MrFixit
Silver Member
OK it was a lousy attempt at reverse psycology!
Importing a chinese tractor
- Thread starter CajunFrog
- Start date
- Views: 38847
DIYGuy
Gold Member
FWIW, I went around the discussion for months a few years ago. I ended up with a dealer crate for not much more than I would have paid to self import. Some things I dont mind becoming an expert in, importing wasn't one of them.
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Said I would keep you posted on my research and its time to finially put this thread to bed.
Well it looks like I have decided to take the plunge and import the 354 tractor. The deciding factor was info I received from a member who PMed me a while back who successfully imported the same tractor with a whole range of implements and saved a bundle. He outlined how he did it and it is simple, really.
I am using the same contact and know he is reliable. He is extending the same prices to me. I am only ordering the tractor, FEL, and a set of turf tires and rims. The ZL-30 loader is not up to par with a Koyker by a longshot but should suit my needs and is certainly cheap enough at less than half the price. I am not going with the shreader and finish mowers because the extra freight cost brings the price almost up to the ones I can buy locally.
Every extra CBM cost over $110 in insured freight LCL and they charge for any wasted space above your crates. Thats why its best to go CIF and let the exporter worry with it. In the case of my 354, Jinma no longer packs the rear tires in the tractor crate. They can no longer ship 8 in a 20' container. This results in more freight charges and/or wasted space. The turf tires fit in the loader crate and do not effect the freight cost. Also thinking of getting some common spare parts: extra set of injectors, glow plugs, gasket set, and clutch pack. Cost is only $100 more and fit easily in tractor crate.
Again, all this is shipped CIF by the exporting company to my local port. I have a customs broker standing by to recieve and clear my freight. So I now have a fairly firm grasp of the total costs.
Like I stated before the freight and costs of clearing a single tractor is high. In my case around $1500 for the tractor, FEL and tires. It is much better to order a full container but that is not an option for me at this time. You can get 6 354 tractors in a 20 foot container with a little space to spare. Cost of shipping and clearing is around $4000 so thats less than $700 per tractor. Do a 40' container and it gets better. Thats the way the dealers do it. Still, there are enough savings to be realized on a single tractor with accessories to motivate a person. The risks are not near what some would have you believe.
If you want a breakdown/info pm me. Surfice to say I am saving enough on the deal to make the FEL and extra set of turfs free compared to an assembled tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Kermit
Said I would keep you posted on my research and its time to finially put this thread to bed.
Well it looks like I have decided to take the plunge and import the 354 tractor. The deciding factor was info I received from a member who PMed me a while back who successfully imported the same tractor with a whole range of implements and saved a bundle. He outlined how he did it and it is simple, really.
I am using the same contact and know he is reliable. He is extending the same prices to me. I am only ordering the tractor, FEL, and a set of turf tires and rims. The ZL-30 loader is not up to par with a Koyker by a longshot but should suit my needs and is certainly cheap enough at less than half the price. I am not going with the shreader and finish mowers because the extra freight cost brings the price almost up to the ones I can buy locally.
Every extra CBM cost over $110 in insured freight LCL and they charge for any wasted space above your crates. Thats why its best to go CIF and let the exporter worry with it. In the case of my 354, Jinma no longer packs the rear tires in the tractor crate. They can no longer ship 8 in a 20' container. This results in more freight charges and/or wasted space. The turf tires fit in the loader crate and do not effect the freight cost. Also thinking of getting some common spare parts: extra set of injectors, glow plugs, gasket set, and clutch pack. Cost is only $100 more and fit easily in tractor crate.
Again, all this is shipped CIF by the exporting company to my local port. I have a customs broker standing by to recieve and clear my freight. So I now have a fairly firm grasp of the total costs.
Like I stated before the freight and costs of clearing a single tractor is high. In my case around $1500 for the tractor, FEL and tires. It is much better to order a full container but that is not an option for me at this time. You can get 6 354 tractors in a 20 foot container with a little space to spare. Cost of shipping and clearing is around $4000 so thats less than $700 per tractor. Do a 40' container and it gets better. Thats the way the dealers do it. Still, there are enough savings to be realized on a single tractor with accessories to motivate a person. The risks are not near what some would have you believe.
If you want a breakdown/info pm me. Surfice to say I am saving enough on the deal to make the FEL and extra set of turfs free compared to an assembled tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Kermit
jordanh
Bronze Member
Cajun......YOU ROCK!
Similar to my findings. PM to you.
Thanks!
:^D
Similar to my findings. PM to you.
Thanks!
:^D
Hello .This is my first post. I have a jinma 254 stuck in long beach! The container was selected to be Xrayed . I understand it is charged to the shipper. I am buying from cbp . I was Ok! with the delay what harm can a xray do a tractor! The next thing I get an e-mail saying the crate has been selected for "Intensive Exam"(read epa)well it has been a week and I thought any one bringing a tractor in themselves should understand what is going on. Has anyone had a tractor in a crate had an Intensive Exam by customs? What kind of damage can I expect from these "gentlemen" Thanks Joe
RonMar
Elite Member
Depends upon what they are looking for. If searching for illegal substances, basically they can disassemble, cut, burn, rip tear or generally do whatever they feel is necessary to access any area they feel a need to inspect. If contraband is found, it and the method of transport are siezed(IE: the vehicle is siezed that has the fuel tank half full of bags of cocain). If they find nothing, the owner/agent will be given a heartfelt appology along with a stack of customs claim forms so that they may document and file a claim against the U. S. Government for damages incured during the search.
