Buying a Yanmar Ke-13 through Ke-18: buying advice & series overview

The Yanmar Ke series — Ke-13, Ke-14, Ke-16 and Ke-18 — is a compact 4WD diesel tractor series (approx. 2004–2009) that regularly turns up in the Netherlands as a grey import. In this buying guide you'll read how the four models differ, which specification codes you'll find on the identification plate, what a used unit costs, and what to look out for during a viewing.

Suitable for the entire series: Yanmar Ke-13, Ke-14, Ke-16 and Ke-18 (all specifications).

Yanmar Ke series: the four models in brief

All four are 3-cylinder swirl chamber diesels (indirect injection) with an F8×R4 transmission, fully hydraulic power steering, wet multi-disc brakes and a dry single-plate clutch. Note: because of the three different engine blocks (68, 72 and 74 mm bore), head gaskets and pistons are not interchangeable between the engine groups. The filters, however, are the same across the entire series — see the Yanmar Ke-13 through Ke-18 filter guide.

Yanmar Ke series specification codes on the identification plate

Behind the model name you'll find one or more letters. From the manual: V = dual-speed turning on the front wheels (standard on virtually all Ke-14/16/18), U = UFO version with EG-UFO automatic horizontal implement control, S = kibi version (sugarcane), OM = Okinawa loader version, M = loader version and N = narrow track. The Ke-13 was also available as a bare standard version; the Ke-14VUN was only built to order and is rare.

Yanmar Ke series market value: what does a used Ke-13 through Ke-18 cost?

All amounts mentioned are indicative (as of July 2026). At Japanese auctions — where these tractors originate — machines from the broader KE series have fetched an average of roughly ¥170,000–210,000 in recent months, converting to approximately €1,000–1,300, bare and excluding transport, import and preparation for road use. At a European import dealer, you'll logically pay a multiple of that: expect roughly €3,500–7,500 for a decent Ke-13 through Ke-18, depending on hours, condition and whether a rotary tiller is included. Within the series: the more horsepower, the higher the price — a Ke-18 clearly fetches more than a Ke-13. A V version with a working dual-speed turn and a U version with a working UFO control are worth more than a bare version. The supply of exactly this series is limited in the Netherlands and prices fluctuate with the yen exchange rate, so compare widely and let the technical condition weigh more heavily than the asking price — use the checklist below for that.

Yanmar Ke-13 through Ke-18: what can you do with 13–18 hp?

The rated power mainly indicates the PTO power for the rotary tiller; pulling power is determined more by the weight (±600 kg). Practically: the Ke-13 and Ke-14 comfortably handle a rotary tiller of 1100–1200 mm, the Ke-16 and Ke-18 can manage 1200–1400 mm (see the combination table in the hydraulics and implements guide). All four models are suitable for transport work with a tipping trailer, a scarifier or a flail mower on the 540-rpm rear PTO. Heavy plowing or a 1.5 m flail mower is too much to ask.

Buying a Yanmar Ke series: what to look out for during a viewing

These are Japanese domestic machines (grey imports), so hour readings can't always be verified. Focus mainly on the technical condition. Start the engine cold: the glow plug indicator should light up and the engine should start promptly after it goes out. Check the free play of the clutch pedal (15–25 mm) and the brake pedals (25–35 mm, equal left and right) — deviations can be adjusted, but reveal deferred maintenance. On a V version, test the dual-speed turn: at full steering lock you'll hear a click from the clutch (this is normal), but the front axle should actually rotate faster. On a U version, check whether the UFO horizontal control responds. Also check for oil leaks around the engine and lift, the condition of the wiring harness (worn-through insulation is a known issue on older Yanmars), and whether the hydraulics lift the implement quickly and without jerking.

Yanmar Ke series: parts readily available

Wear parts are readily available: filters, glow plugs, thermostat and cooling components can simply be found in our range. Engine-specific parts (head gasket, pistons) differ per engine group — always state your engine code and serial number when ordering.