Yanmar dealer support experience?

[Nitrobay]

I'm considering a Yanmar YT359C tractor purchase. I'm curious to get feedback from the Yanmar owners on this forum to learn about your Yanmar dealer support experience. Especially any experience from the Shepardsville or Elizabethtown, KY Yanmar dealers. But any general Yanmar dealer support experiences, positive or negative, would be greatly appreciated.

 

[normanb]

I cant say enough good things about my dealer in Oregon which is Ag West.

 

[Blue14]

I have had great support from my Yanmar Dealer, Smiths Farm Equipment in Newport Pa. My Yanmar YT359C is the best tractor I have ever owned.

 

[Nitrobay]

I've seen nothing but good comments from owners on the tractor but I have seen little information on dealer support. Not sure if that's a testament to the reliability of the tractor.

It is a big concern for a new buyer. Hope to hear more from actual Yanmar owners about dealer service and support!

 

[Blue14]

I've seen nothing but good comments from owners on the tractor but I have seen little information on dealer support. Not sure if that's a testament to the reliability of the tractor.

It is a big concern for a new buyer. Hope to hear more from actual Yanmar owners about dealer service and support!

See post #2 and #3 above ( Actual Yanmar Owners)

 

[raybender]

I have had good experiences. The sales and service people are knowledgeable, but admit when they need to get input from Yanmar headquarters, which comes quickly. The local dealer appears to be well trained and supported.

 

[TSO]

Those look like great machines... My biggest concern would be brand/model longevity as it pertains to support. Obviously I don't have all the sales numbers, but as nice of a machine as it is, there doesn't seem to be many of them out there (yet). I'm just saying that hopefully Yanmar continues to have success selling them, continues to build them, and continues to support them for a long time.

 

[Nitrobay]

TSO,

My exact concern. The machine seems more than reliable and has a proven track record overseas. It also has incorporated some technology in the transmission that appeals to FEL users and anyone who generally appreciates efficiency.

I realize there can be quality control issues that were missed during assembly and need dealer support. I'm not too concerned about that type of short term support. I suspect alot of local, non Yanmar dealers would be unwilling or ill trained to service a Yanmar if Yanmar is unable to establish a profitable sales base in the US long term.

Yanmar is certainly committed to the US with their GA facility. I suppose in the worse case scenario I could have the tractor serviced by my local High School Ag class or the nearest Technical Trade School.

I do think Yamnar is on it's way to a solid market share and will be a long term competitor or they would not have risk the amount of coin they have invested in the US.

Let's be honest, if you have gray hair and have been around long enough to remember, this same discussion and concern was taking place with Kubota. Now look where they are!

As long as positive dealer support is occurring, I am willing to support the Yanmar brand with their long standing reliability in nearly every tractor brand sold in the US.

 

[TnAndy]

Those look like great machines... My biggest concern would be brand/model longevity as it pertains to support.

I bought a 220D in 1984 from a local dealer. Not long after, they folded up and were gone.....Had to drive to Hendersonville, NC to get parts until they too were gone.

Bought my current one from strong local New Holland/Case dealer (been there multiple generations of owners). Couple years later, they dropped the Yanmar line, so again, I'm stuck driving an couple hours to the nearest dealer.

Like the tractors, but unlikely I'd look at them in the future (assuming I even could without quite a drive)

 

[TSO]

I bought a 220D in 1984 from a local dealer. Not long after, they folded up and were gone.....Had to drive to Hendersonville, NC to get parts until they too were gone.

Bought my current one from strong local New Holland/Case dealer (been there multiple generations of owners). Couple years later, they dropped the Yanmar line, so again, I'm stuck driving an couple hours to the nearest dealer.

Like the tractors, but unlikely I'd look at them in the future (assuming I even could without quite a drive)

Yes exactly. I don't have anything against these machines, I think they look to be very well put together, with good quality and features. I don't see any reason why they couldn't hold their own against any other tractor in the market. The problem is, this market seems pretty flooded with so many manufacturers. Obviously you have the old names that have solid market share (Massey, Deere, Kubota, New Holland, Case...) but then the "new kids" like LS, Kioti, Mahindra, even TYM/Branson to a lesser extent... Have also taken a decent chunk of market share. I just worry that with all those players in the market it will be difficult for Yanmar to continue existing with the new machines and still be profitable to the point of having staying power.

 

[Tractorable]

Compact tractors for Yanmar is a very small portion of their overall business line though. They’re huge in the marine and construction industries so I don’t see Yanmar ever disappearing from the North American market as a company. However, their compact tractor line is fairly limited when compared to some of the other manufacturers so I could see individual dealers dropping them to try other brands.

Personally, I’d like to see Yanmar produce a ~40ish horsepower model with a frame size in between the YT2 and YT3 series because it’s a big jump in both size a power to go from a YT235 to a YT347. Something with about a 70in wheelbase would be about perfect.

 

[TnAndy]

Yes exactly. I don't have anything against these machines, I think they look to be very well put together, with good quality and features. I don't see any reason why they couldn't hold their own against any other tractor in the market. The problem is, this market seems pretty flooded with so many manufacturers. Obviously you have the old names that have solid market share (Massey, Deere, Kubota, New Holland, Case...) but then the "new kids" like LS, Kioti, Mahindra, even TYM/Branson to a lesser extent... Have also taken a decent chunk of market share. I just worry that with all those players in the market it will be difficult for Yanmar to continue existing with the new machines and still be profitable to the point of having staying power.

I like my 2011 41hp Yanmar for the most part. There are some things they could have improved, I've shared them in this forum in the past....stuff I've had to correct or re-design....but most of it was Mickey Mouse stuff...the tractor itself seems solid. My 84 model 220D was a little hoss....I did stuff with it that was not meant to be done with that small a tractor, and for the most part, it kept taking it.