I am not sure how intrusive an inspection to verify EPA(or any other agency) compliance would be, but I am guessing not very. At the worst I would guess accidental damages while container is unpacked and repacked for access.
I am not sure how intrusive an inspection to verify EPA(or any other agency) compliance would be, but I am guessing not very. At the worst I would guess accidental damages while container is unpacked and repacked for access.
bluechip
Veteran Member
It is my understanding that the unpacking and repacking is at the importer's expense. I hope the tractor is not blue, that it is properly labled with EPA approved engine. I thinkCBP policy is you don't pay for the tractor till it clears customs, so you should only be at risk for your down payment, but chances are they will open the door, see they are really tractors. IT seems EPA is really cracking down since first of year. I haven't heard of an contraband issues from China. Things like any wood packaging materials can cause problems due to fumigation requiements. I wouldn't worry untill someone gives you a specific reason. this happens periodically. delays and additional expense are part of the program(either for you or CBP).
JohnS
Platinum Member
Mine was inspected by the dept of agriculture. Never did find out what they were looking for. Fruit, vegetables, bugs, etc, don't know ???? It was mentioned to me and their stamp of approval was on the paperwork. I incurred some additional warehouse fees, because of the hold-up, along with some delays caused by the rental truck agency mess-up. I didn't find any evidence of crates being tore down. Mine was shipped loose freight, so should have been easy to view.
With loose freight, which is everything less than a 20' container, you need to worry about how many times the fork lift operators, have to move your stuff around. Every move, is an opportunity for the fork to find something. I had evidence of a fork putting a small crease in some metal. It was the injector pump, timing cover. I have heard that the FWD shaft is common target of the forks. I wouldn't have been able to prove at what stage it was done at. Unless it is blatant, you won't find it, until you get home and unpack the crates, anyway.
They usually bolt the FEL crate to the top of the tractor crate. Even if it is seperated at the warehouse, for your pick-up, it was probably shipped in the container that way. I had ordered a good quantity of spare parts, plus received a decent quantity of "free" ones. They were shipped in a box, attached to the bottom of the FEL crate. They put them on the FEL crate, because it has the most open space available. Well, this sagged during shipment and wore about a softball size mark off the hood paint. Didn't matter that there was shipping foam over the hood. Wasn't a big deal. because I had them ship small cans of the tractor paints (red, white, and black).
Any of you guys, that are going down the single tractor import path, feel free to PM me with detail and costs of current year imports. I would like to compare to my old costs.
With loose freight, which is everything less than a 20' container, you need to worry about how many times the fork lift operators, have to move your stuff around. Every move, is an opportunity for the fork to find something. I had evidence of a fork putting a small crease in some metal. It was the injector pump, timing cover. I have heard that the FWD shaft is common target of the forks. I wouldn't have been able to prove at what stage it was done at. Unless it is blatant, you won't find it, until you get home and unpack the crates, anyway.
They usually bolt the FEL crate to the top of the tractor crate. Even if it is seperated at the warehouse, for your pick-up, it was probably shipped in the container that way. I had ordered a good quantity of spare parts, plus received a decent quantity of "free" ones. They were shipped in a box, attached to the bottom of the FEL crate. They put them on the FEL crate, because it has the most open space available. Well, this sagged during shipment and wore about a softball size mark off the hood paint. Didn't matter that there was shipping foam over the hood. Wasn't a big deal. because I had them ship small cans of the tractor paints (red, white, and black).
Any of you guys, that are going down the single tractor import path, feel free to PM me with detail and costs of current year imports. I would like to compare to my old costs.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I hope the tractor is not blue,
)</font>
Not to start this discussion again but...I thought I read previous posts saying that Jinmas weren't part of the color infringement issue. Or are you saying that because of customs "lack of eperience/expertise" and not being able to differentiate between the different brands of chinese tractors? Just curious. Thanks.
Dan
)</font>
Not to start this discussion again but...I thought I read previous posts saying that Jinmas weren't part of the color infringement issue. Or are you saying that because of customs "lack of eperience/expertise" and not being able to differentiate between the different brands of chinese tractors? Just curious. Thanks.
Dan
bluechip
Veteran Member
Yes, if blue, you may have to prove it does not look like New Holland. Also if green, you better not have yellow wheels, but that is another story.
I was told to avoid blue and have continued to heed that advice.
I was told to avoid blue and have continued to heed that advice.
