Dongfeng Purchace- Which One?

[TTTTTT]

Hi, All

I have a decision that I have been waiting to make for quite awhile but need a little input from all the experienced owners out there. I have a good deal on either of two new 2007 Dongfeng tractors.
The two are either the DF254G2 - 25HP, full syncro SS, with Townsunny FEL and/or Tonwsunny BH, or the DF354 - 35HP, manual trans with similiar FEL and/or BH. The differences are obvious for size & HP but the 354 has 1459lbs 3pth lift while the smaller 254 has only 933 lbs. The 254 has the SS which would be great for FEL work and any other back & forth work while the 354 has the manual tranny but is pretty smooth. The 354 has the better clearances but is a little bigger for tight spots than the 254. They are both good tractors with benefits both ways. I've always heard to go bigger is you can but would 25 HP be plenty for my needs. The 354 is more $'s but not to the degree of ruling it out. My uses would be maintaining/plowing about 1000' of driveway, some log/stump removal, grading, some trenching, land clearing on potenially on some 50ac. of property. No plans for mowing, cultivating or other traditional farm uses. Also would industrial tires fit the bill for most of my work or AGs if I was in some rougher bush areas.
All comments would be appreciated. I plan on making a decision this week. If I didn't have a choice between the two it would make it a lot easier.

Thanks Dave

 

[Diamondpilot]

I really like the 25HP tractors for chore tractors. I have a 25 HP Jinma. I would look at what really matters to you. Yes the 354 will out work the 254 but does it fit your needs? I would also never own a tractor with turf tires or R4's. Ags are much better in the snow, woods, fields, ect. The only place I see a use for turfs is if all you do is mow and the only place I see a place for R4's is if you only use it on asphalt, like loading mulch at a nursery.

Chris

 

[3RRL]

I agree with Chris.
Which one fits your needs best? No doubt they are both good tractors, just one has more capacity than the other.
Are you ever gonna need it? If you think "yes" then get the larger, heavier, stronger tractor. If not and the 254 fits the bill, get that one. Each has it's benefits ... depending on your intended use.
LOL ... I know secretly you want one of us to make up your mind for you.

 

[greg_g]

My uses would be maintaining/plowing about 1000' of driveway, some log/stump removal, grading, some trenching, land clearing on potenially on some 50ac. of property. No plans for mowing, cultivating or other traditional farm uses. Also would industrial tires fit the bill for most of my work or AGs if I was in some rougher bush areas.

In most cases, bigger is better. I initially bought a 24hp 2wd with turfs, but it turned out to be a 3 season tractor. Turfs and 2wd were useless in mud/snow/ice/wet hillsides. So I went 4wd (25hp) and ag tires. Traction ceased to be a problem, but 25hp proved inadequate power for the hillsides - wet or dry. Low range was too slow on level ground or downhill, but high range couldn't put enough power on the ground to get back UPhill. Reverse was so slow I'd be tempted to take a nap. So I moved up to 35 and a 45, both with 4wd/ag tires/shuttle shift. Should have started there in the first place.

I don't think industrial tires (R4) are a good idea once you leave concrete/ashpalt in spring/summer/fall - and will probably be nearly as useless as turfs on snow/ice. I also think you'd be happier with the reserve power that 35hp would give you. But - for the purposes you listed - I think you'll get more use out of the shuttle shift capability than you will with the extra 10hp. Too bad you can't find a 35hp with shuttle shift.

//greg//

 

[TTTTTT]

Great comments so far. The experiences with AG vs. industrial are what I needed to hear. I was leaning that way anyway but you guys confirm that more. As for SS vs. the more HP and other items, I am again leaning to the 354. I don't think my loader work would be as extensive. I would hope after getting things broken in, that the shifting would't be as big a deal. The question of 3ph weight being only 933 lb. on the 254 vs. 1450lbs. on the 354. Do you see the less on the 254 as an issue. I realize the heaviest thing I may lift would be the 3pt BH at about 1100lb.s.

Thanks again Dave

 

[3RRL]

Now that I re-read your post, money is not the factor either. In your case, I see you're leaning to the 354. It will be up to how you intend to use the tractor. Greg makes a great point on his use and what he did. You can never have too much traction, weight and stability and the extra power is great. Even on the 3pt end. Is the manual tranny on the 354 a shuttle shift also? Shuttle is really nice for loader work so it's too bad you can't get it on the 354. Is it available on the next size up DF? I went big on my first tractor (55hp) and later got a smaller one for my wife. There were so many things I could never have done with hers, but now, a lot of maintenance can be done with it. It is nimble and fun to work. There are many times I will jump on hers and do some of the chores. I find myself using the big Kama for heavy duty stuff.
I would go with the Ag tires, but I've never personally had any other style. From what I've read, they are the way to go for your property description and needs.

 

[TTTTTT]

The 354 does not have the SS, if it had I think my decision would be made. It is going to be available down the road and Chip at Agtrac has it in a 30HP in the smaller size. That would probably be ok but I am looking at a very good deal with either of these two. Loader work would not be extensive but down the road you never know. The SS may be great for the loader work ,but if I don't have power for what I want to move, I guess it kind of negates that. I'm going tomorrow to hopefully finalize things and test out both. Any more comments are welcome.

Dave

 

[bluechip]

The our 254G2 prototypes had changchai engines, if the 254G2 has the 1.8 liter engine, it is the same engine as in our 30HP model, just lower top rpm speed. it would be your best buy. there is no comparison operating a tractor with syncho shuttle shift, and the syncho trans gears are nice too. this tractor compares to korean quality from an operation standpoint.

 

[toys4dirt]

I agree with Chip. We sell both, but I prefer the 254G2 transmission. Both are good tractors though.

 

[TTTTTT]

The our 254G2 prototypes had changchai engines, if the 254G2 has the 1.8 liter engine, it is the same engine as in our 30HP model, just lower top rpm speed. it would be your best buy. there is no comparison operating a tractor with syncho shuttle shift, and the syncho trans gears are nice too. this tractor compares to korean quality from an operation standpoint.

Thanks Chip, you just made it a little harder!. It does have the 1.8 liter Changchai engine. All kidding aside, the 254 having the same engine can it be easily tweeked it to get the extra HP, there are some other benefits of the 354 that I also must consider. I will know a lot more today after doing a little hands on work.

Dave