Buying a Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15? Complete buying guide for these compact 4WD mini tractors
Buying a Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15? Complete buying guide
The Mitsubishi MTX13 and MTX15 are compact 4WD mini tractors from around 1990 that came to Europe as grey imports from Japan. Anyone looking to buy a Mitsubishi MTX13 or MTX15 gets a manoeuvrable workhorse tractor of 13 to 15 hp with a reliable three-cylinder diesel engine. In this buying guide, you'll read how the two models differ, what you can use them for, and what to look out for when viewing one.
Suitable for the entire series: Mitsubishi MTX13D and MTX15D (the "D" stands for four-wheel drive; both models were supplied as standard 4WD).
Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15: the series in brief
The MTX series was the successor to the well-known Mitsubishi MT series and consisted of the MTX13D, MTX15D, and the larger MTX24. The MTX13D and MTX15D share almost the entire chassis, transmission, and hydraulics. They are only 2 metres long, less than 1 metre wide, and weigh approximately 535 kg — ideal for vegetable gardens, riding arenas, orchards, and narrow passages.
| Feature | Mitsubishi MTX13D | Mitsubishi MTX15D |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Mitsubishi L3A, 3-cylinder diesel, 696 cc | Mitsubishi L3C, 3-cylinder diesel, 808 cc |
| Power | 13 hp at 2,700 rpm | 14.9 hp at 2,700 rpm |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Gears | 6 forward / 2 reverse | 6 forward / 2 reverse |
| Lift system | Auto-return (lift automatically returns to neutral) | PAC: Position Auto Control |
| Weight | 535 kg | 540 kg |
Mitsubishi MTX13 or MTX15: what are the real differences?
The main difference lies under the bonnet. The MTX13D has the Mitsubishi L3A engine of 696 cc, the MTX15D the larger L3C of 808 cc. Both are water-cooled three-cylinders from the same engine family, but they are different engines with different gaskets. If you order a head gasket, for example, always choose the variant for your model: the head gasket Mitsubishi MTX13 (SKU-214) for the L3A or the head gasket Mitsubishi MTX15 (SKU-183) for the L3C.
The second difference is the hydraulics. The MTX13D has an auto-return lift: the lever automatically returns to neutral as soon as the implement is fully raised. The MTX15D has PAC (Position Auto Control) as standard, which allows you to set the implement height more precisely at a fixed position — handy for tilling work at varying depths.
Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15: what can you do with them?
With 13 to 15 hp and three PTO speeds (561, 827, and 1,355 rpm), these tractors are built for soil cultivation on small plots. Think of a rotary tiller of 1.10 to 1.30 metres, a weeder harrow, a small rotary mower, a snow blade, or towing a trailer at up to about 15 km/h. For heavy ploughing or a flail mower wider than ±1.20 metres, the power is too limited. You can read more about this in our article on Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 hydraulics, PTO, and implements.
Buying a Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15: viewing checklist
These tractors are 30+ years old. The technology is simple and robust, but be sure to check the following when viewing one:
| Check point | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Cold start | After ±6 seconds of preheating, the engine should start smoothly. Prolonged cranking indicates worn glow plugs, a weak battery, or poor compression. |
| Smoke | Persistent white smoke (after the warm-up phase) or blue smoke indicates wear; black smoke often points to a clogged air filter. |
| Cooling system | Check for signs of leakage at the water pump and see if the coolant is clean. Rust-brown water indicates overdue maintenance. |
| Engine stop | The engine should stop immediately when you turn the key. If not, the stop solenoid or key time relay needs attention. |
| Hydraulics | Lift an implement (or have someone push on the lift arms): the lift should raise smoothly and not sink on its own. |
| Clutch and brakes | Clutch play should be 20–30 mm, brake pedal play 40–50 mm, and equal left/right. Uneven braking is a known issue in neglected examples. |
| 4WD and front axle | Engage four-wheel drive and take a short drive: humming or knocking noises from the front axle indicate a costly repair. |
| Tyres | Original 5-12 front and 8-16 rear (or 4.50-10/7-16 for the narrow version). Agricultural tread is readily available in these sizes. |
Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15: parts availability
Good news: the L3A and L3C engines were used in dozens of machines (including Iseki Landhope tractors, Toro mowers, and mini excavators), making engine parts widely available. Filter sets, water pumps, thermostats, glow plugs, gaskets, and bearings for the MTX13 and MTX15 can simply be ordered from stock. Machine-specific sheet metal parts are scarcer — so pay extra attention to the condition of the bonnet and mudguards when buying.
🔧 Ready to get started with your MTX?
Order the filter set Mitsubishi MTX13/MTX15 (SKU-100119) with oil, fuel, and air filter and combine with engine oil 15W40 (SKU-15W40) for a complete first service after purchase.
