Yanmar Ct118 -

Informative Report: Yanmar CT118 Sub-Compact Tractor

Hydraulics & PTO

• Hydraulic Capacity: 2.9 GPM
• 3-Point Hitch: Category 1
• Lift Capacity (24" behind link): Approx. 1,100 lbs
• Rear PTO: 540 RPM, Independent electro-hydraulic clutch
• Mid PTO: Available (for mower decks), usually 2,000 RPM.

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The Loader: YL-108

Most CT118s are sold with the Yanmar YL-108 front end loader.

• Lift Capacity: ~700 lbs (at pivot pin)
• Breakout force: ~2,100 lbs

The Good: The loader joystick is mounted to the fender, not the loader frame. This means when you remove the loader (which takes about 5 minutes), you don't have a wobbly joystick flopping around on the floor. The Quirk: The bucket level indicator is a simple rod design. It works, but it takes a few hours of seat time to learn to read it accurately.

1. Overview & Positioning

The Yanmar CT118 is a sub-compact utility tractor (SCUT) manufactured by Yanmar, a Japanese company with a long history in diesel engines and compact machinery. The CT118 belongs to the "CT1" series, which was largely manufactured in the mid-2010s (approximately 2013–2017). It was designed to directly compete with models like the John Deere 1025R and Kubota BX series. yanmar ct118

Its primary role is landscaping, property maintenance, snow removal, and light material handling.

The YL118 Front-End Loader

The loader is the star of the show. With a lift capacity of roughly 800 lbs (at the pivot pin), the YL118 can handle a full bucket of gravel, a pallet of firewood, or a heavy round bale (provided it is a small one). Hydraulic Capacity: 2

• Breakout force: 1,991 lbs
• Lift height: 74.7 inches (enough to dump into a standard pickup truck bed, though a slight tilt of the bucket helps).

The loader joystick is mounted on the right fender. It is precise, offering feathering control that allows you to skim dirt without bouncing the front end.

Is the Yanmar CT118 Right for You?

You should buy the CT118 if:

• You value mechanical power over brand status.
• You have a Yanmar dealer within reasonable driving distance.
• You need a backhoe that can actually dig 6 feet deep (the competition often only digs 5.5 feet).
• You want a "forever tractor" for a 2–10 acre property.

You should look elsewhere if:

• You want a lawn mower that can also dig. (The CT118 is a tractor that can mow; it is heavy for manicured golf course lawns).
• You require financing specials—Yanmar is currently not as aggressive as Kubota.
• You need a cab option for winter snow blowing (CT118 is open station only).