Just about ready to choose

[Alpocat]

It's been a few weeks since I've posted, but I'm getting much closer to getting my first tractor.

I've narrowed my choices down to either a YM-1610D or YM-1810D with or without a FEL. First question is.....How much difference is there between these two tractors? I'm not necessarily talking specs, I know the 1810 is slightly larger with more HP. I'm talking more along the lines of longevity and workabilty. Is one of these tractors just "a better tractor" for some reason? I think I remember reading that the 1610's engine isn't sleeved. Is this a big deal?

Second question (well, I guess third)....If I don't get the FEL will I regret it? I know this is probably hard for ya'll to answer not knowing the potential uses of my tractor, but do these tractors simply work better with the extra weight up front? How often do you small acreage landowners use the FEL?

I'll be using the tractor around home and my heavily wooded 2 acres, but I have some hunting property in middle Georgia that I'll be using it on as well.

I've already crossed one hurdle in the fact that I found a trailer; the best kind, BORROWED. My brother sold his Bobcat several months back and I just found out he didn't sell the trailer. He gave me the ok to borrow his 7x20 trailer anytime I needed it. :thumbsup: and it's just 5 miles away. I'm sure it'll come back to bite me though when it's time to plant "his" food plot but hey, that's just more tractor time, right?

 

[blackd]

Can't say much re: the 16 Vs 18, but on the FEL, GET IT!!!! You won't know how much good it brings until you have one. Also, get one that goes on and off very easily. On a small tractor the weight and extension on the front can be problematic for the many times it is not needed.

My own history. I built my own FEL for my original FX24D. I would run that tractor with the bucket off, leaving the arms on. When I replaced the tractor, MF GC2400, I definitely got a FEL. This FEL takes ~5-10 minutes to put on and off.

 

[/pine]

...I'm talking more along the lines of longevity and workabilty...

My question to you is...if this is your main concern...why are you not looking at Kubotas ?

 

[California]

What makes you think a Kubota would last longer than a Yanmar - in his application and price category?

 

[MJPetersen]

The 1610 is the more popular and therefore will probably have a better parts supply. I do not have a FEL, but I wish that I did. If you can do! And make it the quick removable kind. :thumbsup:

Mike

 

[winston1]

I second or third a loader is nice and also second or third get one that is easy on/off. mines stays off more than on. Loaders can be in the way when mowing or whatever in tight locations.

 

[Alpocat]

Thanks for the responses so far guys. Please keep the comments coming. I think not having to purchase a trailer has freed up some of the FEL funds.

I'm assuming a Koyker 80 loader is easy to remove?

 

[6thgpSF]

I've got a 1610d and love the heck out of it.got a koyker80fel on it.I used to take it off but pretty much leave it on,it's like having a powered wheelbarrow ,I got some forks for it which makes it even more versatile.I really don't know how I did it before my yanmar.make sure you get 4wd if you get a loader. russ

 

[MarkV]

For sure get the FEL on that size tractor. If you were talking a tillage tractor, big HP, then maybe not. For a compact it is the best accessory you can have. If you can think of 10 things it would be handy for you will find a 100 within the first year.

MarkV

 

[montehill]

i have a 1610D with FEL. I would STRONGLY suggest you get the FEL. I had no idea how useful they are until I had a chance to use one. Now, I would not have a tractor without one! My 1610D has been a great tractor! Be sure to get the 4WD on the tractor you buy.

 

[rScotty]

Between the two tractors go for the one in best condition. They are that close. The smaller and lighter the tractor the more it needs 4wd. Either has ample power.

On the FEL. Definitely get it. Do NOT think you will add it later. Save your back now. That is the implement that these compact tractors were born to use. You won't believe how much you will use the FEL. Get a cheap heavy box blade or angle blade for the back. It's mostly for a counterweight anyway. For pulling it, too small is better than too big. Wire some wire baskets to the top of the blade for carrying tools or extra weight.
good luck, rScotty

 

[/pine]

What makes you think a Kubota would last longer than a Yanmar...

I shopped for a used tractor for three years...I researched by watching CL and e-bay...as well as every other online resource...

I also traveled a great deal looking at used machines...almost every Yanmar that I looked at or read about that was over a few years old had been rebuilt or "refurbished"...not the case with Kubota...

 

[California]

Did you include John Deeres in your comparison? Those would better represent Yanmar-built machines that have aged here in the US alongside the US Kubotas.

It sounds like what you encountered was the Yanmars sold used in Japan, then run to death In Vietnam, and then repainted and shipped over here. While there are a lot of them out there they hardly represent what to expect from a Yanmar (or Deere) that has been in the US since new. (Or one shipped straight from Japan).

If you found a Deere or US Yanmar at the same price as a Kubota I think you would find all three brands are comparable, excellent, quality. Don't let that one market segment, VN 'rebuilts', represent all Yanmars.

 

[scoops]

Plan to spend more $$$ on the kubota. It really comes down to each his own.
Same as the old days of comparing ford, to chevy, to mopar.

Both are great long lasting tractors, provided you maintain them and not abuse them. That is the key.
Timely fluid changes, clean fuel, filter changes, and these diesels will run a very long time

 

[/pine]

It sounds like what you encountered was the Yanmars sold used in Japan, then run to death In Vietnam, and then repainted and shipped over here

I looked at both...actually I was not even interested in any tractor that had been rebuilt ot refurbished...regardless of where it was done...

As for Deere...I swore off so called "American Companies" that are branded on their historical laurels but produce products made in or from other countries... Milwalkee (sp) tools is the one that broke the camels back for me...20 years ago I spent extra $ to buy a Milwalkee sander (over a Makita) only to find out the Milwakee tool was made elsewhere...

I realize you can't hardly buy anything without buying foriegn parts or products anymore...

 

[LakeEffect]

I have an 1820D with the Koyker 80 and find it a very nice combo on my 50 acres. You'll want a 4ft bucket to cover your tire tracks with the 18s.

One thing you should consider is body size and personal comfort. I'm 6'2" tall and 210lbs and the 1820D is a tight fit; about as small a tractor as I'd want to spend much time on, especially in winter with big boots on.

 

[winston1]

/pine, what year model is your Kubota? I believe most any 30 year old tractor that has had normal use is going to be approaching a little re-ring, etc. 30 year old tractors can not be expected to be as a new one without a little help. I'm sure there are some out there that had an easy life and truly have low hours, but I don't think it is the norm. At least that is my opinion.

 

[ninefinger]

I looked at both...actually I was not even interested in any tractor that had been rebuilt ot refurbished...regardless of where it was done...

I just look at it in a different light. If I need a starter or water pump or etc, for my truck, rebuilt is fine with me, I am not concerned that the core(housing) was bolted to something else before. As for the internals such as the armature the shafts have to be within certain specs to be rewound. Take the sheet metal off a tractor and you have a motor block, transmission and axel housing, a core in my eyes, ready for new bearings, sleeves, seals, etc.
Just MHO.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Whichever one you get, get a FEL!:thumbsup:

 

[Tvern13]

I have 2 acres and I own a 1610D with a FEL. I have owned it for a little over a year now and it has been perfect for my needs. As for the 1810 I've never looked at one but as you say only difference is a little larger size and 2 more HP at the PTO. That's something you'll have to judge as I see it as a toss up. I think either would do well so as the other poster said I would look at which one is in better condition. As to the other question definitely get the FEL. I never have taken mine off and use it all the time. You won't find a more useful implement.