Dealer Michigan Dealer?

leiterch · Apr 19, 2009

I am looking to buy my first tractor. Here is my situation.

I have a small chunk of land. Currently 17acres with an optional 10 in the near future. I border federal land on all sides. I have a large garden and plant a food plot for hunting. I also heat with a wood stove, so I cut, split and stack about 12+ full cord of wood each year. My time is limited so I have been looking into the processing time of these chores, not to mention the honey do list

, and have come to the conclusion that I am not 20 anymore and I would like to spend time with the family if possible.

I am thinking about a tractor in the 20+ HP range and a bucket is a must. I have a garden tractor for the lawn. Actually just came across a great deal. 85 JD 200 with a snowblower, weights and chains for free. Bad motor, but the rest of the tractor is in real nice shape. My old Ford (Toro) blew the tranny last year so I was about to buy a new one when I came across that score.

Back on point. Does anyone know of a dealer in Michigan for chinese tractors? I would like to get to a dealer and look before I buy, talk to the people and understand if they are running any kind of business that can help me after the purchase. All things I am considering before buying. I will probably buy within the month. Distance isn't really a big deal as I am around the state quite often on business.

Sorry for the ramble, but thanks for reading.

chad

Diamondpilot · Apr 19, 2009

Michigan seems to be a black hole for Chinese tractors. I have seen many post complaining there are no dealers around. The nearest dealer is Rural King in Ft. Wayne Indiana. Now RK is just a seller. They are by no means a knowledgeable dealer.

Chris

Travelover · Apr 19, 2009

Have you considered a used tractor? Lots of tractors for sale in Michigan as people cut back, based on what I see on Craigslist.

You might be able to pick up a brand name for the price of a new Chinese tractor and have better dealer support, to boot.

Rich Waugh · Apr 19, 2009

You could also find a good used Jinma tractor and save even more. With the help available here and on Chinese Tractor World forum, you could do any needed maintenance or repairs yourself and save in the future, too.

I am certainly happy with my Jinma and since I'm in a place with no dealers for any brand whatsoever, I was definitely pleased to save thousands over the cost of importing one of the big-name, overpriced tractors. I have the JM304 and work about 20 acres of mango orchard and blush with it. The only thing I would rather have different on it is shuttle shift, which isn't available on this particular model. The lack of it isn't a big problem, just a minor nuisance when using the loader a lot.

For your situation, a Jinma 254/284 with a loader and shuttle shift would probably suit you to a T.

Rich

leiterch · Apr 20, 2009

Travelover said:
Have you considered a used tractor? Lots of tractors for sale in Michigan as people cut back, based on what I see on Craigslist.

You might be able to pick up a brand name for the price of a new Chinese tractor and have better dealer support, to boot.

You know, I have been looking through craigslist and I have just gotten confused. Since this is my first tractor, I am a little skeptical of buying used from a private seller. Wouldn't be bad if I knew the tractor, but am just concerned of the potential crash course I could take with purchasing a used tractor. Probably not a really big concern, but maybe I am paranoid.

I will keep searching. Any help would be great.

Travelover · Apr 21, 2009

leiterch said:
You know, I have been looking through craigslist and I have just gotten confused. Since this is my first tractor, I am a little skeptical of buying used from a private seller. Wouldn't be bad if I knew the tractor, but am just concerned of the potential crash course I could take with purchasing a used tractor. Probably not a really big concern, but maybe I am paranoid.

I will keep searching. Any help would be great.

I understand your point. One thought is to take a tractor you are serious about to a dealer and have them check it over. It might cost a few bucks, but at least you'd have a qualified second opinion. I've noticed a lot of the smaller tractors like you are looking for for sale by people that don't use them seriously. I know because I'm one (16 years, 300 hours

)