Need advice on a Hinomoto E2304 TODAY

HumaneSociety Steve · Feb 13, 2011

Looking for a little advice... I am looking at a Hinomoto E2304 and needed input since I know nothing about tractors whatsoever. The current owner says the tractor is a 1997 but my research says that they only made this model til 1992. The tractor seems to be in above average condition and has 1039 hours showing on it. The current owner has owned it for 10 years, it had 300 hours when he bought it. It comes with a bush hog and a box scraper.

1. One of the main things I want to do with this tractor is use it with front end loader to clear dirt away from a small hill behind my house to put in a large patio. I read that some of the Himonoto tractors could not handle a front loader since they have an aluminum housing where a front end loader attaches. I have to buy a front end loader for it since it doesn't have on now. Any input on this issue would be appreciated.

2. I would also like to know what attachments are available for this tractor. Specifically I would like to add a log splitter and post hole digger. Do I have to find attachments specifically for this tractor or are they pretty much universal to fit the PTO?

3. The current owner is asking $3,200 for this tractor. Is this a fair deal?

SixHoeBob · Feb 13, 2011

Where do you plan to get a loader from? Buy a tractor with a FEL already on it.
What is a Hinomoto?:

dbear · Feb 13, 2011

SixHoeBob said:
Where do you plan to get a loader from? Buy a tractor with a FEL already on it.
What is a Hinomoto?:

Koyker makes a loader and mounting kit for it. I think some early MF compacts were Hinomoto.
Koyker Manufacturing - Loaders

LMTC · Feb 13, 2011

Ask him for an affidavit that it is a 1997, with a double money back if not. Then ask him to DOCUMENT a parts source and check it out. If it checks out, let us know, as we get calls all the time for Hinomoto, Iseki, Shibaura, Mitsubishi, and other parts for which we have no good source. A few parts here and there, but no consistent source. Would not touch it myself. It will likely become a lawn ornament with the first major part you need.

HumaneSociety Steve · Feb 13, 2011

LMTC...He has several other people interested in the tractor coming by tomorrow evening to buy it so I don't think he will be providing any kind of documentation to me. I either buy it or I don't. Tractors like this in my area sell fast, you have to move or lose. I believe he just has the year model confused. I don't think he's trying to pull one over on anyone. From my research I believe it is a 1992. He has owned it over 10 years and bought it from a long time employee of a local CO-OP which I am calling in the morning to confirm.

I have checked out parts availability with Best Used Tractors in Oregon and have been told this is a Himinoto model where there is fairly good availability of parts and a FEL is available from them.

Still need the following questions answered...

1. One of the main things I want to do with this tractor is use it with front end loader to clear dirt away from a small hill behind my house to put in a large patio. I read that some of the Himonoto tractors could not handle a front loader since they have an aluminum housing where a front end loader attaches. I have to buy a front end loader for it since it doesn't have one now. Any input on this issue would be appreciated.

2. I would also like to know what attachments are available for this tractor. Specifically I would like to add a log splitter and post hole digger. Do I have to find attachments specifically for this tractor or are they pretty much universal to fit any tractors PTO?

3. The current owner is asking $3,200 for this tractor. Is this a fair deal?

Kernopelli · Feb 15, 2011

I think $3200 is a very good price on a good condition model. I would have concerns about using it for loader work. There is a lot of info here on TBN about the 2304 and one of the members once posted about owning 4 of them (Brent-TBN name "Tractors4U", he is a dealer), he had several of them break gears due to using them with a front end loader and had a customer who broke a transmission case after heavy loader use.

This tractor will run any Category 1 implement...PHD or log splitter is a yes. A splitter will require rear hydraulic remotes or a hydraulic pto pump just like any tractor though.

I am sure that parts are available for this tractor.....boy, that's a broad statement. What parts and how expensive are they, THAT"S the real question that needs answered. If you are planning on putting a loader on it....be very careful. Personally, at that price I'd buy it in a heartbeat and resell it for a nice profit and reinvest the money in another tractor.

HumaneSociety Steve · Feb 15, 2011

Kernopelli, Thank you, very helpful. I have thought about buying and selling this tractor for a profit myself but didn't know how much the tractor was worth. Do you have any idea?

I have pretty much decided that I like the Yanmar tractors and am looking to purchase one of those this Summer from a company in Austin Texas called RCO Tractors.

racerboy832 · Feb 17, 2011

I have the Deutz Allis 5220 which is the same as the MF 1020 all made by Hinomoto. My Bell Housing is Steel. Just bring a magnet with you and check. 10 Second answer. Mine has a loader and Subframe backhoe. Only 21hp but good all around tractor.