2 cyl. VS 3 cyl. engine

BruceR · Oct 22, 2006

vallyfarm said:
Trying to narrow my search down, I was wondering why some models have a 2 cyl engine, and another has a 3 cyl engine. It seems to have nothing to do with horsepower. Ae there any advantages to either engine, better fuel usage, better torque curve, etc. Also, how importaint is transmission choice? I plan on a lot of rototilling, but also some FEL work in the goat barn. Any hints would be great. Mike

Mike,
What size do you have in mind ? There is a 1300D with attachments in Upstate NY on Ebay.
eBay: YANMAR YM1300D 4X4 COMPACT DIESEL TRACTOR + ATTACHMENTS (item 140044517565 end time Oct-26-06 11:50:49 PDT)

Bruce

vallyfarm · Oct 22, 2006

BruceR, I'm thinking of a 1500 or larger. I need it for working strawberries, and other row crops and need to keep my rows to a 48" max spacing. Will need it to pull a 1 row transplanter too. A good chance I'd put a loader on it at some point for cleaning the goat barn and picking rocks,so the smaller the better, but I am 6'2" and around 220 lbs. so I think any smaller I wouldn't fit, nor would it be safe with the transplanter on it. Possibly could move up to around a 2210 size. Any hints or sugestions on this would be great. Also, I would rather spend more $ and go to a good dealer, than get someones crap heap. Thanks, Mike

BruceR · Oct 23, 2006

vallyfarm said:
but I am 6'2" and around 220 lbs.

I'm a little taller but a lttle lighter. You may want to try something larger than 1500, YM2000 is 48" if you don't reverse the rear wheels. With the YM2000, I'm not cramped for operating room but I find the best way to dismount is to swing my right leg over the steering wheel and exit left.

A good dealer is great to have, there are several on here. I wish I had one within a 3 hour drive. Just remember though, if you are not close enough to haul it back for service, your warranty is essentialy parts support.

Bruce

1danny · Oct 23, 2006

vallyfarm said:
BruceR, I'm thinking of a 1500 or larger. I need it for working strawberries, and other row crops and need to keep my rows to a 48" max spacing. Will need it to pull a 1 row transplanter too. A good chance I'd put a loader on it at some point for cleaning the goat barn and picking rocks,so the smaller the better, but I am 6'2" and around 220 lbs. so I think any smaller I wouldn't fit, nor would it be safe with the transplanter on it. Possibly could move up to around a 2210 size. Any hints or sugestions on this would be great. Also, I would rather spend more $ and go to a good dealer, than get someones crap heap. Thanks, Mike

Mike, you may want to look at a F or FX model, they will be easier to get on and off of. The price will be more for the F or FX.

Danny

greatrandini · Oct 23, 2006

I understand what ur saying but that 1300d and all the attachments does not look like cr** to me. It would be too small for me as my primary tractor but I would like to have it as a secondary unit... I am bigger then u and I have plenty of room on my 2210. It will tire out climbing on and off all day long though....

roxynoodle · Oct 23, 2006

I have a female friend who is 5'9" and over 200lbs. She doesn't fit on my 1510D. The steering wheel was pressed into her stomach. Being over 6' tall though gives you a different build. If you can't try them out in person, I would make sure you choose a good dealer who can give an appropriate recommendation based on your height and weight.

LMTC · Oct 23, 2006

roxynoodle said:
I have a female friend who is 5'9" and over 200lbs. She doesn't fit on my 1510D. The steering wheel was pressed into her stomach. Being over 6' tall though gives you a different build. If you can't try them out in person, I would make sure you choose a good dealer who can give an appropriate recommendation based on your height and weight.

Well said Audrey. As you know I am nowhere near petite myself, and one of the questions we always ask of shoppers who won't be on the lot is their height/weight. We explain the reason for asking first, but we do broach it. Not doing so would be unconscionable in my opinion...some units just physically won't fit some operators. I used a 1510 last spring, but it was not comfortable. A 1500 waits on someone else to get moved.....I don't even try to get on one any more.

roxynoodle · Oct 23, 2006

I might also add that my seat is all the way back. And to give you some perspective I am 5'4" and 134lbs and find it's a perfect fit for me. Might be a selling point though, Wayne, for any female buyers who come your way! 1510s are perfect tractors for small to medium sized women, lol!

