is a concern for me. We do not spend hours in a field mowing. Mainly horse manure moving, road maintenance, hay moving and some field work. Thinking the JD pedals just easier for our use.

The big final straw will be the price. Right now JD4944R is $33k and the YT359 is at $29. Need to talk to JD and see how much for 4052R. And then beat both dealers amongst the head and shoulders a bit to see who really wants to sell a tractor.

 

[eekbin]

Eekbin,

Thank you for your thoughts. We are approaching this purchase the same way. We are looking at 4 now but 2 are rising to the top. I have a spread sheet with all weights and capabilities listed. I think the YT359 and the JD4044R will be the top two for just the same reasons you listed.

The JD is simple with the two pedal operation and we like the self leveling bucket. Although at only 43hp it still has all the lifting capacity of the YT359. JD has a larger hydraulic pump which may be the reason for this. I don't know if that is good or bad. We are thinking if we go JD we could probably get the 4052R, capacities are the same just more hp.

The YT359 is a bit more complicated, but with a little time behind the wheel I don't think that will matter. The go pedal off to the right is a concern for me. We do not spend hours in a field mowing. Mainly horse manure moving, road maintenance, hay moving and some field work. Thinking the JD pedals just easier for our use.

The big final straw will be the price. Right now JD4944R is $33k and the YT359 is at $29. Need to talk to JD and see how much for 4052R. And then beat both dealers amongst the head and shoulders a bit to see who really wants to sell a tractor.

Both are wonderful tractors and you will be happy with either I think. As mentioned, I prefer the dual pedal as well for controlling the hydro and frankly I'd advise Yanmar to consider converting over to this style if they want to maximize tractor sales, but I'll let them do that research. The throttle pedal to the right I had some misgivings about as well, but after using it for only a short while it has become a complete non-concern.

My previous tractor had a loader that was too fast, which made it touchy/jerky. This was one of the reasons for upgrading. I'm very happy with the capabilities and smooth operation of the loader. Spend time with both tractors playing around with the loaders to make sure you can easily get the position you want. Best of luck on the negotiations!

 

[sloeffle]

The JD is simple with the two pedal operation and we like the self leveling bucket. Although at only 43hp it still has all the lifting capacity of the YT359. JD has a larger hydraulic pump which may be the reason for this. I don't know if that is good or bad. We are thinking if we go JD we could probably get the 4052R, capacities are the same just more hp.

The big final straw will be the price. Right now JD4944R is $33k and the YT359 is at $29. Need to talk to JD and see how much for 4052R. And then beat both dealers amongst the head and shoulders a bit to see who really wants to sell a tractor.

I looked at a lot of machines myself too. The JD and Yanmar rose to the top of the heap in the list I had "in my head". My choices were between the 4044R and YT347 and ultimately ended up with the YT347 with a bunch of accessories thrown in by the dealer to sweeten up the deal. The Yanmar was 7k cheaper too. The pricing from my dealer was exactly the same as what you got for the 4044R and YT359. I'd expect the 4052R to be north of 35k if I had to guess. I crawled around both machines and what sold me on the Yanmar was how all of the hydraulic lines are tucked in next to the tractor or have a skid plate over them. The Yanmar is the only tractor I looked at that has a skid plate on the bottom. I plan on using the tractor in the woods so this is an important feature to me.

I too am a big fan of the twin touch setup on the JD and various other brands too. I have put about 7 hours of run time on my machine and it took a couple hours to get use to the iHMT. Once I got use to using the transmission using the lever to go from forward to reverse it seems like second nature. The A/B feature is pretty sweet too. You don't lose as much PTO HP with the iHMT too.

Good luck tractor shopping. I don't think you'll go wrong with either the JD or the Yanmar.

Edit: Forgot to add this. The Yanmar is the only tractor I looked at that has a maintenance minder system similar to what you have on your car. The JD might have this but I am not sure.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I was leery of the reverser - but I am sold and now prefer it over the two pedal setup. I really like the automatic throttle tied to it.

After owning a Deere - I can say that I DO NOT miss the plastic panels. They seemed great at first, but, at some point they started failing. And, then they would just shatter. YMMV.

 

[Ffphil]

Thanks so much everyone for your views. We test drove a Kioti 5510HC today. It's a nice tractor also. The operation is simple two pedal, one forward one reverse. The stance is narrower and shorter wheelbase with sitting taller then the YT359. This worries me with our terrain. It's not much but enough to make me think about it. Also went and redrove the YT. I think it is winning for now. Starting to haggle with the dealers for price and every option I can get them to through in. We just have to sit back and see who has the sharpest pencil with most to offer now

 

[Ffphil]

Here is another question. JD has a self leveling bucket option on their FEL. Is this an option for the YT bucket?

 

[raybender]

Eekbin,

Thank you for your thoughts. We are approaching this purchase the same way. We are looking at 4 now but 2 are rising to the top. I have a spread sheet with all weights and capabilities listed. I think the YT359 and the JD4044R will be the top two for just the same reasons you listed.

The JD is simple with the two pedal operation and we like the self leveling bucket. Although at only 43hp it still has all the lifting capacity of the YT359. JD has a larger hydraulic pump which may be the reason for this. I don't know if that is good or bad. We are thinking if we go JD we could probably get the 4052R, capacities are the same just more hp.

The YT359 is a bit more complicated, but with a little time behind the wheel I don't think that will matter. The go pedal off to the right is a concern for me. We do not spend hours in a field mowing. Mainly horse manure moving, road maintenance, hay moving and some field work. Thinking the JD pedals just easier for our use.

The big final straw will be the price. Right now JD4944R is $33k and the YT359 is at $29. Need to talk to JD and see how much for 4052R. And then beat both dealers amongst the head and shoulders a bit to see who really wants to sell a tractor.

My two finalists were the JD 4044R and YT359. I too thought the JD hydraulic pump capacity was a lot larger than the Yanmar. I did some research and it seems that they specify the capacity differently.
I am not 100% sure, but I think Yanmar specifies the capacity available to implements while JD specifies total capacity (some of which is used by the transmission). paMy recollection may not be accurate, but
I would ask a specific question of what capacity is available to the implements.

When it came to price: my JD dealer was $6k higher for the 4044R and $8K higher for a 4052R, but I was also going to get the rear 3PT controls and ePTO. I had briefly discussed the self-leveling bucket option on the 4044R, but the dealer talked me out of it. I cannot recall his reason, but given where the numbers were coming out, I was not looking to add cost.

When it came time to do the final negotiation, the JD dealer had these large placards of competing tractor models that he was going to use to emphasize JD's feature superiority. They had them ready with the Kubota card on top, but when I said I was looking at a Yanmar YT359, they did not have a Yanmar "card" to illustrate the comparison. When I remarked that the JD 4044R and 4052R used the same Yanmar model engine as the YT359, the transmission was likely more efficient and I could buy a lot of implements for $6K-$8K, he just said that Yanmar was not "half the tractor" of the JD, refused to budge on price. With that I called the Yanmar dealer and placed my order.

I do believe that the JD 4044R and 4052R tractors would have worked out well in my application, but as we were figuring out our options, my wife said "you know you can buy a lot of implements for $6K".
As always she was right.

 

[Tractorable]

"he just said that the Yanmar was not half the tractor of the JD"

LOL! Wow, that's some arrogance right there. Very odd considering that a lot of JD's best tractors are Yanmar's under their green paint. I wonder if that salesman even knew what he was selling?"