I've got 10 hours on my new Jinma now, and wanted to pass along some of my initial impressions. First, the 304 has plenty of power and it is a larger compact tractor. I could have easily made due with a smaller tractor, like a 284. The 304 doesn't have shuttle shift, an option that would make operation quite a bit simpler. I haven't had any trouble starting the 304, this weekend it was below 30 degrees here, cold for northern AL. The only issues with the tractor are as follows: The temperature gauge has never worked, the fuel gauge is erratic (both of these will be addressed by the dealer); yesterday the tractor developed a slow drip from one of the fittings on the steering cylinder, if tightening doesn't work, the dealer will address this as well. Otherwise, from an operational standpoint it would be nice if the tractor shifted more smoothly, also 4wd can be hard to engage at times. Too date I'm very pleased with the purchase. I spent a total of $9700 for the tractor with a Koyker FEL, for that kind of savings I can live with these minor issues.
bluejay
New member
Hi Mike,
I have 126 hrs on my Jinma 304. The fuel injection pump went out at 6 hrs and the dealer sent me a new one covered under warranty. Just minor problems such as yours since.
The engine ran cold right out of the crate so I thought it might be the cooling water thermostat and discovered there was no thermostat installed. I installed a new one from Northern and it made no real difference(checking the temp of the radiator water directly). I think my temp gauge is ok as it reads the same cool temp as radiator water temp after "warm-up". It may be that the TY395T engine just runs cool under the the light loads I have used it for (compared to pulling a two bottom plow on a hot day).
I have 126 hrs on my Jinma 304. The fuel injection pump went out at 6 hrs and the dealer sent me a new one covered under warranty. Just minor problems such as yours since.
The engine ran cold right out of the crate so I thought it might be the cooling water thermostat and discovered there was no thermostat installed. I installed a new one from Northern and it made no real difference(checking the temp of the radiator water directly). I think my temp gauge is ok as it reads the same cool temp as radiator water temp after "warm-up". It may be that the TY395T engine just runs cool under the the light loads I have used it for (compared to pulling a two bottom plow on a hot day).
billbill1
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2004
- Messages
- 1,207
- Location
- Lecompton, Kansas
- Tractor
- 2016 Mahindra 1533 Shuttle AgKing 2840 shuttle shift
Mike the shifting will get smoother after you get some hours on the tractor and after you do your fluid changes. I have 49 hours and my tractor gets easier with each use. If yours has the China fluids, I would get them out of the tractor, they are nasty. I had to remove the fuel lines from the tank to the injector and clean everything up yesterday, the tractor started starving for fuel. I found crud in every screen and the teflon tape strings that you will be reading about. I'm sure you will be happy with your tractor the more you run it.
Bill
Bill
The gears will mesh better with use. The chinese gear oil is very thick and makes shifting stiffer(especially in cold weather). The hydraulic fluid is thick as well and takes a while to get pumping in cold weather. My hydraulics would sound strained in cold weather until the tractor warmed up.
I've had the 304 for 6 months now, 65 hours on the clock and I like it a lot. Primarily because of the purchase price, I got mine with a Koyker 160 loader for $10,000 wich is about the same as the Northern price for the tractor alone.
This past weekend I had my first mechanical malfunction - the hydraulic steering cylinder unscrewed itself from the tie rod end and disconnected, resulting in no steering. However, as others have mentioned this tractors are quite simple. Thanks to the information I've gleaned from this board, I was able to immediately diagnose the problem and reattach the cylinder in about five minutes with a crescent wrench from my tool box. Not bad.
All that being said, I would rebuy the Jinma, or take a serious look at a Kama 35 or Foton - the pictures of both that I've seen look a little better fit & finish wise than my Jinma.
This past weekend I had my first mechanical malfunction - the hydraulic steering cylinder unscrewed itself from the tie rod end and disconnected, resulting in no steering. However, as others have mentioned this tractors are quite simple. Thanks to the information I've gleaned from this board, I was able to immediately diagnose the problem and reattach the cylinder in about five minutes with a crescent wrench from my tool box. Not bad.
All that being said, I would rebuy the Jinma, or take a serious look at a Kama 35 or Foton - the pictures of both that I've seen look a little better fit & finish wise than my Jinma.
I am happy with my 304 so far. I got mine as a crate tractor and it showed up in January. Put it together outside. Couldn't wait for spring. I have been moving rocks too big to move by hand. Plans are to make a small road up a 20 degree slope past the house to where there are more rocks and then use them down below for a massive rock wall.
I live on a bedrock hillside, so I don't have too many options for landscaping. The tractor has made things a hundred times easier. I have had a few leaks, but nothing major. The only one that I haven't been able to fix is the breather for the hydraulic reservoir. With it filled to the mark, when I start up the grade it leaks out the breather.
The only headache I have is the backhoe that came with it. A YW-6. I got a little action when I first hooked everything up, but since then, nothing. Have had the suction screen, the relief valve, and the pump out, and can't seem to find anything to cause the lack of action. I will probably have to take all of the valves off as I am sure there is debris somewhere.
And the only other complaint I have is that there aren't many of us with the 304. Most have the 200 series or the 354. I got the 304 because in my experience a derated engine lasts longer. Besides, this thing has way more than enough power for what I am doing.
Cheers,
Jim
I live on a bedrock hillside, so I don't have too many options for landscaping. The tractor has made things a hundred times easier. I have had a few leaks, but nothing major. The only one that I haven't been able to fix is the breather for the hydraulic reservoir. With it filled to the mark, when I start up the grade it leaks out the breather.
The only headache I have is the backhoe that came with it. A YW-6. I got a little action when I first hooked everything up, but since then, nothing. Have had the suction screen, the relief valve, and the pump out, and can't seem to find anything to cause the lack of action. I will probably have to take all of the valves off as I am sure there is debris somewhere.
And the only other complaint I have is that there aren't many of us with the 304. Most have the 200 series or the 354. I got the 304 because in my experience a derated engine lasts longer. Besides, this thing has way more than enough power for what I am doing.
Cheers,
Jim
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bluechip
Veteran Member
Jim,
All the Farm Pro 30 HP tractors are JM304, there are quite a few out there, but not many frequent these forums...
All the Farm Pro 30 HP tractors are JM304, there are quite a few out there, but not many frequent these forums...
So, are more 200 series sold than the 300s? I guess that would make sense. I knew I was going to be doing a lot of heavy lifting, which is why I went with the beefier rig. I would have to guess that there are a Lot more 200s out there if the forums are any indication.
