Jima 354 vs Farmpro 30hp

[dancce]

I continually see posts with reference to Homier's (Farm Pro) receiving the the lower quality or lower speced tractors from Jinma, like they are getting the "bottom of the barrel" stuff.
I am wondering if these are facts---or just opinions. Where does this info come from?

dancce

 

[DIYGuy]

It's not that they are lessor quality. They are ordered without any frills. There are all kinds of options when ordering from the factory. There are different hoods, instrument clusters, options for hydraulics, steering cyclinders, seats, etc.

Homiers orders theirs with no frills. Most independent dealers will order with better seats and instrument clusters. Many will order with hydraulics prep'ed for loaders.

The engines and drivelines are identical.

 

[bluechip]

How have I managed to hold out till now to add my 2 cents?
For what its worth, (I may owe you change from your 2 cents!)

As for the original question: If the dealer with the Koyker loader is the one you say will service you best it is a no brainer, go for it, as a bonus you will be buying a tractor backed (at least for 6 months) by a financially strong national firm, if however the Jinma dealer is better perpared to support you the decision gets tougher. I do not think the HP difference will be noticed, and I think the tire size may be the same too now. Unless the JINMA has the LE option which has just come out, I bet there is not a nickles difference in the tractor itself so its loader vs dealer I suppose.

The head gasket for the TY395 is in fact much different from the Y385 engine, which I think is the comparison that was made. almost a half inch larger bore. The 30 has a better front end set up and placement of the steering cylinder than the smaller 254/284 also.

I have not been able to substantiate that the 300 series is more problematic than the 254/284, although I have heard that stated somewhere else before. we have only sold a couple of 30HP Farm Pros (and did a little work on each for what that's worth).

 

[JohnS]

Goatman, What Bluechip said.

 

[usedcarz]

the 304 i had most problem with was an early version, 4 cylinder. lower engine noise, after replacing injectors, and pump, and few other things. again, that was the 4-cylinder version. i just sold a 354 a while back, which i used all last summer to mow 2 acres with, problem free. so it's not so much the size, or certain model, and again, it could have been just one of those 'problematic' tractors that never seem to quit. as bluechip says and as i said, it boils down to the dealer that you trust will give you the most help and support when needed. i think most of the posts/readings/info on the farm pro problems were when they first fired up their nationwide program, and it may be they have improved and on the right track. from what i understand and talking to them a year or so ago, their tractors are pre-assembled and shipped. i prefer to assemble them ourselves and know what's what, and also like the LE versions a lot better. and the steering cylinder, battery box, fiberglass fenders,and a few other changes on the new le's are much improved. also, farm pro was just limited to 2 or 3 sizes before ?? not sure about their procedures now. but overall-- koyker is better loader, not an ounce of difference in hp and driveline, andeither way, i think the orig. poster would be satisfied with either tractor.