"Grey Market Tractor" - What's up with that?

dsevern · Mar 24, 2009

Pardon me if this is a beaten path, but since I'm not really familiar with the terms and abbreviations used on this forum, I'd probably miss stuff in a search.
What is the deal with "Grey Market" tractors? I understand from looking at Yan-mar and Kubota's websites that these are tractors built for a foreign market, and some "refurbished" tractors were imported via a third country after some questionable maintenance, but what is the consensus on these?
I see a "dealership" within about 75 miles who has a bunch of Yanmar, Hinomoto, and Mitsubishi tractors listed as "refurbished" and on the Yanmar tractors at least, none of the numbers show in the "lists" of US imports I find.

Do you folks approve or disapprove of these tractors, (or is there a big difference of opinion?)
I see the tractors listed are about 1/2 the price of a similarly equipped and similar year model tractor of the "US import" type, and that, of course raises at least a "caution" flag to me. (I am fully aware of the fact that "If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely ain't true!)

How about some input for a new guy to this forum?

The Terminator · Mar 24, 2009

Not all grey market tractors come from a a scrap yard in Viet Nam. Some are simply the Japanese version of the US counerpart that was imported and sold as a used model. My Hinomoto is a grey market model. I have never been in the arguement, but, I have heard that US dealers despise these little tractors and claim that they lack safety features. One arguement against that is that the Japanese are probably not as litigous as we are, thus, their gov't has not been a big brother to the market with regards to safety oversight.

If there is a difference between my tractor and it's twin, the Massey 1010, then it must only be the paint color and the decals. In 1983 I was working in agriculture and read a sales publication that I vividly remember. I don't think that there was a single model under 50 hp made in the US. The article was titled "Buy American, How?".

Sadly, I think that the American tractor will or has gone the way of the television.

BLIND REF · Mar 24, 2009

I agree with Terminator. From experience, I owned a grey market Kubota
and I found that I could get parts from a NAPA parts store. I was lucky
in that my tractor had ROPS and a canopy, which is unusual for a grey market
tractor.

KHodges · Mar 24, 2009

And I'll add my gray market story, too. In 1997 I bought a Yanmar 1810D from a local Ford/New Holland dealer who was bringing in these "paddy tractors" by the containerful. At his peak, I'll bet he had 75 or 80 on the lot, anything from Hinomoto, to Mitsubishi, Yanmar, Iseki, and others I can't remember. He didn't have Kubotas, though, because his brother, who owned another dealership in a neighboring town, was bringing those in.

I watched him unload one day, in some cases he literally turned up the container and slid them out like dumping dirt. He'd buy anything in any shape, and tear the ones unsuitable to sell as a unit down for parts. The better ones he refurbished, repainted and put on the lot. Mine had a 4-digit hourmeter plus the tenths, and read about 0950 hrs. It was 4WD, had a 3-cyl engine, 18 PTO hp, and also the Power-Shift transmission. I kept it for 11 years and never had any mechanical problems at all. It was one working fool (unlike the driver, who was just a fool).

About 3 years ago, he quit selling them and about 2 years ago, quit working on them or carrying any parts. Now, like said above, there are some parts you can get at the local autoparts place, but stuff like transmission gears, clutch plates, engine parts, you have to look on-line for, or find someone who still imports these tractors. Parts are available, you just have to look around. As far as the tractors go, it's like looking for any other used tractor, import or domestic. Give it a good lookover, run it if at all possible (I wouldn't buy it otherwise), and dicker on price. I got mine for what I considered a steal, $5200 (11 years ago), when the comparable domestics were twice that much for the same power and features. Most of the smaller domestics have at least some major part or subassembly made by these companies, although they are made to the US mfg specs. (and the warning labels are in English)

One reason these tractors might be somewhat lacking in safety features is the model year in which they were built. When I looked at the title on mine, it was listed as a 1985 model. I guess the model year doesn't really matter as much as the number of hours on it. I was leary about buying one that only had a 3 digit hourmeter, who knew if it had been all the way around?

Anyway, I think if you're a savvy shopper, gray market is a great way to get a good tractor without paying tons of money. There are trade-offs, most of the smaller ones won't have a live PTO (keeps running when you operate the clutch to change gears), but that's the only thing I didn't get on mine that I really missed.

rbodrero · Jul 26, 2009

Hey,
I own a Yanmar KE-4 grey market tractor. I believe the KE stands for Korea built. It is a little four wheel drive, 14 horse power tractor. Does anyone know where I would be able to find a ring and pinion gear for this? I've searched high and low and could really use some help.
Thanks for any suggestions.

