The Yanmar CT118 is a specialized, rubber-tracked compact tractor designed for high traction and low ground pressure. Originally engineered for the Japanese domestic market, it has become a popular grey-market import worldwide for small-scale farmers, landscapers, and vineyard operators who need to navigate demanding terrain without compacting the soil.
Below is an in-depth breakdown of the Yanmar CT118, covering its core specifications, advantages, and ideal applications. Core Specifications
The Yanmar CT118 brings a unique blend of tracked mobility and small-footprint maneuverability. Engine: Yanmar 3-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel. Power Output: 18 horsepower. Drive System: Full rubber tracks (Crawler). Aspiration: Naturally aspirated. Rear Hitch: Category 1 three-point linkage.
PTO (Power Take-Off): Standard rear PTO for running active implements like tillers and flail mowers. Key Advantages of the CT118
The standout feature of the CT118 is its tracked undercarriage, which drastically changes its performance profile compared to a standard wheeled compact tractor. 1. Exceptional Flotation and Low Ground Pressure
Wheeled tractors concentrate their entire weight on four small contact patches. The CT118 distributes its weight across the entire length of its rubber tracks. This ultra-low ground pressure prevents soil compaction, which is critical for maintaining healthy soil structure in gardens, greenhouse beds, and delicate agricultural operations. 2. Superior Traction in Challenging Conditions
The continuous contact of the tracks allows the CT118 to crawl through deep mud, loose sand, and wet clay where wheeled tractors would quickly spin out and get stuck. This makes it an ideal machine for early spring field prep or working in low-lying, boggy areas. 3. Increased Stability on Slopes
The wide stance and low center of gravity inherent to crawler tractors make them much safer on hillsides and uneven embankments. The tracks grip the slope firmly, reducing the risk of sliding sideways or rolling over. 4. High Pushing and Pulling Power
Traction translates directly into pulling power. Despite having a modest 18-horsepower engine, the CT118 can put a high percentage of that power directly to the ground. It can pull heavier ground-engaging implements (like small subsoilers or discs) than a wheeled tractor of equivalent horsepower. Ideal Use Cases
While it cannot match the top travel speeds of a wheeled machine, the CT118 excels in specialized niches:
Wetland and Rice Paddy Farming: Perfect for working in saturated soils where traditional tires create deep, destructive ruts.
Orchards and Vineyards: The narrow profile allows it to fit between tight rows, and the tracks provide the grip needed to pull sprayers up muddy terraced hills.
Commercial Landscaping: Ideal for grading and site prep on soft, finished lawns where minimizing turf damage is a priority.
Small-Acreage Market Gardening: Used primarily with a rotary tiller (rotovator) to prep perfectly loose seedbeds without packing down the subsoil. What to Know Before Buying
Because the CT118 is generally found as a used Japanese import in western markets, buyers should keep a few logistical points in mind:
Track Condition is Critical: Check the rubber tracks closely for dry rotting, deep cuts, or missing lugs. Replacing tracks on imported Japanese crawlers can sometimes be costly or require ordering from specialized overseas suppliers.
Check the PTO Rotation: Japanese tractors sometimes feature multi-speed PTOs or counter-clockwise rotations on specific models. Ensure the PTO on your specific unit matches standard clockwise implements if you plan to use standard off-the-shelf attachments.
Parts Availability: While Yanmar diesel engine parts are widely available globally, specific chassis, body, and track-undercarriage parts for the CT118 may require sourcing through specialized grey-market tractor parts dealers. yanmar ct118
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The Yanmar CT1180;259; is a specialized Japanese crawler mini-tractor designed for high-traction agricultural tasks in challenging terrains where standard wheeled tractors often struggle. Part of Yanmar's "Crawler Tractor" series, it blends compact maneuverability with the stability of a full track system. 0;92;0;a3; 0;baf;0;15f; Core Technical Specifications
The CT118 is engineered for efficiency in soft soil and steep environments: 0;381;0;480;
Engine Power: Typically rated at 18 hp (13 kW), providing a high power-to-weight ratio for a compact machine.
Drive System:0;421; Features a full crawler (track) chassis, which significantly reduces ground pressure and prevents soil compaction.
Transmission: Often includes advanced features like PTO reversal and specific "UFO" (Universal Floating Operator) hydraulic leveling systems in certain regional models to keep the implement level on uneven ground0;2e6;.
Dimensions: While highly compact, it is robust enough to handle standard attachments like rotovators and plows. Key Features and Performance
18;write_to_target_document1b;_uWLtacX3KKac4-EPkLeM0AY_100;57; 0;af9;0;61d; 0;26c;0;7e9; 0;fa4;0;2728; YANMAR CT118 Tractors Auction Results - TractorHouse.com
40 HP to 99 HP Tractors. Log in to See More Details. Auction Ended:Sep 12, 2025 (CDT) Hours: 381. Drive: Track. Engine Horsepower: TractorHouse.com
18;write_to_target_document7;default0;18c2;0;536;0;3dc;18;write_to_target_document1b;_uWLtacX3KKac4-EPkLeM0AY_100;2349; Mini excavator composition & characteristics - YANMAR
The Yanmar CT118 is a compact crawler tractor designed for high-traction performance in specialized agricultural environments, such as soft-soil paddy fields or orchards. Unlike standard wheeled tractors, the CT118 utilizes rubber tracks, which significantly reduce ground pressure and prevent sinking in wet terrain. Core Specifications Engine: Powered by an 18 HP, 3-cylinder diesel engine.
Drive System: Features a full-track system (crawler) for superior maneuverability and stability. The Yanmar CT118 is a specialized, rubber-tracked compact
Hitch & Power: Typically equipped with a standard 3-point hitch and Power Take-Off (PTO) to run various implements. Key Features & Benefits
Low Soil Compaction: The track design distributes weight more evenly than tires, protecting delicate soil structures and seedling beds.
