Looking for info on DF-Bulldog 38 hp compact Tract

[bluechip]

Perhaps Buck is referring to EPA's Tier II requirements which went into effect Jan 1.

I checked with EPA in January and was assured the TPEM (Transition program for equipment manufacturers) will continue to allow 25-<50HP imports through calender year 2005, as the 7 year allowance started in CY 1999. Smaller (<25HP) engines have another year after that.

The problem is that each importer can only exempt one engine manufacturer for each HP class and then is limited to 200 non compliant engines per year total. For example you couldn't import both the 28HP Jinma and the 35HP because the engines come from different factories (although you could bring in the 4 cylinder 35HP because it is made by the same company that makes the Y385 in the JM284). This is why some importers continue to bring in 1998 and 1999 engines.

Im a little in the dark about over 50HP, since by my reading, they were already under Tier I when the TPEM program was implemented, so we have avoided importing them, although they are listed in the TPEM program, as I recall, till the end of this year.

If any of this has changed, I'd sure like to know about it right away!

 

[MarkNHow]

As a CURRENT member of the CTOA, I respectfully disagree Greg.

They fall into three categories: the dealers who naturally think fifteen bucks is cheap advertising, the new owners who think $15 bucks is a cheap replacement for a good mechanic, and potential buyers who think $15 bucks pays for some decent background work. The dealers are in a win-win situation; they sell parts to the second group and sugar-coat tractors to the third group.

I'm wondering which category Mike Stuart, Graham or Chip fall into as a couple of examples. I think expressing opinions and differences are fine as long as we don't make them sound like fact.

Mark H

 

[DFW]

Like Mark, I too am a current member of CTOA. And, while I am fairly new to Chinese tractor ownership, I think that CTOA has a lot to offer both dealers and members. Is $15 so much to be able to post (you can read for free)? One other thing, CTOA gives you a home page. Some may think this is hokey, but if you have an on going project and want help/advice you can put all the pictures and verbiage in one spot for all to see. I think that is a bonus when your in a bind.

Just my 2 bits...

 

[bluechip]

When I started in the business, I learned a lot from the CTOA, experienced guys like Mike Stuart, Graham, Buck Bonds, and users lnterested in sharing info like JohnS and others helped a lot of the owners, and perhaps to their disappointment, a lot of new dealers like myself.

Id like to say I am staying involved to "give something back" but the truth is I still learn new things everyday. I don't think it will stop. I paid to help sponsor the CTOA board, and I paid to help this board too.
Out here I am a Chinese tractor guy and also a KIOTI and Long (or Farmtrac as they like to be called now) dealer. In the CTOA site I can be a little more open about some of the quirks of the Chinese tractor becasue I feel for the most part I am among friends.

As for sugar coating? I havn't seen too many dealers doing that. The successful ones will represent the product just for what it is and their customers will be pleased with their purchase. It makes no sense to raise the customer's expectation beyond the machines ability to fulfill it, you are just buying problems down the road.

I don't think Hal is getting rich, the sight is a bit intimidating at first, but serves the purpose. regardless of what you decide Y'all can find me either place!

 

[MarkNHow]

I think it's good we have different sites and forums to visit to see what's going on with other owners, prospective owners and dealers. I just learned of the New York site in this thread and I am looking forward to visiting it.

I currently have a front end issue which I hope to pin point this weekend. I was given some things to check for and look at. I've just been browsing other sites to see if anyone had a similar problem.

Mark H

 

[BryanG]

I think that everyone has gotton away from the original question at hand. I am a dealer for DF bulldog tractors in RI and I assume that you have met Rob from East Wind Tractors at the farm show. I spent a lot of time deciding on witch tractor I wanted to sell and decided on the bulldogs because they are a tractor that I would own myself. I have owned many including case and Yanmar and I feel for the price and the options that are available the Df is a great tractor and it is very heavy duty. I have sold a 38HP with the loader and back hoe and the only problem that my customer had was a bad O-ring on the front end. A 5min fix under warrenty. Feel free to call me if you want. My number can be found on Eastwinds website and My dealership is in Rhode Island. Good luck. Bryan.