Yanmar Ct118 May 2026

The loader is the star of the show. With a lift capacity of roughly 800 lbs (at the pivot pin), the YL118 can handle a full bucket of gravel, a pallet of firewood, or a heavy round bale (provided it is a small one).

The loader joystick is mounted on the right fender. It is precise, offering feathering control that allows you to skim dirt without bouncing the front end.

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:

  • Common rebrands: Some CT118s were sold as Cub Cadet SC2400 (2009-2013) before Yanmar split from Cub Cadet – nearly identical mechanically but with different sheet metal and loader controls.

    • Ergonomics Despite being a sub-compact, the CT118 is designed with operator comfort in mind.

    Build Quality Yanmar tractors are renowned for their heavy construction relative to their size. The CT118 utilizes a cast iron transmission and rear end housing, which adds weight (good for traction) and structural rigidity. This "built-like-a-tank" reputation is a primary selling point against lighter, sheet-metal-heavy competitors.

    | Interval | Task | |----------|------| | Before each use | Check engine oil, coolant, fuel water separator, tires, lights | | 50 hours | Engine oil & filter (Yanmar recommends 10W-30 CJ-4 or CK-4) | | 100 hours | Check hydraulic fluid level; clean air filter outer element; grease FEL pins | | 200 hours | Replace hydraulic filter; check front axle oil level | | 400 hours | Replace hydraulic fluid (Yanmar UTF or equivalent); replace fuel filter | | Yearly | Replace coolant (phosphate-free), check battery terminals, clean radiator fins | | 600 hours | Adjust valve clearance (0.006" intake / 0.008" exhaust – cold) | | 1000 hours | Injector service, fuel timing check (dealer recommended) | yanmar ct118

    Fluid capacities:

    If you are looking at the CT118, you likely want the YBH-120 backhoe.

    This is a frame-mounted backhoe (not a 3-point hitch model). This is critical: frame mounting transfers stress to the heavy chassis rather than the cast aluminum rear end. It is easy to remove via a 4-pin system, but heavy—you will want a level concrete pad to roll it off onto dollies. The loader is the star of the show

    The CT118 sits on a robust ladder frame. Ground clearance is a respectable 6.9 inches.

    Standard tires are turf tires (Carlisle), which are gentle on lawns. However, many owners immediately upgrade to R14 industrial tires (a hybrid between a turf and a lug tire) to get better traction in mud and snow.

    The wheelbase is 53.5 inches, making it incredibly nimble. You can turn this tractor inside a very small radius, which is essential when working around trees, fence lines, or chicken coops. The loader joystick is mounted on the right fender