Yanmar YT235 vs Mahindra 2638
Quick take: The Yanmar YT235 costs $1,000 less; the Mahindra 2638 has more engine power (37.4 vs 34.2 hp); the Mahindra 2638 has more loader lift (1,634 vs 1,300 lbs).
| Spec | Yanmar YT235 | Mahindra 2638 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $28,500 | $29,500 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (310) | 4.5★ (270) |
| Category | Compact | Compact |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Engine HP | 34.2 hp | 37.4 hp |
| PTO HP | 27 hp | 31 hp |
| Loader Lift | 1300 lbs | 1634 lbs |
| 3-Point Lift | 1764 lbs | 2646 lbs |
| Hydraulic Flow | 11.2 GPM | 7.6 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Yanmar | Mahindra |
| Weight | 2558 lbs | 3130 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 7.4 gal | 9 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | Yes | Yes |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 10 yr / 3000 hr powertrain | 7 yr powertrain |
Pros & cons
Yanmar YT235
- ✓Yanmar builds the engines in John Deere's compact tractors, so buying a YT235 gets you the same proven powerplant pedigree direct from the source
- ✓The 10-year/3,000-hour powertrain warranty is the longest in the industry, crushing the 6-year coverage from Deere and Kubota
- ✓The i-HMT hydrostatic automatically balances engine and travel speed, delivering gear-like efficiency owners consistently praise
- ✓The 1,764 lb 3-point lift at 24 inches out-muscles a Deere 2038R and most of the 35 HP class
- ✓Assembled in Georgia with a full-frame chassis and cast components that feel overbuilt for the price
- ✓27 PTO HP runs 5-6 foot rotary cutters, tillers, and snowblowers with authority
- ✓Standard dual rear remotes and position control are features competitors charge extra for
- ✓It typically prices below a comparably equipped Deere 2038R or Kubota L3901, with owners citing thousands in savings
- ✗The Yanmar tractor dealer network is small in much of the US, so service and warranty work can mean a long drive
- ✗Resale value is unproven compared to Deere and Kubota because the brand's US tractor presence is still young
- ✗Parts beyond engine components can take longer to arrive than the big-two brands
- ✗The online owner community is tiny, so troubleshooting help mostly lives in a handful of TractorByNet threads
- ✗No cab option was offered for years and cab availability is still spotty at dealers
- ✗The unusual styling and beige-red color scheme isn't for everyone and hurts resale in green-and-orange country
- ✗Attachment selection tailored to the YT series is narrower than the Deere/Kubota ecosystems
- ✗Dealer closures have burned some early owners, making 'check your local dealer first' the standard forum advice
Mahindra 2638
- ✓No DPF and no regen cycles - the 2.7L mCRD engine meets Tier 4 without the filter that plagues low-hour owners of Kubota and Deere compacts
- ✓Huge 2.7L displacement for a 37 HP tractor means diesel-locomotive torque at low RPM - it lugs through heavy tiller and bush hog work without bogging
- ✓2,646 lb three-point lift is the strongest in its size class, comfortably handling implements that max out an L3901
- ✓7-year powertrain warranty is the longest of any major brand except Yanmar
- ✓Built like a tank - heavy cast frame and axles that owners describe as a size class above the competition in sheer metal
- ✓Typically thousands cheaper than an equivalent Kubota Grand L or Deere 3R once you spec loaders on both
- ✓Cruise control and telescoping 3-point lower links come standard
- ✓Simple mechanical everything means shade-tree maintenance is easy - owners praise how serviceable it is versus emissions-heavy rivals
- ✗Hydraulic flow is only 7.6 GPM to the rear, so loader and implement response is slower than a Kioti or Kubota running 10+ GPM
- ✗Loader lift of 1,634 lbs at the pin trails the class leaders despite the tractor's own heavy build
- ✗Dealer quality varies wildly - Mahindra dealers range from excellent to tractors-as-a-sideline, and support depends heavily on which one you get
- ✗Resale value is weaker than Kubota and Deere, a consistent theme in used listings
- ✗The naturally aspirated engine is loud and a bit smoky on cold starts compared to modern common-rail turbos
- ✗At 3,130 lbs bare (more loaded) it's heavy on turf and will leave marks a lighter compact wouldn't
- ✗HST models whine noticeably at speed, a common complaint on owner forums
- ✗Parts availability outside the dealer network is thinner than for Kubota, where aftermarket support is everywhere