Yanmar YM238
Compact Tractor · 2025
Overview
The Yanmar YM238 delivers versatile performance for hobby farms and property maintenance. With 38.2 horsepower, it handles loader work, mowing, and light tillage effectively. The synchronized reverser transmission (srt) transmission delivers reliable power transfer.
Owner Ratings
Based on 18 owner reviews
Best For
- ✓Hobby farms and rural properties (5-25 acres)
- ✓Versatile tasks: mowing, loading, light tillage
Not Ideal For
- ✗Large-scale row crop farming
- ✗Heavy construction equipment
Key Features
Turbocharged engine for increased power
Delivers reliable power and efficient fuel consumption.
Synchronized Reverser Transmission (SRT)
Smooth, intuitive control for effortless operation.
1,500 lb loader lift capacity
Ready for attachments and heavy lifting tasks.
Category 1 3-point hitch
Ready for attachments and heavy lifting tasks.
Selectable 4WD
Maximizes grip and stability across varied terrain.
Yanmar diesel engine
Delivers reliable power and efficient fuel consumption.
Yanmar YM Series Compact
The Yanmar YM Series is positioned as a robust compact lineup for operators who need dependable utility performance with straightforward controls and versatile implement support. These tractors are frequently used on small farms, livestock properties, and intensive maintenance sites where mowing, loader work, grading, and light field operations all compete for machine time. YM models are known for practical ergonomics, balanced maneuverability, and a work-focused design that prioritizes repeatable daily productivity. The series is especially attractive to owners seeking compact dimensions without compromising tractor-grade durability. Across diverse property tasks and seasonal demands, the YM family delivers a reliable compact platform built for sustained, real-world use.
Durable compact work platform
YM tractors are built to handle regular utility demands that go beyond occasional weekend use. Their design focus supports frequent operation across rough surfaces, variable weather, and repetitive implement cycles common on active properties and small farms. This durability-minded approach helps owners rely on one machine for recurring chores instead of rotating less capable equipment. Over time, consistent performance under routine load can improve planning confidence and reduce operational interruptions. For users who need compact size but expect tractor-level resilience, the YM Series offers a practical and dependable foundation for everyday work.
- •Engineered for frequent, task-heavy compact use
- •Handles varied surfaces and seasonal operating conditions
- •Supports dependable daily chore execution
- •Good fit for small farms needing one core machine
Versatile implement compatibility
Compact tractor value often depends on how well one unit supports many attachments, and the YM Series is tuned for that multi-tool role. Owners can shift between grounds care, material handling, and light field preparation with minimal disruption to workflow. Predictable control response during attachment changes helps maintain efficiency when tasks are scheduled tightly. This flexibility is especially useful for operations with limited equipment budgets that still require broad capability. By covering many chore categories effectively, YM models help reduce idle time and improve return on each operating hour.
- •Designed for broad attachment-driven task coverage
- •Efficient transitions between routine property jobs
- •Supports budget-conscious multi-role equipment planning
- •Improves machine utilization through seasonal shifts
Balanced maneuverability and control
The YM range balances compact agility with enough stability for productive utility operation, making it suitable for both confined and open work areas. Operators can maneuver around structures, tree lines, and fences while maintaining confidence during transport between job points. Control layout and handling characteristics are designed to feel predictable, which helps when switching among family members or small crews. This balance is critical on mixed properties where no single task profile dominates. The YM Series supports smooth transitions from precision close-in work to broader maintenance duties without requiring a second tractor class.
- •Agile in tight access routes and structured environments
- •Stable enough for broader open-area maintenance tasks
- •Predictable controls for shared operator use
- •One-platform solution for mixed property layouts
Owner-friendly long-term operation
YM ownership is centered on practical longevity: dependable operation, manageable upkeep routines, and straightforward daily checks. These traits matter for owner-operators who need the tractor ready when weather or schedule conditions suddenly shift. A machine that starts reliably and behaves consistently can prevent delayed maintenance windows and task backlog. The series is therefore attractive to users who prioritize predictable utility over feature complexity. For long-term property and small-farm planning, YM models provide a compact platform that supports stable operating costs and confident year-round deployment.
- •Maintenance routines suited to owner-managed schedules
- •Reliable readiness for time-sensitive chore windows
- •Consistent machine behavior across recurring tasks
- •Strong long-term value for practicality-focused buyers
What Owners Say
- •The YM238 at 38hp is a versatile and economical compact utility tractor for small to medium farm operations
- •Yanmar diesel provides reliable and fuel-efficient power delivery for daily farm tasks throughout the year
- •Loader and three-point implement work are handled well within this power range without straining
- •Compact dimensions and manoeuvrability suit operations where larger tractors are impractical
- •Very strong long-term reliability reputation — Yanmar's build standards are consistently high across the range
Complete Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Gross Horsepower | 38.2 HP |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Transmission & Drive | |
| Transmission Type | Synchronized Reverser Transmission (SRT) |
| Drive Type | 4WD |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Operating Weight | 2,866 lbs |
Specs & Compare
Add models to compare side by side
| Specification | Yanmar YM238 | — | — |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | |||
| Gross HP | 38.2 HP | — | — |
| Cylinders | 3 | — | — |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | — | — |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | — | — |
| Transmission & Drive | |||
| Transmission | Synchronized Reverser Transmission (SRT) | — | — |
| Drive Type | 4WD | — | — |
| Dimensions & Weight | |||
| Weight | 2,866 lbs | — | — |
| Fuel & Performance | |||
| Fuel Capacity | 10.5 gal | — | — |
| Pricing | |||
| MSRP From | $32,000 | — | — |
Compare Similar Models
Tractors with similar horsepower ratings for side-by-side comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get More From Your Yanmar YM238
Owning it is just the start. These guides cover the attachments, upkeep, and equipment that fit this tractor.
Attachment Compatibility
Match implements by hitch, PTO, and hydraulics.
Read guide3-Point Hitch Guide
Categories, pin sizes, and how to attach implements.
Read guidePTO Attachments Guide
How the PTO works and the implements it drives.
Read guideFarm Fuel Storage
Store and transfer diesel on your property.
Read guideOwner Reviews
Reliability and satisfaction from real owners.
Read guide