Best & Worst Yanmar Tractor Models

We get asked this question a lot and here are my personal recommendations based on over 25 years of selling, using, and working on Yanmar tractors. 

Keep in mind that the models will also include the "D" version (D indicates 4wd... all Yanmar tractors are diesel). 

Yanmar '00 Series
If you want rugged durability and ultra simplicity then it is hard to beat the "00" series Yanmar. These models include the YM1500, YM1700, YM2000, YM2500, YM3000. These models are no-frills workhorses. Everything is mechanical and very easy to work on with very little mechanical experience. There is also a YM2200, YM2700, YM1600 and YM1900 which are still great tractors but they do not share many parts with any other Yanmars so some parts may be extremely hard to find.  

The Highs:

• Ultra-Simple design. You can work on them easily with just a service manual.  
• No electronics. You need 12v to turn the starter over but, after that, the tractor will run all day with ZERO wires. 

The Lows:

• YM1500, YM1600, YM1700 did not come with a water pump so overheating in the summer is a concern. They are very good tractors but you should really add a temperature gauge to monitor your temps. 

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Yanmar '10 Series
Next in line is the "10" series Yanmar which includes the YM1510, YM1610, YM1810, YM2010, YM2210, YM2310, YM2610, and YM3110. These models add to the popular "00" platform by adding Yanmar's ultra-durable powershift transmission. The "10" series includes my favorite Yanmar - YM2210D. The YM2210 is extremely overbuilt for the horsepower. All of the axle shafts and gears are much larger than other tractors of its size. The 2 cylinder engine just chugs away without problems. If you need a simple, reliable, near-indestructible tractor... the YM2210D is the model to get. 

The Highs:

• Powershift transmission is amazing and very durable.
• Ultra-Simple design. You can still work on them easily with just a service manual.  
• No electronics. You need 12v to turn the starter over but, after that, the tractor will run all day with ZERO wires. 

The Lows:

• YM1510D 4wd axle has a couple gears that are very hard to find if you run the 4wd out of oil or abuse it. 

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YM '02 Series
The YM "02" series are exactly the same as the YM "20" series below only without the powershift transmission. The '02 series have a regular mechanical transmission. 

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YM '20 Series
The YM "20" series tractors start to get into a little more complicated machine. It includes models like the YM1720, YM1820, YM2020, YM2820, YM3220. These models start to add a little (not a lot) more electronics which can be harder to troubleshoot but still very easy to work on. The '20 series get wet brakes which is a nice touch. Wet brakes are simply brake discs that are submerged in oil and, typically, never wear out. 

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YM F & FX Series
The Yanmar F series tractors start to get more complicated. These start to really add creature comforts at the expense of durability and serviceability. The F series come in 2 variations. The standard F which features a standard gear transmission and the FX which has the powershift transmission. All of the F and FX models are the same except for the transmission except for the F16 and FX16 which has many other differences besides the transmission. The 2 digit F series like the F16, F20, F22, F24, F26, F32 are less complex with the 3 digit like the FX215 get much more complex. The 2 digit F series are VERY susceptible to damage if they are overheated. If you overheat these engines they will warp or get egg shaped cylinders and are very expensive to fix.  Many of the 3 digit models have electronic controlled 3 point valves which cause problems. We strongly recommend staying away from the 3 digit F series unless you are an experienced electronics troubleshooter. 

So what models would I avoid if I were buying a Yanmar tractor? I would avoid any of the 3 digit F series. I would avoid any of the turbo YM or F series models. The turbo models are usually worked harder in Japan before they get here and, in my experience, they have more compression issues than the naturally aspirated. There are some weird models like the YM350 and other models that are Korean versions and extremely hard to get parts for. Basically, if you don't see your Yanmar model in our list of tractors at the top of our website- I would avoid it. 

If you are looking at buying a tractor, email me and I will be happy to let you know what I think of that model.  Again, this is only my OPINION but is based on my 25 years of selling, working with, and working on Yanmar tractors.