Buying Advice 2 buy r not 2 buy

[4man]

I have a oppurtunity to buy a 2005 Kama TS254C with only 350 hours, I've never heard of this brand and as I've stated before never owned a tractor but now at age 62 years young want a tractor to bush hog lanes on a deer lease and do minor landscaping at home as well as our campsite at the lease. This tractor comes with a 5ft shredder and a FEL, the man selling it seems to be a really nice honest man and states that other than changing all fluids at 100 hours and regular filter and oil changes(wix makes all air-fuel-oil filters stocked at Oreilly's) hasn't had any trouble or problems. He's asking $6K for tractor and shredder and it looks brand new. Would everbody with any knowledge of these Chinese tractors give me any and all feed back as I need to make a decision soon, other than this Kama I'm looking at a Universal 350 2wd with FEL and 800 hours for $7K Please share your knowledge and experience with me as I really have only the knowledge learned on the net to go with for my first tractor purchase.

 

[Rich Waugh]

The Kama is a perfectly good Chinese tractor that is no longer sold in the US as they decided not to try to comply with the latest round of EPA regs from what I understand. There are places where you can still get parts, I believe. I do think the $6K asking price is a bit high, since that's close to what one would have sold for new in 2005, with a FEL. I'd think one with 350 hours and no FEL should only sell for something closer to $3500 with the bush hog thrown in. Now, that's just based on what I read on forums and such, but I think you should look further before you leap. There are a lot of Chinese tractors out there with way lower hours for the same money or less.

As for the Universal 350, the only tractors I know by that designation were made in eastern Europe twenty years ago and I think you'd have trouble finding parts or service.

Since you're in Texas, I'd suggest you call Affordable Tractor Sales in Bellville, TX (979-865-4002)and see if they have any used tractors available. They're a highly reputable Jinma dealer and frequently answer technical questions on this and other Chinese tractor forums. Jinmas are good solid Chinese tractors that would give you fine service.

Best of luck on your search for a tractor!

 

[4man]

Thank you very much Rich, as a first time tractor buyer I am grateful for your insight I will call affordable as soon as they open this morning.( they are about 250 miles closer than the Kama) Having never owned nor operated a tractor and wanting one for several years I depend on others who are kind enough to share their knowledge and experience. God has a tractor waiting for me and I'm not going to rush into any thing. Thanks again and when I do make a purchase I will share my choice and buying experience here.

 

[Affordable]

We are only about a hour from you, if your looking for a used tractor I have one that we have used for several years on our lot, low hours but weathered from being outside. If you want a New 25 hp Jinma with a shuttle shift ,we can help you there also for not alot more than the used one you were looking at.

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

 

[4man]

Thank you Tommy I'm at work and have already looked up your Company and read about your and Mack's adventure of starting Affordable, I have the phone numbers and will call you on my break,,, Thanks for responding and I will call you soon.

 

[4man]

Well I'm in a quandry as to what to do, after being told that only limited parts are available for the Kaza TS254C and only until they are all gone because they aren't shipped to the USA any longer and calling the man who has it for sale and explaining according to information found on(or from) this site I was no longer interested in his tractor, he gave me the name and number of Artrac in Arkansas 479-705-2200. There I spoke to Jason and was told that any and all parts needed or may be needed for that tractor were now available and in stock and if not it would only be about a 2 week order time. I understand it would be better to have a dealer and service department close if needed(or when).Now I still don't know 2 buy or not 2 buy!!!!

 

[Rich Waugh]

Before you get all mentally committed to that (overpriced) Kama, talk with Tommy or Jerry at Affordable. Parts availability is one thing, but if you're not comfortable being your own diesel tractor mechanic you need to be sure whatever you get has service available within a reasonable distance. Chinese tractors are tough little beasts, but like any piece of farm equipment they will break and they will need fairly constant service. That is just a fact of life. These tractors use straightforward 1960's or so technology for the most part, but diesels are a distinctly different critter than a gas engine. Whatever tractor you get, you need to get ALL the manuals for it. My Jinma, for instance, has four manuals: Owner's Manual, Tractor Parts Manual, Engine Manual and Engine Parts Manual. Without all four, it would be a huge challenge to work on the thing.

Another thing about Chinese tractors - they need to be properly set up and serviced before they are sold the first time. All fluids changed, clutch set, valves set, bolts tightened, etc. Not all dealers do this, and many Chinese tractors were brought into the US as "crate" tractors and assembled by the purchaser - usually without much if any knowledge of what is required. Failure to properly setup and maintain one of the machines will usually result in an early demise or constant problems. This is one reason I recommend you talk with dealers like Affordable, RanchHand Supply or ArtTrac - all are reputable.

The guy with the Kama said he changed all the fluids at 100 hrs. Did he also set the valve lash and re-torque the head bolts? These should be done at 50 hours and again at 100 hours and then again at 250 hours. The oil should be changed every 50 hours unless a laboratory test shows it can go longer. All fluids should be changed again at 250 hours - was this done? These really are pretty critical maintenance items on any Chinese tractor.

Some things to consider before you make the leap. Hey, you're only 62; you've still got time to make a carefully considered decision, not rush into anything. (grin)

 

[4man]

Thanks Rich, your right I've been looking for awhile online and every where I go, I'm not in a hurry and will look for another week or two at least, as I have told several folks"When I decide to buy the tractor that's meant for me it will be available at the right price,every thing up to that point is preparation and a learning experience.

 

[greg_g]

Well I'm in a quandry as to what to do, after being told that only limited parts are available for the Kaza TS254C and only until they are all gone because they aren't shipped to the USA any longer and calling the man who has it for sale and explaining according to information found on(or from) this site I was no longer interested in his tractor, he gave me the name and number of Artrac in Arkansas 479-705-2200. There I spoke to Jason and was told that any and all parts needed or may be needed for that tractor were now available and in stock and if not it would only be about a 2 week order time. I understand it would be better to have a dealer and service department close if needed(or when).Now I still don't know 2 buy or not 2 buy!!!!

I bought two tractors from Chip at ARTRAC. One was a TS354C, which is the 4 cylinder version of the one you're looking at. It's a much more substantial tractor than the 200 Series Jinma (I had two of those previously). I especially like the bi-directional power steering design (as opposed to the old-fashioned drag link design). Couldn't recommend a better dealer to work with, and you can believe Jason if he says parts are (and will be) available. They ship the right part the first time, and I've never had one take more than 2 days to get here.

//greg//