Leigh,
You said you just ordered a Chinese tractor - what specific one did you order? Just curious.
Did you order this from a dealer or are you self-importing or buying through an importer? This makes a big difference! If you are ordering from a reputable dealer, (there are a few), then you should receive a tractor that has been fully serviced and set up properly. If you are self-importing or ordering from one of the guys who sells them on Ebay and the like, you'll almost certainly have to do the set-up and prep on your own. In any case, you MUST be certain that this has been done before using the tractor.
Chinese tractors are typically shipped from the factory with garbage fluids in the engine, transmission, gear case and hydraulic systems. This junk absolutely has to be removed, the systems flushed out and then filled with the proper quality American fluids. If not done, you'll likely come to grief sooner, rather than later. If the proper prep is done, including checking all nuts and bolts, adjusting the clutch and changing the fluids, these tractors can and do live very long and useful lives.
Chinese tractors are basic machines with few or none of the modern bells and whistles - that makes the easy to work on, durable and dependable, provided you understand the limitations of all mechanical things and don't abuse them or go beyond their capabilities.
This is a good place to ask all your questions. There is a lot of knowledge and experience accumulated here and plenty of people willing to share. Just disregard the trolls who tell you should have bought a John Deere or whatever. Jingoism rears its head on these forums, too. :laughing: