New owner old Yanmar

[prb51]

Howdy from Arizona,
I've just purchased a US recon YM2000D w/ ROPS, Koyker 120, 4' box blade, 5' adj. straight blade. The tractor has 636 hrs on it.
I've a 10 acre horse property on a dirt road so am looking fwd to being able to manage the property better with this 'tool'.
I've never owned a tractor so will be asking questions etc of you experienced types. I like to do my own wrenching too.
The tractor has yet to be delivered, any initial advice pertaining to the running, maint of the 2000?
Pat

 

[California]

Welcome aboard! My Yanmar is the US twin to your YM2000, and I'm told it was used the first 10-15 years at a riding stable. Take a look at the sales brochures referenced from my sig, below. (I wish mine had 4wd).

You probably know this, but YM2000 has the best parts support of any Yanmar, probably even better than most US tractors that old.

And they are indestructible. When I bought mine, I surely made every beginner's mistake. Killing the charging system with my pressure washer was the only thing it noticed. I learned (here) that Autozone has the alternator and regulator, total cost under $60. How's that for parts support. (Tell Autozone it's a 72 Datsun). There are several dealers who post here who can provide the Yanmar-specific parts if needed.

It won't need much wrenching. My only repairs have been replacing loader hoses that I snagged while moving downed trees in my orchard. This is clearly user abuse, not a reflection on Yanmar.

Welcome!

 

[prb51]

Cali,
Thanks for the welcome.
I noted the wheel change on your Tractor. I have sandy/rocky soil that's well compacted (except the sandy wash/arroyo) and rolling so may have the same stability issue you addressed with the tires.
Which Kubota wheels did you use and what size tires? Was it hard to locate the wheels and how did you go about that?
I had been borrowing my neighbors old Massy F (80 hp gas motor) but didn't want to wear him out.
Thanks for the parts info.
Did you install a temp gauge...I'm not much on an idiot light for that in our 100 deg. plus weather.

 

[California]

I noted the wheel change on your Tractor.

...may have the same stability issue you addressed with the tires. Which Kubota wheels did you use and what size tires?

Did you install a temp gauge...I'm not much on an idiot light for that in our 100 deg. plus weather.

A previous owner put those wheels on. Tires 12.4x24, rims 11 inch, discs are original US Yanmar. Wheel/tire source unknown.

Even this needed full water ballast in the back tires (250 lbs each) before it quit feeling spooky on any side slopes. And that wasn't enough ballast alone to offset the loader. I've always kept the box blade or other implement on to offset the loader. With your narrower stance I urge you to get a ROPS. About $650. Check LMTC, or Hoye.

After putting the ROPS on mine I reduced the tire ballast to 50% (all water) because all that weight was noticeable going uphill. But that gave up some of the traction that had been helpful for discing. I only disc a few hours/year so 50% water in those big tires is the best compromise.

See the Goodyear Ag Tire Book (online) for ballast weight/tire size charts.

I bought a nice temp gauge, but then discovered if you keep the radiator screen clean it is impossible to overheat this tractor. I never installed the gauge. Want it for a good price? One reason this works well is the previous owner had the radiator rodded out so it meets specs. You may need to do that.

I bought one of those little $10 infrared non-contact thermometers from HF and after discing, my hardest use, I can't find anything but the exhaust manifold that is over 190 degrees. The cooling system was designed for running a huge rototiller at full hp for the life of the tractor. Our US use is usually lighter. I recommend bring the cooling system up to spec and forget the temp gauge.

 

[prb51]

The tractor has a ROPS installed w/seatbelt etc. It is a reconditioned unit that was done (recon mechanically too) in the US to US safety standards so hopefully the radiator etc. are up to snuff.
I have an infrared temp sensor so I'll try that first prior to the gauge
Ok, newbie question, how does one put water ballast into the tires? I'd hazard a guess but might as well ask.
I'd feel safer with the wider tires/stance so I'll look around.

 

[California]

how does one put water ballast into the tires?

just cobble together an adapter from garden hose to 3/8 pipe thread, then put an inflator head on that. I have an old picture on here somewhere but I don't have time to search for it right now.

Stop to vent off air pressure once in a while as the tire fills. Put the valve at the top for testing, so it doesn't blow water into your gauge.

Note this is for your non-freezing climate. Folks, don't use straight water anyplace where standing water freezes hard!


You probably already know this: On a 4x4, replacement tires must have the same rolling circumference, to keep the front/rear axle revolutions the same.

 

[NCGMAN]

You could switch the tires from right to left, and left to right. That is if your wheels are the type that are curved inward. They sale a tool for putting water in the tires, I got mine at Tractor Supply. I put a gallon of antifreeze in each tire, this solves the freezing problem. It is a slow process with the water. That was on a Yanmar 2000 I had once. Yes the narrow tire width is scarey... Enjoy....

 

[prb51]

Thanks, I'll check out the tractor supply and the wheels are dished and reversable but that only adds about 4" to the base. Still, better than nothing and I'll drive it a bit to get the feel.

 

[Lasgambler]

I found the fittings to load my tires at NAPA. I also put a gallon of Seirra antifreeze in each tire. Makes a big diff. in operating my tractor as the rears are 17.5X24 R4 which means about 500 pounds X 2.

 

[prb51]

LasG,
We have a NAPA in Wickenburg so I'll check it out.
Another newbie question...how can you gauge the amount of water in each tire to make them even...(I'll not need any antifreeze) if using a hose?
What would you recommend for water fill on the 24x9.5 tires?