YM or FX for first tractor?

[nvfw39n]

Hello.

I am from Europe. I have two wheel tractor Yanmar that is from the same era as YM series. I will be looking soon for four wheel tractor. I have driven only one for short time, bigger and older, not japanese.
I basically decided on two models, YM2420D or FX24D. From what I understand, both machines are with similar features - power steering, power shift, 4WD. YM are simpler machines, more rare, and I think here parts a more difficult to find. FX are more comfortable to drive, but strangely no liners on the engine and maybe some electronics.
As these are old machines, I am concerned with repairs - price, time, availability of parts and ability to do it myself. I already have big difficulties with some parts for the two wheel tractor that are not manufactured anymore. I have no experience repairing engines or transmissions and everything I do, I have to do it alone and learn what I need. I prefer everything to be simple and mechanical, with comfortable controls. Very simple electronics are okay. I am not considering newer models, because of more complicated electronics and I would like the engine to be indirect injection.

Is it a big concern that the newer engines do not have liners? I guess much more expensive repair when it needs it? I am probably missing many small, but important things. What would you advice me?

Thanks.

 

[bmaverick]

Go with the FX24D, better parts supply.
The FX24D was a flagship in the early F/FX series.
The Yanmar 3TN84 is the flagship engine too.

The YM2420D is a good model, but fewer made.

FX24D

This model did come with an optional mounted toolbox that sits here,

 

[bmaverick]

Is it a big concern that the newer engines do not have liners?

It depends on how you plan to work the machine.

To extend the life of any of the non-liner engines, and even for the liner engines,

---
Here is a general list we need to pay attention to,

- Do not let the engine idle below 1200rpms for longer than 10mins max at a time. And the time is with 20mins between.
- Do use 10W30 summer and 5W30 winter for engine oil. Hot summers use SAE straight 30W.
Do not use the heavy thicker 15W40 as it holds the heat longer in the engine. Yanmar makes engines to JIS standards, not SAE. So the cooling oil passages are narrower in metric.
- Do keep the air intake filter clean.
A clogged filter makes the engine work harder and heat builds up within the engine.
- Do keep the radiator and the screen clean.
- Do check the coolant. Do not use extended life coolants in these vintage machines.
- Do start the tractor slightly above idle.
- Do not race the engine from slow to fast and fast to slow.
- Do slow the engine speed down gradually, idle for 15 seconds then turn the engine off.

Some of these tips are from Deere, some are in the Yanmar USA bulletins and some came from the Yanmar JP website before 2018.
---

What I learned to extend the engine life and for fuel savings, run the PTO attachments less than the maximum rated 540rpms. Just because the mower or tiller or whatever can run at the maximum speed doesn't mean the job/task needs it.

Example, I have a sandy-ish soil. With the PTO mower, I set the PTO setting in 2. Then I knock down the rpms to be about 480. I can mow very well with the YM2610 in the PowerShift 3-3 or 4-2 without changing anything else. This saves on engine wear and with fuel.

 

[nvfw39n]

Thank you for the advice, especially the PTO things! I have a lot to learn.
I will read more about FX24D. The manual I found says the engine is 3TNB84UA. I guess there are many versions of 3TN84.

 

[bmaverick]

Thank you for the advice, especially the PTO things! I have a lot to learn.
I will read more about FX24D. The manual I found says the engine is 3TNB84UA. I guess there are many versions of 3TN84.

The FX24D has glow plugs vs the YM2420D using a thermo-start.
Pros/Cons to each. Both work very well.

The YM2420D has the 3T84H engine, much like the YM2310D.
The engine shares many parts with the domestic Yanmar 3-digit machines.

The FX24D is newer by 10 years. The open cabin space offers more leg room and for larger people.

Here is the electrical schematic for the FX24D.

 

[nvfw39n]

Thank you for the electrical schematic!
I also see now, basically FX has smaller front hood, everything is crammed around the engine, but better room for the driver.
I found a japanese article about FX24D that says it was called "God machine" in other countries. Probably not that good, haha. It says it is in the middle of being simple, mechanical and also with good technology. But it also says some repairs are very expensive.
The only thing that annoys me is that the exhaust is almost in front of the driver, limiting vision. Gonna think about that when I buy one.

