Deal or no deal--farmpro

[Rich Waugh]

Greg wrote, "Pretty sure the QD comment relates to the 200 Series. There's a QD on a short pigtail that comes off the main pump. Can't remember if that applies to the 300 series or not."

The answer is yes, it does. As long as this is a two-pump system it is the same. There is no relief valve, per se, in the lift box as far as I have been able to determine.

To answer the questions about RanchHand's loader valve kit:

a) - NO, there is no separate return to tank line - it goes to the lift box (sump) as designed. Open center system, so this is fine.
b) - No. Again, this is an open-center system so the flow past the loader valve operates the lift box. Fluid is always flowing through the loader valve until use of one of the control valves diverts it to the loader cylinder(s). Then it flows through the cylinder(s) and on to the lift box.
c) - loader relief valve dumps to the return line, which is to the lift box (sump).

Give Ronald a call to clarify all this - he's a really helpful guy who is a terrific mechanic for these tractors.

 

[EE_Bota]

Greg wrote, "Pretty sure the QD comment relates to the 200 Series. There's a QD on a short pigtail that comes off the main pump. Can't remember if that applies to the 300 series or not."

The answer is yes, it does. As long as this is a two-pump system it is the same. There is no relief valve, per se, in the lift box as far as I have been able to determine.

To answer the questions about RanchHand's loader valve kit:

a) - NO, there is no separate return to tank line - it goes to the lift box (sump) as designed. Open center system, so this is fine.
b) - No. Again, this is an open-center system so the flow past the loader valve operates the lift box. Fluid is always flowing through the loader valve until use of one of the control valves diverts it to the loader cylinder(s). Then it flows through the cylinder(s) and on to the lift box.
c) - loader relief valve dumps to the return line, which is to the lift box (sump).

Give Ronald a call to clarify all this - he's a really helpful guy who is a terrific mechanic for these tractors.

Thanks Rich. I was going to study the tractor a bit to see which way to go, but I think some of the stuff he sells, I am going to want. So, instead I may just give him a call, answer any questions he asks to qualify the tractor, and see what he has that will fix it, and enhance it a bit.

 

[Diamondpilot]

To make sure I understand, does that mean you leave the loader on all the time?

Yes, but why take it off? I have had my tractor for 9 years and 900 hours and only took it off once. I bought a tractor with a loader because I needed a loader.

Chris

 

[greg_g]

Chris, didn't you mean "No, but why take it off" (?)

//greg//

 

[EE_Bota]

Yes, but why take it off? I have had my tractor for 9 years and 900 hours and only took it off once. I bought a tractor with a loader because I needed a loader.

Chris

Chris, didn't you mean "No, but why take it off" (?)

//greg//

It is only a small matter, particularly with all the others I have to look into. My buddy asked "why take it off" too. I think it will almost never be taken off. I will likely want it off soon for better access to the motor for maintenance. Or I may just muddle through.

And I can see yes or no..since swivel ends can be installed to be "slow disconnects" instead of the original "quick disconnects" which were really "accidental disconnects" for most folks.

Thanks guys...I think I do understand.

I have to get the original toolkit that came with the tractor. The owner has it in a storage unit. That box will attach to fender I think, and be a normal tool box. But according to what I have read, it has spanner wrenches to fit all the bolts, and a male disconnect end...THAT will help me check a few things in the hydraulic system before I purchase needed parts to repair and modify.

I'm going to shoot him an reminder E-mail now...then I'm off to saw some wood for winter (after next) with 2 friends. I mowed my yard in the dark to make sure I would be free.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Chris, didn't you mean "No, but why take it off" (?)

//greg//

No, I meant yes. I leave my loader on all the time. Took it off once but just to say I did it.

Chris

 

[Rich Waugh]

If that tractor came with the full setup from the factory like my 304 Jinma did, there's two tool boxes. The small one that mounts to the inside of the fender and holds spanners, screwdrivers, spring clip pliers, regular pliers and so on, and also a larger toolbox that contains a new head gasket, piston rings, O-rings, hardware, replacement hydraulic and oil filters and a few other useful odds and ends. I bought my Jinma as a crate tractor and I don't know if the FarmPro tractors originally were delivered to customers with both tool boxes. Can't hurt to ask him, though.

One other thing: If you plan to use the tractor with the loader removed, you might also want to ask the guy if he has the front counterweight set that came with it. Without the loader, you'll need them to balance an implement on the rear.

