Gray Market Tractors and Parts

There really is no gray area when it comes to the "Gray Market", you either have a tractor designed to meet US Government Standards or you don't.

Yanmar has had a long history with the Diesel engine, working to invent the world's first compact Diesel in the 1930's. Their expertise and manufacturing acumen have made them a much sought after partner in industries around the world. Based out of Japan, Yanmar has provided many of the engines running agricultural tractors today - regardless of brand!

Because they are an international corporation, they understand the importance of working with and within each country's rules and standards. So since 2003 when Japan tightened emission regulations they have produced two versions of their tractors - one for Japan and the other for the US. Two version designed to work within the regulations of their respective countries and therefore uniquely different from one another.

Some of the key differences between the two models are a number of safety features required in the US. Features such as Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) and a seatbelt, certified to U.S. standards, Power Take-Off (PTO) master shields and guards, over-running clutch on the PTO, or a safety start switch found standard on the US models.

So what is the "Gray Market" then?

The Gray Market is a term used for equipment purchased in one market or region and sold in a different market or region that does not legally meet regulations or government standards there. In changing their Emission Regulations, Japan choose to not grandfather in tractors that no longer meet the new standard; meaning dealerships and farmers there were stuck with tractors they couldn't use. The solution was to sell these units to customers in North America - thus creating the Gray Market Yanmar.

These tractors will be distinguished from Yanmar models designed for the US Market a few ways:

• The Operations Manual will be written in Japanese or in English but the Model number does not match
• Having multiple PTO Speeds, with speeds greater than 540rpms
• Warning Decals are written in Japanese or have been covered over with a newer sticker
• Pulling on the throttle of a gray market tractor will cause it to accelerate whereas pulling on the throttle of a tractor designed for the U.S. market will cause it to decelerate.

What does this all mean?

If you have or are looking at buying a Gray Market Yanmar Tractor you need to know that what you are purchasing does not meet US Regulations, has no support or warranty, and finding Gray Market parts will not be easy. The short of it is: You have a hard row to hoe in maintaining your Gray Market Model.

What if I'm not sure if my model is Gray Market?

Yanmar's Official Notice on Gray Market Models has a list of authorized models for you to reference; if you don't see your model there then I'm afraid you have a Gray Market model.

What I can I do?

You've already chosen one of the best tractor brands, so now's the time to make it official. Visit https://brimtractor.com/yanmar/ to explore BRIM Tractors selection of Yanmar tractors, excavators, and UTVs to find the right machine combined with the Service and Support you deserve from a leader in Agricultural Equipment.