 

[bmaverick]

Thank you for the electrical schematic!
I also see now, basically FX has smaller front hood, everything is crammed around the engine, but better room for the driver.
I found a japanese article about FX24D that says it was called "God machine" in other countries. Probably not that good, haha. It says it is in the middle of being simple, mechanical and also with good technology. But it also says some repairs are very expensive.
The only thing that annoys me is that the exhaust is almost in front of the driver, limiting vision. Gonna think about that when I buy one.

Well, you could pick the YM2420D then. Much simpler, has the old school fuel pump, this allows to run on nearly anything either blended with diesel or as a straight oil. In any event if fuel becomes harder to find or too pricey, blending it would extend the usefulness overall.

The 3T84 engine is often found in the larger Yanmar domestic YM models. Parts are still good to obtain for less. The FX24 does have a few electrical boards. If those go, it is expensive or you would then need to wire in different controls and mount them.

Pros / Cons to either.

 

[California]

Well, you could pick the YM2420D then. Much simpler, has the old school fuel pump, this allows to run on nearly anything either blended with diesel or as a straight oil. In any event if fuel becomes harder to find or too pricey, blending it would extend the usefulness overall.

Is this the case with all/most YMs, that they can run on oil or anything similar? Paint thinner + 2-cycle oil? Olive oil?

Recycled motor oil may make a return if things ever get critical. When I was a kid there were cans of cheap 'reprocessed' motor oil at Grand Auto. For the folks who were down a quart each time they bought gas.

 

[nvfw39n]

I am considering vegetable oil in worst case. FX series is also indirect injection. I know that is better for when you want to run anything else than diesel. Is the new pump that much more complicated?

I also found that FX26D has four cylinder engine 4TNA78. Is it worth getting it, or it will just be more expensive to repair?

As for the electrics, I know it has a few sensors, but from my two wheel tractor I am used to checking everything manually, even the fuel. If something happens to electrics and it cannot be repaired, I will just get some chinese board and wire everything myself or run without it. As long as the fuel pump and gearbox are not electric, I think things are okay.

 

[ponytug]

Personally, I would avoid motor oil as fuel due to the ash content. If you do decide to run straight vegetable oil, and I would not due to corrosion issues, I would recommend adding a small diesel tank, so you can start it on diesel, run on oil and then let it idle down on diesel before shutting off. Vegetable oil is great for gumming up pumps and injectors.

Just because an engine can run on something other than diesel, doesn't mean it should, or will last on the alternative. Hydrotreated biodiesel is probably better than Dino diesel for engines. Just my opinion.

All the best, Peter

 

[rScotty]

I'd go with the YM. Parts are available for both, but the YM is so simple and durable that if it runs good when you get it, you may never need any specialied parts.

 

[California]

I'd go with the YM. Parts are available for both, but the YM is so simple and durable that if it runs good when you get it, you may never need any specialized parts.

I'll second that.

I have two YM's, built about 1980. I've owned them since 2003 and 2010. Neither has ever seen a professional mechanic or needed anything but ordinary maintenance.

I have great respect for the continued excellent quality of these YM's.

That said, mine were sold new here when Yanmar had US dealers. A Yanmar imported after a 'rebuild' in VN (with no access to genuine parts) might be more variable.

 

[careyo63]

2008 All Org. YM2000 Which was purchased from a Fredricks supplied dealer. Laterally looked as if it just rolled off a boat. What a deal! A refurbished ym2500 from the same dealer later also. Retired Catholic priest property I maintained. How well do I know of Yanmar ? My mother was the kids bus driver and there when the accident happened. Aunt court Secretary! Father Dealer rep. Ford. True......... I still own and use the YM2000 to the day. They sure like little boys in Oh. that's for sure to!

