Jinma JM-284 Reviews
Sweet Mother of ....
Model Year: 2001
Wow. I inherited a Jinma 284 with the place. It is 25 horsepower maybe... no two sites say the same thing. For small work around here, I lease a Kubota 60 horsepower. I use the 284 for snow plowing only. This year I, for some reason, tried to use the 284 to pull a 7-shank 3-point cultivator. Gosh... it did. Then I decided to try running a 6-foot TG 72Y King Kutter rototiller, the heavy one. Holy Moley... not only did it do it, it sunk as far as it would go, but it did it easier than the 60 horsepower Kubota. She ain't pretty, ain't roomy, all the controls are mashed together in a mighty small platform, (the Chinese have very little feet and hands), but man, I'm impressed. I've seen these in China all over the place and I've never seen a junked one anyplace. The fuel tank holds maybe three gallons of diesel but it runs all day on that 3 gallons. I don't care what you're doing.
Pros: The power is higher than its rating, it does everything a 40+ horsepower does, for peanuts in fuel and cost
Cons: Leaky, ugly, small operator platform, nit picky stuff really for what you get
Model Year: 2001
Wow. I inherited a Jinma 284 with the place. It is 25 horsepower maybe... no two sites say the same thing. For small work around here, I lease a Kubota 60 horsepower. I use the 284 for snow plowing only. This year I, for some reason, tried to use the 284 to pull a 7-shank 3-point cultivator. Gosh... it did. Then I decided to try running a 6-foot TG 72Y King Kutter rototiller, the heavy one. Holy Moley... not only did it do it, it sunk as far as it would go, but it did it easier than the 60 horsepower Kubota. She ain't pretty, ain't roomy, all the controls are mashed together in a mighty small platform, (the Chinese have very little feet and hands), but man, I'm impressed. I've seen these in China all over the place and I've never seen a junked one anyplace. The fuel tank holds maybe three gallons of diesel but it runs all day on that 3 gallons. I don't care what you're doing.
Pros: The power is higher than its rating, it does everything a 40+ horsepower does, for peanuts in fuel and cost
Cons: Leaky, ugly, small operator platform, nit picky stuff really for what you get
4-Acre Workhorse
Model Year: 2010
I purchased a Jinma 284 with front-end loader, backhoe, gannon box and multi-disc. This little (inexpensive) tractor has been a workhorse on our property. The front-end loader has worked excellently. The disc is used to keep wild grass down twice a year, and it does an excellent job. The backhoe is limited as far as backhoes are concerned, yet there is nothing I have asked of the backhoe that it does not deliver. Yep, it's a cheap Chinese tractor that has been worth its weight in gold. It was $13,000.00 for everything mentioned including delivery. I would buy a second one if this one were ever to wear out!!! The 4-wheel drive has allowed me the ability to climb steep angles while carrying front-end loader bucket full loads. I have not been disappointed with this tractor. Comparable domestic rigs would have cost at least 5 times the cost of this unit. WELL WORTH THE PRICE!!! Buy one, treat it reasonably and you will not be disappointed. It is not a John Deere, Case, Allis Chalmers, etc., but you are not paying the exorbitant price for those machines. I have changed a starter, and that's it. Love our JINMA!!!
Pros: Durable, workhorse, affordable, and cheap yet dependable
Cons: I have none for the price of purchase
Model Year: 2010
I purchased a Jinma 284 with front-end loader, backhoe, gannon box and multi-disc. This little (inexpensive) tractor has been a workhorse on our property. The front-end loader has worked excellently. The disc is used to keep wild grass down twice a year, and it does an excellent job. The backhoe is limited as far as backhoes are concerned, yet there is nothing I have asked of the backhoe that it does not deliver. Yep, it's a cheap Chinese tractor that has been worth its weight in gold. It was $13,000.00 for everything mentioned including delivery. I would buy a second one if this one were ever to wear out!!! The 4-wheel drive has allowed me the ability to climb steep angles while carrying front-end loader bucket full loads. I have not been disappointed with this tractor. Comparable domestic rigs would have cost at least 5 times the cost of this unit. WELL WORTH THE PRICE!!! Buy one, treat it reasonably and you will not be disappointed. It is not a John Deere, Case, Allis Chalmers, etc., but you are not paying the exorbitant price for those machines. I have changed a starter, and that's it. Love our JINMA!!!
