Appreciate NorTrac feedback

[project]

Looking at the Nortrac 20 to 25 hp with loader. would value the latest comments and experiences with this tractors. ( especially any warranty service that was needed. ) Also the FEL for these units seem priced pretty steep. $3100 to $3500. Would any other FEL work? thanks

 

[Affordable]

The Nortrac is a rebadged Jinma tractor,not sure what there warranty is,I think they use Great bend loaders,which are US made we sell Koyker also US made more lifting weight capacity.the Koykers are in the same price range.There are alot of Nortrac owners so I'm sure you will get more answers from them.

Tommy
Affordable Tractor Sales

 

[jaroban]

I have a Jinma 224 which is the same tractor that you are looking at. I have had good luck with mine . I have had to turn a wrench or two. The Nor Track have a good warranty. I would highly recommend going with the warranty if you are not mechanically inclined. Robby

 

[ToolManRick]

I'm pleased with my NorTrac 204C (C is the 3 cyl engine). It came with an AmerEquip front end loader and has performed well for my purposes. The cylinders on the loader are not quite as big as some of the competitors, but I feel they are matched for the size tractor. Any more oompf and it could overstress something else. It will lift nearly 1000 lbs and that's enough for what I do. I only had one warrenty issue, some bad glow plugs, and it was resolved very quickly. If you decide to go with Northern Tool I think you will be happy. There are many other very good and helpful dealers who contribute here and they too would treat you right. My choice of NT was because of where I'm located, in the middle of lots of hills and few stores.

 

[nallen]

I purchased an NT204 in March of 2005. The machine is used for mowing and plowing snow, and I have recently begun to do some grading around my property as well. I've got 41 hours so far and have done nothing but fill the fuel tank and change the oil. No problems or warranty issues to report. I'm pleased with the purchase. The tractor is everything Northern advertised--and then some. (I think if Northern put some more information in their ad copy they probably would attract more customers. It's a bit of a stretch to lay out $5k based on a 3x3 inch ad with a few highlighted features, and the "informational video" than Northern offers doesn't help much either. I had already decided that I wanted a Jinma and was somewhat familiar with the machines before I bought so I didn't rely on Northern's catalog to make the sale). Crate machines have some appeal, but with shipping factored in the price wasn't that much lower than Northern's sale price and I appreciated the fact that Northern flushes and runs in each machine prior to shipment. I understand some folks have received the run-around from Northern when problems arose, but overall most seem to report a positive experience. Again, I have had no contact with Northern since I placed my order a year ago and therefore can't comment firsthand regarding warranty service, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

 

[project]

NALLEN , Thanks for the reply on your tractor. Been looking for a tractor the last 3 months and still haven't (as the saying goes) pulled the trigger. A forum like this does help. I owned two Fords 20 years ago and still it doesn't matter in today's market. lots to learn.

 

[nallen]

I know the feeling. I spent nearly a year researching the purchase before I finally got sick of hunting and bought my Nortrac. I had looked at all sorts of big brand tractors but couldn't see spending the dollars those machines commanded. I considered an old Ford and looked at several, but I felt that four wheel drive was essential due to the hills on my property. The choice came down to a well-worn Kubota or a Jinma for about the same money. After exploring this site and others I felt fairly comfortable with the idea of buying the Jinma, but without seeing one in person I was still somewhat wary. I managed to find an older 2cyl Jinma for sale locally, and a quick inspection convinced me that the Jinma was a good buy for the money. Don't get me wrong- there is a big difference in fit and finish and engineering between the Jinma and a big brand machine. The Jinma is rather crude in many respects- kind of like the difference between the tools Harbor Freight sells and those at your local Sears store. But the Jinma seems durable and sturdy despite its lack of sophistication, and mine has been a pleasure to use. I was initially concerned about parts support, but it seems like multiple vendors have this covered well. I understand your hesitation to make such an expensive purchase sight unseen. Maybe you can find a similar machine to inspect locally. It helped ease my mind when it came time to call Northern and make that HUGE catalog order.