TS354 -4 Cyl - Vs JM354 3 Cyl or 4 Cyl

[bluechip]

Prices are now higher. (maybe not so much in Canada) but the US dollar has taken a beating on exchange rates. Look for all imported products (which includes most all compact tractors) to have significant price increases in 2008 over 2007. Gregs tractor was sold new in 2006. I have a couplde. TS354X with Koyker 160s in stock at old pricing... IN fact have had one on ebay for months... I just placed another order for KAMA/Taishan parts and will continue to stock parts for these tractors for some time.

 

[biggerten]

I am new to the forum but have been following for a little while. I thinking of getting a crate TS354C which has the Y485 engine (4 cyl). I could also get the JM354 with the above engine or with the 3 cyl engine. Prices are not a huge difference. I have been following the threads and getting the idea that the 3 cyl is the better choice for starting in colder areas etc. For those have experience I would appreciate feedback on choices and experiences including crate or dealer built models. The difference is close to $5000 between crate & built including a loader. Everyone seems quite happy with their JM's and the newer ones seem better and better.

Thanks Ajax, Ontario

I bought a Jinma 354LE (Y485 4 banger) in 2006. It has the decompression lever. For starting in cold weather, all you need is a lower radiator hose heater ($30), I started mine this winter in the minus twenties (F) with no issues.

Is the 3 cylinder better? I haven't had one, so I can't say. I've been happy with the 485.

For the record, I'm in Northern Wisconsin.

 

[bluechip]

The TY395 3 cylinder is direct injection and so quicker starting. The Y485 engine that Yangdong certified for epa is indirect injection, like the Y385. they are a little tougher to start in the cold. I lost more than one sale when it took me 4 or 5 trys of the glow plugs to start a tractor to demo on a cold day.... I love the direct injection Changchi engines we are getting in our AgTrac tractors. typically start with no assistance (preheat, block heat, etc) down to about 20deg F. which covers us pretty well here in Arkansas. An air intake preheater is provided for cooler starts. The TY395 by JD Jaingsu Jaingdong). We used to get a direct injection 4cylinder YD485 engine before EPA in teh TS354C and it was direct injection. My opinion is if you have a choice, go with the direct injection engine.

 

[greg_g]

My opinion is if you have a choice, go with the direct injection engine.

Heartily concur. My KM454 is a direct injection 3 cylinder with compression release; no glow plugs, no manifold heater. Starts almost instantly down to 14F (-10C). For the few weeks a year that it gets colder than that here, I added a pair of aftermarket Wolverine oil pan heaters. Just to save a little wear and tear on the starting system, I only plug in the Wolverine when the weather weenies predict overnight temps to fall below 20F (-7C)

//greg//

 

[bjr]

I got the JM354 w/3 cyl engine, with no FEL, crate tractor, about 4 yrs ago. It's been a good machine. Starts in E. WA cold weather just fine. I'm still on the original Chinese batteries, too. I did replace the fuel tank shut off valve with a 1/4" needle valve. Also made new suction strainer adapter for hydraulic reservoir. I'll throw in another caution here and this is My Opinion, Be careful on operating tractor FEL with the 4 wheel drive engaged, especially w/wheels cranked hard one way. I'm sure you've read the front end repair issue postings associated with the FELs. bjr

 

[Ranch_Hand_Supp]

That's the new price Ronald. I still have the original sales invoice dated 7/29/2006. It's for a 2006 model TSC354 w/shuttle was $8300 assembled and prep'd, Koyker 160 w/2" cylinders was $3000 installed. One year parts and labor warranty stated right on the invoice.



//greg//

Ok, I was / am confused from your post on CTOA, 2-14-2007

grohgreg wrote:

I just bought a used (132 hours) 2006 EPA-approved KAMA TS354C with Koyker 160 loader for that same $8000.

//greg//

From post 7 here, Chinese Tractor Owners Association - CTOA Forums - Buying A Chinese Tractor - 2003 284 price?



Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

 

[greg_g]

Ok, I was / am confused...

Naw, I doubt it. But FWIW, I'm the second owner. I bought it at a substantial savings from new in Jan 2007 - because of 132 hard hours on the clock.

//greg//

 

[Flyhiflylo]

Ok, I was / am confused from your post on CTOA, 2-14-2007




From post 7 here, Chinese Tractor Owners Association - CTOA Forums - Buying A Chinese Tractor - 2003 284 price?



Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

Yeah I thought TTTT was thinking of a NEW tractor...

Ha Ha I got my "New Mercedes for 31,000.00." There is no way I would pay $50,000.00 for a NEW one like the dealer wants. However when I bought my NEW Mercedes is came fully assembled with dealer support.

He Ron, can you sell me a used crate tractor? You know, can you take a 2006 all apart and put it back in the crate for a discount?

 

[greg_g]

Yeah I thought TTTT was thinking of a NEW tractor...

He was --- as was I, so your tag team aspersions are misplaced Fly.

Did you even LOOK at the 2006 invoice I uploaded? It clearly identifies a NEW KAMA TS354C - by serial number - as having been sold for $8300. Below that, is $3000 for the Koyker 160 loader. $8300 plus $3000 equals $11,300 in most peoples' math Fly, .

Chip followed up the post stating he's still selling the TS354X variant with Koyker 160. Put on your reading glasses and check the current price at index

//greg//

 

[magyarbacsi]

I dont own a Chinese tractor and have not tried this yet on my MF or Mahindra as I have no problem starting them. I've read that ether is a no no in cold aid starting for diesel engines. Has anyone tried using a small shot of propane instead? My MF 165 has a threaded plug in the intake manifold designed just for that purpose. The manual instructs the using propane to assist in cold weather starting. It seems like it would cure a lot of head aches. Worth a shot?