Yanmar quality

mark2610d · Oct 14, 2017

Took a trip to check out the YT359C tractor. My first impression was WOW!
The yanmar fit and finish is better than any kubota or john deere i have looked it. The attention to details is incredable. The frame is very solid! I like the cab roof design with its low profile stance and a real metal roof skin!! The transmission has a nice skid plate for protection. The tie rod
Joint boots are protected by a steel rod that extends from the frame rail. Rear axle housing has a nice sight glass for oil level. Hood tilts to 90 deg for easy access under the hood. Nice thick hood hinge and metal hood! The cab is i think best in class. I have been a huge kubota fan for the last 12 years owning two grand L cab tractors. The yanmar cab is much nicer in every aspect with the exception of no air ride seat as a option. You can tell the yanmar is pure quality and well designed! Totally impressed by the yanmar new cab tractors to the point that I will be switching over from Kubota to yanmar as soon as my kubota has a buyer. Im not saying Kubota is a bad product at all, moreover I have over 3700 hours of trubble free reliability ftom my two kubotas. I just want the best tractor money can buy and i really think it is the yanmar hands down. The price is also much less than Kubota which is a plus too!
Dealer network to me means nothing because i do all my own mechanical work, service, etc. Just wanted to share my views on the new yanmar lineup.

Tractorable · Oct 15, 2017

Thanks for your thoughts on the new Yanmar's. I feel the same way. The design, technology, and fit and finish is a big step up in quality. They have an near-automotive feel of fit and finish to them. I'm glad to see Yanmar building their own machines from the ground up again instead of building/supplying tractors and engines for everyone else. And Yanmar's 105 years of history is commendable.

The new iHMT puts more power to the ground than an HST and is removable for servicing if ever required. Some folks don't like the column shift for changing directions so I guess it's up to the individual buyers if they like it or would prefer a standard HST from another manufacturer.

Otherwise, what's not to like? Dual rear remotes standard, extendable link arms, infinite speed control, throttle boost, pre-wired third function, etc, etc.

rockyridgefarm · Oct 16, 2017

I agree. We looked around and comparably priced machines were gimped down on so man important areas like Loader bucket rollback or just were rough all over.

In our area the dealers only know how to sell economy models. So, most buyers don’t seem to ‘get’ the deluxe features the Yanmar sports.

I really like the display and the intuitive controls.

I now prefer the reverser over two pedals. I feel it is much safer.

I do my own work as well.

Tractorable · Oct 16, 2017

Why do you think the reverser is safer than twin pedals?

rockyridgefarm · Oct 16, 2017

Switching between various vehicles like my Deere and Willys CJs and get in a sticky situation- where does muscle memory want to fire? My dealer admitted it resulted in his destruction of a 12 hr tractor when he hit the wrong pedal.

This was something I always felt with my two pedal setup. A nagging, just below the surface feeling. But, once I got used to the reverse lever; I felt that the pedals are just wrong. I do admit that brake steering is a bit awkward with this setup, though.

mark2610d · Oct 17, 2017

Just wondering, when you change the reverser lever from either direction will the tractor try to roll while on a hill if your not holding the brake? My kubota hst holds nice and firm during direction changes. Just wondering.

Tractorable · Oct 17, 2017

I believe rockyridgefarm said the amount of roll when switching directions is adjustable with a knob, because sometimes you want some roll and sometimes you don't.

Read the "YT359C" thread, he explained it there. Hopefully he can chime in with a better explanation for us YT wanabees.

rockyridgefarm · Oct 17, 2017

mark2610d said:
Just wondering, when you change the reverser lever from either direction will the tractor try to roll while on a hill if your not holding the brake? My kubota hst holds nice and firm during direction changes. Just wondering.

I haven’t noticed that as an issue. And all I have is Hills! But, I will try to watch for it. I can say that when the engine is OFF it will roll easily but parking brake is quite handy to engage/disengage. I almost never used it on my green one. I always do on this one.

Kentuckyfarmer · Oct 17, 2017

Don't have a yanmar dealer close and would like to take a peek at one also. Really like the pictures of the ones I have seen also. I haven't seen much info on the tier 4 setup on their engines and if their common rail or just injection pump. I also do my own maintenance and repairs. I'm not brand loyal and make my decision on most bang for my buck. I'm not paying more because of paint color or dealership availability. This day and time I can have parts in a couple days to fix anything that goes wrong. I really like the little Branson I have because of simplicity (old school non computer injection pump) and its a good built tractor. Not the best but I could say that about all the others also. Next tractor I look at to buy my first stop will be a yanmar dealership, not saying it will be what I buy that all depends on what I get for money and the job I expect it to do

mark2610d · Oct 17, 2017

Tractorable said:
I believe rockyridgefarm said the amount of roll when switching directions is adjustable with a knob, because sometimes you want some roll and sometimes you don't.

