4WD vs. 2WD and HP suggestions.....

[jordanh]

As you probably have seen....I'm considering buying a chinese compact tractor for a property I'm buying. The property is 2.5 acres with about 1/2 in gently sloping pasture and 1/2 in lawn. I'm focused on Jimna/FarmPro/Nortrac/Taishan/Foto models right now and may do a crate tractor for the fun of putting it together and cost savings.

I'd like to be able to mow both the pasture and lawn so I'm considering an RFM and a regular brush/rough cut mower. I'd also like to be able to clear snow from the concrete drive which is on a bit of an incline (not severe) and the gravel drive to the shop. Both are about 50 yards in length.

Lastly, I'd like to be able to upgrade to additional rear mounted implements like a roto tiller and box blade for gardening/landscaping. I'm not real hot for a loader as I doubt I would use/need it enough to justify the cost.

One concern is whether to spend for 4WD or save some money and get a 2WD since I'm not concerned about a loader and I don't have any steep slopes to tackle.

Another concern is how much HP to buy. I'd like to think 18-20 hp is enough but I'm tempted to go 22-28...particularly if I go 2WD. Locking Diff. is essential. I intend to use turf tires since most here seem to think they give fine traction and I don't want to tear up the yard mowing.

So post up your thoughts and help a guy out!

Thanks!

:^D

 

[JohnS]

I am partial to the Jinma, but if you have a local dealer of Taishan/Foto, definitly take a look.

I would stick to the 4 wheel drive, regardless of which size you go with. There have been many people who didn't think they needed a FEL, that changed their minds after. ;-) It would also be better to use 4wd, than diff lock to get you out of the slick stuff. There really isn't a big cost difference in 2 vs 4 wheel drive. If there is, see if you are giving-up hyd steering, and pump, gauges, etc.

For your property, the turfs sound like the best option. Rear wheel chains for the winter, might be needed.

Make sure you understand all the consequences of a crate tractor. It is a great option, and assembly is not hard, but some initial issues can be difficult.

 

[Soundguy]

For that small of property.. and no real slopes. .the lower end of the line may be the way to go. Ive seen homier 2wd 20hp units in the 3400$ range.. already put together.. hard to beat that price. A set of tire chains from tractor supply will help with the gently slope onthe driveway if ya needed it... If it is gravel.. I doubt you will.. concrete.. yes.. or get 4wd.. if you never want a loader.. 2wd is a money saver.

With your small area.. unless you plan to get more land.. a smaller tractor will be very nimble.. and not print the grass as bad.. 4' rotary mower and 5' finish mower will match that tractor fine.. 4 or 5' box blade.. and 5 or 6' rear grader blade..

I test drove one of hte 2wd 20hp units at a homier tool sale.. a couple years ago they were 2999.. I could kick myself for not getting one at that price.. sheesh.. riding lawnmowers cost more than that...

I was impressed with it.. even with all the little faults.. like fit/finish.. scratch fender.. etc.

A better dealer will usually charge a bit more.. and take care of some of those cosmetic problems.. etc. Homier is pretty much the rock bottom price.. though if a scratch or fit/finish issue doesn't bother you.. go for the $.. Sounds like you are wrenchy.( if you considdered building your own ). which is good, as when you buy cheaper.. sometimes you sacrifice some dealer support.

Soundguy

 

[greg_g]

My Kentucky hillsides sound steeper than yours, but I think this applies anyway. These Chinese tractors are HEAVY compared to compacts from other countries. My 24hp 2wd Yanmar took the hills in stride, the 25hp 4wd Jinma struggles - to the point where I'm trading it for something with more grunt. My personal rule of thumb for Chinese tractors is, figure out how much power you THINK you need - then add AT LEAST five more HP.

//greg//

 

[alpha]

Any one I talked to before getting a 4wd had one idea; get the 4wd! All the 2wd owners traded them in for 4wd. The bigest problem was "soft spots" on the lawn. They were digging up turf with turf tires. the lawn looked flat but had a few bumps and divits. took that advise and got a 4wd. If snow removal is a use, that alone is a need for 4wd.

 

[JohnS]

Hi Greg,

I have seen a few of your posts about the power issue on hills. Could you go into a little more explaination on what your are seeing, including what type of work you were doing, engine rpm, fel, etc? Over the last few years, you are the only one that I have seen, that has commented on this particular issue. A number have commented on the brakes on hillsides. I am not saying that you are incorrect, but wondering if something else is at play.

I am wondering if it is possible that you injector timing and/or valve lash is not adjusted properly. While I have hills, it has mainly been traversing them (always with fel on). I only bushoged on a hill one day, but had it in low gears, just because of the pucker factor. I also don't have another tractor, for direct comparisons.

 

[Jinma354]

I agree with JohnS about something may be out of time on Gregs tractor. I run straight up and down hills and have never run out of power even at lower rpm's, maybe its because mine is the 35hp. I always run out of traction long before power. Jinma's seem to be underrated by 10 horsepower or so.

 

[shvl73]

Does anyone else think that this sized machine for 2.5 acres is a little overkill, like swatting a fly with a shotgun? Wouldn't something like a B-series kubota or a Power-Trac be a little more user friendly in the long run? I think that mowing most lawns with a RFM wouldn't be as easy as a MMM on the B-series or the front mower on the PT, yet both would do landscaping & other chores as well. Considering the cost of a 25 hp 4wd Jinma, isn't he getting close in $?
I hope I'm not throwing cold water on what should be a fun & exciting purchase, if so, I apologize.

 

[jordanh]

No cold water at all....that is a concern of mine as well. One of the reasons I'm on here asking questions of folks who already have been through this process and can give feed back from hindsight.

I priced a Kubota sub compact.....I think it was the 23 hp version.....they discouraged me from considering the 1500 or 1800. It was around $10K and some change I think. The ProTrac is $4500-6000 I believe....plus the only dealer I can find is in VA....a long way from here. If I could find them closer to MO or get cheap shipping I would be more interested.

Right now the Jinma is much cheaper....even with buying a RFM and blade. My biggest concern is not to buy too much tractor (i.e. is 22-28 hp and 4wd more than I need) and investing in too little tractor (18hp 2wd) and being unsatisfied.

I won't be buying anything until Fall in any case so I am giving myself plenty of time to learn as much as I can and get a good feel for the market and options.

:^D

 

[shvl73]

It may be hard to find (impossible?) the 22-28 hp Jinmas in 2wd. I believe the 18 hp unit is more common & it would seem kind of big & heavy for an average lawn. I would have seriously considered one of the mid-sized Power-Tracs if I had been a little more knowledge at the time & been able to try one out. I think they only sell direct from the manufacturer in Virginia, that's a pretty good ride from NH.