Are chinese tractors worth the $$$$$ ??

[SPIKER]

I've got a Jinma 284:

it is a good unit, and I've had mine for 2 years, with 155 hrs on the ticker. I've got the china FEL, HOE, Mower and Tiller. The rototiller is a 48" one and hasn't had a bit of problem. the mower on the other hand was and is not a great unit for finish mowing it does the job but the tires and blades were bad. I got BIGBEE blades which solved the blade problems and replaced the belt too. The Tires are the next thing and need to be addressed. After those items I could have gotten a TSC KK and been more happy with it.

as for the tractor, I replaced a oil pressure gauge and had to adjust the clutch pack. all in all very easy stuff. I never did my 50 HP service and head bolt torque but I need to re-adjust the valves a bit and such. basic stuff and if you're dealer does maintenance then it is a no-brainer. I checked into the grey stuff but there is no up-to-date safety equipment such as ROPS and all. not to mention most dealers won't touch the greys around here. I don't have a dealer close by for the Jinma either but I saved enough and got a few wear parts with my purchace and got mine in CRATE form and assembled it myself which took about 8 hrs work start to finish. Well worth ths saveings I got. BUT I am very mechanical inclined and am not affraid to pull out an engine from the womans NEW car or from my tractor or car and rebuild them...

SO that being said a 224/254 or 284 would work well, bet a FEL with it and a few extra parts, such as filters and such. they come with extra gaskets too so that will help if needed. a GOOD o-ring kit is also a good thing to have handy...

I would say a TILLER would be much better than a plow and disk for garden work and FEL for Stall cleanup and removal...

pile it for a season prior to putting on the garden for some safety and biogegration and to kill out any seeds that make it through the horses...

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I would say a TILLER would be much better than a plow and disk for garden work )</font>

Try to pass that one off on a big vegitable farmer. Plow and disk is the lifeblood of farming. Besides.. I was looking at a cost standpoint... which is the whole idea behind a chineese tractor right? If you are looking for a 10'x10' beside the garage plot for the Miss's to grow a spice or two and some sunflowers.. use a hand tiller.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( and to kill out any seeds that make it through the horses. )</font> .

Any? Seems pretty much like they ALL do. Horses have such incomplete digestion it is a wonder they don't starve on a full belly ( or colic at the drop of a hat.. )... reminds me of a panda... Ruminants have a much better feed to fuel ratio..

Soundguy

 

[HAMMERJAMMER]

Hey thanks for all the replies folks. I went and looked at the farm pro's and nortac's today. The northern tool that had the nortrac's was awful. All the tractors were in bad shape. Low tires and rusty. Didn't sit to well with me.

The farm pro dealer was closed when I got there but I liked the look of thier tractors. I got a number off of a banner that they had hanging up and called the guy when I got home. He seemed real nice on the phone. Told me about the warranty and where the work was done and also assured me that he could get parts for me. He told me to call him when I wanted to come back and he would be there so I could test drive one. I'm definatley gonna check into them a bit farther.

Thanks for the input fellas.

 

[OrangeGuy]

Don't rule out purchasing a late model used Kubota, JD or New Holland. I believe the chinese tractors appeal primarily to purchasers who are trying to save money. A good used big three tractor purchased from a reliable dealer IMO would represent a much better value. You will accomplish cost savings, have a much more modern tractor, have great dealer support, and have a tractor that someone will want if you decide to trade up or sell.

With the significant number of big three CUT and sub-Cuts sold in the last 5 years, a good used one should not be hard to find. These tractors are designed to go 5000 plus hours.

Just my opinion!

OrangeGiy