tractor suggestions

MossRoad · Nov 12, 2001

I agree with the hydrostatic transmission. I have always had a habit of forgetting something was in gear and releasing the clutch. Car bumped stuff in back of garage. Motorcycle wheelies across parking lot. Needless to say, roll over protection and seat belt are a must for me. I love my International 2500b. Step on the forward arrow, go forward. Step on the backward arrow, go backward. Take your foot off and it stops. Never have used the brakes to stop, only to hold on a hill or get a little control in tight quarters. Infinately adjustable speed without the need to shift. Just wish it had a cruise control for mowing large areas.

 MossRoad

MChalkley · Nov 12, 2001

MossRoad - And then there's that little problem that's aptly described by one of the "Generation X" (whatever that means) terms "smashmouth" tractorin' - you know, like when you lean forward to counteract the jolt as you let out on the clutch, but you're still in reverse? Those steering wheels should be padded! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

MarkC

Anonymous Poster · Nov 12, 2001

Shenniu 25/4's and a Hartford. The bolts in the bell housing were in such a place that it was not a dealer prep problem. The tractors had to be split to put the bolts back. UNHANDY if ya know what I mean.

JohnS · Nov 13, 2001

I am familiar with the Shenniu, and have heard about some problems with them. Haven't heard of a Hartford, but it is probably a rebadged/renamed by a dealer in the states. Thanks for reply.

JohnS

kcook · Nov 13, 2001

Steve, the $7000 will make it hard to find a good tractor with all the options that you want.
The Power Trac will run you around $10000 with the option you want but there are alot of used farm tractors out there. You still may need to buy some of the attachments you need though!
AS the other have said I would not look at a garden tractor at all.
Kcook

Anonymous Poster · Nov 13, 2001

Steve you could get a new 4 wheel 20 hp Jinma with a snow blower and finish mower for $7000.00. If you are concerned with The words "Made In China" learn more about them. Talk with the people who own them. I must admit that these type of tractors are not for everyone but mine is just what I expected and I'm very happy with my choice.

kcook · Nov 13, 2001

Steve, you need to find out what is available in your area? How far are you willing to travel for parts or service?
Kcook

MossRoad · Nov 13, 2001

Here's what it used to say on the tailgate of my old Toyota Landcruiser:

MADE IN JAPAN
Rebuilt in America!!!

 MossRoad

Anonymous Poster · Nov 14, 2001

I sure appreciate all this feedback, I am learning lots. Looks like I have a place to come to discuss my tractor ... once I find one!

Thanks,

Steve

roysallis · Nov 15, 2001

Have you checked out the Mahindra line?

PTRich · Nov 15, 2001

I heard the Mahindra was a fine machine. If you want a machine without hydro you may want to check them out. I would not recomend mowing without hydro.

PTRich

Anonymous Poster · Nov 16, 2001

Why is everyone so hung up on the hydro thing? I know they are nice but they aren't a neccessity. The local Cub Cadet dealer said 95% of the tractors he sells are gear. To me they are kind of like an automatic in a car, they are nice and easy to use but, sometimes I'd rather just row my own.

Lane · Dec 2, 2001

Before putting down your cash on a used grey market or any non dealer supported tractor... Locate it's parts source and get price and availability for a few items like a replacement water pump, hydraulic pump, starter ring gear etc. This experience may suprise you. Not to shy you away from greys, many items like filters etc are available at your local NAPA auto parts store. Getting OEM parts however can be costly and slow. I know, I've owned them and still have one. Better to test the parts routine before you buy!

JohnS · Dec 2, 2001

In case anyone is interested, here are some of the prices I paid for Jinma parts. Water pump $21, fan $5, alternator $50, starter $60. Hydraulic Pump was around $100, but I bought a seal kit for $3. Forgot exactly what I paid for brake disks, clutch disks, and pto clutch discs, but each was around $10. Injector pump assemby was around $100, but haven't picked one up yet. Dealers will probably charge more then that, but if you deal with a small time importer, you can usually get close to these prices. In case anyone was curious.

JohnS

MossRoad · Dec 2, 2001

How long have you had that tractor and how many hours does it have?

 MossRoad

Edited by MossRoad on 12/02/01 10:09 PM (server time).

JohnS · Dec 3, 2001

I've had it since this summer and it has a whopping 25 hours on it, when it was preped for winter storage. Not even broke in yet. The large parts cache that I have built up is to headge for 10 years down the road. None to date have been called into use. If you really want additional info on the Jinma, see my profile and check-out the website. I haven't updated it in awhile, but still has some good info.

JohnS

Anonymous Poster · Jan 25, 2002

Hi i too have just recently started looking for a compact tractor that has the availability to add a backhoe or flail mower, having read these post i would like to find out more about a grey market yanmar or a jinma tractor are there any web sites or phone numbers available. Also any imput from onwers of these units would be helpful,i am a landscaper looking to spend 8-11k for a tractor with a few attachments,that is small enough to use in 1/2 acre backyards thanks j.w.

pajoube · Jan 25, 2002

check out the threads on Power Trac, very impressive.
Paul

Anonymous Poster · Jan 26, 2002

If your want to find some good info on chinese tractors try this web site www.homestead.com/ctoa/ Also, you may want to check out www.power-trac.com. Once I got over their equipment not looking like a traditional tractor and looked at what is available for the amount of $ spent I am seriously considering buying one.