Yanmar Ke Series: Hydraulics, PTO, and Implements
What can you do with the hydraulics and PTO of a Yanmar Ke-1, Ke-1D, Ke-2D, or Ke-3D — and which implements fit behind them? In this article, we cover the lift system, the PTO shaft, and implement selection for the Yanmar Ke series.
Suitable for the entire series: Yanmar Ke-1, Ke-1D, Ke-2D, and Ke-3D.
Yanmar Ke Series: The Lift System
The Ke series has a 2-point direct-mount system (not a standard category 1 three-point hitch!) with hydraulic control. Operation is simple: use the lift lever to raise and lower the implement, and the depth lever to set the working depth. The automatic depth control then maintains the set tilling depth on its own — even on uneven ground. The transmission and hydraulics share a single 11-liter oil reservoir (TF-500); a slow-reacting lift should therefore always start with an oil level check.
Under the seat is a stop/slow-return valve in the hydraulic circuit. Closed = the implement stays lifted (for transport and maintenance under the implement), open = normal operation. In practice, a "faulty" lift often turns out to simply be a closed valve.
Yanmar Ke Series: PTO Speeds
| Setting | Speed | Available on |
|---|---|---|
| Setting 1 | 569 rpm | All models |
| Setting 2 | 900 rpm | All models |
| Reverse setting | 427 rpm (reverse) | Ke-1D, Ke-2D, Ke-3D only |
The PTO shaft is a 35 mm JIS shaft, rotating clockwise. Shifting is done with the clutch pedal fully depressed and reduced engine speed; the reverse setting is behind a lever lock so you can't engage it by accident.
What the reverse PTO is — and isn't — intended for: Yanmar only permits reverse rotation for light work such as hilling soil and freeing grass or straw wrapped around the tiller shaft. Serious reverse tilling (with reverse-mounted tiller blades) in unworked soil is explicitly not allowed — the drivetrain is not designed for this.
Which Implements Fit Behind a Yanmar Ke?
The factory standard is the matching Yanmar tiller: 1100 mm working width for the Ke-1 and Ke-1D, 1200 mm for the Ke-2D and Ke-3D. Yanmar specifies that only the original tiller should be used with the 2-point system; so be cautious with heavier third-party attachments.
Realistic use with 12.5 to 15 hp: tilling up to the standard width, light soil cultivation, cultivating, hilling, and transport work with a light trailer. The maximum load capacity is limited (90 kg extra on the lift on top of the implement weight, according to the weight table) — a heavy flail mower or earth auger doesn't belong behind this class.
Maintaining the Lift and PTO
Grease the lift points and hinges every 50 hours, check the transmission oil level every 50 hours, and change the shared oil every 300 hours. Replace hydraulic hoses — just like the radiator hoses — every two years, regardless of operating hours. When the PTO is running, regularly check that the shaft seal remains dry.
🔧 Parts Tip from Shop4trac
- Need tiller blades, lift pins, or a PTO shaft seal? Send us the model (decal on the hood) and a photo of the nameplate — we'll find the right part for you.
- Glow Plug Yanmar 3TN63 / 3TN66 / 3TNE68 (SKU-551216) — for when heavy tilling work reveals cold-starting issues.
