Jinma JM-284 Reviews
Excellent Workhorse
Model Year: 2010
Very minor problems with hydraulic spool fitting leak, apart from that an excellent machine. A special note: I live on the side of a steel mountain and can testify that the roll over protection WORKS! It saved my life when I lost concentration and went over the edge rolling completely over! In addition we pulled it out, topped up the oils and worked perfectly, but the ROPS is a bit bent!!
Pros: Excellent value for money.
Cons: Part can be hard to come by, but they are getting better.
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Model Year: 2010
Very minor problems with hydraulic spool fitting leak, apart from that an excellent machine. A special note: I live on the side of a steel mountain and can testify that the roll over protection WORKS! It saved my life when I lost concentration and went over the edge rolling completely over! In addition we pulled it out, topped up the oils and worked perfectly, but the ROPS is a bit bent!!
Pros: Excellent value for money.
Cons: Part can be hard to come by, but they are getting better.
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Jinma 284
Model Year: 2013
I like the tractor, but it came with dinged up awning and threads rusted and stripped out on 3 point tension couplers. Dealer wouldn't send new parts. Just excuses. Regret purchase with delivery through their website. Should have traveled there to inspect what they were shipping to me.
Pros: Good tractor for the money.
Cons: Dealer who sold it to me.
Model Year: 2013
I like the tractor, but it came with dinged up awning and threads rusted and stripped out on 3 point tension couplers. Dealer wouldn't send new parts. Just excuses. Regret purchase with delivery through their website. Should have traveled there to inspect what they were shipping to me.
Pros: Good tractor for the money.
Cons: Dealer who sold it to me.
Jinma 284
Model Year: 2009
This tractor does all it needs to, but spare parts are a real issue. Build quality is good. I think these tractors need back up from dealers if they are to succeed. This tractor was good 'till it broke an axle housing and it has been 4 months and still no replacement. The one I got sent from China was the wrong side so back to the drawing board.
Pros: Simple cheap.
Cons: Hard to get parts when they break down.
Model Year: 2009
This tractor does all it needs to, but spare parts are a real issue. Build quality is good. I think these tractors need back up from dealers if they are to succeed. This tractor was good 'till it broke an axle housing and it has been 4 months and still no replacement. The one I got sent from China was the wrong side so back to the drawing board.
Pros: Simple cheap.
Cons: Hard to get parts when they break down.
Slow Boat from China
Model Year: 2003
Bought this unit w/ROP, Jinma FEL & ZL20 backhoe, local 5' box blade, utility & finish mowers & 9" post hole digger. Don't think I can really complain about this unit. Used backhoe some commercially, worked it pretty hard so most of the issues were related to that. Lots of mowing. Just had all the FEL cylinders rebuilt, yet to replace hyd. hoses. New starter, diesels don't like the cold. New gas cock/bowl---normal stuff. Dealer experience not applicable. I ordered this unit from outfit in Oregon that has since gotten out of business. Unit was drop-shipped to me FOB in three crates, picked up by me @ designated location & assembled by me so basically no dealer involvement. Paid about 1/2 the price of a dealer Kubota, of course no service & only parts warranty. Reinforced belly mount backhoe frame myself, two pins & two bolts on/off. Built some bolt on forks for the FEL; comes in mighty handy. These units have had several upgrades since I bought mine. Been a good unit. No complaints.
Pros: As stated.
Cons: As stated.
Model Year: 2003
Bought this unit w/ROP, Jinma FEL & ZL20 backhoe, local 5' box blade, utility & finish mowers & 9" post hole digger. Don't think I can really complain about this unit. Used backhoe some commercially, worked it pretty hard so most of the issues were related to that. Lots of mowing. Just had all the FEL cylinders rebuilt, yet to replace hyd. hoses. New starter, diesels don't like the cold. New gas cock/bowl---normal stuff. Dealer experience not applicable. I ordered this unit from outfit in Oregon that has since gotten out of business. Unit was drop-shipped to me FOB in three crates, picked up by me @ designated location & assembled by me so basically no dealer involvement. Paid about 1/2 the price of a dealer Kubota, of course no service & only parts warranty. Reinforced belly mount backhoe frame myself, two pins & two bolts on/off. Built some bolt on forks for the FEL; comes in mighty handy. These units have had several upgrades since I bought mine. Been a good unit. No complaints.
