Buying Decision....

rfengr · Jun 25, 2005

I gotta be honest. I don't get a good feeling from his web site. I do not have good confidence that any actual engineering was involved in the FEL. More like the old system of build-it, break it, improve it.... repeat. (rather like the big three did for american car engines before they had a computer model). That may be fine for a homebrew item.... but not for my new tractor.

Also... I sent an email to said dealer last week... maybe it ended up in the bit bucket somewhere, but I never got a response. Alternatively, the dealer in Oregon has been extremely helpful and understanding, taking time to answer emails and explaining on the phone. Couple that with a special he is running in June AND about a thousand dollars in tax savings.... well... you get the idea. Plus a very informative web site.

Unless someone comes up with some reason not to buy it in Oregon, I am going here:

http://www.tractorconnection.com/index.html

I get a good feeling for knowledge and service. Am I incorrect?

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Alan

JohnS · Jun 25, 2005

(
I chose 4' implements not so much for their size with respect the the tractors abilities, but with respect to the area it takes to store them.
)

I'd would take another look to see if there is anyway you can store 5' implements. For the box blade and rake, you would want to cover the width of the rear tires. Same thing if a mower or brush cutter is in your future. In the long run, I don't think you will be happy with putting the smaller 4' implements on a 254/284.

greg_g · Jun 25, 2005

I agree wholeheartedly with JohnS, that in the long run you'll be disappointed - and underserved - by four foot implements behind that sized tractor.

Consider this the word of experience, quickly learned after going from a JM254 to a KM454. I had five and six foot implements with the Jinma, but they were almost like toys behind the KAMA. I soon traded/sold them as well, now everything I have is in the six foot or above range.

Another thing is that the Jinma is a Cat 1 tractor. Many 4 foot implements are Cat 0

//greg//

bruce1966us · Jun 25, 2005

I don't remember anyone on this forum that has had anything negative to say about Ray. Many have bought from him and are very happy. I have sold many of his loaders and they are great. I have one on a 224 right now. But, it's your money! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

rfengr · Jun 25, 2005

Point taken. I guess I will have to build another storage shed or make the shed for the tractor larger in order to accomodate some 5' implements. Its funny, but up until now that was a huge task. I am not accustomed to thinking that I HAVE a tractor... and that preparing the ground for another shed won't be such an ordeal (previously done all by hand). Comparing prices between all the dealers people have recommended show prices all pretty much in the same range with not a lof of difference (after you remove the tax). Some deliver, some dont. I have a double axle 7000lb car hauler so getting it is just a day drive.

Who out there has built from a crate and who just had it assembled? What were your experiences? problems?.... I still have to decide to assemble or not. I am handy with a wrench... have rebuilt and installed engines a time or two.... even restored a project car, so I am confident that I could assemble. Yet, short on time these days., so I am leaning toward an assembled unit.

Anyone want to share their triumphs and or horror stories?
(or anything I should know about my dealer?) I did call the chamber of comerce and the Oregon State District Attorneys consumer line.... and the business was clean as a whistle.

Thanks,
Alan
/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

EFC · Jun 25, 2005

There are NO tax savings for Washington residents buying in Oregon. If you bring the tractor back to Washington you still owe Washington state sales tax. The state of Washington has an agreement with Oregon to disclose all large sales. You have about a 1 in three chance of getting caught and I can tell you the fines are more than the tax itself. If you don’t believe me please call WA Department of Revenue at 1-800-647-7706 and ask them. We hear from customers all the time the nightmares they went through with Washington State over Oregon purchases.

JINMA224XR · Jun 25, 2005

Point taken. I guess I will have to build another storage shed or make the shed for the tractor larger in order to accomodate some 5' implements. Its funny, but up until now that was a huge task. I am not accustomed to thinking that I HAVE a tractor. 

Hey rfengr,

On the size of the tractor, for 3 acres, a 224 or 254 should do the job, and I myself would lean toward the 254. But for myself, I have been on an extremely tight budget and so far the 224 has been completely satisfactory for me on my 7 acres. But I really wanted the 254, but that would have been another 1k for me. If you want to know the truth, I think that I may have gotten the correct size tractor for my place, in the long run.

Ashley that goes by ACM, on the forum has just completed either a 254 or 284. He is very helpful and I am sure that he will tell you about putting a crate tractor together. He is in France, but has posted on this forum recently.

On the Implements, this is my advice from experience. You need to get implements that are wide enough to cover your tire tracks..... On my 224, I can use 5 foot implements, but they have to be light duty. On a 254, you should be able to get by with 5 foot medium duty or 6 foot very light duty. Also, you need to think about the width of your rear tires, after you get them at the working width that you desire. Most owners want their rear tires almost a wide as they can get them, because it provides more stability, to prevent rollover, and rollover can happen, just from spreading a truck load of material, or when using the front end loader.

Also on your implements, a shed to cover them is really nice, but it is not an essential necessity. I grew up on a farm, and my Dad had several tractors and lots and lots of equipments. The equipment stayed outside, but the tractors, stayed in the shed. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Exception being the Combine and the Cotton Picker-- they stayed in the shed also.

All you need to get is the size of tractor for your property size, unless you are about to go larger or if you are going to be doing jobs for hire.

On the Sales Tax thing. On a Tractor, Don't pay it, unless you absolutely have to, and don't go down to the Probate Office and ask them, if you need to Pay Sales Tax either. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Once again, you should check out the prices at East Winds and some of the inland State Dealers, and the price that they charge for shipment to you or you may want to take a road trip and pick it up your self. One person just wrote to me that got a new Jinma. He drove 2200 miles to pick his up and seemed to enjoy the trip and the savings. I myself would think of it as an adventure trip. The idea of taking a plane to the dealer, and then renting a Uhaul Truck with a car hauler seems like a good idea to me. Of if you have a family, you all might want to take a driving vacation so to speak. Stop off at one of the vacation spots on the way back. It doesn't have to be all work you know, especially since you are going to be saving Thousands anyway.

Get your Tractors Running &
Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Coldwater · Jun 29, 2005

( I gotta be honest. I don't get a good feeling from his web site. I do not have good confidence that any actual engineering was involved in the FEL. More like the old system of build-it, break it, improve it.... repeat. (rather like the big three did for american car engines before they had a computer model). That may be fine for a homebrew item.... but not for my new tractor.

Also... I sent an email to said dealer last week... maybe it ended up in the bit bucket somewhere, but I never got a response. Alternatively, the dealer in Oregon has been extremely helpful and understanding, taking time to answer emails and explaining on the phone. Couple that with a special he is running in June AND about a thousand dollars in tax savings.... well... you get the idea. Plus a very informative web site.

Unless someone comes up with some reason not to buy it in Oregon, I am going here:

http://www.tractorconnection.com/index.html

I get a good feeling for knowledge and service. Am I incorrect?

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Alan

)

Alan,

First of all, thanks for taking the time to look at our website. As you can see it's just a temporary page used for basic information about our company.

Like Buck had mentioned, you might get lucky and save on paying taxes by buying in Oregon, but this doesn't always work when making a purchase this big. I'm sure this company is a great place to buy a tractor from, but adding up everything you've mentioned, there are numerous dealers within the state that could sell you the same package, for a lower price with tax included. Still saving you $1000, or more.

Having assembled a few hundred tractors myself, I can say that buying a crate tractor will more than likely come with it's share of headaches. You sound mechnically inclined, so as long as your not missing anything, you should be okay. Just something to consider.

Ray has easily manufactured over a thousand loaders over the last 6 years or so. It's take more than "trial and error" to design a quality loader. A good background in manufacturing, welding, and hydraulics doesn't hurt.

Not sure why we didn't recieve your e-mail (I double checked), but if you found our e-mail from our temporary webpage, you also saw the phone number listed below. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Which ever route you decide to take, I'm sure you'll be satisfied. This is a great group of guys on this board with alot of great information to share. We're all really just one big happy family. Figured we might as well make an account here since I'm constantly reading up on new devolopments in regards to Jinmas, or tractors in general.

Buck and RonMar, thanks for the compliments.

-Henry

bruce1966us · Jun 30, 2005

Henry, You left me out /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif LOL

Coldwater · Jun 30, 2005

( Henry, You left me out /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif LOL )

I had written this on the way out the door, and realized that when I was driving home. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I don't know how I forgot you also replied in this thread. Ray has always spoken VERY VERY highly of you because you were a big part in him getting into this business, and have been a great friend to him all these years.

I may have forgotten when I initailly posted this, but Ray saw right away this morning and kindy reminded me about my mistake. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif