4X4 = jm284 vs jm354 vs jm454

hhwc · Jul 19, 2005

Group,

New member here. Was thinking of purchasing on of the following
models jm284 vs jm354 vs jm454. Wondering how different they really are. Haven't had much
luck finding someone with the jm454. It seems the jinma284 is the
most populare up here in the Pacific North West. I have a dealer a
few miles away but he doesn't stock the jm454. I plan to use it for
moving 1000lb round bales all winter and doing a bit of bush-hogging
during the summer. I would like to be able to run a 6' brush-hog since I have about 100acres in pasture that needs to be kept in check during the spring lush.

Any take on the pros. or cons. of the three models?

Thanks in advance,

Eric
eric@harlowshillswestcoast.com

JohnS · Jul 19, 2005

IMHO, the 284 would be on the hairy edge, at best, for your requirements. The 354 is probably enough tractor to handle your needs, but I wouldn't limit your choices to Jinma. If you have local Kama or DongFeng dealers, I'd look at their 354 and higher lineups, too.

billbill1 · Jul 19, 2005

I have the 284LE and I run a 6' finish mower with it but I think I was told that a 5' brush cutter was the biggest recommended. Mine has plenty of power but 1000 lb bales all of the time would be a stretch. Greg has a 454 Kama that he says has tons of power and I believe that the front ends are built much tougher on the Kamas. I didn't look at anything before I bought and I'm very happy with the choice I made, I only have 3.25 acres to maintain and I have all of the tractor that I need.

KrisR · Jul 20, 2005

I don't want to poach this posting, but is there a big difference between say a Jinma 354 and a Kama 354 or even the 284s. I haven't been able to find much out there.

JohnS · Jul 20, 2005

Kris,

The 300 series Jinma are significantly larger/heavier tractors than the 200 series. The 400 series are larger/heaver than the 300 series. Size, weight and power, do matter. I have not seen a Kama 354 next to a Jinma 354, but I think they are close to the same size. A close examination of their specs, should be able to tell. Chip probably can answer that, for sure.

If you meant Kama 284, I believe they are a little larger/heavier duty than a Jinma 284, but still smaller than a Jinma 300 series. Chip will know this one, too.

hhwc · Jul 20, 2005

Group,

Thanks for all the input. I placed my order for a JM354 with FEL and 6' brush-hog. I bought it from a dealer and he will put it together and change the fluids (I guess the China fluids are REALLY poor quality) for me. All for under $11000. Not bad I thought.

I guess importing the JM454 can be risky since it is NOT EPA approved engine. It should be here by the end of Aug. I will let you all know how it works for me.

Eric

bluechip · Jul 20, 2005

Kris,
The KAMA TS354 and the JInma are pretty close in specs, size, the kama offers the option of creeper or shuttle where the Jinma is only 8fx2r (4 speed with two ranges).

The KAMA TS254C which has the same engine as the JM254/284 (these are IDENTICAL tractors, we probably should have called the KAMAs TS284C).

anyway this is a heavier tractor than the JInma, same chassis as TS354C and is available with 8x8 shuttle or 16Fx4R creeper
the steering cyl is mounted high and protected from tree stumps and big rocks compared to the JInma, the front diff has much larger gears (same as on TS354C) so it makes a little better loader tractor (IMHO, whic is probably not biased much /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif. Also you get draft and position control on all TS where jinma just has a momentary valve to control the lift. the lift cylinder is the same on the TS254 as a Jinma 300 series and has simlar lift capacity. I think the TS254C is a bargain on the market and can usually be bought for about the same price as a jinma, with the 354s its closer match.

Of course local dealer support always plays into these comparisons. Here in Arknasas we are closer to everone than some places are...have to think about that one...

ejtaylor822 · Jul 30, 2005

Eric,
Sorry I just now read your post. Don't think my input would have changed anything, you made a good choice with the 354.

