Task Master Questions…

MaineTWLSB · Apr 5, 2005

Yet another newcomer to the tractor world with more questions then answers.

Does anyone know anything about Task Master tractors? Looking for a 30-35 hp tractor and a local dealer carries a Task Master Trojan 438 (maybe a Titan but he told me Trojan). I’m a little antsy about going Chinese. (It’s a 38hp but is still 4-5 grand cheaper then the other tractors I’m looking at.)

First thing on the list of things I need the tractor to do is snow blow/snow removal. Have pretty harsh winters up here in Maine. Do these engines hold up over time?

I don’t have time/knowledge for fixing engines and what not. Somewhat mechanically inclined but not something I really enjoy.

Any help/hints/concerns are appreciated.

Thanks

John
maineh70@yahoo.com

Affordable · Apr 5, 2005

Not a bunch of Taskmaster dealers on here, you may want to Look at Jinma, basicly the same tractor with alot more dealers and parts support.About the same saving also

Tommy
Affordable Tractor Sales

greg_g · Apr 5, 2005

TaskMasters are made by DongFeng Agricultural and Machinery Group (DFAM). You'll find additional info by searching for information on
DongFeng tractor and
DF tractor and
BullDog tractor and
DFAM tractor.

//greg//

Boltonpower · Apr 5, 2005

Task Masters are a brand name for tractors from several factories.
As good as any Chinese tractor but they have an exclusive
importer on the west coast. Check with the dealer and make sure
he has parts and will continue to support the product. Jinma has
about 100 importers and many more dealers for parts and support..

Graham

DFW · Apr 6, 2005

John, first welcome to TBN, you'll find a wealth of information and very helpful folks here. While the Jinma and it's variants seem to be the big name in Chinese tractors, DF or Task Master if you will, is making some in-roads into the tractor market. They are trying to develop an "Americanized" Chinese tractor. The importer is working directly with DF to constantly upgrade and address issues that are unique to the US market. I happen to have a TM 432e and love it. A very strong workhorse that I am sure would do well for you. I have dug out numerous trees, dug the footers for my garage (24x30) and moved loads of gravel and dirt. I had some QC problems in the beginning, but they were dealer issues not the tractor per se. I have over the year plus that I've owned the tractor, had contact with the dealer a few times and there was no shortage of repair parts. They would literally send me anything that I needed and generally within a day or so.

Hope this helps and again welcome to TBN.

JohnS · Apr 6, 2005

I haven't touched a TM, but have seen DFs. They appear to be similiar to other chinese tractors. At the time, I liked what I saw in the 354.

Nothing against DF or TM, but they don't seem to be growing as fast as some of the other chinese tractor brands. Kama and Fuitian/Foton seem to be gaining wider popularity and acceptance. Lenar, which I believe comes through the same single importer or controlled by such, appears not to be growing as fast as brands mentioned above, as well. While the tractor may very well be a good product, there is something to be said for having multiple sources and choices for parts.

The "americanizing" is part hype. Yes, I am sure they are doing that. But, so are all importers of different chinese tractors, be it Jinma, Kama, Foton/Futian, or whatever. I am not aware of any brand that is not trying to improve their tractor for the american market. If there is any that are not improving, they won't be around long.

In many cases, the single biggest factor in any chinese tractor, is the selling dealer. How well they prep the tractor, and their after sale support. If this is a well established dealer in ME, there should be plenty of customers to talk with.

MaineTWLSB · Apr 6, 2005

( I have over the year plus that I've owned the tractor, had contact with the dealer a few times and there was no shortage of repair parts. They would literally send me anything that I needed and generally within a day or so. )

Those two sentences sum-up why I’m questioning Chinese tractors in general. I assume I’m being naive here but I don’t want to be looking for parts in the first year.

In any case I appreciate any and all info given here. Thank you to everyone that replied.

I’m quite certain picking a wife was much, much easier then this…..

Thanks again
John

greg_g · Apr 6, 2005

( I don’t want to be looking for parts in the first year.
)
That's a bit unrealistic. No matter what color paint a tractor is wearing - no matter how much you paid for it - no matter who you bought it from, things are going to break during the first 50 hours. That's why they call it a break-in period, that's why you need responsible service after sale.

//greg//

NIXON · Apr 6, 2005

Greg makes a great point ! I have 100 hrs on my 3130 (kubota ).
But they haven't been without a few warts . I had the 3ph control valve replaced at around 15 hours . The right hand actuator for the bucket developed a leak at 90 hrs. And my Kubota top link cylinder developed a leak at one fitting at 94 hours. The first two were fixed b7y the dealer ,. the third by me .
I guess my point is that they are all man made and subject to failures . Personally I picked the Kub as I'm not much on wrenching .
But then thinking about the Chinese machines.... They are designed to work in an environment without a lot of dealer support. They are no frills machines . Yet they are designed for reliability . John

DFW · Apr 7, 2005

John, I probably should have clarified a bit more my statement on parts. The parts I "needed" were in many cases my mis-diagnosis of the problem or a possible future problem averted. As an example, when I first got the tractor the ammeter wasn't working, the dealer sent a new instrument cluster and alternator, turns out to be a blown fuse. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I had a cut in a hose on my backhoe from rubbing against the frame, no immediate concern, but called the dealer, explained the problem, two new hoses a few days later, no out of pocket cost.

Were any of these show stoppers, no. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

David