Pros: Durable, workhorse, affordable, and cheap yet dependable
Cons: I have none for the price of purchase
Jinma JM-284 Review
Model Year: 2005
This tractor is from the Stone Age. I have yet to go out and use it without some issue, the latest is the third starting switchboard quit working. I am going find a real tractor and hopefully get rid of this joke of a tractor before it drives me insane . If anyone is contemplating getting one these don't no amount of savings is worth the aggravation.
Pros: None
Cons: Too many to list but mostly the poor electrical componets
Model Year: 2005
This tractor is from the Stone Age. I have yet to go out and use it without some issue, the latest is the third starting switchboard quit working. I am going find a real tractor and hopefully get rid of this joke of a tractor before it drives me insane . If anyone is contemplating getting one these don't no amount of savings is worth the aggravation.
Pros: None
Cons: Too many to list but mostly the poor electrical componets
Steam Engine
Model Year: 2007
Bought new in 2008. First two years, no major issues other than hydraulic leaks from the first 2 weeks of cleaning stalls. Non-standard fittings hard to replace. 2nd year clutch failure cracked tractor in half and replaced. About 4th year, steam in exhaust under load with probable head gasket failure or cracked head. Oil looked fine. Used two cans of head gasket/block seal down radiator and walls; no more steam. Electric panel switches failed from about 4-5 years. Started fuse continuously blows even using a 30 amp when trying to start. But continues to start by jumping posts on starter and avoiding the switch/solenoid. I have worked this tractor to death for almost 7 years. Recently put together a 47 rainbird irrigation wheel line with half of the drains plugged, using 4-7 gal/min. nozzles with about 5 psi flow into my PTO trash water pump. I hooked the Jimna up and ran it with the 1000 rpm setting and have been shocked for the last 4 days the tractor has pulled the entire wheel line of birds! Measured the top end of the last bird and it had a flow pressure of about 40 psi. Now trying to determine the diesel consumption per hour and guesstimate it to be < 1 gal/hr. Wow, for the money, this thing has been worth it.
Pros: Cheap.
Cons: Cheap.
Model Year: 2007
Bought new in 2008. First two years, no major issues other than hydraulic leaks from the first 2 weeks of cleaning stalls. Non-standard fittings hard to replace. 2nd year clutch failure cracked tractor in half and replaced. About 4th year, steam in exhaust under load with probable head gasket failure or cracked head. Oil looked fine. Used two cans of head gasket/block seal down radiator and walls; no more steam. Electric panel switches failed from about 4-5 years. Started fuse continuously blows even using a 30 amp when trying to start. But continues to start by jumping posts on starter and avoiding the switch/solenoid. I have worked this tractor to death for almost 7 years. Recently put together a 47 rainbird irrigation wheel line with half of the drains plugged, using 4-7 gal/min. nozzles with about 5 psi flow into my PTO trash water pump. I hooked the Jimna up and ran it with the 1000 rpm setting and have been shocked for the last 4 days the tractor has pulled the entire wheel line of birds! Measured the top end of the last bird and it had a flow pressure of about 40 psi. Now trying to determine the diesel consumption per hour and guesstimate it to be < 1 gal/hr. Wow, for the money, this thing has been worth it.
Pros: Cheap.
Cons: Cheap.
Chinese Must Have Small Feet
Model Year: 2013
Love this little tractor. FEL/box scraper. Had to cut/weld brake pedal rod shorter so my big foot could fit on landing when mounting seat, otherwise, excellent value and performance from a 25 hp tractor. Does much more than what you would expect from such a small tractor, and is very fuel efficient.With the money I saved by buying this over a Mahindra or JD, I can afford 2 more PTO powered attachments!
Pros: Value, ability, features, and so far, reliability.
Cons: Operator controls too close.
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Model Year: 2013
Love this little tractor. FEL/box scraper. Had to cut/weld brake pedal rod shorter so my big foot could fit on landing when mounting seat, otherwise, excellent value and performance from a 25 hp tractor. Does much more than what you would expect from such a small tractor, and is very fuel efficient.With the money I saved by buying this over a Mahindra or JD, I can afford 2 more PTO powered attachments!
Pros: Value, ability, features, and so far, reliability.
Cons: Operator controls too close.