I drove that Farmall H tonight that I'm thinking of buying for my spreader. Goodness, was that interesting! It is quite tall and that spring seat would take some getting used to. I also haven't figured out how to put it in first gear without bonking myself in the kneecap. It runs real good though and is super cheap ($500) so I need to think about it.

scrinch · Oct 23, 2006

Mike, I'm 6'3" and 240lbs. I fit fine in the seat of my F15D, and getting on/off is easy. As Danny suggested, if you want to stay with a smaller tractor, give the F/FX models a look.

California · Oct 23, 2006

roxynoodle said:
I drove that Farmall H tonight that I'm thinking of buying ... super cheap ($500) so I need to think about it.

Just do it. For that price, and from a neighbor who likely wouldn't sell you hidden damage, there's nothing to lose.

vallyfarm · Oct 23, 2006

Mike here again...I in no way meant to imply that the 1300 on E-bay was worn out, just that these smaller tractors seem to get beat pretty hard by us Americans. I spent quite a time in Korea in the mid '80s and saw how the farmers there take care of their equipment. I know too many people that think 4wd can do anything..if it can't pull that stump slow all I need is more speed and a running start,...Sure Billy go ahead, you and your friends can go play over by the swamp out back,...I use GOOD oil so I don't have to change it, just add more when it gets 2 qts low, etc. I would just feel alot better if I got one from a place that has a reputation for honesty, not someone who will never see me again. Speaking of which, LMTC, what are your views on what I would be looking at? I couldn't get it any sooner than springtime because I will be in for surgery on two herniated disks in my lower back very soon. Once again, I GREATLY appreciate all the help and input you guys are helping me with. I couldn't get this "hands on" info anywhere else. Thanks a million.....Mike

LMTC · Oct 23, 2006

Mike,
I'll be happy to "talk" tractor with you if you'd care to email or PM your email address or a phone number to me.

wayne

greatrandini · Oct 24, 2006

Rox $500 bucks for a working tractor? What is to think about? Sold!!!

Jagmandave · Oct 24, 2006

I'm 5'10 and about 195, I fit on my 1602D with no problem, but it's not easy getting on and off, I have to go thru some gymnastics to clear the ****er and the loader controls. Once on, I'm fine tho............

Joe1 · Oct 24, 2006

vallyfarm:

The 2 cyl is cheaper to build due to fewer moving parts. It will probably also have a heavier flywheel to smooth out the operation due to fewer firing impulses per minute and a "rocking couple" on a side by side twin. That may result in slower throttle response both when increasing and decreasing rpm which might delay (slightly) your ability to shift gears until the rpm has dropped. In a tractor, there is probably not much of a problem with these issues.

A 3 cyl will probably run smoother as already stated, and besides since "more is better" it's a marking assist.

But hey, what do I know.

roxynoodle · Oct 24, 2006

greatrandini said:
Rox $500 bucks for a working tractor? What is to think about? Sold!!!

Yeah, sold, I'm getting it. I'll be picking it up tomorrow since I have to teach my college class tonight. It does run great, no smoke (can you believe that on a 1950 tractor?), no water in oil, no cracks in engine or tranny block, oil pressure all the way up. It's an ugly beast but that's ok. What I will have to watch out for is my wanting to restore it at some point because then I'll think it's too pretty to pull the spreader and a third tractor will come here, etc. I could become like Soundguy!

LMTC · Oct 24, 2006

Heh-heh-heh....nothing we love more than a tractor addict. Yes, you DO really need this tractor...and THIS one and this one too.....

greatrandini · Oct 24, 2006

Just come near my house with a working tractor for $500.00 bucks. I dare ya.......

Cord · Oct 24, 2006

I proably have the smallest tractor on the board. I'm also pretty tall (6'-2" @ 185). While it's not easy to get on the tractor, with a little practice I can get on and off with out embarassing my self. My current technique is to step on the foot board and then throw my leg over the seat as if I was getting on a horse. Once on the station is crouded but workable. The real improvement appears on the Fx series with their flat floors. If you want a easy to mount tractor, you want a Fx.