chineese tractor

Soundguy · Jun 18, 2002

I've been considering an additional tractor purchase, a smaller one, for my wife to use. My wife couldn't get used to the older yanmar 1700.. but then babying an older, tractor takes a 'tractor' person, not someone who can 'drive' a tractor.

Anyway, due to price, It looks like a chineese tractor can be purchased new, cheaper than a small used 'big 3'.

Specifically I had looked at the nortrac branded jinma 204's and 254's. I like the look. I've also looked around on the web a little, and found some dealers that even will ship a tractor via crate that needs partial assembly, for a reduced price.

I have also just found out that there are 2wd versions of the smaller jinmas? 200?
The nortrat 204 is 6000 plus shipping of 1100.00 ( a bit high in my opinion.. but... )

Anyone have any price / info on the other jinma products.. or other asian tractors? ( I'm already very familiar with yanmar tractors, as I own one....And also know that a certain amount of mechanical ability may be needed to maintain these tractors , but that there is a positive price per hp trade off to cover this, etc. )

If anyone doesn't feel ok about discussing price, etc in this forum, please feel free to email me.

Thanks

Soundguy

Woodbeef · Jun 18, 2002

Hey Soundguy,

Check out the thread below this one titled"Homier Farm Pro" if you have not already done so.

Inspector507 · Jun 18, 2002

Soundguy,
If you're serious about a chinese tractor as a back-up or one for the little woman........look at the new Deng Fong. Not the old ones I see on the web. They look all boxy and what-not. The new ones that are coming out are very nice looking.

SHIFTY · Jun 18, 2002

I have a few photo's of the DF 254's @ my site www.tractorloft.com

JohnS · Jun 19, 2002

I recommend having your wife try out one of the Nortracs. Make sure she is comfortable with all the levers, etc. My wife, has some difficulties with our hydrostat lawnmower /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif, but its probably because she only use once a year.

The number of dealers that carry the 2 wheel drive Jinmas, are pretty low. Don't believe their is a big savings going with the 2 wheel drive. Might be better to go with a 4 wheel drive and just don't engage it. If you haven't already, read the "About Jinma Tractors" on my website.

Crate tractors are less costly but you do assume more risk and will have to deal with issues that a dealer would normally handle. A couple of good posts under the "How did this board help you?" thread, over on CTOA, discuss this. I am not saying don't go with a crate tractor, just make sure are willing to handle what is involved.

A little surprised on the shipping cost of the Nortrac, being they do have outlets in FL. They quoted me $1000 from NC to NY, a year ago this spring. A dual axle u-haul rental works fine, if you have a truck that can pull it. Even a Ryder non-CDL truck rental should be cheaper. Just have to consider how you get the tractor on/off.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 19, 2002

Don't expect the same quality you've got with your Yanmar! Buy a powershift Yanmar you'll be much happier.

Soundguy · Jun 19, 2002

I havn't actually seen ( in person ) a nortrac, but from the many pictures I have seen of the 204 and 254, the operator cab doesn't look to bad. I wasn't aware that there would be alot of hand controls. It is a gear shift model right? So there is a gear shifter, a range selector? a hand throttle? ( maybe a foot throttle? ) lights and blinkers? and a 3pt lever, and a 3pt valve speed control?
I can't think of anything else... Fill in my blanks, thanks.

My wife is ok with my NH 1920 but it is a bit 'big' for here, and I think she is intimidated by it a little ( it's only 33 hp.. but she would be more used to something like my yanmar 1700.. but can't get used to the extra finess it takes to work with a 23 year old tractor, .. how to use the non-synchro gears, and how to baby the hand throttle, etc..

Soundguy

"I recommend having your wife try out one of the Nortracs. Make sure she is comfortable with all the levers, etc. My wife, has some difficulties with our hydrostat lawnmower , but its probably because she only use once a year.

The number of dealers that carry the 2 wheel drive Jinmas, are pretty low. Don't believe their is a big savings going with the 2 wheel drive. Might be better to go with a 4 wheel drive and just don't engage it. If you haven't already, read the "About Jinma Tractors" on my website.

Crate tractors are less costly but you do assume more risk and will have to deal with issues that a dealer would normally handle. A couple of good posts under the "How did this board help you?" thread, over on CTOA, discuss this. I am not saying don't go with a crate tractor, just make sure are willing to handle what is involved.