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JM-284
Model Year: 2007
Bought the chassis mounted backhoe with this 283, spent the first few hours fixing hydraulic leaks, changing filters, extra. First hundred hours went okay till I found engine oil under the tractor. The bolts holdings engine block the bell housing came loss. Had to break the tractor in half to get to the damn bolts. Redid clutch and bearing seals and put in New throw out bearing. A bought 20 hours later the backhoe mounting plate snapped off, turns out. The fools had drilled mounting bolt holes through the stress welds in the plate. After pulling the hoe out of the hole it had fell in, I took and remade a new plate that decreased the street load on the mounts. Everything fine for another hundred hours. Found the engine is leaking fluid at the block tenants connection again. Haven't broke apart the tractor yet, Just hope it's not the block cracked this time. I would not buy another Jinma, they are total crap.
Pros: Cheap.
Cons: Poor quality, and case will separate and dump oil.
Model Year: 2007
Bought the chassis mounted backhoe with this 283, spent the first few hours fixing hydraulic leaks, changing filters, extra. First hundred hours went okay till I found engine oil under the tractor. The bolts holdings engine block the bell housing came loss. Had to break the tractor in half to get to the damn bolts. Redid clutch and bearing seals and put in New throw out bearing. A bought 20 hours later the backhoe mounting plate snapped off, turns out. The fools had drilled mounting bolt holes through the stress welds in the plate. After pulling the hoe out of the hole it had fell in, I took and remade a new plate that decreased the street load on the mounts. Everything fine for another hundred hours. Found the engine is leaking fluid at the block tenants connection again. Haven't broke apart the tractor yet, Just hope it's not the block cracked this time. I would not buy another Jinma, they are total crap.
Pros: Cheap.
Cons: Poor quality, and case will separate and dump oil.
My Little Red Tractor
Model Year: 2009
Great little tractor. The major jobs to date: buried two 1,200 gal tanks for rain water collection/irrigation system. Trench and install 350" 4" drain pipes. Redo driveway (dig, level, and then place 160 tons of gravel and crusher fines), maintain about 3/4 mile of dirt road. Use forks on front end loader to move pallets of brick and block while building brick court yard. I've been told that this tractor is really too small to do some of the thinks I make it do---not true. This tractor will do almost everything a much larger machine will do, it just takes a lot longer. If you assume I would have to rent equipment to do all the work this tractor has already performed then this tractor has paid for itself twice and still going strong.
Pros: Very strong, great engine.
Cons: Almost on par with electronics from England circa 1950. For those who are to young to get that reference, it's not good.
Model Year: 2009
Great little tractor. The major jobs to date: buried two 1,200 gal tanks for rain water collection/irrigation system. Trench and install 350" 4" drain pipes. Redo driveway (dig, level, and then place 160 tons of gravel and crusher fines), maintain about 3/4 mile of dirt road. Use forks on front end loader to move pallets of brick and block while building brick court yard. I've been told that this tractor is really too small to do some of the thinks I make it do---not true. This tractor will do almost everything a much larger machine will do, it just takes a lot longer. If you assume I would have to rent equipment to do all the work this tractor has already performed then this tractor has paid for itself twice and still going strong.
Pros: Very strong, great engine.
Cons: Almost on par with electronics from England circa 1950. For those who are to young to get that reference, it's not good.
Tough, Workhorse, 4 Wheel Power
Model Year: 2013
We have 160 acres in the mountains and needed roads all over our land, up super steep terrain and some very hard core places. I put about a 120 hours on the bucket and blade and now have another 125 hours on the bucket and box scrapper (great attachment). This Jinma tractor is fantastic. It's constantly in 4 wheel drive here and no problems. Changed all on schedule. Had 1 small leak and 1 leak squirting hydraulics out everytime I lifted the box scrapper at 240 hours. Both were just the rubber on the washer (rubber, then metal) getting worn away. Considering all it has done---no surprise. Changed the washers when doing the 250 hour (a little early) maintenance and all is again great. Bought ours from Keno Tractor in Oregon and they are fantastic to deal with; always ready to answer questions and provide parts. Couldn't be happier! Just made several ATV tracks for my son, with rollers, jumps, tabletops, etc. He and friends are lovin' this tractor too! I can't stay off of it! 250 hours in 7 mo. and not one problem.