Pros: As stated.
Cons: As stated.
Jinma 284
Model Year: 0
Bought used from a local seller. Hour meter and instrument panel found not working after he delivered it, easily repaired with new fuse. This just means I have no idea of actual hours. Hinge pin on backhoe dipper knuckle backed out the first time I used it due to unnoticed broken retaining pin. Bent the dipper; repaired by a friend with a metal shop for free luckily. Inquiries looking for a replacement part hard as no dealer found in BC.
Pros: Good value, seems powerful, seems quite well built.
Cons: Parts availability locally, backhoe controls difficult to use and hydraulics jerky.
Model Year: 0
Bought used from a local seller. Hour meter and instrument panel found not working after he delivered it, easily repaired with new fuse. This just means I have no idea of actual hours. Hinge pin on backhoe dipper knuckle backed out the first time I used it due to unnoticed broken retaining pin. Bent the dipper; repaired by a friend with a metal shop for free luckily. Inquiries looking for a replacement part hard as no dealer found in BC.
Pros: Good value, seems powerful, seems quite well built.
Cons: Parts availability locally, backhoe controls difficult to use and hydraulics jerky.
It Gets It Done
Model Year: 2008
I live in rural Colorado as the last house at the end of a dirt road. After getting a 2 foot snow dump and spending 5 hours shoveling the road by hand to get out, I decided a tractor was needed. After shopping around, I settled on a Jinma 284 from Legacy Tractors in Fort Collins. The price was right.
Pros: 4WD, loader, cheap.
Cons: No decent maintenance manuals, cheap fittings, and fasteners.
Model Year: 2008
I live in rural Colorado as the last house at the end of a dirt road. After getting a 2 foot snow dump and spending 5 hours shoveling the road by hand to get out, I decided a tractor was needed. After shopping around, I settled on a Jinma 284 from Legacy Tractors in Fort Collins. The price was right.
Pros: 4WD, loader, cheap.
Cons: No decent maintenance manuals, cheap fittings, and fasteners.
Jinma 284
Model Year: 2006
My Jinma 284 has been an interesting experience in small tractors. Unlike the better known tractors such as Kubota or John Deere the Jinma is much less quality for half the price. Fit and finish are very poor. The 4wd hasn't worked from day one and every fluid has leaked at one point or another. The water hoses have both ruptured and had to be replaced. The starter has failed twice in the last 18 months from water leakage and rust/corrosion. The instrument panel and gauges only work occasionally, therefore I'm not really sure of exactly how many hours I have on the tractor due to the hour meter only working when it wants. Overall I guess you get what you paid for, a cheap tractor! I would not recommend this tractor to anyone unless it is all that you can afford.
Pros: Cheap cost.
Cons: Very poorly constructed.
Model Year: 2006
My Jinma 284 has been an interesting experience in small tractors. Unlike the better known tractors such as Kubota or John Deere the Jinma is much less quality for half the price. Fit and finish are very poor. The 4wd hasn't worked from day one and every fluid has leaked at one point or another. The water hoses have both ruptured and had to be replaced. The starter has failed twice in the last 18 months from water leakage and rust/corrosion. The instrument panel and gauges only work occasionally, therefore I'm not really sure of exactly how many hours I have on the tractor due to the hour meter only working when it wants. Overall I guess you get what you paid for, a cheap tractor! I would not recommend this tractor to anyone unless it is all that you can afford.
Pros: Cheap cost.
Cons: Very poorly constructed.
