Yanmar · Compact

Yanmar YM238

~$27,099

dealer list, not MSRP

Yanmar YM238
Maker's photo for this series, not this exact model — trim, wheels and cab may differ
Compact
38.2 hp engine · 31.9 PTO−16% to the shaft

Turbocharging is the whole difference at the top of the YM2 range: 38.2 hp from the same displacement as the YM232, and 31.9 PTO hp against that model's 25.5. Loader, hitch, tank and 8x8 reverser are shared with both cheaper siblings.

Engine
38.2 hp
PTO
31.9 hp
Loader lift
1,500 lbs
3-pt lift
2,205 lbs

1.18 PTO hp per $1,000 of list price

As published by the maker

Specifications

Size class
Compact
Transmission
Shuttle
Engine
Yanmar
Engine hp
38.2 hp
PTO hp
31.9 hp
Drive
4WD
Loader lift
1,500 lbs
Three-point lift
2,205 lbs
Hydraulic flow
10.9 GPM
Fuel tank
10.5 gal
Weight
2,800 lbs
Warranty
10 yr / 3000 hr powertrain
4WD
Yes
Cab
Open station
Turbo
Yes
Cruise control
No

On the price: This maker publishes no price, so the figure comes from dealer listings. Regional dealers price the same machine differently.

Lift figures are the maker's and are quoted at whichever point the maker chose; the about page explains why two loaders with the same number do not lift the same pallet.

Comes with

4WDGearFront LoaderPower SteeringTurboDiesel

From owner discussion and long-term write-ups

What owners say

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

Cross-shopped against

Line the Yanmar YM238 up

Same brand or same size, nearest in price

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Yanmar YM232
~$24,999dealer list, not MSRP
CompactSeries photo

Yanmar

Yanmar YM232

31.8 hp engine · 25.5 PTO−20% to the shaft
Loader
1,500 lbs
3-pt
2,205 lbs
Trans
Shuttle
Drive
4WD

Middle rung of the gear-drive YM2 trio: 7.4 hp more than the YM225 for about $2,800, with the loader, hitch, tank and 8x8 reverser all unchanged. The money buys PTO output, which climbs from 18.5 to 25.5 hp - a far bigger jump than the gross figures imply.

Spec sheet & owner notes
Yanmar YM342
~$31,899dealer list, not MSRP
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Yanmar YM342

41.4 hp engine · 31 PTO−25% to the shaft
Loader
2,500 lbs
3-pt
3,190 lbs
Trans
Shuttle
Drive
4WD

Yanmar's gear-drive utility platform starts here: an 8F/8R synchronized reverser, Category 1 and 2 hitch rated at 3,190 lb, and a 2,500 lb loader - the same front end fitted to the far dearer YT3 machines. Straightforward mechanics at a working-tractor price.

Spec sheet & owner notes
Yanmar YM225
~$22,199dealer list, not MSRP
CompactSeries photo

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Yanmar YM225

24.4 hp engine · 18.5 PTO−24% to the shaft
Loader
1,500 lbs
3-pt
2,205 lbs
Trans
Shuttle
Drive
4WD

Yanmar's gear-drive YM2 platform starts here, swapping the hydrostatic pedals of the SA line for an 8x8 synchronized reverser and adding 300 lb of loader lift. At 24.4 hp it stays under the emissions threshold that forces a particulate filter.

Spec sheet & owner notes