I am buying a Jinma 284SE and the dealer has quoted a Coldwater FEL. I know that quite a few people recommend the Koyker loader as well, but that's an additional $1800. What are the differences between the loaders and why would one cost so much more. I believe the Koyker has the better joystick-type controls versus a two-lever control on the Coldwater, so that's probably part of the added cost.
Hi dreeds,
I have some specific information that might be of value to you.
I purchased a 2008 Jinma 284 with the ZL-20 loader and valve for my wife, Loretta. The tractor itself is GREAT but I can tell you right now you will be better off with the Koyker loader than the stock fel for a number of reasons and regardless of the extra cost...it's well worth it!
I can make a direct comparison for you since I have a Koyker 195 on my Kama and immediately noticed the significant differences between the Koyker and Jinma loaders. I don't know what size yours will be though.
To start off,
-I think the Koyker fel mounting brackets and fel arms are better built and more heavy duty.
-The bucket will be a better, stronger bucket.
-Not sure, but I think lifting capacity might be greater.
-The stock fel has the curl cylinders hit against the fel arms at full dump.
-That ends up bowing the cylinder rods which happened on my wife's 284.
-Other members have noticed the same thing on theirs.
-If that blows or breaks you are down and out more time and money.
-The curl on the stock fel leaves the bucket almost parallel to the ground so stuff falls out during transport.
-The Koyker curls up almost 30 degrees so stuff stays in the bucket.
-You can use the curl to pry up trees or rocks.
-The Koyker has built in stops for max curl and dump positions, the stock one doesn't.
-I modified the Jinma loader to have those Koyker features.
-The shape of the buckets are different and the Koyker is better for handling not only loose material, but branches, rocks, logs etc.
-The stock ZL-20 valve is not very good.
-I ended up buying RanchHand's replacement fel valve and hoses.
-The RanchHand valve has a Power Beyond port for powering valves down the line in your hydraulic system.
-It also has float and rapid regen.
-The stock Koyker valve will have those features too whereas the stock ZL-20 valve does not.
All this cost a lot of time an money to correct.
I am urging you to spend the extra money for the Koyker loader. It is well worth the difference in price and there is no substitute for convenience compared to the dissatisfying performance or lack of, or time and money for repairs or mods to the stock loader. Lucky for me I was able to do all the machining and welding myself (at my place), but the new valve and hoses were at least 5 to 6 hundred bucks by themselves.
That's my 2 cents...
Rob-
Here are some threads where I talk about it.
My New Jinma
Add More Bucket Curl to Jinma 284
ZL-20 Valve Comparison
My Very Own Grapples
