Nervous New Buyer Looking at a Farm Pro

DannyW79 · Apr 9, 2015

Hello All!

I am a 1st time tractor buyer so my education level on tractors is minimal at best. I'm not rich, just a good ol country boy from Ga. Been looking at tractors w/ loaders for my 10 acres. Want to bush hog, maybe till, use a box blade, etc. Want the loader to move a little dirt if I catch the notion. Stumbled upon a 2003 Farm Pro 2430 w/ a loader and back hoe in my price range. Seller says it has about 400hrs on it. I've read everything from these tractors fall apart to there great tractors.

Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated.

flusher · Apr 9, 2015

Here's a little Farm Pro history

TractorData.com - Farm Pro tractors sorted by model

I'd check out parts availability first and then go from there.

Good luck

DannyW79 · Apr 9, 2015

Thanks!

Looks like parts are available. I also found a dealer not too far from me that works on them.

Every tractor I've looked at, from the big 3 on down, have pros and cons attached to them. This brand seems to be no different, just more affordable. Like I said, I aint rich so I can't afford a complete dud.

flusher · Apr 9, 2015

Forgot to welcome you to TBN. Join the fun:thumbsup:

I assume you have looked at the TBN forum on Chinese tractors. Looks like there are many threads there on Jinma tractors, which are the same as Farm Pro tractors.

Good luck

Troysie · Apr 9, 2015

Hi and welcome to TBN

I own a 2008 YTO , X704 which would be very similar to this farmpro only larger, I purchased my tractor new , maintain 20 acres of field and 180 acre woodlot . I am very happy with my chinese tractor , like a lot of people it was the price that made my choice to purchase a YTO. I purchased from a local dealer, I now have 1200 hours on it , the only thing I have purchased for it are lubricants and filters and a hydraulic pump which I damaged the original myself. Being mechanically inclined is an asset , when I purchased new it was assembled at dealership ,I still was able to find multiple stupid issues, such as dash instruments not being plugged in, main tractor wiring harness has many identical plugs , a few wires were actually plugged in wrong places.
These issues aside I am happy with my tractor,I could not afford a new brand name tractor.
I use a Backhoe,flail mower,bush hog,potato digger,tiller,I plow snow on 2 miles of private road with a county snowblade.
I would purchase same tractor again,I grew up always having farm tractors around me , I would give my YTO a high rating.
When I needed manuals I contacted YTO directly through their website, they immediately put the 2 manuals on a DHL courier, exactly 7 days later they arrived from China to my door in New Brunswick, it did not cost me one penny.
For filters I cross referenced everything from the chinese filters to Baldwin which I get just up the road from my house, the local dealer also has all the original chinese filters, however for example the oil filter chinese version is $30.00, baldwin filter is $8.00 .
when it comes time that I may need parts, I may need to wait a week, but I have confidence I will be able to get what I need, Chinese seem to use the same parts on a lot of different tractors, all you need to know is what tractors use what parts, I already know that a lot of the regular maintenance type of parts such as alternators,starters,etc I can get from the Jinma dealers.

Troy

DannyW79 · Apr 9, 2015

Yep! Been reading a lot about the Jinma! Looks like mixed reviews.

Thanks for the welcome!!!!

DannyW79 · Apr 9, 2015

Thank you very much Troy for the info!!!

hazer36 · Apr 9, 2015

I have owned several farm pro/jinma must from 03/04 and only one had ever had filters changed,some had org fluids.Alot of the time they get bad rep because the way they are treated.They are no major brand tractor by no means but if maintained they will give you good service.Be prepared to turn a wrench or to,these tractors are simple,old tech,good to learn on.

DannyW79 · Apr 9, 2015

I've been reading other reviews on different forums and I'll be honest, it's got me concerned about considering a farm pro. This tractor im going to look at is a 03 4wd with a loader and back hoe attachment for 5K (OBO). Im really torn on getting a lesser brand tractor with everything I want (mostly a loader), or if I settle and get a used JD, MF, NH, Kabota, etc for the same money but older without the loader. Lord knows this is an investment for me, I can't throw money away!

DannyW79 · Apr 11, 2015

DannyW79 said:
I've been reading other reviews on different forums and I'll be honest, it's got me concerned about considering a farm pro. This tractor im going to look at is a 03 4wd with a loader and back hoe attachment for 5K (OBO). Im really torn on getting a lesser brand tractor with everything I want (mostly a loader), or if I settle and get a used JD, MF, NH, Kabota, etc for the same money but older without the loader. Lord knows this is an investment for me, I can't throw money away!

NOTE: After much thought and consideration I oped for a new JD. Bein concerned about my $ I ended up getting a new tractor at 0% and i dont have to worry about it.