Jinma 284

[meporsche]

First post but have read off and on for last year. Am about to pull the trigger on a 284 w/ loader, assembled and delivered for $10K. I am replacing my old massey that broke an axle this week. Any comments positive or negative?

I am aware of most of the cautionary tales regarding these units. I will be using it for general farm work, moving round bales and plenty of snow removal.

Comments on whether to load the rears? at 2 tons I'm thinking it isn't necessary........

Last, anyone have any comments or experience with Josef Tractor in Dallas TX?

Thanks to any and all who post,

Darwin

[20 20]

Own the 254, can't complain, been a great little tractor. When{if} I buy again I will stick with Jinma just probably go to a 40hp. I also own the nortrac dozer same thing can't complain, both great machines.

I've used mine for everything from logging, to digging dirt, snow removal etc... I have close to 600 hrs now and they've been tough hrs. If you keep up with maintanence and take care of it you'll be fine. Change your fluids at 10hrs then 50 after that every 100 is fine. Also check all the nuts bolts hoses etc...

[Diamondpilot]

What brand loader are they putting on it? Also has the tractor had all the fluids changed out? If not do it asap. The price seems good. I paid $9500 back in 2003 for my tractor, FEL, and a American Made 5' King Kutter Finish Mower which ended up being the piece of junk, not the Chinese Tractor.

As for Round bales I would for sure load the rear tires. Most of us do it ourselves and if you are in a non freezing area you can just use water. I used Windshield Washer Fluid good down to -20. Still not sure if you will be able to handle round bales like we commonly have around here, I think they weigh 1,000#. Maybe off the 3 point?

Chris

[bjr]

Okay, you've broken an axle on the Massey and it's getting replaced. And you've read the previous post below about drive shaft repairing. I own and like my JM-354 Jinma, but, I would never put a FEL on it. You're money. As long as you can do repairs yourself. I Do truly wish you luck. I'm NOT bad mouthing the tractor and you've done your home work as to what can happen. bjr

[meporsche]

Thanks for the tips. The fluids are being replaced when the tractor is assembled.

2020, did you do your log skidding with your tractor? I am thinking of doing some light logging for firewood now that I will have the 4WD.

The loader is a custom built by the dealer, 1200-1400# lift capacity. I will probably only use the 3 pt spike for bales. Although I think the tractor (at 2 tons) could handle a bale on the bucket as long as I have one on the 3 pt as well. I do 4X5 bales. Comments?

[20 20]

Originally Posted by bjr

I own and like my JM-354 Jinma, but, I would never put a FEL on it.

Why wouldn't you put a FEL on a 354? My little 254 handles a FEL with no problem even lifting logs{still no weight in rear tires}. Not sure why you wouldn't want a FEL on a 354 you have me very

[meporsche]

Curious as to why you would not put a FEL on? Do you think it over-taxes the tractor? I absolutely have to have a bucket for snow removal. We get so much snow a blade or plow doesn't work as there isn't anywhere to push it sometimes. And I also need it to clean pens and move manure, spread dirt, mulch, etc.

[greg_g]

The school of hard knocks has taught many members that they should have avoided the Chinese loaders (and backhoes). Some dealers won't even stock them anymore. The American-made Koykers, Spirits, and the like are a good investment though.

But you might want to reconsider moving conventional round bales with a JM284. Last I looked, the hydraulics were only rated to about 875 pounds. That much or less in a front bucket shouldn't require ballasting the rears anyway. And lifting with the rear hitch would make rear ballast totally unnecessary. That said, I've carried some rear loads that have occasionally tempted me to ballast the fronts, but I never actually got frustrated enough to actually do it.

Oh, and I'm not sure where you got "2 tons". The JM284 working weight - no loader, no backhoe - just the tractor itself, is well under 2700 pounds.

//greg//

[Affordable]

I don't think the loader they use will pick up round bales, it's a V3 loader,I have heard of problems with those loaders but I have not seen them myself just what I heard.

Tommy
Affordable Tractor Sales
" Your Jinma Parts Superstore"
Home of compact Jinma, Foton, and Koyker Tractors and Parts, Wood Chippers, Backhoes - Affordable Tractor Sales Company

[meporsche]

Oh, and I'm not sure where you got "2 tons".



Tractordata.com shows a weight of 3003# and the loader is 900+#

The info I have is a 975# lift cap. for the 3 point.