Yanmar Super Forte AF-22 to AF-33: what can you do with 22 to 33 hp and which implements?

Yanmar Super Forte AF-22 to AF-33: what can you do with 22 to 33 hp?

The hydraulics, PTO and implements of the Yanmar Super Forte AF-22 to AF-33 determine what you can really do with this tractor. In this blog we explain what 22 to 33 hp means in practice, which implements fit — from a front loader to a rotary tiller or a flail mower — and how the three-point hitch and PTO of the AF series work.

Suitable for the entire series: Yanmar Super Forte MARK III AF-22, AF-24, AF-26, AF-28, AF-30 and AF-33.

What does 22 to 33 hp mean in practice?

The number in the model name (22 to 33) is the engine power. Important to understand: not all of that power reaches the PTO or the wheels. Some is lost in the drivetrain, so the usable PTO and pulling power is always somewhat lower than the engine power. Still, there's a clear difference between an AF-22 and an AF-33: the heavier models not only have more hp, but also more weight (up to over 1400 kg) and wider tires, and that weight is what gives you pulling power.

Rule of thumb for this series: the lighter AF-22 and AF-24 are ideal for garden and yard work, a narrow tiller, a flail mower or light transport trailer. The mid-range AF-26 and AF-28 comfortably pull a wider rotary tiller and heavier mowing work. The large AF-30 and AF-33 have the mass and tires to handle a wide tiller, a grading blade or a full trailer on a slope.

The three-point hitch

All AF models have a three-point hitch according to JIS category 1, with position control. With position control, you set the lift to a fixed height that it maintains — handy for tilling at a constant depth or transporting an implement at a fixed height. The lift also has functions to control the lowering speed, so an implement descends gently instead of dropping with a jolt.

The PTO (power take-off)

The PTO rotates clockwise and has four forward speeds, so you can match the PTO speed to the implement. The larger models also have a reverse PTO. Always check which PTO speed your implement needs.

Suitable for a front loader

The AF series is well suited for a front loader. The four-wheel drive provides grip when you put weight on the front axle with a full bucket, and the fully hydraulic power steering keeps steering light — even with weight up front. When doing loader work, always attach a counterweight or an implement to the rear three-point hitch, so the rear axle stays loaded and the tractor remains stable when steering and braking. The heavier models with their longer wheelbase and higher unladen weight (AF-30 and AF-33, up to over 1400 kg) are best suited for this; the lighter AF-22 and AF-24 can handle a light loader just fine, provided you lift more conservatively and don't stack too high.

Which implements fit — matched to the hp?

Thanks to the category 1 hitch and the standard PTO, a wide range of compact implements fit. The rule of thumb is simple: match the width and weight of the implement to the power and weight of your model. The more hp and kilos, the wider and heavier you can safely go. Below is a practical guideline per size class.

A 1.8 m flail mower runs comfortably behind the more powerful AF-30 or AF-33; on a lighter AF-22 or AF-24, it's better to choose a mower or tiller up to about 1.5 m, so you retain both power and stability. The Super Forte was often supplied in Japan with a matching factory rotary tiller, with widths that roughly scale with the model — from around 1.4–1.5 m on the smaller models to about 1.7 m on the AF-30 and AF-33. For every implement, take weight and wheelbase into account: an implement that's too wide or too heavy on the back of a light AF-22 makes the front end light, while an AF-30 or AF-33 stands much more stable under that load.