Yanmar 2000

TNhobbyfarmer · Jan 23, 2017

I recently posted about a Yanmar 1500 on Craigslist that I intended to look at. It sold before I had a chance to look at it. I am now looking at two other Yanmars on Craigslist, a F195 4wd with a 5' finish mower listed at $2950, and a YM2000 2wd with a 4' bush hog and 4' finish mower listed at $3400. The YM2000 looks a little better in the picture, but I haven't actually seen either one. Neither ad gave hours.

Please give me your thoughts. I have owned tractors but never a Yanmar so I would welcome input from the Yanmar guys.

California · Jan 24, 2017

3-digit hourmeter on the YM2000 is meaningless, its just a maintenance reminder. 900 hours, 1,900, 2,900, who knows? Maybe wear on the pedals would be a clue which is correct. Most of these aren't worn out, it just might be shabby from years of neglect and if that is the case it's easy and inexpensive to bring it back up to spec. Judge condition in general, ignore the hourmeter. As you have probably read here, YM2000 is Yanmar's classic - incredibly simple, near indestructible, parts are plentiful. (From Hoye and others). Only downside is its crude racket and 2wd.

F195 4WD will be harder to maintain over time if it is already somewhat worn, just for one example there is more sheet metal to take off to see anything. And less common so maybe a wait for parts some times. It's a Yanmar so if it's in good condition, it won't need anything for years. 4x4 and its more refined operation makes it a better choice than YM2000 at similar prices, IF it isn't in poor condition.

Those two models will be pre and post 1980, if the seller claims far newer don't trust him. (See TractorData dot com). Prices are right.

Look for signs of a 'Frankensteinmar' thrown together out of used parts from several tractors, that's the only kind of Yanmar to beware of. A Yanmar that has proven ok by being in troublefree service for a while will be fine.

winston1 · Jan 24, 2017

The F195 4 wheel drive would sure be enticing, especially with the price difference. The newer model F195D has the flatter floorboard make for easier on/off. Hoye had posted quite a while back that parts for the F series were limited. Given that has been several years I would suggest giving them a call and asking about parts availability.

clemsonfor · Jan 24, 2017

The 4wd F model would be tempting, its a few years newer of a model (this really means nothing), its about the same size tractor but the 4wd will allow it to work above its power level compared to 2wd 2000 model. Like said if the F model is neglected and not in as good of condition parts are fewer for this tractor, by that I mean things like harder to get parts, spindles, and gears and such that cant be taken off parts tractors. So things like front end damage in the drive line may make this tractor useless down the road or somehow convert to 2wd if the gears don't just lock it up in the front. But all common bearings, seals, filters and common componets should be available for the F tractor. Just all of the above and many other parts are available for the 2000 as well as many more parts tractors laying around to get things like shafts, gears, housings, and such NLA parts off of if the need arises. ANd it being older and less sensors and more exposed as already mentioned make it easier to maintain for the person who maintains and works on all their own stuff.

I also think parts and or shop manuals are not available on F models or is that FX models?

TNhobbyfarmer · Jan 24, 2017

Update; I called the owners of the two Yanmars in question. Unfortunately the F195 has already sold. I was thinking I was going to key in on that one because of the 4WD. I am going to try to go see the YM2000, hopefully this weekend. If I like what I see, I'm thinking about offering 3K. We'll see how it goes.

bmaverick · Jan 24, 2017

I'll keep an eye out for Yanmars up here North of Nashville if you like. There are a bunch around Bowling Green, KY, Glasgow, KY, Clarksville, TN and such.

TNhobbyfarmer · Jan 24, 2017

bmaverick said:
I'll keep an eye out for Yanmars up here North of Nashville if you like. There are a bunch around Bowling Green, KY, Glasgow, KY, Clarksville, TN and such.

Thanks bmaverick. I responded to your PM.

Ekhotch · Jan 25, 2017

Are you talking about that ym2000 down around Montgomery on Craigslist?

clemsonfor · Jan 25, 2017

You have to be ready to act on these good deals the second you see them. YOu cant take set up appointments and wait till a weekend or really do too much asking here even. YOu really need to go as soon as you see them, take off work if need be. The good stuff sells fast and I am not exaggerating on that either.

California · Jan 25, 2017

clemsonfor said:
You have to be ready to act on these good deals the second you see them. You cant take set up appointments and wait till a weekend or really do too much asking here even. You really need to go as soon as you see them, take off work if need be. The good stuff sells fast and I am not exaggerating on that either.

Ditto, listen to Clemsonfor. If it's still available at the weekend then others have seen it and weren't willing to pay his asking price for some reason.

I carry a couple of $100 bills in my wallet continually just for this reason, to make a deposit and hold something like this at the first moment I can go see it. On ALL of my significant CL purchases I've been told when I come back with the money and my trailer, that others have made contact and are waiting to buy if I back out.