If you’ve been around farms or job sites long enough, you’ve probably run across the name Yanmar—whether you realized it or not. With over 100 years in the game, Yanmar built its reputation the old-fashioned way: by making hardworking equipment that gets the job done. But what a lot of folks don’t realize is that Yanmar’s journey started under the hood of some of the most trusted tractors in America.

Yanmar & John Deere: A Legacy of Power

For decades, Yanmar was the muscle behind John Deere’s compact tractors, quietly proving itself as one of the toughest and most reliable engines in the industry. Farmers and landowners depended on those machines to break ground, haul loads, and keep their operations running. And whether they knew it or not, it was a Yanmar engine making it happen.

That reputation didn’t come overnight. Yanmar started in Japan in 1912, building diesel engines that were smaller, more fuel-efficient, and durable enough to handle anything thrown at them. Over time, they became the go-to choice for equipment manufacturers needing a powerhouse under the hood. But after years of powering other brands’ machines, Yanmar decided it was time to step into the spotlight and build their own.

How Yanmar Stacks Up Against the Competition

When it comes to compact tractors, there are plenty of options on the market, but Yanmar holds its own against some of the biggest names in the industry. Here’s how they compare:

Yanmar vs. John Deere

• Legacy: John Deere is a household name in the U.S., but many of their compact tractors were originally powered by Yanmar engines. That same reliability now runs through Yanmar’s own machines.
• Build Quality: Yanmar tractors are fully built in-house, meaning they control everything from the engine to the frame. Some John Deere compact models, on the other hand, are outsourced.
• Price: Yanmar tractors often provide a better value—offering premium features at a competitive price compared to similarly spec’d John Deere models.

Yanmar vs. Kawasaki

• Engine Power: Kawasaki builds great engines, but they mainly focus on smaller applications like lawnmowers and utility vehicles. Yanmar, on the other hand, specializes in diesel-powered workhorses designed for serious agricultural and construction work.
• Fuel Efficiency: Yanmar’s diesel technology is engineered for efficiency, delivering more power per gallon than many gas-powered Kawasaki machines.
• Durability: Yanmar’s tractors and equipment are built to last, with a heavy-duty focus on performance in tough environments.

At the end of the day, Yanmar offers a proven track record, in-house manufacturing, and premium diesel power—all at a price that makes sense for both property owners and commercial operators.

Yanmar Compact Equipment: Built for Construction & Beyond

Fast forward to today, and Yanmar isn’t just making engines—they’re making the whole machine. Their Yanmar Compact Equipment (CE) line is built for pros who need power in a smaller package. This lineup includes mini excavators, compact track loaders, and wheel loaders that pack the same reliability and toughness Yanmar has been known for, but with a focus on versatility and efficiency.

For construction crews, landscapers, and property owners, this means getting high-performance equipment without the bulk of a full-size machine. Whether you’re digging trenches, grading land, or loading materials, Yanmar’s CE line is designed to fit into tight spaces and still deliver serious muscle.

Why Harris Trading Company Chose Yanmar

At Harris Trading Company, we don’t just stock equipment—we stand behind it. When we decided to bring Yanmar into our lineup, it wasn’t just about adding another brand; it was about offering something we’d trust on our own land.

Yanmar’s reputation for durability, efficiency, and ease of use made the decision easy. Whether you’re a farmer needing a dependable tractor or a contractor looking for compact construction equipment that won’t quit, Yanmar delivers.

If you’re thinking about making a Yanmar your next piece of equipment, stop by and see us. We’ll help you find the right fit for your work—whether it’s for the backyard or the job site.