Anonymous Poster
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I decided to buy a Jinma 284, but after read follows, I changed my mind.
Thinking about a Chinese Tractor, but concerned about all the horror stories you have heard! Chang Zhou Avenger (Dongfeng) series is the answer. Here is why...
Changzhou is a division of DongFeng Agricultural Machine [DFAM]. Dongfeng is China's premier tractor brand. Changzhou has seen the problems that Jinma has had with the tractors they export to America, and decided not to repeat their mistakes. Changzhou realized that Americans use their tractors differently than the Chinese, and that the bandaid approach of Jinma does not work to provide a reliable tractor in America and this, in addition to the lack of parts support, is the reason Chinese tractors have a poor reputation in America.
The basic reason for the reliablity problems with Jinma and other Chinese brands has been that they all start with a small 2 cylinder tractor and add features, larger tires and larger engines to satisfy the American importer. They do not design a new tractor, but patch the old one.
Consider the JM254/284 tractor as an example. It started out life as a 18 hp tractor with 5x12" front tires, 8.2x20" rear tires and a 0.92 liter engine. Now this same tractor has 6.5x16 front tires, 9.5x24 rear tires, and a 1.5 liter engine. The hydraulic system was designed for 3.6 gpm pump and now it is suppose to handle one 8 gpm and one 3.6 gpm pump. The transmission has not been changed to handle the additional torque nor has the clutch. Other than hanging more and larger parts onto the base 18 hp tractor, not much has changed. It is no wonder Jinma's have problems.
Now consider the Changzhou Dognfeng approach. First they start with a 30hp frame for the 254 and a 38hp frame for the 354 model. They use a clutch and transmission sized for a 40 HP tractor on both models. The base engines are 1.8 liter 28/30 hp and 2.2 liter 38/40 hp. They then set the engine governor at 2400 rpm, which reduces HP rating, but maintains the torque of the larger engine. They install the largest strongest front axle available since they know most tractors will be used with a front end loader and they use hardened bolts in all frame connections for the same reason. Then there is the hydraulic system. The tractors were designed for power steering, so the hydraulic steering ram is behind the front axle where it belongs and the fluid capacity is large enough handle a front end loader and a backhoe without fluid shortage or the overflows that are common with the Jinma and of course the Changzhou tractors have two hydraulic pumps.
Dongfeng is the tractor for the 21st century. Everything you need, nothing you don't.
Thinking about a Chinese Tractor, but concerned about all the horror stories you have heard! Chang Zhou Avenger (Dongfeng) series is the answer. Here is why...
Changzhou is a division of DongFeng Agricultural Machine [DFAM]. Dongfeng is China's premier tractor brand. Changzhou has seen the problems that Jinma has had with the tractors they export to America, and decided not to repeat their mistakes. Changzhou realized that Americans use their tractors differently than the Chinese, and that the bandaid approach of Jinma does not work to provide a reliable tractor in America and this, in addition to the lack of parts support, is the reason Chinese tractors have a poor reputation in America.
The basic reason for the reliablity problems with Jinma and other Chinese brands has been that they all start with a small 2 cylinder tractor and add features, larger tires and larger engines to satisfy the American importer. They do not design a new tractor, but patch the old one.
Consider the JM254/284 tractor as an example. It started out life as a 18 hp tractor with 5x12" front tires, 8.2x20" rear tires and a 0.92 liter engine. Now this same tractor has 6.5x16 front tires, 9.5x24 rear tires, and a 1.5 liter engine. The hydraulic system was designed for 3.6 gpm pump and now it is suppose to handle one 8 gpm and one 3.6 gpm pump. The transmission has not been changed to handle the additional torque nor has the clutch. Other than hanging more and larger parts onto the base 18 hp tractor, not much has changed. It is no wonder Jinma's have problems.
Now consider the Changzhou Dognfeng approach. First they start with a 30hp frame for the 254 and a 38hp frame for the 354 model. They use a clutch and transmission sized for a 40 HP tractor on both models. The base engines are 1.8 liter 28/30 hp and 2.2 liter 38/40 hp. They then set the engine governor at 2400 rpm, which reduces HP rating, but maintains the torque of the larger engine. They install the largest strongest front axle available since they know most tractors will be used with a front end loader and they use hardened bolts in all frame connections for the same reason. Then there is the hydraulic system. The tractors were designed for power steering, so the hydraulic steering ram is behind the front axle where it belongs and the fluid capacity is large enough handle a front end loader and a backhoe without fluid shortage or the overflows that are common with the Jinma and of course the Changzhou tractors have two hydraulic pumps.
Dongfeng is the tractor for the 21st century. Everything you need, nothing you don't.