Pros: Workhorse, 4 wheel drive, great quality, great price.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 2013
We have 160 acres in the mountains and needed roads all over our land, up super steep terrain and some very hard core places. I put about a 120 hours on the bucket and blade and now have another 125 hours on the bucket and box scrapper (great attachment). This Jinma tractor is fantastic. It's constantly in 4 wheel drive here and no problems. Changed all on schedule. Had 1 small leak and 1 leak squirting hydraulics out everytime I lifted the box scrapper at 240 hours. Both were just the rubber on the washer (rubber, then metal) getting worn away. Considering all it has done---no surprise. Changed the washers when doing the 250 hour (a little early) maintenance and all is again great. Bought ours from Keno Tractor in Oregon and they are fantastic to deal with; always ready to answer questions and provide parts. Couldn't be happier! Just made several ATV tracks for my son, with rollers, jumps, tabletops, etc. He and friends are lovin' this tractor too! I can't stay off of it! 250 hours in 7 mo. and not one problem.
Pros: Workhorse, 4 wheel drive, great quality, great price.
Cons: None.
Model T of Tractors
Model Year: 2003
This tractor is a copy of a 50's-60's US farm tractor. Reverse engineered to the usual Chinese standards of quality, fit and finish. That being said, it has done all I have asked of it and much more. Of course it leaks and has had a "gremlin" or two to deal with. But I have always been able to repair it myself and that is because it is the "Model T" of tractors. Primitive technology but easy to repair with basic tools, even in the field.
Pros: Relatively cheap to buy, economical to run, easy to repair.
Cons: They leak, poor fit and finish, dated technology.
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Model Year: 2003
This tractor is a copy of a 50's-60's US farm tractor. Reverse engineered to the usual Chinese standards of quality, fit and finish. That being said, it has done all I have asked of it and much more. Of course it leaks and has had a "gremlin" or two to deal with. But I have always been able to repair it myself and that is because it is the "Model T" of tractors. Primitive technology but easy to repair with basic tools, even in the field.
Pros: Relatively cheap to buy, economical to run, easy to repair.
Cons: They leak, poor fit and finish, dated technology.
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Jinma 284 LE Review
Model Year: 2004
This Jinma was originally bought to move a boat up and down the owner's salt water boat ramp. It had been stored outside in a corrosive environment all its life. Still, it has held up remarkably well! It came with the standard front end loader and a back lift boom. The PTO had never been used. I've bought a post hole digger, mower, and clamp on forks. I'm impressed with the overall quality of the tractor, especially since it was "rode hard and put away wet".
Pros: Simplicity and reliability.
Cons: None that I've found.
Model Year: 2004
This Jinma was originally bought to move a boat up and down the owner's salt water boat ramp. It had been stored outside in a corrosive environment all its life. Still, it has held up remarkably well! It came with the standard front end loader and a back lift boom. The PTO had never been used. I've bought a post hole digger, mower, and clamp on forks. I'm impressed with the overall quality of the tractor, especially since it was "rode hard and put away wet".
Pros: Simplicity and reliability.
Cons: None that I've found.
Poor Quality Control
Model Year: 0
This tractor appears to be an excellent value on the surface. But poor quality control and use of substandard materials negate the tractor as a good value. The hydraulics are crap, the electric components rarely work properly, plastic components come pre-warped or fail soon. WORST OF ALL, all the bolts connecting the bell housing to the engine were loose requiring a major job of separating the tractor in half at the clutch pack just to tighten the 12 bolts which were finger tight at best. The tractor sat unused for most of my ownership because of these issues.
Pros: Good, reliable engine.
Cons: Terrible quality on tractor, bucket loader, and backhoe assembly & seals.
Model Year: 0
This tractor appears to be an excellent value on the surface. But poor quality control and use of substandard materials negate the tractor as a good value. The hydraulics are crap, the electric components rarely work properly, plastic components come pre-warped or fail soon. WORST OF ALL, all the bolts connecting the bell housing to the engine were loose requiring a major job of separating the tractor in half at the clutch pack just to tighten the 12 bolts which were finger tight at best. The tractor sat unused for most of my ownership because of these issues.
Pros: Good, reliable engine.
Cons: Terrible quality on tractor, bucket loader, and backhoe assembly & seals.