High Maneuverability: Its compact size and track-steering capability make it ideal for navigating tight spaces in greenhouses, vineyards, or small-scale orchards.
Attachment Versatility: The CT118 can be paired with a range of tools, including rotary tillers for seed-bed preparation and flail mowers for vegetation control.
Durability: Built with Yanmar's long-standing reputation for reliable, fuel-efficient diesel engineering. Common Use Cases
This model is frequently used in Japan and exported globally as a "grey market" or used Japanese compact tractor. It excels in tasks like:
Secondary Tillage: Shredding and mixing soil to prepare for planting.
Organic Farming: Mechanically destroying weeds without the need for chemicals.
Orchard Maintenance: Working under low-hanging canopies where ground stability is critical.
For those looking for parts or specific manuals, specialized exporters like Used Farm Tractor.com or local Japanese equipment dealers like FARM MART often list these units with specific hour meters and condition reports. Yanmar_YTAGRI_catalogue-2023_LR.pdf
Yanmar CT118 is a Japanese compact crawler tractor designed for specialized agricultural tasks that require high traction and low ground pressure. Unlike standard wheeled tractors, the CT118 utilizes a rubber track system
, making it ideal for soft terrain, hillsides, and delicate soil environments where minimizing compaction is critical. Technical Specifications Based on data from Used Farm Tractor VRM-Technika , the CT118 features: : 3-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine. Horsepower : 18 HP (approximately 13 kW). Drive System : Full crawler (rubber tracks) with 4WD capabilities. Transmission
: Typically equipped with multiple forward and reverse gears (comparable to the AF118 series' 8x8 configuration).
: Approximately 798 kg (standard chassis weight for this power class). Tractor & Construction Plant Wiki Key Features & Benefits YANMAR CT118 Track Compact Tractor & New 4ft Flail Mower
Yanmar CT118 is a specialized, 18-horsepower crawler compact tractor that exemplifies the engineering philosophy of its namesake brand: delivering high-performance, efficient machinery in a compact frame. Part of Yanmar’s long history of innovation dating back to 1912, the CT118 stands out for its use of rubber tracks rather than traditional wheels, making it an essential tool for low-pressure soil applications and challenging terrains.
Title: Small Power, Large Footprint: The Engineering Legacy of the Yanmar CT118
Introduction: A Tradition of EfficiencyThe story of the Yanmar CT118 is rooted in the vision of Magokichi Yamaoka, who founded Yanmar with the goal of creating reliable, compact engines to ease the burden on laborers. Since developing the world’s first practical small diesel engine in 1933, Yanmar has focused on "conserving fuel to serve mankind". The CT118 is a modern extension of this legacy, providing a niche solution for farmers who need the power of a tractor but the gentle touch of a crawler. Using the PTO (Power Take-Off)
Technical Prowess and the Crawler AdvantageAt the heart of the Yanmar CT118 is a 3-cylinder diesel engine producing 18 horsepower. While this may seem modest compared to large industrial machines, its specialized drive system provides a unique advantage. Unlike wheeled tractors that can compact soil—damaging its health and water-air balance—the CT118’s rubber tracks distribute its weight across a larger surface area.
Soil Health: The low ground pressure is ideal for "environment-friendly solutions," allowing for mechanical weed destruction without chemical intervention.
Versatility: Equipped with a standard Category I 3-point hitch, it can operate a variety of attachments, such as rotovators and flail mowers, making it a versatile "all-in-one partner" for small-scale orchards, greenhouses, and vineyards. Our History - YANMAR Tractor
The Yanmar CT118 is a specialized crawler-style compact tractor designed for high stability and low ground pressure in demanding agricultural and landscaping environments. Often referred to as a "mini-crawler," this machine stands out for its ability to navigate soft or uneven terrain where traditional wheeled tractors might struggle. Core Specifications and Engine Performance
At the heart of the CT118 is Yanmar’s signature diesel technology. Yanmar is globally recognized for producing engines that offer a balance of high torque at low speeds and exceptional fuel efficiency.
Horsepower: The CT118 typically delivers approximately 18 horsepower, making it a robust choice for sub-compact tasks.
Engine Type: It features a water-cooled, 3-cylinder diesel engine.
Drive System: Unlike standard 4WD wheeled tractors, the CT118 utilizes a crawler (track) system. This provides a significantly larger contact patch with the ground, reducing soil compaction and increasing traction on slopes. Key Features for Versatility
The CT118 is engineered for "all-around" utility, particularly in vineyards, small-scale vegetable farms, and greenhouses. Yanmar_YTAGRI_catalogue-2023_LR.pdf
Since this model is a rebadged version of the LS Tractor MT118 (Yanmar manufactures the chassis, and LS provides the platform in certain markets), parts and service procedures are often cross-compatible.
The CT118 is almost always paired with the YL115 front-end loader (though some units sold under other brands like Cub Cadet used slightly different loader codes).
YL115 Loader Specifications:
Hydraulic flow: The tractor’s hydraulic pump provides approximately 6.4 GPM (total) – enough for loader operation but slow for high-demand attachments like a log splitter running off rear remotes (if equipped).
Rear Remotes: Not standard. Typically, one or two rear hydraulic remotes were optional field-installed kits.
The CT118 uses a Category 1 3-point hitch, which is the industry standard for sub-compact tractors.
The Yanmar CT118 is a 24.6 HP sub-compact tractor built by Yanmar (Japan) for the North American market. It shares its platform with the Yanmar SA series (SA221/SA324) but with specific features. It competes with the Kubota BX series, John Deere 1 Series, and LS MT1 series.
Key Identity: