first tractor

[mantis166]

Just bought 9 acres in Wash. State and need to brush hog and move some dirt with loader. Was ready to by new Jinma when the new 284LE's come in next week. Around 10 grand, then found this sight and having second thoughts. Local dealer has YM FX24D 28HP 4x4 with loader for $8750, Shibaura SD2243 4x4 wih Stallion loader for &8500, and Shibaura SD2040 2cyl. 4x4 with loader for $8000. All used ones supposed to be reconditioned in house at local dealer (Cowlitz tractors). /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifAdvice?

 

[mark777]

mantis166,

I bought a FEL about 18 months ago from a local (grey) dealer here in S.E. Texas. I'll just say that their large operation was on the shady side. The FEL was only partially assembled (welded), some pieces missing - tabs, bolts, nuts etc., but new on a pallet. This dealer was reluctant to give me information about it's origin and manufacturer.....Just trying to set the stage so that you can draw your own conclusions.

After discovering the loader was built in house at Cowlitz Tractors, I called and e-mailed and spoke with Paula (?) who spent alot of time with me on the design, construction and assembly. She offered many suggestions on the design of creating the primary support and it's location for maximum strength.

Even though I did not purchase from them, they gave their time and knowledge freely. And I have never heard anything negative about their company, attitude and commitment to customer satisfaction. Unless something has drastically changed, and I don't think so, I would be very comfortable purchasing from them.

As far as selection of tractors? I would drive everything, talk about parts availability, test in their dirt piles and then make your final selection.

Regards, Mark

 

[Jagmandave]

I think his main question here is New Jinma fr $10k or used other for $8k or so..............

I've usuallly felt buying new is better, but when it comes to this kind of equipment, maybe not. If you can drive, operate and test these, plus the dealer will stand behind them, maybe used is a better way to go............

 

[kenmac]

Just my opinion, between jinma & yanmar,I think yanmar is the better tractor. I read some of the problems on their site, and to be a new tractor , they have too many problems.Yanmars hav problems also, but look how old they are.

 

[blackd]

I have a FX24D with loader, bushhog, finish mower,... Only thing I wish I had was power steering. I have had NO Problems getting parts when I needed them. Only needed a voltage regulator/rectifier so far. Otherwise the loader is great. If any have power steering go with that model, otherwise I recommend the FX24D. Flat floor, power shift, plenty of power. Get a steering wheel knob to help with steering and load the rear tires.

 

[cfoxmd]

I've got a FX28D. Power steering. Good tractor.

 

[loaderbob]

I would agree... Yanmar over a Jinmar? Yanmar everyday for a host of reasons. The problems I have had on the FX series is transmission parts. I have had to them ordered from Japan which takes 3-4 weeks. Common failure parts are not an issue.

I am not a big Shibaura fan and stopped carrying them, so I can not give you an unbaised opinon... I like the looks of the Yanmars better too! The FX 24 is a great tractor and extremely versatile!

Best of Luck!

Bob

 

[captain71c]

I looked at all the options Chinese, Grey, US models, New and used. I finally bought a Yanmar YM2310D. Great value to price. I was able to get more tractor and attachments for my money. Cowlitz tractor answered my questions but didn't have the size I wanted. I bought from Tractor Ernie in Oregon. Mine was as is but it was in great shape with 560 hours. It came with a new commerically built loader (Koyker). He treated me well and has supplied the few parts I needed. Good luck on your search.

 

[mantis166]

Thank you for all of the help everyone. I learned a lot which will help as I proceed. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[reb]

A year or so, while surfing the web, I came across the website of a proud owner of his second Chinese tractor (Jinma, I think). He had owned the first one year and sold it. When he bought the second he also bought a long list of spare parts--more parts than I would expect to ever need for my 20 year old Yanmar. If his experience with the first Chinese tractor is what led him to buy all those extra parts, I would think the potential reliability of the machine is suspect.