Upper5Percent · Jul 26, 2009

dsevern said:
Pardon me if this is a beaten path, but since I'm not really familiar with the terms and abbreviations used on this forum, I'd probably miss stuff in a search.
What is the deal with "Grey Market" tractors? I understand from looking at Yan-mar and Kubota's websites that these are tractors built for a foreign market, and some "refurbished" tractors were imported via a third country after some questionable maintenance, but what is the consensus on these?
I see a "dealership" within about 75 miles who has a bunch of Yanmar, Hinomoto, and Mitsubishi tractors listed as "refurbished" and on the Yanmar tractors at least, none of the numbers show in the "lists" of US imports I find.

Do you folks approve or disapprove of these tractors, (or is there a big difference of opinion?)
I see the tractors listed are about 1/2 the price of a similarly equipped and similar year model tractor of the "US import" type, and that, of course raises at least a "caution" flag to me. (I am fully aware of the fact that "If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely ain't true!)

How about some input for a new guy to this forum?

Do a search for Mark777 and grey or gray market...you'll find plenty of information on this site...

cleatusj · Jul 26, 2009

Parts are out there and mark will have info shortly.

mark777 · Jul 26, 2009

dsevern said:
......
What is the deal with "Grey Market" tractors? I understand from looking at Yan-mar and Kubota's websites that these are tractors built for a foreign market, and some "refurbished" tractors were imported via a third country after some questionable maintenance, but what is the consensus on these?
I see a "dealership" within about 75 miles who has a bunch of Yanmar, Hinomoto, and Mitsubishi tractors listed as "refurbished" and on the Yanmar tractors at least, none of the numbers show in the "lists" of US imports I find.

Do you folks approve or disapprove of these tractors, (or is there a big difference of opinion?)
I see the tractors listed are about 1/2 the price of a similarly equipped and similar year model tractor of the "US import" type, and that, of course raises at least a "caution" flag to me. (I am fully aware of the fact that "If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely ain't true!)

How about some input for a new guy to this forum?

Dseven, I'll just touch lightly on this and can go into greater detail should you want to.

You will find many who still attach a negative or sinister stigma to the words “Grey Market Tractor”. Some feel that they take away from the American market, American jobs or skirt our country’s laws pertaining to safety issues, but you’ll find a tough debate from those that have bought, own, or owned a good used tractor from Japan.

There are just a few common sense observations that will protect anyone entertaining the idea of purchasing a good used grey market tractor…and being instantly aware that the seller is less than truthful:

1- Perhaps one of the most important, there is no bigger lie than claims of “Factory Reconditioned”, “Factory Rebuilt” or any mention that any of the manufacturers have “Refurbished” these tractors. They don’t…period. If a dealer insists that “His” are, then ask him for a detailed list of everything rebuilt or replaced on that tractor (#’s matching). He will shoo you away and look for someone more gullible (*you can also ask him why he offers a 90 day parts warranty of a tractor that been “Reconditioned”, and not two or three years?)

2- A local importer, who sells tractors as “Used” and offers his/her own parts support, service center, And facility to prepare/repair their tractors will be the honest dealer that you want. should you decide to shop for a good unit.

3- Tractors advertised with anywhere from “0” to “100” hours are not reconditioned tractors. They are tractors that have been painted (nicely) with recalibrated or replaced hour meters, batteries, seats and sometimes tires and typically imported from somewhere other than Japan. (Vietnam)

4- Nearly all honest dealers *offer six month power train warranties on their used tractors.

5- All dealers that belong to UTDA offer the above warranty and include ROPS, seatbelts, Over-Run Couplers (ORC), PTO shields, neutral safety switches, translated warning decals (and probably other things that escape me right now).

We have a few members at MTF that are also parts and used tractor dealers. They maintain their own web sites to keep a low overhead and aren’t paid advertisers but…They offer what little free time they have to help other members with trouble shooting suggestions, safety recommendations, parts searches and also correct me when I’m wrong!

Mark

mark777 · Jul 26, 2009

rbodrero said:
Hey,
I own a Yanmar KE-4 grey market tractor. I believe the KE stands for Korea built. It is a little four wheel drive, 14 horse power tractor. Does anyone know where I would be able to find a ring and pinion gear for this? I've searched high and low and could really use some help.
Thanks for any suggestions.

Welcome to MTF Rbodrero!

I'm pretty sure the newer designation "KE" determind models built after the YM, F and FX models and not related to Korea.

From what little I know, they were contracted to Europe and many to the UK - and also known (there) as the Yanmar KE-160 with the 3TNE68 engine. I understand that all of the filters cross directly over from the John Deere model JD4010.