Jinma 284
Model Year: 2004
I did a lot of research before buying a Jinma. I could not justify spending twice as much for an American (made in Japan) tractor since I wouldn't be using it a lot (or daily). I enjoyed getting a crate tractor, as I learned so much about it. At about 1 year, an oil seal began to leak on the FEL. I matched up a new one at a hydraulic supply store and pressed it in. (the old one had not been pressed in straight.) My original battery still works great at 7 1/2 years! Surprisingly my first real break-down was just last week. The FEL stopped working while dragging and piling manure. I've been cleaning the control, diverter valve and filter. Tomorrow I'll replace the quick couplings or put in swivels.
Pros: Great value for the money.
Cons: Metal castings and finish are crude for today's standards.
Model Year: 2004
I did a lot of research before buying a Jinma. I could not justify spending twice as much for an American (made in Japan) tractor since I wouldn't be using it a lot (or daily). I enjoyed getting a crate tractor, as I learned so much about it. At about 1 year, an oil seal began to leak on the FEL. I matched up a new one at a hydraulic supply store and pressed it in. (the old one had not been pressed in straight.) My original battery still works great at 7 1/2 years! Surprisingly my first real break-down was just last week. The FEL stopped working while dragging and piling manure. I've been cleaning the control, diverter valve and filter. Tomorrow I'll replace the quick couplings or put in swivels.
Pros: Great value for the money.
Cons: Metal castings and finish are crude for today's standards.
If Harbor Freight Sold Tractors
Model Year: 2005
Overall, the Jinma "crate tractor" from China is an overall economical way the purchase a fairly reliable tractor for incidental usage. The basic "quality control" and materials used would be what you would find in a tool from Harbor Freight, if they sold tractors. The basic 1960's technology used in the tractor makes it fairly reliable and easy to work on. I've actually spent more hours on a Kubota, which costs twice a much, but for some things, I actually prefer the Jinma. Front Loader works well for most things, but lacks precision control and power. Basic frame, transmission, and engine seem like good quality, but anything attached to it [hoses, electrical, etc.] are poor quality and will fail. Some mods needed from the start to make it more usable and reliable, but they are pretty well documented online. Hydraulic suction filter is a joke, and a better filter system should be installed when fairly new. Shuttle drive was not recommended when I bought this one, but it would be nice if they have all the kinks worked out yet. You get what you pay for, and knowing that when I bought it, I can't complain too much about the poor quality items that I find on it. It gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Pros: 3-pt system better than the Kubota. Fairly durable for the price.
Cons: If it has a wire attached to it, it will fail. Worst electrical system and parts quality that I've ever seen. Even the turnsignal bulbs are non-standard and really cheap. Hard starting, compared to instant starting of a Kubota.
Model Year: 2005
Overall, the Jinma "crate tractor" from China is an overall economical way the purchase a fairly reliable tractor for incidental usage. The basic "quality control" and materials used would be what you would find in a tool from Harbor Freight, if they sold tractors. The basic 1960's technology used in the tractor makes it fairly reliable and easy to work on. I've actually spent more hours on a Kubota, which costs twice a much, but for some things, I actually prefer the Jinma. Front Loader works well for most things, but lacks precision control and power. Basic frame, transmission, and engine seem like good quality, but anything attached to it [hoses, electrical, etc.] are poor quality and will fail. Some mods needed from the start to make it more usable and reliable, but they are pretty well documented online. Hydraulic suction filter is a joke, and a better filter system should be installed when fairly new. Shuttle drive was not recommended when I bought this one, but it would be nice if they have all the kinks worked out yet. You get what you pay for, and knowing that when I bought it, I can't complain too much about the poor quality items that I find on it. It gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Pros: 3-pt system better than the Kubota. Fairly durable for the price.
Cons: If it has a wire attached to it, it will fail. Worst electrical system and parts quality that I've ever seen. Even the turnsignal bulbs are non-standard and really cheap. Hard starting, compared to instant starting of a Kubota.
