What Do I Look For In A Yanmar Tractor?
There are several things to look for when buying a Yanmar tractor.
Before you even take a look at a single tractor you need to find out what models you need to steer clear of. There are many tractors being sold as Yanmar tractors that are not Yanmars at all. Most are Korean tractors that have Yanmar decals on them. Stay away from YM350, F455, YM150, and several others. There are also very rare Yanmar tractors that are hard to get parts for like the YM2200 (getting better), YM2700 (getting better), YM1110, YM273, and YM177. Check out links section for message boards that you can check to find the best models to get. Overall, except for the listed models, most have excellent parts availability that is only getting better because of the huge numbers of the tractors coming into the US (about 60,000 of each model!).
Find your price range and know what the tractor is going to cost here
One option that a lot of people tend to think they need is power steering. Most Yanmar models, however, do not have power steering as an option. The reason is that the way the front axles are set up on the Yanmars there is really not a big need for power steering. The non power steering is really fairly easy. If you have a full load of dirt in a loader it can be tough to steer when you are at a dead stop BUT you really should never steer from a stop anyway (it is hard on the steering, axles, tie rods, etc... just like a car). Once you get moving it gets really easy again. If you can find a tractor with power steering- great! Then you have the problem of getting parts for that steering unit. Since power steering models are very rare- parts are hard to get and there are really no user serviceable parts in that power steering box (compared to the fairly simple standard Yanmar tractor steering box rebuild). It is actually a fairly complex system with intricate valves, seals, & orings to wear out. Just something to think about.
After you have looked through the models to avoid and have chosen a tractor to look at- look at the overall condition of the tractor. A tractor that has been abused or not maintained properly should be avoided. Be sure that the tractor that you are looking at doesn't have leaking seals around the axles. Some seals on these tractors are extremely difficult to get to and will be costly to repair.
Look at the engine compartment for signs of abuse or previous repairs. A tractor with signs of prior repair is not necessarily bad as long as the work was done by a competent mechanic.
If shopping for a four wheel drive compact tractor, be sure that the front wheels are actually engaging. Find a hill or washout and take some time to see if the front wheels engage. Make sure that the three point system will raise and lower a load. Most compact tractors, even if there is a serious problem will raise the arms without a load on them so you should try standing on them and raise them or hook up to an implement of some kind. Do the same with the PTO. If a tractor has a serious problem in the PTO system, like a burned clutch, it will still turn without a load on it. Hook up to a mower or tiller and be sure that it still works. Most imported compact tractors have multiple speed PTOs so be sure that all of the speeds work.
The small diesel engines on the compact tractors are clattery by nature. This is not necessarily a problem. Let the engine warm up and it should get a little quieter. Diesel engines will smoke when first started or under a heavy load. This is not usually a problem either. If your tractor smokes for a long period of time after starting it, or the smoke smells like burned oil, there might be something more serious wrong with it.
Your tractor should have two brake pedals (field brakes) to help turning. Be sure that both brakes work properly. Check to see if the charging system is working. The battery or alternator light should (on most models) come on when the key is on and the engine is not running. If the light does not come on or never goes off you need to check the charging system with a volt meter to ensure it is charging 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
Inspect the overall tractor. If the tractor seems to be in good shape and none of the things listed above are wrong with it; chances are that it will last a very long time. Most Yanmar tractors can last over 6,000 hours before major service is needed. The average user will never put that many hours on one. If you have any questions about purchasing an imported compact tractor, please send us an email to parts@hoyetractor.com
Find more information like this in our new booklet here.
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