tractor wisdom

[MooseToo]

has anyone had a multi-year experience factor either with *one of the chinese diesel imports or with one of the refurbished japanese diesels (gray market) - i've read a lot about them on other sites but most input is based on first impressions rather than long-term use - gonna have to make a decision in the near future on a 4wd diesel with loader - around 35hp -
any advice ? any horror stories ? any testimonials ?

[BIGGKIDD]

Hey Moosetoo,

Check out this place.

http://chinesetractor.proboards66.com/index.cgi

I've had my Jinma for a little over a year now. After getting it strait in the beginning its been a good tractor.

Larry

[tufhelp]

Biggkid, I was wondering what kind of problems/idiosyncrasies did you run into and had to straighten out?

Thanks, Tufhelp

[WRTN]

The chinese tractors are not for everyone. *For the dollar spent, they can in some case be a bargain but plan on being a good tractor mechanic and expect a fair share of leaks, busted hoses, and minor breaks. *They are much less expensive than other more established brands but as is the case with most chinese exports, the quality of the product in just not up to par in my opinion. *

The Yanmar grey market imports is a 50/50 coin toss proposition. *Some of these tractors have huge numbers of hours on them and have been refurbish cosmetically. *Others have very reasonable to low hours on them and they are outstanding as well as very reliable tractors. *A lot depends upon the dealer or individual you buy them from. *Good dealers will ensure they have been properly serviced and in good condition. *

Yanmar builds the 90 Series compact tractors for John Deere. *

Another well built import that is priced affordable is Kioti. *Have you looked at them? *

Just remember to let the buyer beware in any case. *

[flatwater]

This is only rumor , but I have heard that parts are not that easy to come by , especially the russian tractors.
Flatwater

[MooseToo]

anyone have any advice about how to tell the difference between a japanese grey market refurbed in japan, refurbed in vietnam or refurbed in u.s. ?

[DM]

The china tractors are a little better now than they were several years ago, but my friend bought one and he's had a lot of problems. Then again, he uses it for a tractor too, not to plow a little snow and pull a trailor around... Personally, i wouldn't buy one...

Grey market tractors wouldn't be for me either, they have there own set of problems... Some have the PTO running the wrong direction... Wrong PTO speed, hard to get parts for, and many other problems that i wouldn't want...

Look into Mahindra for a decent built lower priced tractor, or buy a used common compact from a tractor dealer who will give some kind of warr...

Another option is, to buy a bigger 2wd used in good condition farm tractor that's heavy enough to do the job with 2wd...

DM

[BIGGKIDD]

Biggkid, I was wondering what kind of problems/idiosyncrasies did you run into and had to straighten out?

Thanks, Tufhelp



The biggest thing I remember is that Water had gotten in the starter and fuel tank. So they both had to be cleaned out. Other than that just things like checking adjusting the clutch and valves. I have over 260 Hours on it now and still no major problems and I use it way hard pulling trees and stuff. Recently I dug a few hundred feet of trench with the back hoe and was amazed at how well it works. Still have several hundred feet to go.

Larry

[Drawbar]

I wouldn't buy one either. If nothing else, the resale value on a Kubota, John Deere or other common tractor is so high, you would almost be taking it in the wallet if you got a gray market tractor.

I know my 25 hp Kubota is worth just about the same amount today as when I bought it 9 years ago. That is pretty impressive,and makes for a good investment without factoring in all the work the machine does for me. Its funny too because at the time, I really had a hard time buying a Kubota, but the price difference of a New Holland was so much more that I nearly had to.

There is a saying in the farming business that states "Beware of cheap sheep." The same is true for tractors.

[HockeyFan]

Dollar for dollar, if you're looking for a bargain, I'd go with Kubota or Mahindra. the Mahindra are made in India (not Chinese obviously), and they are the top selling tractor brand in the world. They have a very good track record, and the parts are a little more available now than they were just 5 years ago in this country. A lot of them are being sold and they're easier to find.
I would find out before purchase, who locally works on (whichever brand you are going to buy). With Mahindra and Kubota, it'll probably be easy to find some place that sells and services these. With the chinese manufactured models, it's going to be a little harder, but in some areas of the country, you might be able to find someone that sels parts and service, and in which case, you're probably in for a bargain.

[Deberosa]

I really like my 28 HP Mahindra! Second year I've been using it and no problems at all. They are built a bit heavier than the equivalent Kubota and the guy who sells and services them here is excellent. They also have a step to get in the dang thing unlike the Kubotas I checked out! ;-)

In a few years, once I get things tamed down around here I may trade to a smaller size since I only have 4.5 acres and with all of my projects just getting the tractor between fields, etc. along with tilling in tighter spots gets to be a challenge, however I also have alot more land clearing to do at this point which makes the larger tractor real handy.