Work Horse 284
Model Year: 2006
I bought this Jinma back in June 06 with front end loader and 5' heavy duty gunnon with riper teeth. I live in a Sami rocky terrain in little over 4 acres. I used the tractor very heavily in the first year. Moving rocks, grading roadways, cleaning brush, and whatever was needed in the ranch. The power is there when you needed and the nice feature of this tractor is the Four wheel drive. Use the 4WD when needed only. You could not buy a tractor of this magnitude at the prices they sold at. Keep the maintenance as required, changing all fluids lubricating moving parts and you will be guaranteed a machine for many years. I had no issues or problems, even the battery still the original, always fired up and ready to go.I will buy it again if I need another. My only advise, find a good dealer to buy from. I regret I did not do that. You always need the support of a good dealer. If you have any problems, tractorbynet and the forums of the good, good people of the Jinma owners and they are the most helpful bunch generous with their advice. I hope this will help any thinking of buying Jinma
Pros: Good power, 4WD, PTO for every need. Simple technology, but great for DIY
Cons: None so far.
Model Year: 2006
I bought this Jinma back in June 06 with front end loader and 5' heavy duty gunnon with riper teeth. I live in a Sami rocky terrain in little over 4 acres. I used the tractor very heavily in the first year. Moving rocks, grading roadways, cleaning brush, and whatever was needed in the ranch. The power is there when you needed and the nice feature of this tractor is the Four wheel drive. Use the 4WD when needed only. You could not buy a tractor of this magnitude at the prices they sold at. Keep the maintenance as required, changing all fluids lubricating moving parts and you will be guaranteed a machine for many years. I had no issues or problems, even the battery still the original, always fired up and ready to go.I will buy it again if I need another. My only advise, find a good dealer to buy from. I regret I did not do that. You always need the support of a good dealer. If you have any problems, tractorbynet and the forums of the good, good people of the Jinma owners and they are the most helpful bunch generous with their advice. I hope this will help any thinking of buying Jinma
Pros: Good power, 4WD, PTO for every need. Simple technology, but great for DIY
Cons: None so far.
Jinma 284 Review
Model Year: 2002
Bought this new with a loader and backhoe for $11,000 in 2002. Great for around the ranch. There are much improved ones currently. Reliability has been good but then it sees light duty.
Pros: Cheap, simple, and effective.
Cons: None for the money.
Model Year: 2002
Bought this new with a loader and backhoe for $11,000 in 2002. Great for around the ranch. There are much improved ones currently. Reliability has been good but then it sees light duty.
Pros: Cheap, simple, and effective.
Cons: None for the money.
My 284
Model Year: 2008
I got this as a kit (in a crate), and while waiting for the delivery I watched on line some one building one. The video that I watched was extremly helpful and it would be nice if Jinma would include one in each crate. After getting it it took 10&1/2 hours to assemble using a jack, impact wrench, torque wrench and some blocking. After assembly to run it in I needed 50 liter diesel, 28 liter 32W hydrolic fluid, 30 ltr 90w gear oil and 1 gal prestone. To run it in I made sure that I had it put together correctly, and that oil, PS, hydr, frnt and rear end and coolant levels were correct. Then I started it, looked for leeks, and rode it around using the hydr., ps, 2 & 4wd, High, low forward and reverse. Then I drained everything (saving the oil and oil based fluids for a local reburner) filled the cooling system with prestone water mix and the engine, rear end , front end, transmition, hydraulics and ps with clean diesel then repeated the rideing around for a few minites, operating all systems. Now I again drained the front end rear end and transmission of the diesel and replaced the diesel with the proper amounts of 90w gear oil, drained the hyd. and ps. and replaced those fluids with 32w hyd .oil, put new filters on and it was ready for service. I use this tractor to mow (brush hog), snow plow, and to bring in my fire wood.
Pros: Well priced, sturdy easy to operate.
Cons: The manuals that come with it have translation problems and you really need to have the valve lash checked after the run in before 50 hours.
