New to Yanmar

[tiger9297]

I see lots of Yanmar tractors around. I am kind of intrested in having one. However, I have never seen a real Yanmar dealer. I mean I've seen places where they sell go karts, off brand 4 wheelers and Yanmar tractors, but buying from a place like that kind of scares me. I want a dealer that I know will be around for a while, so I will have access to parts and service. Are there any realy Yanmar dealers like JD, Mahindra, etc?

 

[MJPetersen]

Yanmar does not market in the US any longer--they have not for a long time. There are still used yanmars around from when they did. When they started making tractors for JD they left the US market--some believe that was a condition of their making JD tractors. However, Yanmar has made tractors for Japan and other places for a very long time and they have a very good reputation for reliability and serviceability. Currently, Yanmar makes tractors in a joint venture with Cub Cadet and there are now new Yanmars that are painted yellow and white.

That being said that most Yanmars sold today are actually used tractors that were imported from Japan and resold in the US and other places around the world. These are called grey market tractors, simply because they are now sold in a market for which they were not intended to be sold originally. it is not illegal. Some of these tractors get relatively few hours on them and remain quite usable machines even 30 years after they were sold new. My 1510D was probably made in 1979, but I can get parts for it today--used and many new. There are dealers that specialize in paving parts for these "grey market" Yanmars.

There are also dealers that specialize in "grey market" tractors and stock a wide selection of parts for these models. For example, LMTC states clearly that they will guarantee to have parts for what they sell. Little Miami Trading Company - Compact Tractors And there are many other dealers that sell grey market yanmars and that have a wide parts assortment.

The grey market Yanmars have better parts supply than many "American tractors" that were built by companies in China and Japan. Finding parts for Ford, Massey, and even JD compacts of a few years ago can be difficult.

There are a number of dealers that post on this site and maybe they will answer your questions with more detail than I can, but I can say that I believe the Yanmars and parts for them will be around for many years to come.

If you say where you are from, someone may be able to point you to a dealer in your area.

Mike

 

[Coyote]

Check out Hoyetractor.com Great guy, easy to deal with, and has plenty of parts and knowledge!

 

[California]

I have never seen a real Yanmar dealer. I mean I've seen places where they sell go karts, off brand 4 wheelers and Yanmar tractors, but buying from a place like that kind of scares me. I want a dealer that I know will be around for a while, so I will have access to parts and service. Are there any realy Yanmar dealers

The bad news: No. Yanmar had dealers here years ago, but the tractors you see for sale now were imported used from Japan. There are first rate firms that import/refurbish/sell used Yanmars, and in my opinion their tractors are so reliable that they are a better buy than a new Chinese tractor of similar specifications. But you don't find these dealers everywhere. Consider yourself lucky if there is one nearby.

There are also the sort of roadside businesses you mentioned. Some are retailing tractors 'overhauled' in Vietnam shops, however we have read that no genuine Yanmar parts are used in those shops. Some people suspect that any parts needed are fabricated starting with a file and a chunk of steel, or taken off worn out tractors, or cobbled together from dissimilar parts. In my opinion those tractors are a gamble with more winners than losers - but we've seen a few posters here who lost big time.

If you have the experience to appraise the roadside guy's product, you will do fine. But consider the absolute worst case. The roadside guy's tractor may have come from the auction, and is a customer return unloaded by an importer who took it back as a warranty exchange then wanted nothing more to do with it. It's up to you to distinguish quality from junk, and nice paint alone doesn't mean a thing. Start by asking the seller for references, prior satisfied customers, and check them out thoroughly. Honest people won't mind. If you see the guy is hiding something, run away!

The good news: These things are so reliable (and for most older models, simple) that one in average used condition will run for years with little attention needed beyond the usual filters/fluids/replace battery that any equipment needs. And any specialized parts are available by mailorder. This works fine for weekender use, but waiting a few days for parts might be a problem in daily commercial use.

I've had my Yanmar 4 years, the nearest parts stock is 1500 miles away, and I haven't had any problems. Yes I would buy another Yanmar if I needed a bigger or smaller tractor.

YMMV!

 

[Coyote]

Also be aware that Yanmar makes the tractors that John Deere then paints green!

 

[kenmac]

tiger9297 tell us where you are. There may be a yanmar dealer ( not a vietnam yanmar dealer) close

 

[tiger9297]

I'm from Tupelo, MS. Yea, its the birthplace of Elvis . I actually have a good friend that has a Yanmar and LOVES it. However, he bought it from one of these "go-kart, off brand 4 wheeler, etc, etc," dealerships. The guy has been in business for a while, but like I said earlier, that still kinda scares me a little. I'm well aware that Yanmar builds the JD and CC tractors which is why they interest me so much. My friend, to this point, has NEVER had a problem with his Yanmar. They sound like GREAT little tractors.

 

[tony123]

I don't think Yanmar is the tractor for somone that prefers to lean heavily on a dealer. However, if you're willing to order parts and do the work yourself or hire a local mechanic then you can potentially save tons of money by going the Yanmar route.

I've had to do small things, like maintenance, cleaning out grease fittings, changing belt, new battery cable, etc. But nothing major in my 50 hours of ownership.

I paid 20% of what a new tractor would have cost me. With that much savings, my tractor could blow up after the first few years and it will have already paid for itself.

 

[kenmac]

Most good dealers will offer 6 mo. warranty. If something major were to happen to the tractor . I would want to lean on a dealer that I can count on to be there with the knowledge to perform those warranty repairs if any should arise. A good dealer will also ( mine does) provide you with Tech. support after the warranty period. I can also get parts ( If I need them ) in about 1 - 2 days. with out the expensive cost of experss freight. They also have a very good supply of parts on the shelves so, they don't have to order parts for you

 

[tony123]

I should have been clearer. For those of us that are near a quality dealer, then its a different ballgame. Most Yanmar owners don't have that option.