Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Buying a Yanmar Mini Excavator: Real User Experiences and Opinions
#1
A user on an old forum asked whether Yanmar mini excavators are worth purchasing, especially for farm use, site maintenance, and basic earthwork. He also wanted to know how Yanmar compares with other brands like Kubota, Hitachi, and Komatsu.
1. Advantages of Yanmar Mini Excavators
Several users with Yanmar experience shared highlights:
Reliable Engine Performance
Yanmar is well-known for its diesel engines. Many users find Yanmar mini excavators to have powerful, fuel-efficient, and durable engines.
Good Build Quality and Smooth Operation
Most praise Yanmar’s mature hydraulic system design for smooth, responsive movements and stable operation, making them easy to handle.
Ideal for Small-Scale Site Work
Users generally agree that Yanmar mini excavators have a compact structure, perfectly suited for farms, small homesteads, orchards, and other limited-space operations.
2. Comparison with Other Brands
Some users shared their views comparing Yanmar to Kubota, Hitachi, and Komatsu:
  • Compared to Kubota:
    Many feel Yanmar and Kubota are similarly reliable. However, Kubota has a wider dealer and parts network in North America and some regions, while Yanmar’s network is somewhat smaller.
  • Compared to Hitachi and Komatsu:
    Yanmar tends to be cheaper and simpler for smaller tonnage machines. For larger excavators, Komatsu or Hitachi may offer more options.
3. Buying and Maintenance Tips
Practical advice from forum members:
Buying Used Is Okay
Some users report their used Yanmar mini excavators performed well for years as long as maintenance was kept up and no major repairs were needed.
Check Parts and After-Sales Support
It’s important to verify if genuine Yanmar parts are readily available locally. Some areas may have slower delivery or slightly higher costs compared to Kubota or Komatsu.
Inspect Hydraulic System Carefully
Even with Yanmar’s good reputation, used machines should be checked thoroughly for hydraulic cylinder or hose leaks and ensure swing rotation remains smooth.
4. Real-World Usage Feedback
Most users say Yanmar mini excavators are versatile for:
  • Digging ditches, laying pipes, or pond excavation on farms
  • Site repair and surface leveling
  • Light grading with dozer blade attachments
Some also mention hydraulic thumb attachments for handling logs or rocks, which make the bucket more versatile.
Summary
Overall, users in this thread expressed satisfaction with Yanmar mini excavators, highlighting their cost-effectiveness, reliable performance, and suitability for daily farm earthwork. However, if your region has better Kubota, Hitachi, or Komatsu parts and used machine availability, it’s worth comparing. Prioritize after-sales convenience and parts supply.
In one sentence:
“Yanmar mini excavators offer solid quality, fuel efficiency, and good control — a practical tool for farmers and site maintenance, with used units well worth considering.”
Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  Buying Your First Dozer: A Comprehensive Guide to the 650H LPG and Blade Size Considerations MikePhua 0 7 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Choosing the Right Mini Excavator: Key Considerations for New Owners MikePhua 0 9 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Understanding the Swing Motor Device in the EX60 Excavator: Functionality, Issues, and Solutions MikePhua 0 7 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  The Liebherr 932: A Powerful and Versatile Excavator MikePhua 0 7 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Lessons from the Past: Remembering Key Experiences in Heavy Equipment Operations MikePhua 0 9 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Buying a Used Grove 140-Ton Crane: What You Should Know MikePhua 0 6 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Understanding the Oil Capacity of the Kobelco 909 Excavator: Importance and Best Practices MikePhua 0 9 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  The Power of Heavy Machinery in Demolition: An Excavator's Role in Building Demolition MikePhua 0 9 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  CAT M315D Wheeled Excavator: A Comprehensive Guide MikePhua 0 11 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  A Comprehensive Guide to the Kubota KX080 Excavator: Features, Performance, and Practical Insights MikePhua 0 13 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Logging with a John Deere 160LC Excavator: A Detailed Look at Techniques and Equipment MikePhua 0 9 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Bobcat S220 Purchase Pricing: What You Need to Know Before Buying MikePhua 0 7 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Old Dozer, New Owner: A Guide to Buying and Maintaining an Older Dozer MikePhua 0 9 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Essential Advice for New Excavator Operators: Understanding Your Hoe and Getting Started MikePhua 0 9 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Choosing the Right Ditching and Grading Bucket Size for the Takeuchi TB240 Mini Excavator MikePhua 0 11 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: