Jima 354 vs Farmpro 30hp

[goatman]

I have a choice of the 2 tractors both new. 1 is loacal with repairs available the other another and maybe local support.. both with FEL Farmpro with KOTKER the Jinma with china made loader same price for both.. any advise as to which to choose /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif .. I am open for suggestions as I have never owned a tractor from china.before.. The dealer with the Farmpro showed me head gaskets from bothe the 25 and 30 and BIG diff.. he suggest if put on dyno the 30 is probably closer to 35hp.. any thought?? thanks in advance . /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[greg_g]

The FarmPro is a rebadged Jinma. They basically start out as the same tractor on the Chinese assembly line. They share the same Y395 engine as well. Those engines that test "stronger" are then processed out the 35 HP door. The rest get sold as 30 hp jobs.


They weigh the same too, so the 354 is going to have horsepower to weight advantage. Service after sale being equal, take the deal that offers the most horsepower for the dollar.

//greg//

 

[JohnS]

Take a look at the engine in both. If it is the same, the 354 probably only has larger wheels over the 304. Many of the 304s and 354s have the 395 engine. That engine can provide different hp/rpm ranges, similair to the 385, found on the 254/284 models. In terms of real work performed, most likely you would not know the difference between them. From a pure cost perspective a 354 would be about $500-$1000 more than 304.

The Koyker FEL is generally considered a better one than the chinese. If you plan allot of FEL work, then you might want to lean toward that. It will be much easier to get any parts for the Koyker. For comparisons, it is probably worth around $500-$1000 over ZL30.

From a dollar standpoint they are about equal. You will have to judge between size of wheels and FEL, if that sways you one way or another. ie you absolutly need one or the other. A good respectable local dealer for whichever one, is probably the better choice over the differences in machines. That can have much more importance, especially if there are any warrantee issues.

 

[JohnS]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Those engines that test "stronger" are then processed out the 35 HP door. The rest get sold as 30 hp jobs.)</font>

Greg, There has been many a discussion on differences of hp on a given engine model. I've seen this one posted in a few places, but from talking (email) with my china contact, do not have much faith that it is what actually happens. The engines are built at another factory and boxed and sent to the tractor factory. As far as I know, they are not put on any dyno and tested, prior to tractor assembly. Most engines are started after tractor assembly, but doubt that they are "power" tested at that point.

Out of the different theories I've heard, if there is an actual hp difference, it is most likely a different timing/injector pump adjustment difference. From my direct experience with a 254 and now owning a 284, I can not tell the slightest difference in real world performance. But, I also don't have any job that requires running the tractor at max rpm, where if there was a diffence, probably be where it would show up. The engine book that came with mine, shows multiple different hp/torque curves. I have heard that is the same with the 395, also. If I remember correctly, almost 40hp can be had from this engine. Now on the other hand, most buyers will think there is a major difference between tractor hp ratings, and not think about at what rpm range and if they can actually use that hp.

 

[greg_g]

Don't think it's anything as sophisticated as a dyno either John. The way it was explained to me, it's a static test based pretty much what kind of RPMs they get when tweaking the injection pump once the engine's in the tractor.

The QC guy at the Budweiser plant goes by his taste buds, the HP guy at the tractor plant goes by his ear.

//greg//

 

[JohnS]

Greg, if true, it still lends itself to having the extra power at max rpms. Only a bene if you have an job to run it that high.

As Zhang mentioned, there are 4 cyl engines available in the size series, so the buyer needs to make sure they are the same engine. I don't know if the 4cyl are better or worse than the 395, maybe just smother running. I think they might come form the same engine factory as Y385, used in 254/284. My engine book does indicate a 4cyl model. Also, be careful, the way china numbers engines (num cyl)(bore size), you could have two different engine with the same number. The 395 is more popular, used in the dozer, and probably has better stateside parts support, at this time.

 

[goatman]

Seem to drift away from my question.. If you have to pick 1 of the 2 same price is there any advantage of 1 over the other??? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[usedcarz]

farm pro is usually built to a little cheaper specs, but basically they are the same tractor. a 284 jinma is gonna do everything and more that a 30 hp is gonna do. i've had 2 of the 30's, and a lot of trouble out of both. we sell the jinma 'LE' versions only, which farm pro is not even close in comparison to a LE. as far as loader, again, there ain't no way i'd consider a chinese loader after owning selling koykers. we've sold both, and for the price difference, koyker is way out front. dealer support/ parts/ the big word--HELP when needed is what you need to consider. farm pro, from what i've read, seen, and heard, is not a real great, quick, efficient supplier of parts or repairs. they are trying to be 'price-leaders', and are selling tractors for sure, but then again---anybody can sell 'em, it's who takes care of the customers that will survive.

