Need help selecting a Yanmar

[RogerHammond]

I recently moved to a 40 acre neglected rural homesite. There are two (2) 10 acre grown up pastures, 15 acres of trees and about 5 acres to mow. I've got a new 17 HP ride lawnmower but it takes too long to mow the 5 acres. I think that I'm ready to upgrade to one of the compact japanese tractors. I've just started looking at the Yanmar line. Has anyone gone through this that might have some advice on what size tractor I should buy that would take care of my needs for years to come. I'm thinking a brush hog and box blade but do I need a front loader for whatever jobs I may decide to get into later. I sure would appreciate whatever input some of you might be willing to part with. Also some input on what I should spend would be appreciated

 

[BrettW]

search under yanmar models

 

[Tractors4u]

A few questions to ask yourself:

How wide of a cut do you want in a bush hog? A bigger tractor and more Horsepower will be needed to spin a bigger hog.
Do you have any tasks that you need a loader for? I love my loader and would not have another tractor without one, but some folks just don't need one. Are you prepared for the extra $$$$ of the loader. Loaders work alot better on a 4 wheel drive tractor and 4WD cost more. (And to every one, let's not turn this thread into a pissing contest on the virtues of a 2WD with a loader)
As for your question about how much to spend. Cost will depend on the condition of the tractor. Be warned, there are no Factory Refurbished tractors as some are advertising. Cost will vary from one part of the country to another. Decide how big of a tractor you want, then 2 or 4 wheel drive, then determine the particular model number you want. Even though 2 tractors may be 24 hp, one may be a 2 cylinder and the other a 3 cylinder. There are transmission differences also.

Good luck.

 

[blackd]

Oh no Brebnt you don't get off that easy. My 2 or is it 4 wheel drive with ........

I would recommend one of the larger 25-30+ Hp tractors for your use. As Brent said, you need more Hp for the larger Hogs and you will want a larger hog next summer when your mowing. You will probably start with 5 acres but the pasturesweill get involved one way or the other.

 

[JeffRey30747]

Your profile doesn't include any geographical info, so I can't base any recs on that. If you are going to primarily mow flat, dry areas and maybe grade a drive with the box blade, a 2WD tractor will probably be enough for your needs. You can get more power for the same price with a 2WD or a cheaper tractor of the same size. If your ground is hilly or muddy or you intend to move a box full of earth (or snow?) with that box blade, you may want to go ahead and consider the 4WD.
Personally, I wouldn't have anything but 4WD because of the way I use my tractor. However, my uncle dislikes 4WD because it tears up his hay fields a little more and he doesn't really need it for the type of work he does.
I presently have a 18HP Yanmar and a 37HP Kubota. Each has its pros and cons. You should consider the size, weight and power you will need to perform your tasks. A larger tractor will usually do the same task faster than the smaller tractor but sometimes it is just too big or heavy to get to the spot you want to be.

 

[pruntyc]

I like my 2 wheel drive for my own work. I live on real hilly ground and I don't see any need of a 4 wheel drive. And the extra 2 wheels don't give you twice as much pull. Maybe 20% or so more. Although it does give you a little more control, by the front wheels pulling to turn. If you need more power to pull something, like your blade you will probably need a heavier tractor. But for useing your bush hog, or blade 2 or 4 won't make a whole lot of difference. Now a front loader that is a different story, you should probably go with a 4 wheel drive. Although some guys get by fine with a 2. All in how much you plan to use it, and where.

 

[snooks]

I have a YM2500 with loader (2wd). I tried mowing 2.5 acres with it and the ride was sort of rough (bounce due to the loader). I need the loader on because of the work I have yet to do, so I mow with my 8N instead. I absolutly love the YM2500 and I'm doing fine without 4wd. I also do not have power stering and get by fine. On the other hand my brother-in-law has a livestock lot where he runs his 2wd loader and is stuck all the time. It just depends on how you will use it. I would also add that mine does not have shuttle shift. While never having it before I don't miss it, but I can see where it would be nice. Good luck.

 

[Soundguy]

My only tractor with 4wd is my nh 1920.. and the only time I use it is when discing.. and then it only seems to help when turning.

The nh also has power steering.. and my others don't... but I don't mind.

Soundguy

 

[rockyridgefarm]

<font color=blue>But for useing your bush hog, or blade 2 or 4 won't make a whole lot of difference. </font color=blue>
I don't want to argue; but my experience is differant...

I can sure tell a differance with my 18hp yanmar and 4' hog. I tried mowing in 2wd after always using 4wd, no way. It bogged down and even started to overheat! Most claims are that the front adds 40% hp to the ground - that rings true in my experience.

 

[pruntyc]

If you are running a 4 wheel drive in 2 wheel drive you are draging extra weight. With a 2 wheel drive, you aren't, and I don't have a bit of problem with a 4' with my YM1700. And my ground is very hilly.