Jinma crate tractor against an older Kubota

[bjr]

This comment isn't meant to reflect badly on the contributing dealers that support this forum. These dealers are the reason I bought my Jinma JM 354 and has been a very good investment. Because I felt like I could have a future parts supply and that's a very reason of the purchase for me. The vendors that assemble their tractors have some control over quality that way, but, it's still a value added thing and increases the cost. Now, in my case, I'm well qualified to assembe my crate tractor as are others reading this forum. Paying attention to detail and adhereing to the assembling advice given, we can save considerable amount of money. I would not have been able to even purchase a tractor if it were not for the savings the crate tractor option offered. I'm glad that there are still vendors that understands this and still offers the crate option. I don't think I would have ever done the self import thing though. As to the original questions of the poster I'm in the camp that says the prices your seeing are quite high and should be able to do better. Jinma 4 wheel drive is a good tractor for traction for pulling all the implements I use. Pay attention to the fact that using a tiller requires low ground speed and I think the shuttle shift Jinma's may not offer that. Just look at what implements you will be using and what kind of soil conditions you have. bjr

 

[Charlevoixboy]

Have had some time to read through each of the posts and make some calls. The decision is coming down to two points:

1) Just exactly what do I expect the tractor with FEL to do. Hard soil, heavy lifting - maybe more than the 19HP Kubota could really do? Probably good enough for my initial usage plans but after the posts I'm wondering if I'm underestimating the difficulty of the work.

2) Price difference. I've gotten multiple quotes from loader manufacturers and they range from $3000 to $3780, before installation or delivery. The Kubota will cost me $5K (actual retail at a dealer and a fair price to pay my brother I think). The delivered price I've found for the JM284 (lowest price so far, unless someone has another suggestion for my Northern Michigan location) is $8826.00, slightly higher than the original $8300.00. I could also buy a unit from ChinaDepot for $8090 but I'd need to pick it up in Rhode Island with no dealer support. Not worth the difference from posts on the importance of dealer support.

So, at this time I'm starting to lean toward a new Jinma, which is not my original direction.

Would any of you know someone in Michigan that OWNS a Jinma? Something about seeing one completed would be helpful in my decision.

Thanks for all of your thoughts.

-Gary

 

[Red55]

Gary-
There is a few members in michigan for the life of me I can't remember their names(suffering from CRS). On a fair price for your brother don't leave out what's fair for you. Fair is what your brother could reasonably expect to sell the kubota for. Is your brother a dealer? Have him put the tractor on E-bay with his price as the min for lowest acceptable offer. I have four brothers so I know the situation that your in- and fair is when it's a good deal for all parties involved.
I own a 2007 Jinma 284 w/FEL and absolutely love it! It is more machine then I expected for the price (which I could afford). But I know that it was not a Kubota and I know that the Japanese level of quality is legendary especially when comparing it to the Chinese. I think that you are on the right track with trying to find a nearby Jinma to try so you can compare.
Are there any Tractor Supply Centers close by? The one by me is selling a rebadged Jinma (Minnot?) Call if there is and see if they have one on display.
Good luck -Ed

 

[Charlevoixboy]

Thank you Ed, I think the pricing for the Kubota is what he could realistically get in the market, and I'd fault on the side of his benefit too (in this case). I'm more concerned about having enough tractor and the posts on the JM284 seem to help convince me a 25HP tractor would be more useful for my needs. When price is within $500 or so I'd lean toward the new more powerful tractor.

The dealer in Oregon (Tractor Connection) is looking for some Michigan names that I could contact. (Boy, the staff there is a strong selling point. Right now they are offering an extended engine warrantee for 18 mos. on the JM284.)

I'll need to make my decision by the end of February. My wife wishes I'd just make the decision and quit talking about TRACTORS!

 

[Flyhiflylo]

I like the E-bay Idea... Find out what it's worth.

 

[Charlevoixboy]

I'm trying to locate a Michigan Jinma owner that I can beg a view of their tractor (hopefully within 100mi of the Mackinaw bridge). If that can happen, and it goes well, I'll buy a JM254. The older Kubota is probably a little small, but that certainly doesn't discount its quality or value. My brother will most llikely get a mower for it at some point.

There is a guy with a used tractor w/FEL in Kalamazoo with about 400hrs. on it, but he bought it used and doesn't know the history - asking $6700. I'd still look at new for the price differential.

-Gary

 

[bluechip]

If you can find an active Farm Pro dealer, he may have some tractors. Farm Pro is mostly Jinma, with some Fotons. We are adding a AgTrac dealer in Ohio soon, but lowest cost is going to be over 10K with loader.

 

[Charlevoixboy]

If you can find an active Farm Pro dealer, he may have some tractors. Farm Pro is mostly Jinma, with some Fotons. We are adding a AgTrac dealer in Ohio soon, but lowest cost is going to be over 10K with loader.

Thanks Bluechip.

I'm traveling to Charlotte, NC this week and will be in Texas the following. If I can get away in the evening I'll try to locate a dealer near these areas for a look at the Jinma. I'd like to get a look at the access points and serviceability of the tractor in person - just to confirm what I've heard.

-Gary

 

[shvl73]

If it has been mentioned, I missed it but, Tractor Supply has alot of stores stocking a couple Jinma's under their own name. They may not be the place you want to purchase from but, you will get a chance to sit on one and give it a good look. It seems as though TSC stores are popping up all over.

 

[gmurrill]

If you are looking for a 25 4wd with a loader call let me know and I can set you up with a tractor and loader from rural king they have the lowest price that I have seen. As far as the front ends getting torn up it is as greg said before you should not run the tractor in 4wd when using the loader. Think about it when the bucket gets stuck in the hard ground the front wheels are going to spin easier than the rear wheels which compresses the tractor. This causes the 4wd shaft to press forward and make the snap ring that holds the ball bearings in the front axle part to fall out cuasing the 4wd to go out. Leave it in 2wd and you will be fine. I have a Jinma tractor which is the same as rural king in my shop right now with 4,000 hours on it.
The same customer which has purchased 5 jinma 20 hp tractors has at least 1,000 hours to over 4,000 hours. As of this time I know of no other Jinma that has this many hours. So I can say that I have no problem with the tractors. They are like anything else If you take care of them they should last a long time but, if you try to tear it up you can.