Is YM1500D the right tractor?

[inthewoods]

I need a tractor to remove snow from my stone driveway. I would like a tractor for removing small stumps (6" dia. max.), leveling some hills, moving dirt and stones on my seven acres. I have found a YM1500D @ $6800 - includes a FEL. The tractor is a gussied-up Grey all shinny red with new decals, etc but I'm not sure it is what I need - I have read this forum for several weeks now and there seems to be a lot knowledgeable folks here so I hope you all give me some guidance. thanks.

 

[YanmarFever]

Keep looking !
I would want a bigger one for the stump work, and rock removal. at least 25hp.+
Ernie

 

[Mickey_Fx]

IMO I think you could use a little more tractor than a 1500 for stump removal and all the things you might want to do on your 7 acres.

I would also be concerned about the "gussied up" looks of the tractor. Could this be a VN rebuild? Could be a pig with lipstick, i.e. looks good but still a pig underneith. I would really check this out especially if the hr meter is almost zero hrs.

Don't know where you are located but around here, Portland Ore area one can get a clean and low hr, not rebuilt, newer model with the new loader for about the same $$.

One of the regulars here is tractor Ernie. I bought my tractor from him and find his prices are very competitive and his machine are indecent condition. You might want to take a look at Ernies site to get a ref for different models and prices. http://www.ernies.net/Current.htm

 

[Mickey_Fx]

looks like Ernie beat me to the post as I had to step away for a while.

 

[inthewoods]

I'm on the "right coast" - live in northern section of Maryland. In reading this forum I find that there quite a few dealers in the NW - rarely do I find any East Coast or more specifically Mid-Atlantic dealers for Greys participating in the forums. The stumps I want to remove are from trees I cut - in doing so I left 3' on the stump above ground thinking I could eventually push them over with a FEL.

 

[edmartin]

I agree that a 1500 is probably not enough for your situation. A YM2000d or 240d, or larger, might be better. It's also true about recons from vietnam, I inherited a recon from there just a few weeks after it was purchased and have had no problems despite working the tractor hard. That seems to be the exception rather than the rule though. My advice would be to get a bigger machine or you'll be frustrated with the lack of power. Good luck!

 

[blackd]

I think the closest dealer to you is: http://www.eastcoasttractor.com/ in Waldorf, MD.

I haven't dealt with them, but have talked/emailed them several times. Another dealer is Reggie Ferguson: http://www.ferguson-tractor.com/

Reggie is down in Emporia, VA. He usually has a pretty good supply. I have dealt with Reggie and can recommend him.

 

[Normmm]

If you are going to push up stumps you will need a really large tractor. you can get stumps up with a fel on a compact tractor but it will require extensive digging arround the stump before it will budge. I have a 2020d and like it very much. Look at the specs on the yanmar oweners website and you will see that the the 20 series ie 2020 2220 2620 2820 are heavier than most other tractors and will give you more ability to push and pull things.

 

[inthewoods]

Thanks for the links - I would like to thank everyone else who has offered advice up to now - but at the home page of one those kinks the seller says, "It undergoes a rigorous inspection at our Japanese office before export." Is there such a thing as the Japanese office where inspections are performed? I was under the impression that the Greys were just collected at the various co-ops and then packed in containers and shipped to the USA. Is this statement sales pitch or fact and is there merit to a "rigorous inspection at our Japanese office.."? I'm sceptical by nature. Thanks again all.

 

[blackd]

What Reggie is saying is that his supplier(s) in Japan look the tractors over before shipping to him to reduce the junk factor. He also goes over them thoroughly after he gets them to repair any obvious faults. My FX24D had a leaking front wheel seal after @ 10 months. He repaired under warranty. If you have been lurking long you will have seen the advice that the dealer makes ALL the difference after the purchase. I believe both these dealers are good, but can only vouch for Reggie becasue he's the only one I've dealt with directly.

 

[inthewoods]

thanks for the thoughtful advice....

 

[Jagmandave]

Those who have suggested a bigger tractor are on the mark. I cut down several trees on my property 3 or more years ago, leaving about 3' stumps and I still can't push them over with my 1602D! I'm going to rent a stump grinder for mine............
It sounds fine tho for almost everything else you mention......

 

[VT_Hokie]

The 1500D and most other tractors will be too small for stump removal by using a FEL to push stumps out. My 1500D would not push out 3" diameter locust stumps left sticking 1 foot up much less of anything of real size left in the ground. I ended up renting a JD 550H Dozer to clear my land and IT had trouble pushing out stumps left over from from the previous owner's logging. You just can't get enough leverage on what is left. Now the dozer did not have any problems taking down whole trees (18"), once you put the blade up high on them. So if you are going to clear trees, leave them intact and knock them over first. If you already have stumps then grind them, doze them or get a backhoe and dig them out. In regards to the 1500D it is a nice little tractor that can do most things, if you are big bodied you will find it a tight fit though.

 

[inthewoods]

Thanks for information concerning your personal experiences w/1500D.That is very helpful info!! I have refocused my search for something larger, a tractor w/25+ and more overall weight. I don't believe I'll find a tractor (one that I can afford) that with do the job on the stumps - I am making plans to rent a backhoe at the local rental center to remove the stumps - don't want to grind, besides it fun playing with the backhoe. I would like to thank all who have offered help and guidance with this effort - I will post when I have purchased a tractor to let all know what I ended up with - which ever model it is it will have been purchased with much more insite thanks to all you good people.

Hey VT maybe we will have an East Coast National Football Champion this year - GO ACC- Go Hokies!

 

[VT_Hokie]

Good luck with the tractor search and remember what everyone here is saying on the used/recon tractor side, the dealer is the key to a positive experience.

Oh and of course, Go TECH....