Front End Loader-Chinese-Opinions

[npalen]

I've priced domestic loaders for my Mahindra 3015 (30HP) and seeing prices from $4000 to $5500 and none have mounting brackets to fit the 3015 which was built from 2004 to about 2008.

So now looking at options such as foreign made (regretfully) and getting a price on the unit shown in pics attached of $2399 FOB San Francisco. It looks like the next size smaller loader would be a better fit as the one shown is for 40HP to 50HP tractors.

The price includes third function valve and self-leveling as well as four in one bucket as shown. I believe the loader is available with SSQA (skid steer quick attach) but not sure on that.

I'm needing feedback on experiences with importing including duties, freight to the midwest U.S., and hassle involved etc. Not wanting to start a "buy U.S." debate.

 

[majorwager]

I bought a cab from italy this summer, they handled all the customs requirements and trucking arrangements. Since your product is already FOB at a U S port, there shoul be no cuztoms issues. I had contemplated purchase of a South Korean loader at same time, shipped from warehouse in Texas, but found factory loader at dealer in OK. Shipping was my responsibility from OK to NY. Unit weighed 1200 lbs, no bucket. I got freight prices from $480 to over $1500. You can go through a freight broker but I did better negotiating direct with freight carrier. There is extra charge for residential delivery and also if you need truck with liftgate. You must specify that they call 24 hrs before delivery. Shiiping freight is based upon how many pallet spaces are required to encompass shipment delivery. Mine was shipped in horizontal position, Korean is shipped standing vertically. If I can help further, I'll try to assist.

 

[fried1765]

I've priced domestic loaders for my Mahindra 3015 (30HP) and seeing prices from $4000 to $5500 and none have mounting brackets to fit the 3015 which was built from 2004 to about 2008.

So now looking at options such as foreign made (regretfully) and getting a price on the unit shown in pics attached of $2399 FOB San Francisco. It looks like the next size smaller loader would be a better fit as the one shown is for 40HP to 50HP tractors.

The price includes third function valve and self-leveling as well as four in one bucket as shown. I believe the loader is available with SSQA (skid steer quick attach) but not sure on that.

I'm needing feedback on experiences with importing including duties, freight to the midwest U.S., and hassle involved etc. Not wanting to start a "buy U.S." debate.

TBN member.. jeff9633 .. has previously reported that "USHIP.COM" is very economical.
You might want to PM him for details.

 

[majorwager]

SSB Tractor: Tractor Front End Loaders LINK LINK LINK LINK

Did you look at SSB? They seem to do custom work, offer a "loss leader" price in add to stimulate a call, know nothing about them, could do a reference search on this site? As stated the mounting brackets are the big hurdle. It might help to obtain the owner's manual from Mahindra, for the loader model that was available when your tractor was built. If you do decide to have a welding/machine shop make an adapter plate, book would offer size, shape context. You may end up making a cardboard template of the appropriate plate and welding it to a universal blank mounting plate. Or it could be possible to have a shop punch the holes in a universal bracket, all dependent upon tractor configuration. If it seems like it is getting complicated, you are probably correct. Difficult to match up with out of or low production # machines.

 

[npalen]

I bought a cab from italy this summer, they handled all the customs requirements and trucking arrangements. Since your product is already FOB at a U S port, there shoul be no cuztoms issues. I had contemplated purchase of a South Korean loader at same time, shipped from warehouse in Texas, but found factory loader at dealer in OK. Shipping was my responsibility from OK to NY. Unit weighed 1200 lbs, no bucket. I got freight prices from $480 to over $1500. You can go through a freight broker but I did better negotiating direct with freight carrier. There is extra charge for residential delivery and also if you need truck with liftgate. You must specify that they call 24 hrs before delivery. Shiiping freight is based upon how many pallet spaces are required to encompass shipment delivery. Mine was shipped in horizontal position, Korean is shipped standing vertically. If I can help further, I'll try to assist.

Thanks very much for your feeback. Not sure what you mean by "there should be no customs issues". Will I not have to pay a import duty fee based on the selling price of the loader?
I assume that I should go through a customs broker?
Edit: Which US port would you consider the cheapest considering the ocean and inland freight to Kansas? I chose San Francisco just for the seller to get me a ballpark FOB price.

