Better Chinese Tractors

[DOUBLEG]

I have had my Task Master (Dong Feng) 438 for almost 2 years now and have had only small issues (mainly leaks).

I bought it replace an older & larger JD that didn't have 4wd or 3ph. Thought I would use it mainly in the summer but most of my hours have been pushing snow. It has been great for that so I am very happy with it.

The dealer is a local individual which may be a problem if I have a big issue. However, there was not a lot available in my area 2 years ago (Jinma showed up later).

Good luck.

 

[jmf7112001]

I live in Lincoln, Al next to racetrack. I think I can help with your need look at my web pages at Tractor Man. I wait your replay since I can't send you a prive email. my email is joefoster@bamatractorman.com

 

[DFW]

I purchased a TaskMaster 432E about 2 and half years ago over the internet. Big mistake. When it arrived there were numerous leaks, gaskets never installed, broken zerks, half the instruments did not work on the instrument panel. Since then I have broken the 4wd shift lever inside the transfer case, replaced the insturment panel, alternator and regulator. On the first oil change, the new filter would not screw on tight (one of the original leaks) and had to get another fitting to get it to tighten and stop leaking. Now the fuel filter leaks and when I used it last weekend to help my neighbor, the fuel cap fell apart and natuarally I lost the little spring. Oh, did I mention that it leaks and leaks and leaks. Can't seem to find out where though, the oil pan always has drops on the bolts even when I don't use it and my garage floor is a mess. Power steering squeels when I try to turn with a load in the bucket. I put a knob on the steering wheel at the 8 o'clock position, its's now at the 2 o'clock position cause the steering wheel keeps turning even after the wheels stop.

I was not happy when I got it and tried to excercise their 10 day return option. The salesman was on vacation during that time, left a message that I wanted to return the tractor. He came back from vacation, sorry you missed the ten day window, it's yours now, screw you...

In my opinion, this dealer saw an out of state buyer and and a chance to unload a lemon. So, my advice, as many, many others have said, CHECKOUT THE DEALER and go with someone you can trust, preferably local!

I had very little experience with tractors before this one and I can say it has been a strong tractor that has done just about everything I needed, when it was running. Is it a good tractor, probably, but the dealer, well...

 

[timwil]

I purchased my 2425 Farm Pro from a dealer on E-bay. What a big mistake that was. It now has 168 hr on it at a total cost of on $91.85 per hr. The dealer was bad from the get go. Homier tried to help as much as possible, there is just so much can do on the phone.
At 43 hr the right front axle housing broke, at 74 hr the the 1st shaft in the gear box broke, at 76 hr the hydraulic pump went out, at 90 hr the selector lever broke. Put on a new pump and 25 hr later it went out again. From day one the tractor blew hydraulic pump blew fluid out the vent. It took me for ever to find out what was wrong, but i did it without the help of the dealer or Homier.
Would I do it again, sure. Only this time I would buy a local dealer.

 

[3RRL]

I bought a Kama KM554 a year and a half ago. First time tractor buyer and novice operator. I bought over the internet from a dealer in MO. I also got a quote from Chip at Artrac and should have gone with him, but he did not have the tractor in stock. He was honest about that and his price was less than my dealer's. After sending my dealer the down payment, it took him a month and a half to deliver the tractor ... I could have bought from Chip if I knew he was going to do that! Afterward, my dealer gave me zero support and actually sent me out a different backhoe and boxblade! I had to hassle him for nearly 4 months to get the right ones sent out. I live in So. Cal. so I'm 2,000 miles away.

I chose the Kama over the other Chinese brands after making comparison charts of all the features, weight and horse power. They were all 4 wheel drive, but the Kama seemed to me to be the best, pound for pound and price-wise. I am very happy with my choice and have heard from many Kama owners here and on Chinese Tractor Owners Club Forum similar success stories and how happy they are with their Kama tractors.

Anyway, I learned very quickly from TBN about what maintenance was needed to keep it running. I have 265 hrs on the clock and it didn't work for about 30 hrs until I fixed a ground problem. Consider that I usually run it at 1500 to 1800 max rpm, meaning it has really way more hours than the clock measured. It has run great and been a proficient worker. The KM554 has oodles of power and I've done some stuff with it that would challenge any brand tractor in it's category. Since owning it, I have done many mods to it to make it better and more useful. Things like adding hydraulic top link, hydraulic side links and added a Prince 3 spool valve so it now has 3 rear remotes in addition. I also added a toothbar to the 6' bucket.
However, the basic tractor and engine has not been changed and it runs and starts great.