Read the "YT359C" thread, he explained it there. Hopefully he can chime in with a better explanation for us YT wanabees.

Thanks, i will check it out.

mark2610d · Oct 17, 2017

Kentuckyfarmer said:
Don't have a yanmar dealer close and would like to take a peek at one also. Really like the pictures of the ones I have seen also. I haven't seen much info on the tier 4 setup on their engines and if their common rail or just injection pump. I also do my own maintenance and repairs. I'm not brand loyal and make my decision on most bang for my buck. I'm not paying more because of paint color or dealership availability. This day and time I can have parts in a couple days to fix anything that goes wrong. I really like the little Branson I have because of simplicity (old school non computer injection pump) and its a good built tractor. Not the best but I could say that about all the others also. Next tractor I look at to buy my first stop will be a yanmar dealership, not saying it will be what I buy that all depends on what I get for money and the job I expect it to do

Let us know what you think after you get a chance to see one.

Tractorable · Oct 18, 2017

Kentuckyfarmer said:
Don't have a yanmar dealer close and would like to take a peek at one also. Really like the pictures of the ones I have seen also. I haven't seen much info on the tier 4 setup on their engines and if their common rail or just injection pump. I also do my own maintenance and repairs. I'm not brand loyal and make my decision on most bang for my buck. I'm not paying more because of paint color or dealership availability. This day and time I can have parts in a couple days to fix anything that goes wrong. I really like the little Branson I have because of simplicity (old school non computer injection pump) and its a good built tractor. Not the best but I could say that about all the others also. Next tractor I look at to buy my first stop will be a yanmar dealership, not saying it will be what I buy that all depends on what I get for money and the job I expect it to do

With the new YT347/359, the Japanese Yanmar company seems to be competing with the high end Kubota Grand L's and John Deere R series, so they're not price beaters like the Korean LS, Branson's, or TYM's.

However, Yanmar seems to be pricing their new YT's just below Kubota and Deere when comparing apples to apples in features and capabilties. It should also be noted that Yanmar is bringing innovation to the tractor market by designing an entirely new "iHMT" transmission.

mark2610d · Oct 18, 2017

Tractorable said:
With the new YT347/359, the Japanese Yanmar company seems to be competing with the high end Kubota Grand L's and John Deere R series, so they're not price beaters like the Korean LS, Branson's, or TYM's.

However, Yanmar seems to be pricing their new YT's just below Kubota and Deere when comparing apples to apples in features and capabilties. It should also be noted that Yanmar is bringing innovation to the tractor market by designing an entirely new "iHMT" transmission.

I see $35900 as a price beater vs kubota's $41-42k and deeres 42k 60hp machines price comparisons with loaders. I had two different dealers quote that price for 359c.

Kentuckyfarmer · Oct 19, 2017

I'm just small time or what you would call a hobby farmer. Grew up on a dairy farm and spent thousands of hours on tractors that were simple and compared to today's uncomfortable. If I spent eight hours a day on one everyday I would want comfort and probably some bells and whistles. I myself find it hard to buy a tractor with so many unneeded bells and whistles that can be problems because of the conditions they are subjected to (dust, dirt, mud, heat, cold, manure etc etc). My old beat up hands can still turn a wrench and I have plenty of tools to still repair what goes wrong. The deal breakers for me is to much electronics that control everything. I just can't see myself standing in manure up to my knees in a cold driving rain trying to troubleshoot a short in hundreds of feet of wiring that is keeping the tractor from running. Late last year I was looking at a tiller to buy for the little Kubota I have and went to the John Deere dealer and was walking by the shop and happened to look in and seen a big newer looking tractor all taken apart. I just ambled in and took a peek. My god all the wiring on that thing had more than than my house, the two cars and one truck, two tractors and everything else I own. The mechanic said he was chasing a short some where. All I saw was $$$$$$$$$$. I looked online at yanmar 's web site and there just isn't info about them to compare to others. I myself just like simple.

Tractorable · Oct 19, 2017

I get it, but can you even buy 'simple' these days? Every engine out there is computer controlled nowadays with miles of wiring everywhere. Line up a new Kubota, Deere, Kioti, or Yanmar and the wiring would stretch to the moon and back.

