Yanmar Ct118

The Yanmar CT118 is a testament to the brand's commitment to producing high-quality, versatile, and powerful compact tractors. Designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized farms, landscapers, and property owners, the CT118 offers a perfect blend of performance, ease of use, and durability.

| Model | PTO HP | Loader Lift | Hitch Lift | Notes | |-------|--------|-------------|------------|-------| | Yanmar CT118 | 18.0 | 600 lbs | 680 lbs | Lower lift but robust engine | | John Deere 1025R | 18.0 | 640 lbs | 1,200 lbs | Higher hitch lift, better dealer network | | Kubota BX2370 | 17.7 | 490 lbs | 680 lbs | Very similar to Yanmar, better parts support |

If you are shopping in the sub-compact tractor (SCT) market, you have likely seen the "Big Three" (John Deere, Kubota, and New Holland) on every dealer lot. However, there is a dark horse in this category that often gets overlooked: the Yanmar CT118.

For those who don't know, Yanmar actually builds diesel engines for John Deere. In fact, Yanmar has been making engines for over a century and builds their own tractors from the ground up. The CT118 is their premium sub-compact offering. Here is what you need to know if you are considering buying one. yanmar ct118

Before we look at the horsepower figures, it is vital to understand the pedigree. Yanmar is not a newcomer to the tractor game. Founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, they are the world’s largest manufacturer of compact diesel engines. For decades, Yanmar engines have powered tractors from John Deere and other major brands.

The CT118 represents Yanmar’s dedicated push into the North American sub-compact market under their own brand name. It is designed to take on the Kubota BX series and the John Deere 1 Series, but with a distinct Japanese engineering philosophy of “small but sturdy.”

| Category | Spec | |----------|------| | Engine displacement | 1.115 L (68.0 cu in) | | Fuel tank | 6.3 gal (23.8 L) | | Hydraulic system | 5.4 gal total, 3.3 gal implement flow | | Hydraulic pump | 4.6 GPM (combined steering + implement) | | 3-point hitch (rear) | Category 1, lift capacity (24" behind) ~1,102 lb | | PTO types | Rear: 540 rpm (live/hydraulic clutch); Mid: 2500 rpm (standard) | | Wheelbase | 57.9 in (147 cm) | | Weight (ROPS) | ~1,630 lb (740 kg) without loader | | Tire sizes (std) | Front: 18x8.5-10; Rear: 26x12-12 (turf/ag options) | The Yanmar CT118 is a testament to the

The CT118 sits on a robust ladder frame. Ground clearance is a respectable 6.9 inches.

Standard tires are turf tires (Carlisle), which are gentle on lawns. However, many owners immediately upgrade to R14 industrial tires (a hybrid between a turf and a lug tire) to get better traction in mud and snow.

The wheelbase is 53.5 inches, making it incredibly nimble. You can turn this tractor inside a very small radius, which is essential when working around trees, fence lines, or chicken coops. The CT118 sits on a robust ladder frame

Buy this if: You want an exceptionally smooth diesel engine, you need a removable backhoe, and you value fuel economy over screaming HP numbers. You also like owning something slightly different than the sea of green and orange tractors at the county fair.

Skip this if: You need a mid-mount mower deck. (The CT118 can run a finish mower, but it's a rear 3-point model, not a belly deck). If you are strictly mowing 5 acres of lawn, buy a zero-turn.

For property owners, nothing beats a backhoe. The YB118 bolts onto the rear frame of the CT118 using a sub-frame mount (not a weak 3-point hitch mount).

The backhoe runs off the tractor’s hydraulic system and includes a hydraulic thumb—a game-changer for picking up rocks, logs, and debris while digging.

The Catch: The backhoe requires the removal of the 3-point hitch arms. It takes about 15-20 minutes to switch from "backhoe mode" to "mowing mode." It is not a quick-attach system, but it is a solid, commercial-grade lock-in.