Here's a picture of it with Koyker 195 FEL and a 7' Howse boxblade that I converted to having a gear driven hydraulic scarifier system.



Since that picture, I added dual bucket grapples with true third function electric over hydraulic WR Long valve.



Here's a picture of the hydraulic side links, 3 rear remotes and Prince valve on the right fender.




That Kama is truly one heck of a beautiful tractor!

 

[Gerifalte]

Since that picture, I added dual bucket grapples with true third function electric over hydraulic WR Long valve.

hi 3rrl

Really nice mods in your tractor! I love the grapples! This is off-topic but I was wondering if there is a chance you post a thread explaining how you installed the grapples? I am sure there will be a lot of people that would appreciate your post (starting with me since I have been wanting to install grapples in my JM 284 but I don't know where to start )

G

 

[3RRL]

hi 3rrl

Really nice mods in your tractor! I love the grapples! This is off-topic but I was wondering if there is a chance you post a thread explaining how you installed the grapples? I am sure there will be a lot of people that would appreciate your post (starting with me since I have been wanting to install grapples in my JM 284 but I don't know where to start )

G

Gerifalte,
Yes, I've posted a thread about the grapple installation and the thread before it where I was asking questions about how to do it. I also posted a thread about installing hydraulic side tilt cylinders and 3 additional rear remotes. Here is a reply to another thread where I just posted this information.

I just went through this whole thing and MadReferee helped through it the whole way. I had the exact same questions that you guys do. Here are a couple threads where Mad tells m about the hydraulics.
These first 2 threads are the beginning and end of adding a bucket grapple and all the valving and hoses etc.

First Thread about Hydraulic Questions

Second Thread Adding Grapples

This last thread shows how I added hydraulic side tilt cylinders and 3 rear remotes and another valve too.

Adding Hydraulic Side Links and Rear Remotes

If you have time, read through them because there is a ton of information that helped me get through it correctly. I was freaked out at first not having any idea what I was doing, but with the help I received here and from others, it all came out great.
Hope that helps some.

 

[Gerifalte]

Wow, that's exactly what I was after 3RRL! Thanks a bunch!

G

 

[okjohnson]

Hi

I purchased a TaskMaster 432E a couple of months ago from a local dealer at Zephyr Knoll Farms... Imported Used Tractors and Implements .

I have been using it mostly for moving horse manure with the FEL.

I have 50 hours on it now.

I have had minor problems with it :
1. a grease fitting fell off the loader.
2. the fuel gauge reads half full , when it is empty.
3. the FEL is erratic, and weak when the tractor is pointing up and incline.
4. the turn signal and emergency lights just quit working.

I have actually been quite busy with it, and like it. It has been very muddy in the Northeast here and I could not do with my ford 8n what I can with this tractor in the mud . It has handled the mud and hill very well. It starts very well when cold, without using the glow plugs. However, I would not call 50 hours a long time to determine it's quality. I have not used the PTO, or the three point yet. Hopefully, I can get a lot of hours on these this summer before the 1 year warranty runs out on it.

Realize also that I purchased this from a dealer instead of the internet . It seems to me that a number of people who purchase and assemble their own Chinese tractors have a lot of problems. And those who purchase from not very experienced dealers who assemble the tractors also have a lot of problems. I am guessing that a number of the failures that occur in these tractors can be traced to the type of assembly that is done after they get to the States.

I would suggest buying whatever type you want from a local and reputable dealer. At least you will have access to parts. Make sure you get at least a good 1 year warranty on it.

 

[frigman]

Well---I'll add my two cents. I have a two year old Farm Pro. It now has 120 hours on it. I'ts a 25 HP ---4 wheel drive with a FEL. Got a small hydro leak on the spool assy (needs a O ring---no big deal to fix it ). Fuel gage don't read right. Other that that (for what I paid for it) I would'nt trade it for any thing.It starts easy--even in the teens---runs good and strong---have a ZL20 fel and will lift what I thought it would not lift. If you got the traction it will pull anything. With the knowledge that it's a Jimna/farm pro I know that there is parts availabilty and with the professionals and other super knowageable people at TBN I think that my tractor will run fine for years.