Both compact · same Yanmar lineup
Yanmar YM232 vs Yanmar YM238
| Spec | Yanmar YM232 | Yanmar YM238 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$24,999 | ~$27,099 |
| What that price is | dealer list, not MSRP | dealer list, not MSRP |
| Size class | Compact | Compact |
| Transmission | Shuttle | Shuttle |
| Engine hp | 31.8 hp | 38.2 hp |
| PTO hp | 25.5 hp | 31.9 hp |
| Loader lift | 1,500 lbsat the pivot pin | 1,500 lbsat the pivot pin |
| Three-point lift | 2,205 lbsat the ball ends | 2,205 lbsat the ball ends |
| Hydraulic flow | 10.9 GPM | 10.9 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Yanmar | Yanmar |
| Weight | 2,800 lbs | 2,800 lbs |
| Fuel tank | 10.5 gal | 10.5 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Front loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab available | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | No | No |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | No |
| Warranty | 10 yr / 3000 hr powertrain | 10 yr / 3000 hr powertrain |
A highlighted cell wins its row on the rule named above the table: more power, lift, capacity or flow, or a lower price. A lift row is left unwon whenever the two makers measured in different places, or where either of them did not say — a figure quoted at the pivot pin and one quoted 500 mm ahead of it describe the same loader and differ by roughly a third, so ranking them against each other would invent a result. Prices are typical list and move with dealer packages.
From owner discussion and long-term write-ups
What owners of each one say
Yanmar YM232
What they like
- 25.5 PTO hp is 38% more than the YM225's 18.5, which is what actually decides whether a 6-foot cutter or tiller keeps its speed
- Identical 1,500 lb loader, 2,205 lb hitch and 10.5-gallon tank as the cheaper YM225, so nothing is given up to get the extra power
- 10.9 GPM total flow with 6.8 GPM going to implements supports a third-function kit for a grapple without starving the loader
- 10-year / 3,000-hour powertrain warranty, which is the longest cover offered on any compact in this price band
- Naturally aspirated rather than turbocharged, so there is one less wear item than on the YM238 above it
What they complain about
- Above 25 hp, and Yanmar does not state what aftertreatment the engine carries - worth settling with the dealer before signing
- Gear-only platform, so there is no hydrostatic option at any price in the YM2 range
- Transmission-driven PTO with an overrunning clutch rather than a true independent PTO, so the implement stops when you declutch
- 2,800 lb bare weight is unchanged from the 24 hp YM225 despite the extra power, so ballast is still needed to use the loader fully
- No cab or factory enclosure is offered anywhere on the YM2 series
Yanmar YM238
What they like
- 31.9 PTO hp is more than the gross rating of the YM225 at the bottom of the same series, so bigger PTO implements come into range without changing platform
- Turbocharging recovers power at altitude, where a naturally aspirated engine like the YM232's loses output with elevation
- Costs about $2,100 over the YM232 for 6.4 hp gross and 6.4 PTO hp, which is a better rate than the YM225-to-YM232 step
- Shares the 1,500 lb loader, 2,205 lb hitch and 10.5-gallon tank with the rest of the series, so parts and implements carry across
- 10-year / 3,000-hour powertrain warranty covers the turbocharged engine on the same terms as the rest of the line
What they complain about
- Yanmar's own YM238 model page prints 18.5 PTO hp, which is the YM225's number; the sales sheet's 31.9 hp is the real figure, but the maker's site contradicts itself
- 2,800 lb bare weight is identical to the 24 hp YM225 while the engine makes over half again as much power, so traction becomes the limit before the engine does
- The turbo adds a wear and service item the naturally aspirated YM225 and YM232 do not have
- Still no hydrostatic and no cab option, despite this being the most expensive machine in the series
- At 38.2 hp Yanmar does not state the aftertreatment, so DPF servicing costs cannot be budgeted from the published specs