Model Year: 2008
I got this as a kit (in a crate), and while waiting for the delivery I watched on line some one building one. The video that I watched was extremly helpful and it would be nice if Jinma would include one in each crate. After getting it it took 10&1/2 hours to assemble using a jack, impact wrench, torque wrench and some blocking. After assembly to run it in I needed 50 liter diesel, 28 liter 32W hydrolic fluid, 30 ltr 90w gear oil and 1 gal prestone. To run it in I made sure that I had it put together correctly, and that oil, PS, hydr, frnt and rear end and coolant levels were correct. Then I started it, looked for leeks, and rode it around using the hydr., ps, 2 & 4wd, High, low forward and reverse. Then I drained everything (saving the oil and oil based fluids for a local reburner) filled the cooling system with prestone water mix and the engine, rear end , front end, transmition, hydraulics and ps with clean diesel then repeated the rideing around for a few minites, operating all systems. Now I again drained the front end rear end and transmission of the diesel and replaced the diesel with the proper amounts of 90w gear oil, drained the hyd. and ps. and replaced those fluids with 32w hyd .oil, put new filters on and it was ready for service. I use this tractor to mow (brush hog), snow plow, and to bring in my fire wood.
Pros: Well priced, sturdy easy to operate.
Cons: The manuals that come with it have translation problems and you really need to have the valve lash checked after the run in before 50 hours.
My First Build
Model Year: 2008
I ordered this tractor from Chinabestproducts online and it came as a kit in a crate. It took me 10&1/2 hours to assemble it on my front lawn using a 4 ton hyd. jack, a torque wrench and an electric impact wrench. It was easy to assemble, just look at Youtube to see clips of other people assembling them. This machine works great, I use it for yarding stud and firewood, mowing, and plowing. To see a few of my assembly go to http://s380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/52xcertified/?albumview=slideshow
Pros: Size and price.
Cons: It came without a block heater.
Model Year: 2008
I ordered this tractor from Chinabestproducts online and it came as a kit in a crate. It took me 10&1/2 hours to assemble it on my front lawn using a 4 ton hyd. jack, a torque wrench and an electric impact wrench. It was easy to assemble, just look at Youtube to see clips of other people assembling them. This machine works great, I use it for yarding stud and firewood, mowing, and plowing. To see a few of my assembly go to http://s380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/52xcertified/?albumview=slideshow
Pros: Size and price.
Cons: It came without a block heater.
Jinma 284 tractor
Model Year: 2007
I purchased the tractor used from private party it was used very little came with front loader have purchased a box scraper and use a rear mower that I had from previous tractor (8nford) the Jinma is a great tractor for mowing and have used the front loader a lot not only for dirt and gravel but lifting as well. The only other problem is the fuel gauge some times stays on empty have used the Jinma for pulling and grading driveway very powerful great little tractor. The shuttle shift is the weakest part of the tractor. Very nice for quick forward & back, but cable control is not good. -Gary
Pros: Small; powerfull; turning; economical; easy to operate.
Cons: Shuttle shift & gauges.
Model Year: 2007
I purchased the tractor used from private party it was used very little came with front loader have purchased a box scraper and use a rear mower that I had from previous tractor (8nford) the Jinma is a great tractor for mowing and have used the front loader a lot not only for dirt and gravel but lifting as well. The only other problem is the fuel gauge some times stays on empty have used the Jinma for pulling and grading driveway very powerful great little tractor. The shuttle shift is the weakest part of the tractor. Very nice for quick forward & back, but cable control is not good. -Gary
Pros: Small; powerfull; turning; economical; easy to operate.
Cons: Shuttle shift & gauges.
Jinma 284
Model Year: 2007
My Jinma 284, although quite helpful on my small ranch, it's very unreliable. The 4wd has never worked from day one and there's no help from dealer (Keno Tractors) with the problem. The manuals written very poorly (probably translated from Chinese). For the cost I would have expected a little better reliability.
Pros: Cost.
Cons: Quality, material workmanship, parts failure, bad manuals.
Model Year: 2007
My Jinma 284, although quite helpful on my small ranch, it's very unreliable. The 4wd has never worked from day one and there's no help from dealer (Keno Tractors) with the problem. The manuals written very poorly (probably translated from Chinese). For the cost I would have expected a little better reliability.
Pros: Cost.
Cons: Quality, material workmanship, parts failure, bad manuals.