4wd Jinma 284
Model Year: 2001
Okay so it is not a JD or a MF,no contest. But this little Jinma cost me $6,500 used with 280 hours on it with a FEL, backhoe, 5' Bush Hog and a harrow mat. I have since added a 4' rototiller, post hole digger and a scraper blade all purchased at auction for about $1,200 total. We have a small homestead and I have put in 325 5" PT fence posts for deer, orchard, goats, sheep and garden. I put in 40 fruit trees, have dug a 26,000 gallon cistern, built a 34x48 pole barn and cleared over 100 scrub oaks and stumps with this little workhorse. It's all manual, simple design, no frills but has given me almost 400 hours of productive time for about 1/4 the cost of a US brand with the attachments I have. Did have to do some maintenance on the hydraulics and the glow head circuit per this blog, but otherwise I have nothing but praise for this little red tractor. Not fancy, and believe me I looked for used US brands before making the plunge. Many tractor companies in my area had nothing but hostility for Chinese tractors when I asked their opinions, I'm pretty independent and very mechanical so I decided to give it a go, parts are easy to get on Internet and lubes and filters are available local.
Pros: Inexpensive, no frills, gets the job done, so far good reliability.
Cons: Poor details, kinda on par with our 1970 US autos, but then its a tractor.
Model Year: 2001
Okay so it is not a JD or a MF,no contest. But this little Jinma cost me $6,500 used with 280 hours on it with a FEL, backhoe, 5' Bush Hog and a harrow mat. I have since added a 4' rototiller, post hole digger and a scraper blade all purchased at auction for about $1,200 total. We have a small homestead and I have put in 325 5" PT fence posts for deer, orchard, goats, sheep and garden. I put in 40 fruit trees, have dug a 26,000 gallon cistern, built a 34x48 pole barn and cleared over 100 scrub oaks and stumps with this little workhorse. It's all manual, simple design, no frills but has given me almost 400 hours of productive time for about 1/4 the cost of a US brand with the attachments I have. Did have to do some maintenance on the hydraulics and the glow head circuit per this blog, but otherwise I have nothing but praise for this little red tractor. Not fancy, and believe me I looked for used US brands before making the plunge. Many tractor companies in my area had nothing but hostility for Chinese tractors when I asked their opinions, I'm pretty independent and very mechanical so I decided to give it a go, parts are easy to get on Internet and lubes and filters are available local.
Pros: Inexpensive, no frills, gets the job done, so far good reliability.
Cons: Poor details, kinda on par with our 1970 US autos, but then its a tractor.
Jinma 284
Model Year: 2009
This tractor is great for small acreage. Use it for weed mowing in summer 5 foot bush hog also use for snow removal in winter came equipped with front loader. Weak point on tractor is the transmission (shuttle shift). Had to replace shift fork for reverse and shift cables need adjusted frequently (big upgrade from the old 8N).
Pros: Easy to operate. Great hydraulic system.
Cons: Transmission and not real easy to get on and off (small).
Model Year: 2009
This tractor is great for small acreage. Use it for weed mowing in summer 5 foot bush hog also use for snow removal in winter came equipped with front loader. Weak point on tractor is the transmission (shuttle shift). Had to replace shift fork for reverse and shift cables need adjusted frequently (big upgrade from the old 8N).
Pros: Easy to operate. Great hydraulic system.
Cons: Transmission and not real easy to get on and off (small).
2002 Jinma AG BOSS 284 Review
Model Year: 2002
I bought the tractor used. It came with Koyker 160 front end loader, Koyker KB60 back hoe, and a 5' grader blade. It had been stored outside. The tractor came with an operators manual. The manual is generic to the 200 series tractor. For the do-it-yourself type, this and the information available on the web is adequate to maintain and/or repair the machine. If not, ensure you have someone who can get parts and work on it. The tractor runs strong, and the implements perform well. The electric system is in poor condition and needs troubleshooting. The gauges (except ammeter) are sporadic. Overall, the machine performs well and is easy to operate.
Pros: Performance vs price.
Cons: Electrical system.
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Model Year: 2002
I bought the tractor used. It came with Koyker 160 front end loader, Koyker KB60 back hoe, and a 5' grader blade. It had been stored outside. The tractor came with an operators manual. The manual is generic to the 200 series tractor. For the do-it-yourself type, this and the information available on the web is adequate to maintain and/or repair the machine. If not, ensure you have someone who can get parts and work on it. The tractor runs strong, and the implements perform well. The electric system is in poor condition and needs troubleshooting. The gauges (except ammeter) are sporadic. Overall, the machine performs well and is easy to operate.
Pros: Performance vs price.
Cons: Electrical system.
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