Jinma jm224 vs. Farm Pro 2425.

wje · Aug 29, 2005

I am looking to buy my first tractor so please bare with me if ask any dumb questions. My needs are to maintain about 9 acres around my house. I am looking at units with a FEL, box blade, and brush cutter. A local dealer (central florida) is offering both of these models for sale. He stated that they bought the Jinma's without a warranty so they only come with a one year parts warranty. They offer 2 year 3rd party warranty for $700. The Farm Pro model comes with a 2 year factory warranty. They are offering package deals with both models that include a FEL, 4' box blade, 4' brush cutter and a 16' tandem axle trailer. I will probably be upgrading to a 5' box blade and brush cutter for about $150-$200 extra.

From what I have read the 2 tractors are very similar. The Jinma is listed as 22HP and the Farm Pro as 24HP. There are a few other differences that I noticed between the two. The Jinma had a wider (but shallow) bucket on the FEL, better seat, spare hydrolic fittings in the back. The Jinma also had 2 (wimpy looking) levers to operate the FEL while the Farm Pro one (heavy duty looking) lever.

The Farm Pro package is $13,200 and the Jinma package is $11,900 ($11,200 plus $700 for warranty). I would apprciate any insight as to which one might be a better deal. Also based on my description of the FELs, is one any better that the other. Thanks in advance.

Jay

greg_g · Aug 29, 2005

( He stated that they bought the Jinma's without a warranty so they only come with a one year parts warranty. They offer 2 year 3rd party warranty for $700. )

That's enough right there to get me back in my truck and down the road looking for another dealer. But if he's the only game in town, I'd negotiate for a better price on the FarmPro - and some bigger implements. Four footers are too small for that size tractor

//greg//

SHIFTY · Aug 29, 2005

For 9 acres to maintain Id look into something alittle larger like 35+ hp if you can get it into your budget.The cost is higher but not drastically

OKnewguy · Aug 29, 2005

Man those prices seem kind of high to me, I got a 224 this past april, and I paid $8000 with the Koyker fel. I have since purchased the bb ($250) and have yet to get the brush cutter. Mine only came with the 6month warranty. There are some great guys on this forum, and an incredible wealth of info.
Good luck, Dave

KevinW · Aug 29, 2005

KAMA TS354C w/ Shuttle Shift

I'm leaning toward the KAMA with shuttle shift.

bruce1966us · Aug 29, 2005

Here's how I see it:

JM224 $5000
cutter $500
loader $2800
trailer $1200
blade $225

Most of the Jinma come with a 1 year factory PARTS warranty.

Maybe a little on the high side where I live. Maybe an OK deal in Florida.

And also go with 5ft implements.

wje · Aug 30, 2005

( That's enough right there to get me back in my truck and down the road looking for another dealer. But if he's the only game in town, I'd negotiate for a better price on the FarmPro - and some bigger implements. Four footers are too small for that size tractor

//greg// )Thanks for the reply. Is there any reason other than the warranty that you favor the FarmPro over the Jinma. Another poster below also stated that the Jinma has a one year parts only warranty. What is the warranty for a Jinma supposed to be? Also is there advantage/disadvantage to a 1 or 2 level system for operating the FEL? Thanks to all who responded.

Jay

bluechip · Aug 30, 2005

Depending on how the JM224 was ordered (flip up hood, 9.5x24 reat tires, etc) the chassis is the same as the Farmpro 2425. Fenders may be different, the big difference is Y380 vs Y385 engine. the Y380 is sold in 20 and 22hp tractors teh Y385 in 25 and 28hp so there is a real difference between these engines, albeit a small one.

Warranty on Jinmas varies with importer. Farm Pro has just introduced a 2 year warranty as standard. Of course extended warranties are available on either. Selling dealer determines what labor if any he will porvide under warranty.

You didn't say what brand the loaders are or if they are the same brand. The koyker loader is more expensive than the chinese loader and most would say worth it. the joystick will likely have a float position, not sure on twin stick type.

Joystick is much more user friendly, unless you grew up with twin levers...

The Farm Pro is backed by a national company (warranty not dependent on dealer). the Jinma is dealer dependent and can be bought much cheaper (with less warranty).

So with the Jinma you get the same tractor, save money but you must determine and manage the risk of repairs and warranty concerns vs price savings. The right answer is different for different people.

Like all chinese tractors, you will have to do some work from time to time, usually minor in nature, over the life of the tractor.

Shop around and compare, but keep in mind the distance to support if you need it... Sometimes you can save a bunch if you travel a bit, but then you will likely have to do your own repairs as needed with a prts only warranty.

greg_g · Aug 30, 2005

( Is there any reason other than the warranty that you favor the FarmPro over the Jinma. )

Without seeing what they're selling as a JM224, I'll go by the spec sheets. The FarmPro is a larger tractor with more horsepower, larger front wheels/tires, larger fuel tank, bigger oil sump, and a Cat 1 TPH

( What is the warranty for a Jinma supposed to be? )

They'll vary with dealer/retailer. My advice to find another dealer was based upon his statement that he bought the Jinma's without a warranty so they only come with a one year parts warranty. It's double-speak that simply doesn't justify ripping you off for another $700.

( is there advantage/disadvantage to a 1 or 2 level system for operating the FEL?)

I think you mean lever. A 2 lever system means one lever controls the arms, the other controls the bucket. The 1 lever system is probably the joystick type.

//greg//

wje · Aug 30, 2005

( Depending on how the JM224 was ordered (flip up hood, 9.5x24 reat tires, etc) the chassis is the same as the Farmpro 2425. Fenders may be different, the big difference is Y380 vs Y385 engine. the Y380 is sold in 20 and 22hp tractors teh Y385 in 25 and 28hp so there is a real difference between these engines, albeit a small one.
)I believe this is the case with the JM224 I saw. The dealer said they were the same chasis and they looked that way to me. They said the main difference was the 2HP and the warranty. Thanks for the help.

BTW, Farm Pro web site does not list the FarmPro 2425. Is the 2425 the same as the 2510 or the 2520 or is it something else. Is the 2425 a current model? Thanks.

Jay