Jinma & Similar on Steep Woodlot

Bob_Skurka · Mar 30, 2004

I think that SPIKER is making a heck of a good suggestion, rolling a dozer is pretty tough to do, at $12,000 without implements the dozer is more than a Power Trac 422, which I think might be an excellent alternative.

But either a dozer or a PT422 would be much better choices than ANY brand of traditional compact tractor.

My biggest concern is the fact that a newbie with hills could get killed or injured by buying ANY of the normal choices of tractor. There are tools that will do the jobs needed, they just look different, and work better under the specialized circumstances described.

catsco · Mar 30, 2004

Thanks for the quick reply..

You wrote: I would seriously doubt you could get dual wheels on a Jinma, but if you could that would certainly eat into the $2500 difference pretty fast because tractor tires and wheels are not cheap.

Fortunately, I already have some dual wheels that are the same size, just need to firewrench an adapter to them.

( I also think you are basically fairly new to tractoring, again I might be wrong.
)

I've only owned & operated a tractor since getting a new Ford 8n in the late 1950's.

( and I can tell you that there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY that I would want to take a GEAR tractor on some of my hills and I am betting your hills are worse.
)

That may be true--I've only ever used a gear tractor. Are there actual hills in Illinois? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

( As for the back hoe issue, you should really look at the Power Trac, they have a mini-hoe, it might suit your needs. )

Looked into a Power Trac, but hate to buy anything that expensive from the one and only source in VA.

( As money appears to be a concern, there are lots of used Steiners out there. I would rather have a used correct tool than a new tool that I can't get out to the spot I want to work on.
)

Good point, but I already have LOTS of used tractor stuff, just inconveniently located in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere. I suppose I should be more careful when moving! Actually, I'm not cheap, just frugal. Well, maybe somewhere between miserly and frugal.

 By the way, I am really not trying to offend you, but I'd hate to see you spend money on equipment that might be very dangerous to use or that you'd be unable to use. After re-reading my post I think I might have been OVERLY BLUNT and that was not my intent. )

No offense take at all. I enjoy hearing from you!

Another reply to my original post mentioned 25 degree slope. Most of where I'll operate is 20 degree or less with plenty of trees to stop rolling tractors. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

catsco · Mar 30, 2004

( I think that SPIKER is making a heck of a good suggestion, rolling a dozer is pretty tough to do, quote]

And yet, in my foolish youth I've done that 1.5 times (.5 was all but). If only I could use that talent. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Subsequent decades have removed the desire to operate machinery in situations where that is a possibility.

catsco · Mar 30, 2004

( anyhow they can be had for about 12 grand with all the average options and will actually do less lawn damage/quote]

Hmm.. lawn damage...after seven years of drought and 'wet' years before that with the usual 10" of rain, I forget what that is!.

Mark H. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

JohnS · Mar 30, 2004

I would recommend the small dozer over the Jinma, too. With dual rear wheels, not sure if the axle and everything else is up to the task. Another thing to worry about, is all that weight, tractor, fel, hoe, duals filled, and the fact that the Jinma brakes are going to be severly challeged with that. Another Jinma owner was not happy with the gear spacing for doing hill mowing. I think those posts can be found here.

catsco · Mar 30, 2004

Thanks John!

Previously, others have suggested Powertrac, which seem to be a much less capable machine than Jinma for a higher price, BUT maybe safer on hillside use (woodlot management, no mowing). Also doesn't seem to accept 3-pt. implements.

SO...here's an interesting question: Which would be safer to roll down a hill? A Jinma w/dual wheels (not loaded), FEL and backhoe ---OR--- a Powertrac WITH NO ROPS!!!

Amazing that the 'homeowner' versions have no ROPS!

Thanks!

Mark H.

JohnS · Mar 30, 2004

Well, I don't know much about Powertrac, but maybe it means it can handle angles that a tractor would surely tip over. I doubt that the standard Jinma ROPs has been tested with Fel and Hoe attached. It sounds like you have convinced yourself that the Jinma is what you need. I hope it works well for you. I'd like to see pics of the duals when it is done.

Bob_Skurka · Mar 30, 2004

For the record, the Power Trac is one of the most versitile, capable and amazing tractors on the market. I don't own one, but I sure admire them. They look a little silly, and they have smaller wheels so you would think they can't go places where tractors go, but in fact they are in superior to tractors in many ways. They do have proprietary implements, which I consider a drawback, but their implements seem to be of pretty high quality. They certainly are different, but I would bet that a PT422 is a superior machine to the equivalent HP Jimna and not to much more expensive. And for hills they are not the best choice, but they are one of the best, and certainly better than any brand of traditional tractor.

And I live in Indiana, and yes we have hills. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif That is why I am testing Ventracs and Steiners!

alpha · Mar 31, 2004

two points to remember #1 is DONT TURN ON HILLS! thats the best way to roll over#2 dont let the clutch out on hills, you will pick up alot of speed so let the gear box be your brakes to keep speed under controll.

Bob_Skurka · Mar 31, 2004

It seems obvious that you are destined to buy what you have chosen and you simply looked here to get validation from other folks who own the same equipment, but operate it under totally different circumstances.

This is the equivalent of saying you want to wear a bullet proof vest designed to stop handgun ammunition into a war zone where most of the bullets flying are from high powered rifles and then asking if people who have been shot by handguns while wearing their vest are happy with the performance. If they survive they will be thrilled with the performance, but it doesn't mean the same vest will work under totally different conditions.

You claim to have steep hills, you need a tool designed for those conditions. The tool you chose is wonderful under MANY conditions, but it is probably one of the worst choices for YOUR conditions because of several design features. I believe, just my opinion, that you are making a very large mistake. I pray that it is not a dangerous mistake for you to make.