Buying a Yanmar F195–FX265: buying guide for the New Super Forte series

Buying a Yanmar F195 or one of its bigger brothers? The Yanmar New Super Forte series is one of the most complete Japanese mini tractor lines to have made its way to Europe as grey import. In this buying guide you'll read how the series is structured, what to look out for during an inspection, and what a unit might cost nowadays.

Suitable for the whole series: F195(D), FX195(D), F215(D), FX215(D), F235(D), FX235(D), F255(D), FX255(D), F265(D) and FX265(D).

Yanmar New Super Forte: how the series is structured

The New Super Forte series (ニュースーパーフォルテ) is built around three engines from the same family. This makes the series easy to understand, but be aware: parts such as cylinder head gaskets and piston rings are not interchangeable between the engine groups.

The letter codes tell you exactly which variant you're dealing with:

• F = standard gearbox: 9 forward gears, 3 reverse. You shift while stationary, with the clutch pressed in.
• FX = powershift: the main gearbox shifts without a clutch pedal, even while driving. The range lever, however, is still shifted while stationary.
• D = four-wheel drive (e.g. F195D, FX265D). Without the D, it's a 2WD.
• U-version = OK-UFO: electronic automatic control for tilling depth, implement tilt and headland turning.
• P-version = power steering (optional on the larger D models); V-version = high-grip turn (front-wheel dual speed while cornering).

The production period is indicatively from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. The series was built in Japan for the domestic market and was never officially sold in Europe — so virtually every unit here is grey import.

Yanmar F195–FX265: which model suits you?

With 19 hp and ± 800–870 kg, the F/FX195 is the compact entry-level model: ideal for a vegetable garden, riding arena or small plot with a 1.30 m tiller. The F/FX215 and F/FX235 are the all-rounders (21–23 hp, ± 920–1030 kg) with a fourth PTO setting and more transmission oil capacity for heavier work. The F/FX255 and F/FX265 (25–26 hp, up to ± 1105 kg) have wider tyres, more ground clearance and a rear track width adjustable in four positions — the choice for anyone who wants to plough or haul seriously. Torn between a standard gearbox and powershift? The FX shifts more comfortably during field work with lots of turns, but has more wear-sensitive technology on board (see the buying inspection below).

Yanmar F195–FX265 buying inspection: what to look out for

• Cold start. Have the engine started cold. A 3TNB that struggles to start cold but runs fine when warm is losing compression — the first sign of wear.
• Testing the powershift (FX). Shift through all the main gears while driving, including reverse. Failure to engage, "binding" (as if two gears are engaging at once) or creeping in neutral points to worn shift rods or seals in the powershift — a repair that requires splitting the tractor.
• OK-UFO and electronics (U-version). Switch on the ignition and test the lift switch, the depth dial and the dashboard lights. A flashing light indicates a sensor fault. Working UFO electronics is a plus; defective electronics need not be a dealbreaker, but should lower the price.
• Hour meter and type plate. With grey imports, dashboards are sometimes swapped. Compare the type plate on the chassis with what the hour meter shows, and assess the hours in relation to the overall condition.
• Measuring play. The manual specifies: brake pedal 30–40 mm (maximum 5 mm difference left/right), clutch pedal 15–25 mm, steering wheel 20–50 mm. Large deviations reveal overdue maintenance.
• Hydraulics. Raise an implement and let it drop: a whining pump or jerky lift often points to a clogged hydraulic filter or the wrong oil — usually easy to fix.
• 4WD and leakage (D models). Check the front axle for oil leakage at the steering knuckles and test whether the front-wheel drive engages and disengages.
• Cooling system and V-belt. Check the expansion tank, inspect the radiator for dirt build-up, and check the V-belt for deflection (10–15 mm) and cracks.

Yanmar F195–FX265 market value: what does a unit cost?

The price ranges below are indicative, based on current asking and auction prices in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany (mid-2026). The final value strongly depends on hours, condition and specification.

The price is mainly determined by: the number of hours and the cold start, 4WD versus 2WD, a demonstrably smooth-shifting powershift (FX), working lift electronics, tyre condition, and whether an implement is included — a good tiller alone can quickly add €1,000 to €2,000.

Parts for the Yanmar F195–FX265

Wear parts are readily available: the 3TNB engine family is closely related to later Yanmar industrial engines, meaning filters, water pumps, thermostats and electrics are widely available. When it comes to engine parts, always pay attention to the correct engine group: for example, the 3TNB80 (F/FX195) requires a different cylinder head gasket (3TNB80) than the 3TNB82 (cylinder head gasket F215 / 3TNB82) or the 3TNB84 (cylinder head gasket F235–FX265 / 3TNB84).