Both compact · same Yanmar lineup

Yanmar YM238 vs Yanmar YM342

Yanmar YM238

Yanmar

Yanmar YM238

~$27,099

38.2 hp engine · 31.9 PTO−16% to the shaft
Yanmar YM342

Yanmar

Yanmar YM342

~$31,899

41.4 hp engine · 31 PTO−25% to the shaft

The Yanmar YM238 lists about $4,800 lower; the Yanmar YM238 carries 31.9 hp to the PTO against 31; the Yanmar YM342 lifts 2,500 lbs on the loader against 1,500; the Yanmar YM238 buys more PTO horsepower per dollar, 1.18 per $1,000 against 0.97.

Yanmar YM238 and Yanmar YM342 compared row by row. A highlighted cell takes that row on the stated rule: more power, lift, capacity or flow, or a lower price.
SpecYanmar YM238Yanmar YM342
Price~$27,099~$31,899
What that price isdealer list, not MSRPdealer list, not MSRP
Size classCompactCompact
TransmissionShuttleShuttle
Engine hp38.2 hp41.4 hp
PTO hp31.9 hp31.0 hp
Loader lift1,500 lbsat the pivot pin2,500 lbsat the pivot pin
Three-point lift2,205 lbsat the ball ends3,190 lbsat the ball ends
Hydraulic flow10.9 GPM14.6 GPM
Drive4WD4WD
EngineYanmarYanmar
Weight2,800 lbs3,916 lbs
Fuel tank10.5 gal13.2 gal
4WDYesYes
Front loaderYesYes
Cab availableNoNo
HydrostaticNoNo
Power steeringYesYes
Cruise controlNoNo
Warranty10 yr / 3000 hr powertrain10 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 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

Yanmar YM342

What they like

  • The 2,500 lb loader lift at the pivot pin is the same figure Yanmar quotes for the YT347, a machine costing roughly $13,500 more
  • Category 1 and 2 hitch at 3,190 lb on the lower links opens up implements the Category 1-only YM2 series cannot carry
  • 14.6 GPM total flow, with 9.3 GPM on the implement circuit, is generous enough to run a third-function grapple alongside the loader
  • 540/540E dual PTO speeds let light work run at lower engine revs, cutting fuel burn and noise on a rotary cutter
  • Independent PTO here, unlike the transmission-driven arrangement on the cheaper YM2 series
  • 13.2-gallon tank and 15.5 inches of ground clearance suit long days over rough pasture

What they complain about

  • 8F/8R synchronized reverser with a dry single clutch means every direction change on loader work goes through the clutch pedal
  • 31.0 PTO hp from 41.4 gross is a 25% loss, which is steep next to the YT347's 39.5 PTO hp from a similar-sized engine
  • No cab is listed for the YM3 series at all, so cold-weather or dusty work means dressing for it
  • Yanmar does not state the aftertreatment for this engine, so DPF or DOC service costs cannot be read off the spec sheet
  • 3,916 lb bare weight makes this a two-person job to move without running it, and it needs a heavier trailer than the YM2 machines
Yanmar YM238 spec sheetYanmar YM342 spec sheet