 

[npalen]

SSB Tractor: Tractor Front End Loaders LINK LINK LINK LINK

Did you look at SSB? They seem to do custom work, offer a "loss leader" price in add to stimulate a call, know nothing about them, could do a reference search on this site? As stated the mounting brackets are the big hurdle. It might help to obtain the owner's manual from Mahindra, for the loader model that was available when your tractor was built. If you do decide to have a welding/machine shop make an adapter plate, book would offer size, shape context. You may end up making a cardboard template of the appropriate plate and welding it to a universal blank mounting plate. Or it could be possible to have a shop punch the holes in a universal bracket, all dependent upon tractor configuration. If it seems like it is getting complicated, you are probably correct. Difficult to match up with out of or low production # machines.

I put in a quote request to SSB and thanks for that lead. I have the design and fab ability/equipment and time on my hands to produce the adapter brackets. Sourcing the steel is a bit more troublesome.

 

[npalen]

These are the mounting brackets and subframe for ML110 oem loader for the Mahindra 3015 tractor.
Nothing complicated but will take some time to get it right.

Item 5 is the 14mmx2mm bolts that go into the chassis casting of the tractor.

 

[majorwager]

npalen,
I misunderstood. I thought your quote was FOB in CA, post customs.. I would contact the manufacturer to determine who they use as a customs broker. That should be the liability of manufacturer, they deal with customs. They should have an existing relationship with a US Broker. The Broker then provides the release paperwork so that your freight carrier can have the item released from the bonded warehouse where it will be taken when offloaded from the boat. You take possession only after customs has cleared freight. Then it is important for the freight carrier (trucking firm) to inspect for damage before they take possession, or you assume damage liability when it arrives at your home. I dealt with a customs broker in Memphis, but just for coordination. .Should use west coast firm, familiar with those ports.The broker fees, transpacific shipping costs and Customs fees all borne by MFG. Don't get in the middle of that, nightmare if not familiar. You need tracking for the shipment, must know when boat is in port, and freight offloaded. There is a tight storage window at the bonded warehouse, storage fees are steep and apply shortly after freight arrives. Incentive to keep stuff moving. You'll need ocean shipper name, Ship name and #,US Contact office and the number of the shipping container with your loader inside. Even though you insist manufacturer pays costs I mentioned, the broker is your best fried to navigate the process. If shipper is Chinese, may not speak English.

This can be successful, just helpful to have a little guidance. If manufacturer wants you to handle import responsibility, walk away. Doesn't sound like you wish to meet the boat, could not get clearance for port/dock access anyway. The broker will need your SS #, it is OK, homeland security just needs to know it is going to a valid US Citizen, I was concerned too, but it is no big deal. Stuff to think about, SSB now looking better?

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Most people with Chinese tractors don't have Chinese loaders. The most popular brand seems to be Koyker, US made. Even the Northern Tool Chinese tractors come with Koyker loaders.

I have a Koyker on my Jinma, I've been very happy with it.

 

[majorwager]

npalen,

Critical item not discussed, When does the money transfer? If it is before your trucking carrier takes possession, and your loader has a rough ocean ride in the container, that could be an issue. I suggest you pay through the broker after customs clearance. The issue is has any shipping damage occurred? Item to discuss with broker. Time will be of essence to avoid storage, might be able to use PAYPAL, or likely wire transfer. Broker may attach small added fee to handle payment. I sent money to ITALY, before cab was even built. Held my breathe, but if deal went south, I could afford the loss, not happily, but not devastating either. I would NOT send money to China before my loader was on US soil. There is still the matter of post delivery warranty, but loaders are pretty simple devices. I would ask the mfg for a photograph of a typical loader, all boxed up in the crate, ready for shipping. When I considered the Korean loader, I saw a shipping photo, and it was already in Texas. The Kubota shipping crate was atrocious and dilapidated. But it had sat outside at Kubota dealer for 3 years. Trucking Company was great. They kept nailing it back together at every terminal it landed. Took 10 days, OK to NY. 8 terminal transfers. Fortunate it arrived finally in very good condition. The Loader, the crate not so much.