My '52 8N is simple, but it has sat for weeks not working http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386941.

I will say that while modern tech can be overwhelmingly complex, it has a lot of benefits. Modern cars go 100K miles without even needing a tune up. Modern tractors are similar. They will probably out live us. However, I can see the cost of repairs being what sends them to the junk yard.

Even though my old 8N is no where near as productive or reliable as a new one, I can buy an engine rebuild kit for it for $250 and keep it running indefinitely on my own.

Everything is a trade off...

Kentuckyfarmer · Oct 19, 2017

Tractorable said:
I get it, but can you even buy 'simple' these days? Every engine out there is computer controlled nowadays with miles of wiring everywhere. Line up a new Kubota, Deere, Kioti, or Yanmar and the wiring would stretch to the moon and back.

My '52 8N is simple, but it has sat for weeks not working http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/386941-busted-8n.html.

I will say that while modern tech can be overwhelmingly complex, it has a lot of benefits. Modern cars go 100K miles without even needing a tune up. Modern tractors are similar. They will probably out live us. However, I can see the cost of repairs being what sends them to the junk yard.

Even though my old 8N is no where near as productive or reliable as a new one, I can buy an engine rebuild kit for it for $250 and keep it running indefinitely on my own.

Everything is a trade off...

Not all are computer controlled. I agree it's a trade off. Not saying my thoughts are the right ones and everyone else's is wrong. I just don't like these small tractors being so complicated that we small farmers can't work on them without laptops, some over costed hardware and proprietary software to chase bugs and if you take it to dealerships lots of mechanics have no idea how to fix the problem and just replace parts until they achieve a positive result. Just a point I had a 2010 dodge 3500 I bought used. Didn't have key fobs so I bought some on line. Took to dealership to code them and they said cant do it, if it didn't come with them can't have them. Went to the cummins forum and found information and took step by step instructions back to dealer and said do this. If it don't work charge me anyway if it does you learned something. Well it worked. You cant move the seat, roll down Windows, turn on radio, turn on fog lights and lots of other things without the computer being programmed and it controlling all those things. Because the smaller tractors are having more bells and whistles put in them the cost goes up for purchase and repair. I can remember when we bought our first tractor that had a cab (no heat or ac) and the seat could be adjusted forward and backward and we thought we were big time. I hope yanmar isn't as complicated as the main three tractor builders and if so I sure will consider buying one. I will tell what I find out when I look at one if someone else hasn't first but it will be some time this winter before I look.

mark2610d · Oct 19, 2017

Kentuckyfarmer said:
I'm just small time or what you would call a hobby farmer. Grew up on a dairy farm and spent thousands of hours on tractors that were simple and compared to today's uncomfortable. If I spent eight hours a day on one everyday I would want comfort and probably some bells and whistles. I myself find it hard to buy a tractor with so many unneeded bells and whistles that can be problems because of the conditions they are subjected to (dust, dirt, mud, heat, cold, manure etc etc). My old beat up hands can still turn a wrench and I have plenty of tools to still repair what goes wrong. The deal breakers for me is to much electronics that control everything. I just can't see myself standing in manure up to my knees in a cold driving rain trying to troubleshoot a short in hundreds of feet of wiring that is keeping the tractor from running. Late last year I was looking at a tiller to buy for the little Kubota I have and went to the John Deere dealer and was walking by the shop and happened to look in and seen a big newer looking tractor all taken apart. I just ambled in and took a peek. My god all the wiring on that thing had more than than my house, the two cars and one truck, two tractors and everything else I own. The mechanic said he was chasing a short some where. All I saw was $$$$$$$$$$. I looked online at yanmar 's web site and there just isn't info about them to compare to others. I myself just like simple.

Well i understand the theory behind your thinking. Its simple, less stuff to break etc..
If you buy a Kubota you will be trouble free. I have almost 3200 hours on my 2008 kubota L3240 cab tractor. I have done every kind of task you can dream up in all conditions and have had 100% reliability in everything. Only did reg maintenance by the book. Did replace battery but thats reg maintence. My kubota still uses zero oil and zero leaks. Still runs as good as the day i bought it new!

Tractorable · Oct 19, 2017

Yea, Kubota and Yanmar are both 100+ year old Japanese manufacturers. They're both at the leading edge of quality and are both big in the construction and marine industries as well as the tractor segment. I used to work in the marine industry where Yanmar is huge. It's common for those Yanmar and Beta-marine (Kubota) engines to go 7500 hrs without ever seeing a mechanic. I'm not worried about reliability issues with either of them.