I have a Jinma 454LE. Really love this machine. So far it has done everything I have asked/tried - it's a real work horse. The dealer, Circle G Tractors in Lamar MS, said the 354 were the most popular and that's what he tried to sell me. He said the 354 met almost everyone's needs. I decided to go ahead with the 454 as I tend to really abuse and work things harder than they are suppose to be worked.

He did tell me that with the 454 you obviously gain more power and weight over the 354, but, you lose A LOT of maneuverability and the 454 is not as agile in tight or sloped terrain. I wanted a 6' rotary cutter and box blade as well and was told that the 354 would pull with no problems.

One thing you might want to consider. When I bought mine the dealer swapped all the fluids like yours is doing. Yes, the oil is poor quality, but, I hear they are getting better; yours might be pretty decent since it’s brand new. He told me to swap out all fluids after 10 hours (except the hydraulics as he had flushed and replaced for the Koyker FEL he added). I would encourage you to do this as well. When I did the 10 hour change the front axle oil looked real good but the engine and tranny/axle oil had quite a bit of tiny shavings in them; especially the engine. Not a whole lot, but, more than I am use to seeing from a vehicle oil change.

Good selection and enjoy - they are a lot of fun! It's pouring the rain today - almost 72 hours straight and everything is a mess - otherwise I would be on mine.

hhwc · Aug 18, 2005

It seems my tractor has made it to the shop and is being put together as I type this. I just spoke to the guy actually turning the bolts and he said it is taking a little longer then normal since Jinma is not shipping the LE version fo the JM354. I guess this means you get a new hood design (entire hood lifts out of the way) and a filter on the hydraulics. It is taking him a little time to double check everything since they made a few other changes as well.

I am happy to hear of the improved hood design and a filter on the hydraulic since that was going to be one of my FIRST after market improvements.

Other after market things I will be looking for include bigger exhaust pipe, bigger air filter (K&N if possible), front brushgaurd.

Any suggestions for tracking this stuff down?

Looking forward to using my tractor, have bunch of jobs backed up waiting for it. Don't really want to rent a tractor as I have in the past when I know I have one coming.

Eric

KevinW · Aug 21, 2005

Has anyone heard of http://www.chinabestproducts.com/?
Are they reputable?
What would be expected as down payment to get a crate tractor on order from China?

<font color="red"> KAMA/TAISHAN </font>
ts354c EPA $7200
loader $2650 TZC04
backhoe $2850 LW7
total $12700 to warehouse
http://s93480190.onlinehome.us/tractor/ts/ts354x-1.jpg
http://www.sentex.net/~sxing/tractor_spec_km.htm

Kama/Taisha vs. Jinma
Live PTO ------------- both
Shuttle Shift ------------ ts354c
Power Steering both
Heavy Duty Three Point Arms ------------ both
Rear Differential Lock ------------ both
Remote Hydraulic Outlets ------------ with backhoe purchase
I've been told the backhoe will run off of the tractors remotes. Most backhoes I've seen have a separate pump that runs off the tractor's PTO.
I've also been told the ts354c has remote hydraulics for lowering and raising, let's say a harrow with hydraulic cylinder to raise for trasporting. Can anyone confirm?
Folding ROPS with Canopy ------------ both
Front and Rear Weights ------------ not with loader/backhoe
(staes I can order separately)
Create Shipped ------------ both
35 HP ------------ both
4WD ------------ both
4 Cylinder Diesel ------------ ts354c
Cat #1 Three Point Hitch ------------ both
Metal Hood and Fenders ------------ none, fiberglass hood
Agricultural Tires ------------ both
Quick Detach FEL ------------ none (TZC04 not quick detach)
Backhoe 3 Point Hitch ------------ both
Tool Box ------------ optional (would like to add)
Rear Differential Lock ------------ both
Direct Fuel Injection ------------ both
Two Stage Clutch ------------ both
Agriculture Tires ------------ both

Any suggestions on ordering a create shipped TS354C would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kevin