 

[etpm]

I can only talk about my experience with a YM Machine. Several years ago I bought a YM2310 that had sat outside for two years without being started. After figuring out that the starter problem was a corroded negative battery cable to frame connection the thing started right up. I mean right up. I turned the ignition switch to the start position, the engine cranked for a second or two and the tractor was running. I was really surprised. I think it's been 4 years since I bought the tractor and it has been a true workhorse. It has a front end loader, an aftermarket item, which I believe is essential for any tractor in this size range. No matter which tractor you get it must have a front end loader. They are a huge labor saver. Anyway, my tractor is a 1980 or 1981 vintage machine and it has been basically trouble free. It is now 45 years or so old and still starts right up and runs great. Mine is only 2wd so I don't have any experience with the 4wd version. But I am really impressed with my 45 year old tractor because it is so reliable.
Eric

 

[nvfw39n]

I know how well made are old japanese machines, but things eventually wear. I am pretty sure my two wheel tractor is 48 years old. It worked perfectly even when the cooling was full of dirt and corrosion. However, the chain tensioners and oil seals are starting to need replacement. A lot of the oil seals are non standard and some are not available in Japan or anywhere. Almost impossible to make them myself, unless I start making molds haha. I expect that with four wheel tractors it will be similar, but with triple the number of parts and complexity.

The strange thing is, some people from my country, apparently even Yanmar representative (if true) telling me to get Kubota, because they have more parts. Kind of do not want to change brands

Anyway, thank you for sharing your experience. I will see what is available in the local dealers and ask for possible delivery of specific model.

Front end loader is something that I will think about later and it seems that powershift will be good for it.

 

[California]

Just one comment - search for a tractor that already has a loader.

Finding a used loader in usable condition, delivering, and installing it for an old tractor is near impossible.

And finding a tractor with a loader will be less expensive compared to adding a new or used loader.

Good luck in your search!

 

[pycoed]

Re: front end loader. They are undoubtedly very useful when you need one on the tractor, but on the rest of the time they are a real nuisance, especially on a small tractor which presumably is to be used in tight spaces. Again on such a small tractor they really add to the risk of rolling over especially when in use by a new user.

I do have a full size tractor (or what was ONCE a full size tractor – they are ridiculously big these days) – a Zetor 7045 which is fine for lifting, but I specifically bought my Yanmar 1820 to use around my house & garden, where the Zetor would be too big. It’s quite easy to make something to lift builder’s bags of logs etc to go on the Yanmar 3 point & you still have a small manoeuvrable machine with no extra 3 ft of bucket to catch on gateposts, downpipes, the wife’s favourite shrub etc etc sticking out in front.

To sum up – don’t pass up a good deal just because it doesn’t have a loader.

 

[careyo63]

My 63 ford has my FEL. and almost through with it. Damaged body parts and paint to finish it. Has the Wagner 4 so it has the correct era FEL.. Never really considered adding one to my YM2000. Being 2wd the front is just not built for it. 4wd. is much better built to handle it. Profile Pic. is my half front yard. And more in the back! The YM front wheel bearings have worn out a couple times!! The bearing fell out last time. The new replacements are a sealed bearings and not the old school wheel bearings you grease to serv. them. So far no problems. Axel seals on the Rear started leaking. Pressed on collar to. Royal PITA. to get the collar off! INKY either!! Many Hrs. on it and I'm fixing to roll the tach. again!! 012 when I purchased it and around 940 now. 99.% Fm and 1% BB.. A lot of grass trust me!

 

[ponytug]

My 63 ford has my FEL. and almost through with it. Damaged body parts and paint to finish it. Has the Wagner 4 so it has the correct era FEL.. Never really considered adding one to my YM2000. Being 2wd the front is just not built for it. 4wd. is much better built to handle it. Profile Pic. is my half front yard. And more in the back! The YM front wheel bearings have worn out a couple times!! The bearing fell out last time. The new replacements are a sealed bearings and not the old school wheel bearings you grease to serv. them. So far no problems. Axel seals on the Rear started leaking. Pressed on collar to. Royal PITA. to get the collar off! INKY either!! Many Hrs. on it and I'm fixing to roll the tach. again!! 012 when I purchased it and around 940 now. 99.% Fm and 1% BB.. That a lot of grass trust me!

"INKY"? I'm sorry but I'm not following. (Also "1%BB"?)

Just trying to follow your interesting posts.

All the best, Peter

 

[careyo63]

"INKY"? I'm sorry but I'm not following. (Also "1%BB"?)

Just trying to follow your interesting posts.

All the best, Peter

I use a FM 99% of the time "Finishing mower" My lawn mower Basically and a big one. It can handle a Box Blade 4' to!! Anything else?