JohnS
Platinum Member
If memory serves me, the rumor was, someone got caught bringing in some blue Foton/Fusions, and they were labeled as JM (jinma) on the paperwork. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
There are plenty of other places to get hung-up on inspections and paperwork, no sense in adding to the risk. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
There are plenty of other places to get hung-up on inspections and paperwork, no sense in adding to the risk. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Sure there is some risk involved but, lets face it, if there wasn't a good potential for profit (or cost savings) and a reasonably good chance of getting tractors from China to your property without huge problems, there wouldn't be any dealers in the USA. They'd all be bankrupt.
I agree that self importing a single tractor is probably not the way to go. Especially if its a first time purchase. Container loads appear to be where the profit and cost savings really kick in.
There is a huge incentive for dealers and others making a profit selling these tractors at retail prices to discourage others from importing. It reduces their sales potential when end users import tractors.
Having said that, I have received emails from those who have imported container loads of tractors, assembled them and sold them to friends, etc,. They enjoyed the process so much that they have since ordered additional containers. Everyone is happy with what they get. They have many options with buying parts throughout the US and they perform any repair work themselves. Oddly enough, I bought my tractor from a dealer and I was in the same boat. Fix it myself and with his parts if he could get them. Yes, I bought some of the parts myself to save time.
I'm told that 20 foot containers can be imported instead of the larger 40 foot containers.
I have not imported myself but to be quite honest, if its such a dangerous, short sighted and unprofitable venture, then how and why do large and small Jinma tractor dealers around the country stay in business?
Yes, of course there are risks but, then again the same is true for buying from a dealer.
One large well known US dealer nearly went bankrupt a couple years ago while numerous customers, who all paid in full, in advance, nearly lost their money. It took them over 6 months to get their tractors. How do I know? I was one of those customers.
Risks? Yes there are certainly risks with importing. Yes, there are also risks with buying from a dealer.
Risks of receiving poor or no service from dealers also exists.
So, to be fair and balanced, if we're going to discuss the perils of one, we need to discuss the perils of both sides of the equation.
I agree that self importing a single tractor is probably not the way to go. Especially if its a first time purchase. Container loads appear to be where the profit and cost savings really kick in.
There is a huge incentive for dealers and others making a profit selling these tractors at retail prices to discourage others from importing. It reduces their sales potential when end users import tractors.
Having said that, I have received emails from those who have imported container loads of tractors, assembled them and sold them to friends, etc,. They enjoyed the process so much that they have since ordered additional containers. Everyone is happy with what they get. They have many options with buying parts throughout the US and they perform any repair work themselves. Oddly enough, I bought my tractor from a dealer and I was in the same boat. Fix it myself and with his parts if he could get them. Yes, I bought some of the parts myself to save time.
I'm told that 20 foot containers can be imported instead of the larger 40 foot containers.
I have not imported myself but to be quite honest, if its such a dangerous, short sighted and unprofitable venture, then how and why do large and small Jinma tractor dealers around the country stay in business?
Yes, of course there are risks but, then again the same is true for buying from a dealer.
One large well known US dealer nearly went bankrupt a couple years ago while numerous customers, who all paid in full, in advance, nearly lost their money. It took them over 6 months to get their tractors. How do I know? I was one of those customers.
Risks? Yes there are certainly risks with importing. Yes, there are also risks with buying from a dealer.
Risks of receiving poor or no service from dealers also exists.
So, to be fair and balanced, if we're going to discuss the perils of one, we need to discuss the perils of both sides of the equation.
MarkNHow
Bronze Member
I have not imported myself but to be quite honest, if its such a dangerous, short sighted and unprofitable venture, then how and why do large and small Jinma tractor dealers around the country stay in business?
One big difference you failed to mention is he is importing 1 tractor. Dealers do not do that.
Mark
One big difference you failed to mention is he is importing 1 tractor. Dealers do not do that.
Mark
HELLO AGAIN I got the tractor and have been putting it together. The trip thur customs was rough. The heavy frame of the crate had a lot to fork damage.The tractor is ok! I ordered a 254 got a 284le. The imfo in the books they send is so out of date as to be little help. The battery is a sealed top ready to go type. Its like a basket case job you look at a bracket and figure out a place it works. She was born 03 2006. I have beer in the frig with dates older than that! Back to work . Joe PS Thanks tommy !
SPIKER
Elite Member
rrboom:
be sure to go over EVERY NUT & BOLT & FITTING for tightness
get a torque wrench & make sure to use it per specifications for the bolt dia even the little ones as the shake of diesle will loosen a marginally tight one and finding loose bolts are many, I MISSED a few and got an opil bath for my miss. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
anyhow keep us posted, and make sure to change the oils after a few hrs of operation & filters, drain that fuel out of the tank and all that good stuff.
mark M
be sure to go over EVERY NUT & BOLT & FITTING for tightness
get a torque wrench & make sure to use it per specifications for the bolt dia even the little ones as the shake of diesle will loosen a marginally tight one and finding loose bolts are many, I MISSED a few and got an opil bath for my miss. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
anyhow keep us posted, and make sure to change the oils after a few hrs of operation & filters, drain that fuel out of the tank and all that good stuff.
mark M