A little surprised on the shipping cost of the Nortrac, being they do have outlets in FL. They quoted me $1000 from NC to NY, a year ago this spring. A dual axle u-haul rental works fine, if you have a truck that can pull it. Even a Ryder non-CDL truck rental should be cheaper. Just have to consider how you get the tractor on/off."

Soundguy · Jun 19, 2002

Ok, I realize i forgot a few.. Lets see...

pto select lever, diff lock, 4wd lever.

Soundguy

EFC · Jun 19, 2002

My wife drove an FX Yanmar until one day she drove a Dong Feng out of the shop to park it on the lot. Sold the FX off the lot the next week and she uses the DF exclusively. One of the nicest flower planting machines you will ever see.

“antired” please register so your comments wont be ignored in the future. /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

JohnS · Jun 19, 2002

This link will give you a good understanding of the operators platform.

http://www.emerybuilt.com/TractorManual.htm

The 254/284 has a creeper gear lever, hi/low range selector, 3 forward - 1 reverse straight gears, 4-2 wheel drive lever, diff lock lever, pto speed selection lever, pto engage lever, 3pt lift lever, hand throttle, foot throttle, fuel cutoff, horn and light switches, starter switch, dual stage clutch pedal, and left/right brake levers w/parking brake. I think the 204 is the same, but not 100% sure. Just takes a little getting use to, especially if coming from a nice open deck of the big 3.

Here is a new FL Jinma dealer. http://www.morganequipment.net/ Don't know if that is within your driving range. I might have another email from another new FL dealer. Will check tonight and post if I have it. Highly recommend seeing/touching one before purchase, just to make sure it is what you expect.

I haven't touched a DF yet, but think they are similiar. If you have a dealer close to you, might be worth checking out.

DrewW · Jun 19, 2002

"I think the 204 is the same, but not 100% sure"

Yep, my 204 has the same John.

Soundguy · Jun 20, 2002

Thanks for the info guys.

Anyone else with pictures or info to post on the various chineese models please do so. Makes the selection easier.

thanks,

Soundguy

SHIFTY · Jun 20, 2002

I have sold both the JM and Df,both are very comarable as far as features and reliability,parts availability ect.you just need to choose the proper size for your application,you do need to have a mechanical ability,nothing fancy but since their is no labor warranty you would need to turn the wrench your self if something happens ,thats where the big savings is
They are good strong machines for the money,choose your favorite color and the machine and dealer that feels right for you,best of luck

JohnS · Jun 20, 2002

There is no labor warrantee from the factory, but many dealers offer some form of labor warrantee. Key question to ask the particular dealer you might choose a chinese tractor from.

Soundguy · Jun 20, 2002

I'm not a mechanic, but can do the usual stuff, replace alternators/ starters, minor engine stuff, valve cover gasket, minor hydraulics, assembly, and electrical work. Bleed injector and fuel lines, change fluids/filters... at least the minimum stuff for owning a tractor imho.

Soundguy

"ect.you just need to choose the proper size for your application,you do need to have a mechanical ability,nothing fancy but since their is no labor warranty you would need to turn the wrench your self if "

SHIFTY · Jun 20, 2002

You sound like youll be the next proud owner of a Chinese tractor,The assembly is pretty straight foward,most repairs are pretty basic,Diesels are auctually simple once you understand how they differ from gas engines,the most important thing is fluid and filter changes and it will proubally last as long as the good old 8n,best of luck

EFC · Jun 21, 2002

John is right there is no factory labor warranty but all DF dealers are required by contract to provide a one year labor warranty and the factory provides a two year parts warranty. That is part of the reason you can’t buy a DF in a crate. The DF distributor for your region is

Mid-South Brokers
57 West Main
Farmington, AR 72730
Charlie Foster (479) 267-4080 cjfoster@pgtc.com
Dealer Sales: Morte Marshal
Msouthbrokers@pgtc.com

I don’t know if Charlie he has set up a dealer in Florida yet but it is worth a call. Have fun with it! /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

fpt2425 · Jul 31, 2004

I recently purchased a Farm Pro 2425 with FEL & BH. I also purchased bush mower and quick hitch. Other than losing oil pressure at 8hrs.(oil change fixed this) I have had no problems with it. As for the price, I went to a show in Cincinnati, but they did not have what I wanted. The salesman made a few calls and told me I could pickone up at the dist. in huntington, In. A 200 mile detour netted me another $300.00 discount. Total Price 12,800.00. I hope this answers some of your questions.