Because your tractor is much newer than previous models, immediate parts support for your differential may have to come directly from Japan and through a good Yanmar parts supplier who has contacts over there. This does not mean you have a bad or orphan model, just a model that's not yet well supported domestically.

I am curious though, what did your dealer where you bought the tractor say regarding these parts?

Mark

Sludad · Aug 6, 2009

Hi Mark, Sounds like you know your stuff. I too have been looking for a Yanmar that will suit my needs. I have 8 acres of which 5 are wooded. So Really need one that will haul firewood, grade a 200 yard driveway, some light yard grading and tilling a half acre vegetable garden as well as some lot clearing with a root rake, box blade etc. I have found no dealers around the Raleigh/Durham area of NC but have seen one in western NC called Cane Creek Tractors. Based on previous info I have seen you post I would like a reputable dealer and reasonable warranty.
I am thinking something in the 22-26 Hp range would work for me as I need some agility to work in and around the house, trees and other obstacles. If I have taken mental notes right the 10 designation (last two digits) on the older models means "powershift Transmission and the 20 means remote 3 point hitch tilting which is good for road crowning. Do these items and range of power sound suitable to you for my needs and do you know of any reputable dealers in my neck of the woods? Thanks for any info...BTW...this is my first post..Tony

mark777 · Aug 26, 2009

Hi Tony!

Rather then say it all over again...think I'll just put a link to your other post

:http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?p=792886#post792886

Mark

richard1961 · Feb 24, 2012

i am looking for a head gasket set for a 1702D yanmar can any one tell me where i can find one ?
thanks :banghead3:banghead3:trink40:

if it aint broke DONT FIX IT !!!:

Jeffinnpr · Sep 23, 2014

Mark your post of 5 years ago has just helped me steer away from a gray market seller who is exactly how you described it 5 years ago. Maybe you can help me with a decision between a used tractor sold by an individual and a truly refurbished gray market yamar from a reputable dealer (Fredrick's)

I can buy a Yanmar YM3110D from Fredrick's fully refurbished, 30 yr old, 37 hp tractor
or a 2013 Kubota L3200, 32 hp, 170 hrs, both for about the same price

everything else is equal - both 4wd, both loaders, both roll bars, etc.

The main differences are:
1 yr or so old compared to 30 yrs old,
170 hrs compared to fully refurbished,
buy as is compared to 1 yr parts warrantee,
32 hp compared to 37 hp,
American sold Kubota compared to a gray market Yanmar,
parts/service comparison???,

what do you think? Where would you lean towards?

Bmaverick · Oct 9, 2014

Jeffinnpr said:
Mark your post of 5 years ago has just helped me steer away from a gray market seller who is exactly how you described it 5 years ago. Maybe you can help me with a decision between a used tractor sold by an individual and a truly refurbished gray market yamar from a reputable dealer (Fredrick's)

I can buy a Yanmar YM3110D from Fredrick's fully refurbished, 30 yr old, 37 hp tractor
or a 2013 Kubota L3200, 32 hp, 170 hrs, both for about the same price

everything else is equal - both 4wd, both loaders, both roll bars, etc.

The main differences are:
1 yr or so old compared to 30 yrs old,
170 hrs compared to fully refurbished,
buy as is compared to 1 yr parts warrantee,
32 hp compared to 37 hp,
American sold Kubota compared to a gray market Yanmar,
parts/service comparison???,

what do you think? Where would you lean towards?

I would concur about Fredricks, they have totally restored/refurbished tractors with new tires, radiators, hoses, filters, fluids, etc. Each engine is inspected inside and out. These come with a 1-year warranty too.

Other than that, there are several areas of support for the Yanmars. All within a days' drive and back or in less time for most of the US population. So, I would concur that support isn't within close reach living in the mid-west.

- Fredricks in AL has 5 dealers in their network. (2 in AL, 2 in GA, LA, and in the north in MN) http://www.fredricksimporting.com/dealer-locator
- Hoye is in TX for all kinds of Yanmar tractor parts. Yanmar Tractor Parts - Shop Online http://www.hoyetractor.com
- Weaver's is in Shippensburg, PA or at Weaver's Compact Tractor Parts & Compact Tractor Salvage http://compactractorparts.com
- Best-Used-Tractors are in Eugene Oregon, they list many Yanmar tractors, excavators, Japan trucks, etc ... Yanmar Tractors, Yanmar parts, individual Yanmar tractors, containers of Yanmar tractors www.best-used-tractors.com
- Little Miami Trading Company in OH, Yanmar and other Japan tractors. Parts, Service and Implements too! Little Miami Trading Company - Compact Tractors lmtcompany.com
- North Central West - NCW Tractor Parts in NV www.ncwtractorparts.com
- Yesterdays Tractors in Port Townsend, WA has parts www.yesterdaystractors.com
- Stevens Tractor Parts - Carries thousands of Yanmar, John Deere, Ford and New Holland parts www.stevenstractor.com/parts/yanmar.html
- TYM Yanmar Gray Dealer in WA www.tractorco.com/tractors/used.html or www.tractorco.com/tractors/packages.html
- South Circle Tractor Sales in LA, Refurbish Yanmar Dealer http://www.southcircletractorsales.c...roductlist.htm
- Broken Tractor LLC in Baton Rouge, LA for YM and FX parts www.brokentractor.com/yanmar_directory.htm
- Tractors on the Creek in Fairview, NC, Dealer They specialize in the Gray Market tractors www.tractorsonthecreek.com/tractors-inv.htm
- All States AG Parts - Yanmar F, FX and YM tractor parts http://www.tractorpartsasap.com/Yanm...rts-s/7116.htm
- Tractor Joe Parts in St. Louis, MO - www.tractorjoe.com/yanmar
- Best Farm Parts in Hernando, MS bestfarmparts.com/yanmar-c-174.html
- Hodges Farm Equipment in Fenton, MI Yanmar parts http://www.hodgesfarmequipment.com/
- Stormer Tractors in Wallace, NC - Specializes in Yanmar 3pt htich, Koyker loaders for gray Yanmars and implements http://stormer-tractors.com/yanmar_t...hitch_kits.htm

This list isn't everything. There are still others out there as gray tractor dealers, parts, service, and add-ons. Don't forget your local John Deere Ag parts counter and service too. Yanmar made tractors for JD from 1979 to 2007. Many parts are cross referenced IF you know the Yanmar engine in the JD tractor.

rockford · Oct 10, 2014

I didn't realize Iseki is considered Grey Market. They are the most popular farm tractor in Hawaii, right up there with Kubota and Deere. Starting to see some Masseys and Cases though.

Bmaverick · Oct 10, 2014

My neighbor across the main highway has a Massey that is really a Mitsubishi gray tractor. She has to get parts out of state and a family mechanic keeps it going. It was her husbands before he passed away.

kevanos · Oct 30, 2014

A Massey that's actually a gray-market Mitsubishi? Do you mean it was repainted and re-labeled as a Massey, or that it was sold elsewhere as a Massey, built by Mitsubishi, and gray-market imported to the USA?

I've only found one model of Massey Ferguson ever built by Mitsubishi, the MF 125, and it was only available in Japan, which could fit what you describe.

Bmaverick · Nov 13, 2014

kevanos said:
A Massey that's actually a gray-market Mitsubishi? Do you mean it was repainted and re-labeled as a Massey, or that it was sold elsewhere as a Massey, built by Mitsubishi, and gray-market imported to the USA?

I've only found one model of Massey Ferguson ever built by Mitsubishi, the MF 125, and it was only available in Japan, which could fit what you describe.

Yes, it is the Japan MF125. I had found this info on the web...

According to John Farnworths book "Worldwide guide to MF 100&1000 series tractors":
"The only reference relating to this tractor is in the Canadian produced "MF View" of June 1973 in which the announcement for the start of production of the tractor in Japan was announced. It was manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at their Sagamihara Works as the model MF 125 II purely for the Japanese market under an OEM agreement with MF. The engine fitted was a Mitsubishi KE 135. This was a water cooled, four stroke two cylinder diesel with capacity of 1302 cc and rated as 25 hp."

bleedorange1 · Dec 17, 2014

Seems that grey market tractors might be more trouble than they are worth?

QAFarm · Dec 18, 2014

There are grey market tractors and then there are I guess dark grey market machines. I just bought a komatsu mini excavator at an auction. Its a PC40 Fr-1. I have found that is isn't just a grey market machine but it was only supposed to be sold in Europe. The komatsu dealer can get me parts but there are only a handful of FR machines in the US. So needless to say the price for those parts are a bit painful. Combined with no aftermarket support it has been a painful wallet learning experience. While I paid about 3 to 4 thousand less at auction bottom track rollers are going to run 3k for 8. :banghead3:banghead3

"Grey Market Tractor" - What's up with that?

dsevern

The Terminator

BLIND REF

KHodges

rbodrero

Upper5Percent

cleatusj

mark777

mark777

Sludad

mark777

richard1961

Jeffinnpr

Bmaverick

rockford

Bmaverick

kevanos

Bmaverick

bleedorange1

QAFarm

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