Yanmar vs. Kubota – Tractors, Engines, and Excavators

Choosing between Yanmar and Kubota comes down to how you work and where you service your equipment. This guide compares tractors, compact excavators, and diesel engines on reliability, hydraulics, comfort, attachments, and dealer support. You will see where each brand shines, typical ownership costs, and the features that matter most for acreage, job sites, and rental fleets.

See our mid-size tractor comparison article for more brand match-ups today!

Yanmar vs. Kubota

Yanmar is a diesel engine and heavy equipment manufacturer founded in Osaka, Japan. Kubota was also founded in Osaka, Japan, and manufactures similar products such as engines, tractors, and excavators.

Both companies have been major players in the tractor market for a long time and have expanded their operations to other countries around the world. However, Yanmar started its business in Japan in 1912, while Kubota has been in operation since 1890.

Yanmar Diesel Engine vs. Kubota Diesel Engines

Yanmar provides diesel engines with up to 4 cylinders suitable for a wide range of applications such as agriculture, construction, and power generation. The company operates primarily out of Japan, from where it supplies engines to clients all over the world. Yanmar diesel engines are air or water-cooled, compact, and designed to support lower emissions.

Kubota is a renowned manufacturer of high-performance diesel engines with up to 6 cylinders. Now over 100 years old, the company boasts several decades of producing diesel engines for commercial and industrial applications. Today, Kubota’s multi-cylinder engines are liquid-cooled, compact, and engineered to produce lower emissions than engines from its competitors.

Where is Kubota made? The engine division of its US business operations (Kubota Engine of America) is currently based in Illinois, while the US tractor division (Kubota Manufacturing of America) is based in Georgia. The US Kubota locations offer sales and technical support to the rapidly expanding diesel engine market.

Yanmar vs. Kubota Tractors

Yanmar and Kubota are both leading manufacturers of powerful tractors. For a good comparison, let’s take a look at two high-performance tractors for agriculture – Yanmar’s YT347C diesel tractor and Kubota’s MX4900 diesel tractor.

Kubota MX4900

The MX4900 is a 13.5-gallon (51-liter) diesel tractor with 49.3 Horsepower of engine performance and hydrostatic power steering. It utilizes a gear-drive transmission adjustable between 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive or HST (hydrostatic transmission) with 4-wheel drive configuration.

This Kubota MX model has a maximum Power Take-off (PTO) of 40.5 HP (30.2 kW) for the gear-drive transmission type and 39.0 HP (29.1 kW) for the HST type.

Yanmar YT347C

The YT347C is a 12.7-gallon (48-liter) diesel tractor with 46 Horsepower of engine performance with fully hydraulic power steering. The drivetrain for this machine is adjustable between 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive with three variable speeds.

It has a maximum Power Take-off (PTO) of 39.5 HP (29.1 kW) at full working speed and 36.4 HP (26.8 kW) at zero speed with rated RPM (revolutions per minute) of 2800. The YT347C utilizes Yanmar’s high-performance 4TNV88C Tier 4 4-cylinder engine.

Going by the above specs of two of the latest models from both tractor manufacturers, the Kubota tractor comes out on top in terms of fuel capacity, engine horsepower, and PTO.

Are Yanmar and Kubota the Same?

In the US, Yanmar engines are rebranded and primarily marketed by John Deere, an American corporation also invested in diesel engines and heavy machinery for agricultural and industrial use. Kubota, on the other hand, sells its products under its name in the US.

Where Are Yanmar Tractors Made?

Yanmar tractors are designed and assembled in the company’s facility in Adairsville, Georgia. Engineers and technicians at the facility also carry out servicing and part replacements.

Is Yanmar a Good Tractor?

Yanmar tractors are robust and durable equipment that is suitable for a host of agricultural activities. However, Kubota tractors are widely regarded as high-performance, ergonomic machines. Nonetheless, with proper use and adequate maintenance, Kubota and Yanmar tractors can last for up to 20 years.

Yanmar vs. Kubota Excavators

Kubota and Yanmar are manufacturers of some of the best mini excavators for the construction industry. Kubota excavators are generally rated between 0.8 to 8.2 tons with excellent engine performance and high durability. Yanmar excavators are rated between 0.8 and 10 tons. Yanmar and Kubota excavators support conventional swing and zero-turn ranges of motion with low emissions and excellent fuel economy.

Visit Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment for Your Kubota Tractors Needs

Bobby Ford is a highly rated Kubota Dealer in the Greater Houston Area. We offer Kubota tractors and excavators at some of the most competitive prices on the market with unparalleled customer service from a team of experienced staff.

FAQs

Which brand is more reliable, Yanmar or Kubota?
Both have strong reputations and long engine histories. Reliability often comes down to the specific model, maintenance, and the quality of local dealer support for parts and service.

Who makes the engines in these machines?
Both companies design and build diesel engines used in their own equipment and in other brands. Many compact tractors and excavators from each brand are powered by in-house engines.

Which is better for attachments and hydraulics?
Look at hydraulic flow, control feel, and the quick attach standard you need. Kubota and Yanmar both support common implements and couplers. Choose the model that meets your flow and lift requirements.

How should I decide between the two for my property or job site?
Match the machine to your tasks first, then compare dealer proximity, demo availability, warranty, and total ownership costs. A short demo on your implements or attachments is the best way to confirm the fit.