 

[EE_Bota]

If that tractor came with the full setup from the factory like my 304 Jinma did, there's two tool boxes. The small one that mounts to the inside of the fender and holds spanners, screwdrivers, spring clip pliers, regular pliers and so on, and also a larger toolbox that contains a new head gasket, piston rings, O-rings, hardware, replacement hydraulic and oil filters and a few other useful odds and ends. I bought my Jinma as a crate tractor and I don't know if the FarmPro tractors originally were delivered to customers with both tool boxes. Can't hurt to ask him, though.

One other thing: If you plan to use the tractor with the loader removed, you might also want to ask the guy if he has the front counterweight set that came with it. Without the loader, you'll need them to balance an implement on the rear.

He denies having any tool box. He mentioned filters and odds and ends.
But I asked him for the loader stands, and he denies ever having received any. I looked more closely yesterday, and found them INSIDE the loader cross tube. The fellow knows NOTHING about this tractor...

The clutch...I could'nt prove it had a two stage clutch. The backhoe moved when the clutch is inserted. I have to press the clutch switch by hand to start the tractor. Got to thinking...those are related. I found he or someone had adjusted the external clutch linkage sooooo short that the drive clutch felt normal, but he PTO clutch could not release. I readjusted the external linkage, and I can now press it far enough to BOTH start the tractor and (barely) engage the PTO gear (with some grinding). I need the loader off (in my estimation) so I can go through the internal clutch adjustment procedure, gain better / safer access to the battery department, etc. But I need the hydraulics going to do that.

He wants to wait until summer when he expects to clean out his rental storage unit before he does a search for the toolbox. I wish I had held the check until summer now. What he withholds until then may cost me money.

The tractor has weights on the front end now.

I need to get the hydraulics going...so I can get the loader off.

I tried the BH yesterday, and it will dig. I am still finding all the ungreased grease fittings. I did charge the batteries until blue in the face, and now the (2 x 6v) batteries will start the tractor.

That's my status right now. I am starting to think I was lied to on a number of fronts. One should anticipate that possibility on any front, but it is getting harder to stick to my rule "don't assume lying if ignorance can explain."

I ran out of time before I could pull the front hydraulic pump to check for a bad seat, etc. The housing is not cracked, so I don't know if it is best to buy an entire front pump, just a seal kit, or both.

I am wondering if the tool kit(s) contained the cover plate for the back of the differential for when the BHoe is removed (along with the pump.)

Incidentally...inside the folders is a packing list...mentioning may of the things you mentioned above. He doesn't seem like the kind to get less than he is due, just the kind to not understand the tractor, or maintenance.

 

[Rich Waugh]

You said, "He doesn't seem like the kind to get less than he is due, just the kind to not understand the tractor, or maintenance. "

I agree with that. The front end weights should not be on the tractor when the loader is mounted - it just adds unnecessary stress to the front drive train. Good to have them, though.

As for the tool box, you can replace all the hand tools in it for about twenty bucks through Circle G Tractors or one of the other dealers, I'm sure. I bought a couple of Chinese adjustable wrenches from Circle G for a few bucks each a while back to supplement my on-tractor tools.

As for the spare parts, I found it interesting on my Jinma that while they supplied spare piston rings, they only supplied enough for two pistons, not all three. There were a couple other things like that, I just can't recall what they were right now. These tractors have a huge domestic market in China and are designed to be owner serviced in the field, hence the repair parts. I do wish they'd kept the piston rings and given me new injectors, instead.:laughing:

 

[EE_Bota]

You said, "He doesn't seem like the kind to get less than he is due, just the kind to not understand the tractor, or maintenance. "

I agree with that. The front end weights should not be on the tractor when the loader is mounted - it just adds unnecessary stress to the front drive train. Good to have them, though.

As for the tool box, you can replace all the hand tools in it for about twenty bucks through Circle G Tractors or one of the other dealers, I'm sure. I bought a couple of Chinese adjustable wrenches from Circle G for a few bucks each a while back to supplement my on-tractor tools.

As for the spare parts, I found it interesting on my Jinma that while they supplied spare piston rings, they only supplied enough for two pistons, not all three. There were a couple other things like that, I just can't recall what they were right now. These tractors have a huge domestic market in China and are designed to be owner serviced in the field, hence the repair parts. I do wish they'd kept the piston rings and given me new injectors, instead.:laughing:

I've read lots of stories about their spare parts being for the wrong tractor.
What I would MOSTLY like to have is the little tool box itself, and the transaxle cover plate. Also the quick-coupler male nipple could have been handy for diagnosing the hydraulics. I'll wait and see what he turns up...if anything, but I will need to buy what I need to keep making progress.