Yanmar vs Kubota

[Terrydt100]

Am looking for a used 16 to 18 hp 4by4 for a small,acreage. If you were me which would you buy? I know every one has their own opinion on this subject . Just trying to get some feel from owners.yanmar seems to be a little cheaper.

 

[Will_C]

My thought would be a Kubota-not because I own one, but because I imagine parts and support may be easier to find.

Will

 

[JRP]

Ditto on Kubota

How close is the nearest Yanmar dealer?

My rule of thumb is, the more expensive an item is, the longer I intend to keep it. If a Yanmar is $900 and you could junk it if it gave problems vs. a $4000 Kubota, then perhaps the Yanmar.

I have had my Kubota 15 years and expect 10 more.

Id prefer a used kubota vs a new tractor from Northern equipment, even at the same price.

 

[4570Man]

Kubota. I have never had any trouble out of our Kubota tractors.

 

[Gunny]

My thoughts - If you're mechanically inclined and don't mind working on your equipment yourself, you might consider a Yanmar, they're good solid tractors and parts are fairly available (for certain models) from Hoye's Tractor Parts. https://www.hoyetractor.com/
Read some of their notes on the left side of the homepage, they even list some models to avoid because of the lack of parts.

Fredricks sells reconditioned Yanmars, with a warranty and they also have parts. http://www.fredricksoutdoor.com/yanmar/

Both are great people to deal with and stand behind their sales



If you're the kind of person that would rather have your repairs done by someone else, then consider the Kubota, since they have dealers all over the place.

I'd not hesitate to buy a Yanmar from Fredricks but then again, I like to work on my equipment.

That being said, I had my older Kubota for 10 years and other than fluids and filters, I only spent about $50 on parts for it during those ten years.

 

[Thomas]

Kubota over the years turn out some tough B models,and you still can get parts plus info.

 

[Gunny]

Thomas you're right and I forgot to mention that my old Kubota was very used when I bought it.

 

[blackd]

Previous tractor was a Yanmar FX24D, current tractor is a MF GC2400. The BIG DIFFERENCE is the MF has a factory front loader. I built a loader for the Yanmar. Neither caused any problems other than routine maintenance. BUT, the 30+ YO Yanmar did drop a valve and crack the block. Sold it to a machinist who I believe is still using it after sleeving the cracked cylinder.

Timing on the break down, heavy Spring cutting season, is what made me replace the Yanmar. Otherwise, I would have just replaced the engine and been still using it.

 

[logankelly]

both could be crap if the used engines been abused, start them both when cold listen for noise and oil burn

 

[Clay45]

I have a little Yanmar 2wd that is just a keen little tractor. But you have to understand its also a simple little tractor and not try to make it do more than it was intended to do. My Kubota is also old but more capable. Its more fun to operate the Yanmar and it just likes to startup and go. My Kubota is more of a sleepy head but just fine once it wakes up.

Both offer new tractors with much friendlier "offices" but just too expensive unless you have a commercial interest that makes it pay to have it.

 

[yanmars]

I have a "US" yanmar but it is a 1980s tractor and some parts are harder to get now. I cannot speak for the kubotas from that age range.

 

[ovrszd]

Sorry I can't help with the Yanmar info. Kubota is an established network, but you already knew that.

I'm very proud of everyone that has posted so far. No flames. The OP is getting unbiased info here. Might not answer all his questions but certainly shouldn't offend him or anyone else reading this thread. Good job Gentlemen.

 

[tman1020]

Never had Kubota but I had two grey market Yanmars. every time I went to look at the Kubota's I shied away because of weight and price. Most everyone I know that had them liked though and I believe they use a lot of parts made in the USA. Yanmars are great tractors I had a 14 01D and a 1702. The 1702 was an amazing machine for size very heavy with a compact footprint. Never had any problems but always was concerned about parts availability.

 

[Terrydt100]

Thanks for all the replies. Guess I will go with a kubota one reason is haven't found any 4 x'4' yanmar in the hp range I'm looking for . seems that kubotas are more popular in Oklahoma then yanmar. This is my second posting in a week and the response for both has been outstanding.

 

[tman1020]

If you find one that fits your needs in your price range I wouldn't hesitate to go get it. They have a good reputation and dealer support from what I have read.