 

[usedcarz]

after reading your first post, i don't know what the salesperson showed you as far as a head gasket, but they are the same. unless, as mentioned, the 30 has the 4-cylinder motor, which, let me warn ya' up front---keep a tool box handy.
no such thing as 'tweaking' or 'dyno'---it's whatever the stamp on the motor says when it hits the tractor, vs. the rpm and timing setting. as john said, not an ounce of difference in the 25 and the 28 that anybody will notice. not a bit of difference in the 30/35 that i could tell. for the size, the 284 is by far the most popular and easiest to get around, and will do everything ya' ask of it (within reason)

 

[mscott]

Hi /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I have a Jinma 354 and have had only minor leaks and adjustments in the almost 2 years and 200 hours i've owned it. It has the TY395i engine. I was wondering what problems usedcarz had with his 30hp tractors? I
To answer goatman i'm with usedcarz and pick the Farmpro with the Koyker loader all else being eager. The difference in hp rating will never be missed. Check and make sure it has a differential lock and glowplugs both of which mine lack because of it being an older model. Never have missed the glow plugs even in below 0 weather. The TY395 fires up as easy as any gasoline motor.

 

[dancce]

I continually see posts with reference to Homier's (Farm Pro) receiving the the lower quality or lower speced tractors from Jinma, like they are getting the "bottom of the barrel" stuff.
I am wondering if these are facts---or just opinions. Where does this info come from?

dancce

 

[DIYGuy]

It's not that they are lessor quality. They are ordered without any frills. There are all kinds of options when ordering from the factory. There are different hoods, instrument clusters, options for hydraulics, steering cyclinders, seats, etc.

Homiers orders theirs with no frills. Most independent dealers will order with better seats and instrument clusters. Many will order with hydraulics prep'ed for loaders.

The engines and drivelines are identical.

 

[bluechip]

How have I managed to hold out till now to add my 2 cents?
For what its worth, (I may owe you change from your 2 cents!)

As for the original question: If the dealer with the Koyker loader is the one you say will service you best it is a no brainer, go for it, as a bonus you will be buying a tractor backed (at least for 6 months) by a financially strong national firm, if however the Jinma dealer is better perpared to support you the decision gets tougher. I do not think the HP difference will be noticed, and I think the tire size may be the same too now. Unless the JINMA has the LE option which has just come out, I bet there is not a nickles difference in the tractor itself so its loader vs dealer I suppose.

The head gasket for the TY395 is in fact much different from the Y385 engine, which I think is the comparison that was made. almost a half inch larger bore. The 30 has a better front end set up and placement of the steering cylinder than the smaller 254/284 also.

I have not been able to substantiate that the 300 series is more problematic than the 254/284, although I have heard that stated somewhere else before. we have only sold a couple of 30HP Farm Pros (and did a little work on each for what that's worth).

 

[JohnS]

Goatman, What Bluechip said.

 

[usedcarz]

the 304 i had most problem with was an early version, 4 cylinder. lower engine noise, after replacing injectors, and pump, and few other things. again, that was the 4-cylinder version. i just sold a 354 a while back, which i used all last summer to mow 2 acres with, problem free. so it's not so much the size, or certain model, and again, it could have been just one of those 'problematic' tractors that never seem to quit. as bluechip says and as i said, it boils down to the dealer that you trust will give you the most help and support when needed. i think most of the posts/readings/info on the farm pro problems were when they first fired up their nationwide program, and it may be they have improved and on the right track. from what i understand and talking to them a year or so ago, their tractors are pre-assembled and shipped. i prefer to assemble them ourselves and know what's what, and also like the LE versions a lot better. and the steering cylinder, battery box, fiberglass fenders,and a few other changes on the new le's are much improved. also, farm pro was just limited to 2 or 3 sizes before ?? not sure about their procedures now. but overall-- koyker is better loader, not an ounce of difference in hp and driveline, andeither way, i think the orig. poster would be satisfied with either tractor.