zogman
Silver Member
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2005
- Messages
- 113
- Location
- Lexington, South Carolina
- Tractor
- Kama TS354C & Ferguson TO20
Any updates on Chip's world tour? I would love to hear anything on the Chinese culture or tractor updates.
Chip's trip to China
- Thread starter zogman
- Start date
- Views: 3292
bluechip
Veteran Member
Well the best news is I am home now. It was very interesting and somewhat different than I expected over there. I didn't see as much government as I thought I might, did have to clear customs and immigration both on the way in and out of China.
There is a growing middle class and I could hardly see any signs of what I would expect to be communist policy in place.
I toured 4 different tractor factories (not the Jinma factory) and 2 small factories, one that makes ATVs and one that make loaders and backhoes.
I talked with the backhoe factory about smoother valves and the possibility of JIC fittings...the valves are possible but no luck on the fittings, I was told they are nNot easily found in China. Keep in mind there are 4 or 5 factories that make the LW series backhoes, (remember no patents/copyrights).
The most all inclusive, and oldest factory I toured was the factory that makes the TS and KAMA tractors we have been importing these last 4 years. 5000 employees, toured only part of the huge complex of buildings. They have a moving assembly line that produces about 60 tractors a day.
People drive like I've heard they do in Italy, heavy on the horn and the gas, light on the brake. People drove on sidewalks, on the sholder going the wrong direction trying to make a turn. It was crazy. scooters, motorcylces, bicycles and cars all trying to drive on the same lanes.
A high point was a car ride a company driver took us on. 160kmh squeezing with only inches (guess they are cm over there) to spare. I was wondering if and how they would get my body back to the USA... especially when the driver started shaking his head and knodding off.... prayer does work by the way I am here to tell you!
Anyway cant really make any big announcements, but there are some new business opportunities that we are persuing. I found a tractor I really like,
features such as syncho shuttle and synchro trans tractor that even has a PR valve to protect the pump shouls a hydraluic line be disconnect while the engine runs. very nice fit and finish, padded steering wheel and it shuts off when you turn the key just like a high dollar modern machine. It is available with AG Turf or Industrial tires as well. The factory is very quality oriented and is privately owned so has more of a competitve spirit than some others.
Also I saw the prototype for the KM554 with an EPA engine. a model that we have missed being available for a year now.
I need to find a way to post some pics, Best probalby to do it on my website, give me a few days to catch my desk up and I'll let you know.
There is a growing middle class and I could hardly see any signs of what I would expect to be communist policy in place.
I toured 4 different tractor factories (not the Jinma factory) and 2 small factories, one that makes ATVs and one that make loaders and backhoes.
I talked with the backhoe factory about smoother valves and the possibility of JIC fittings...the valves are possible but no luck on the fittings, I was told they are nNot easily found in China. Keep in mind there are 4 or 5 factories that make the LW series backhoes, (remember no patents/copyrights).
The most all inclusive, and oldest factory I toured was the factory that makes the TS and KAMA tractors we have been importing these last 4 years. 5000 employees, toured only part of the huge complex of buildings. They have a moving assembly line that produces about 60 tractors a day.
People drive like I've heard they do in Italy, heavy on the horn and the gas, light on the brake. People drove on sidewalks, on the sholder going the wrong direction trying to make a turn. It was crazy. scooters, motorcylces, bicycles and cars all trying to drive on the same lanes.
A high point was a car ride a company driver took us on. 160kmh squeezing with only inches (guess they are cm over there) to spare. I was wondering if and how they would get my body back to the USA... especially when the driver started shaking his head and knodding off.... prayer does work by the way I am here to tell you!
Anyway cant really make any big announcements, but there are some new business opportunities that we are persuing. I found a tractor I really like,
features such as syncho shuttle and synchro trans tractor that even has a PR valve to protect the pump shouls a hydraluic line be disconnect while the engine runs. very nice fit and finish, padded steering wheel and it shuts off when you turn the key just like a high dollar modern machine. It is available with AG Turf or Industrial tires as well. The factory is very quality oriented and is privately owned so has more of a competitve spirit than some others.
Also I saw the prototype for the KM554 with an EPA engine. a model that we have missed being available for a year now.
I need to find a way to post some pics, Best probalby to do it on my website, give me a few days to catch my desk up and I'll let you know.
SPIKER
Elite Member
CHIP:
Glad you made it home ALIVE
great sounding news on that NEW tractor design with all the doo dads. EPA approved too? just wondering. anyhow take a breath relax and enjoy some family time and the holidays.
SPIKER
AKA Mark M
Glad you made it home ALIVE
great sounding news on that NEW tractor design with all the doo dads. EPA approved too? just wondering. anyhow take a breath relax and enjoy some family time and the holidays.
SPIKER
AKA Mark M
kenmac
Super Member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2005
- Messages
- 9,837
- Location
- The Heart of Dixie
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- McCormick CX105 Kubota MX 5100 HST, Kubota ZD1021, Kawsaki Mule 4010 trans 4x4
While I don't have a chinsese tractor , it's good to read about what's going on & how they operate over there.It sure would b nice to take a tour through a factory like that. Thank you for your info.
Paddy
Veteran Member
Welcome back! It takes a few dayz to get back on schedule. I always wake up early and want to eat a big meal. Body thinks it's PM when the clock tells me it's AM!
Look forward to seeing some photos.
Look forward to seeing some photos.
MrFixit
Silver Member
The slow boats for shipping products from China to US.
My travel agent says the Fast Boats to China are all boked up and your Wife bought you the last seat!
My travel agent says the Fast Boats to China are all boked up and your Wife bought you the last seat!
bluechip
Veteran Member
The 747 seemed plenty slow enough. 14 hours from San Francisco. 10 hours back (thanks to jet stream). There is a LOT of water between... but the container ships make it in about 3 weeks (not including loading and unloading time).
Paddy
Veteran Member
Thingy,
There are slow boats to China and they are real cheep! We pay $4200 for a 40' container Shanghai to USA East coast port. If we were to ship any to China, it would cost $1200 because they need all the empty containers back!
There are slow boats to China and they are real cheep! We pay $4200 for a 40' container Shanghai to USA East coast port. If we were to ship any to China, it would cost $1200 because they need all the empty containers back!
Brad_Blazer
Veteran Member
Great news my 554 will not be an orphan!bluechip said:
Thanks Chip,
You are a great ambassador for us Chinese tractor owners. Glad you had a good trip.
Brad