The New Holland 1925 "Boomer" tractor I bought after it was because it was 33hp and big enough for a FEL.....but the tractor itself was crap....just too lightweight for the kind of abuse I give one. I now understand the difference between hobby tractors and real work tractors

The decision Yanmar made in the 80's was they were going to quit marketing them under their own brand after they cut a deal with John Deere to make their small tractors (the 650-950 JD are Yanmar with green paint for the most part). Then they made a deal with Cub Cadet, and made Cub tractors for a few years in the mid-late 2000's. My 2011 is the first year they went back to putting Yanmar on them but the paint scheme is still Cub yellow and black. Within a year or so, they went solid Yanmar, with the red paint and different model numbers.

Seems like the company just can't make up it's mind WHAT the heck they want to do in the way of a long term marketing plan. It's like every time the wind blows a different way, they follow the breeze....and that is just no way to build a long term customer base in my opinion.

IF I buy another tractor (not too likely given my age), I'll go with an M series Kubota or a true ag model New Holland.

 

[Kiwibru]

I have had great support from my dealer from the first week of ownership! I backed out of the shop after getting the tractor home and doing some service work. Forgot to raise the door high enough to clear the rear of the cab. SMASH! Took out the plastic cover to the cab air filter. Gawd was I hard on myself. I called my dealer, they checked with GA plant, no luck, but factory ordered the part direct from Japan. Took a week.
Boy was that a surprise. Never a problem getting filters either although they are a bit expensive but I have found a few cross-over brands to help reduce cost.
I bet the more of these units that get out there will be a big win for Yanmar in the long run.

 

[Tonyinohio]

Love my 424. 310+ hours no issues since April 2015 purchase. Haven't needed any service and all PM's are by me.

 

[Katahdin]

I've had my Yanmar LX4500 HST for about 6 years now. The HST LX models were the first CUTs to be fully branded as a Yanmar America product, under the current USA operations.

One of the things I like about my dealer is they serviced trucks and other equipment before becoming a tractor dealer, so they have the mechanical experience and ability and will work on any tractor brand or model. They currently sell both Massey Ferguson and Yanmar tractors and equipment.

The dealer is about 100 miles away, so its not convenient for me to go there, but I pass through the area once or twice a year and pick up parts, fluids, and filters as needed. If they don't have something in stock they'll ship it to me. One of the larger items they've sent me is the full rear hydraulic remote kit. Things I've purchased that I broke were a rear lift arm stabilizer and the PTO guard. I've also purchased an extra foot step to mount on the right-side of the operator seat.

I was a bit naive in thinking I would never have a warranty repair, even the co-owner told me you'll never have a warranty issue, but at about 425 hours my three point hitch stopped lifting after a hydraulic fluid and filter change. A screen that was supposed to protect the 3-point lift valve got loose and jammed the valve open. It was a bit of a labor intensive job to get to the screen and valve, but I dropped the tractor off on a Saturday and it was ready to pick up on the following Saturday.

So all in all, from getting parts to service, I've had a pretty good experience with my dealer.

 

[Ffphil]

I have the same tractor and has been great for us. Use AG West in Oregon and Live 3 hours away in Washington, great service.

 

[Mauser12]

I have only had to have warranty work done once. The dealer where I purchased the Yanmar is mostly and Agricultural tractor dealer and the yanmar brand is a second option so I was a little concerned. I expected the guy with the 100+ HP tractor that he earned his living with to be moved to the front of the repair line. I had that experience at another dealer. However, my tractor was in a bay and being worked on before I left. They had to order a part but I still had it back in five days. I left feeling life a valued customer and no someone that created an issue for them.

 

[Mauser12]

Yes exactly. I don't have anything against these machines, I think they look to be very well put together, with good quality and features. I don't see any reason why they couldn't hold their own against any other tractor in the market. The problem is, this market seems pretty flooded with so many manufacturers. Obviously you have the old names that have solid market share (Massey, Deere, Kubota, New Holland, Case...) but then the "new kids" like LS, Kioti, Mahindra, even TYM/Branson to a lesser extent... Have also taken a decent chunk of market share. I just worry that with all those players in the market it will be difficult for Yanmar to continue existing with the new machines and still be profitable to the point of having staying power.

Yes, but Yanmar engines and in some cases powertrains are used in some of the old and several of the "new kids" tractors you mention. They are not a new maker and are well establishing in many parts of the world. They are simply establishing their name brand here while continuing to supply other makers.

 

[TnAndy]

Yes, but Yanmar engines and in some cases powertrains are used in some of the old and several of the "new kids" tractors you mention. They are not a new maker and are well establishing in many parts of the world. They are simply establishing their name brand here while continuing to supply other makers.

You're correct....Yanmar diesels are in lots of other equipment, used on small boats, generators, etc.

But as for establishing a name brand, they gave it a go in the 80's when I bought my first tractor......then disappeared from the market under their own name....still making some of the small John Deere tractors for about 20 yrs....then cut a deal with Cub Cadet for a few years.....my 2011 is still Cub yellow/black, but apparently the first year it had Yanmar back on it....then year/two later going back to the traditional Yanmar Red. It's like they can't make up their mind whether to stick with the program or not.

I Like the tractor for the most part, but the company is a bit bi-polar.

 

[Mauser12]

So far the local Yanmar dealer has been great. However, they are limited by Yanmar's poor parts distribution. The parts have had to come from Japan each time I needed them. In today's world that should not be a real issue but Yanmar seems to put them on boats. Two plus weeks has been the norm for parts delivery to the dealership. That coupled with the apparent need for the regional Yanmar representative to get involved before major warranty work begins really slows the repair process. It is difficult to blame the dealership when they are required to play the waiting game too.