Anthony,
I did this, a few years ago. No real horror stories, just allot of anxious moments. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Customs is now much tighter, and many are being inspected. Given what it costs for a Jinma these days, don't think I would go through the pain again.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Single purchases get shipped loose frieght, which will get allot more handling. The chance of damage is much higher, and you stand a good chance of losing some parts. Most of the damage will be found after you unpack, not at the pick-up warehouse. Many times shipping damage effects a part that is not commonly stocked as a wear item part. ie, you might be waiting awhile for a replacement. Also if you are not a competent welder, may want to plan on finding one.
- While major issues, are generally rare, be prepared (mentally) if you do have one. Ie major engine or drivetrain issue. These will take a while to resolve and will require you to do all the mechanical work, be it tear down engine or split tractor.
- Depending on who is doing the paperwork, and who you are dealing with in China, and how lucky you are getting through customs, be prepared for some form of paperwork issue that will cause some additional warehouse fees. Could be a real pain, if you are driving hours to make the pick-up. Many times they don't find the issue until you are there for pick-up. This happened to me, and luckly it just turned into a few hour delay, vs renting another truck and coming back a different day.
- There are usually some sort of "surprise" with each import. The factory might have made a change or factory issue. This will impact the single tractor importer, more than the container or large importer. When I received mine, I had two front fel mounts for the same side, not one for left and one for right. I was able to find someone with the opposite problem and do a switch. Otherwise it was a cut and weld solution.
Can it be done? Yes
Can it be a pain? Plan on it
Can it save money? Maybe a little, but may cost you more
