When did Jinmas get better?

[RidgeHiker]

People have commented in other threads, including the one I started on a Jinma 354, that the Chinese tractors have been getting better.
Regarding the Jinmas, is there a particular year or approximate time that is a turning point in quality, reliability, etc.?
The 354 I am looking at is a 2006.
Thanks folks!

 

[greg_g]

Model years don't mean the same thing to Chinese tractor manufacturers as it does to say American auto manufacturers. In this case it was an evolutionary process, going back to the 1990s. As negative feedback and constructive criticism worked its way from the owners - through the retailers - back to China - little improvements/enhancements showed up regularly. They were sort of on-demand items, rather than model-year changes. The only significant dividing line - to me - would be between the 2006 and 2007 model years. Since 2007, small diesel tractor engines have had to comply with EPA Tier 3 mandates. So on which side of that line you shop - depends upon how you feel about the EPA I guess.

//greg//

 

[20 20]

An 06 will be fine

 

[RidgeHiker]

Since 2007, small diesel tractor engines have had to comply with EPA Tier 3 mandates. So on which side of that line you shop - depends upon how you feel about the EPA I guess.

//greg//

Do the higher standards translate to more anti-smog devices?

 

[greg_g]

Yup. But the upside is that - from 2007 on - they're also ULSD compatible. On 2006 and earlier, the collective wisdom here advocates treating ULSD either in the container or in the tank. Most common is adding Power Service/Kleen Diesel, but there area plenty of other local equivalents. Over the life of the tractor, the cost of fuel supplements can mount up. Also, ULSD shrinks conventional rubber hoses and seals. Fuel leaks are the eventual result. 2007 and later tractors have treated rubber (Viton I think) that is not supposed to be affected by ULSD

//greg//

 

[Momboy007]

Hello All,
Don't mean to hi jack your post, but if my Jinma motor is a 395 and an EPA Motor, am I good with the new fuel?

Thanks,
Rick

 

[greg_g]

Hard to say without knowing the model year. As stated above; 2007 and later, yes. 2006 and older will eventually need new rubber in the fuel delivery system, and treating the ULSD fuel with an appropriate supplement is strongly encouraged.

//greg//

 

[RidgeHiker]

Thanks All for your help!!!
We decided not to go for the Jinma.

 

[Momboy007]

Hello All,
My Jinma is a 2005, maybe that is why I had to replace a soft rubber line that runs to the one side of the Valve cover???? What else will need replaced in the future? and what type of material/Tubing/hose should I be using?

Thanks in advance,
Rick

 

[greg_g]

Hello All,
My Jinma is a 2005, maybe that is why I had to replace a soft rubber line that runs to the one side of the Valve cover????

Doubtful Rick, that doesn't carry fuel. Pretty sure that's part of the crankcase breather. The usual reason I've seen them go is because they collapsed after being kinked. It's rubber hoses and seals in the fuel delivery system that shrink from constant contact with ULSD. When than happens, just make sure the stuff you replace it with is approved for use with ULSD. I think the trade name is Viton.

Here's an edited extract from an EPA document:
Question: Are there any special concerns that owner/operators of diesel vehicles and equipment should be aware of in transitioning to ULSD fuel?
Answer: There have been no major obstacles to using ULSD fuel as the primary fuel for existing diesel engines. The fuel has been available in many parts of the U.S. since 2004 and required for onroad use in urban Alaska and the rest of the U.S. since 2006. ULSD fuel has slightly less energy content than other diesel fuels, therefore fuel economy in diesel engines will be reduced slightly. Some owner/operators have found that time between oil changes can be extended for engines using ULSD fuel. The issue with fuel leakage around seals and hoses can be resolved by replacing seals and hoses with Viton seal material. The use of ULSD may also require more frequent changing of fuel filters. The engine manufacturer should be contacted for questions related to specific engines.

Viton is also highly recommended for folks who've switched to biofuel or biofuel blends.

//greg//