Jinma 204 VS 284

[jonrjen]

I currently have a Jinma 204 with a FEL, I have been pleased with it so far. I am wondering if it would be worth upgrading and purchase a Jinma 284. Can anyone tell me if the power difference is noticeable? Will my FEL off of the 204 transfer to a 284? Are the frames the same or is the 284 any beefier?
I need your knowledge and experience.
Thanks
Jon

 

[JohnS]

Off hand, I'd say no. What is the 204 not doing that you think the 284 will satisfy? I don't think there is much the 204 can't do, that the 254/284 can. If two cyl, it may even have more usable torque, at lower rpms.

There is a slightly different framing with 2 cyl, to accomodate the shorter block. The older 204s have smaller wheels/tires, but frames are not significantly different. Need to go to 304/354 series for a beefier tractor. Many of the newer 254/284s have a recessed battery, which causes a change in the front fel brackets.

 

[greg_g]

Depends if your 204 is two cylinder or three. If two, going to a 254/284 might not be the power upgrade you expect. If three, you're gaining both horsepower - and bulk (it's essentially the next frame size UP from the 184/204). With bulk comes the possibility that you could encounter difficulty crossing the current FEL over to the 254/284.

John and I can only offer a SWAG, because what I really think we have here - is a "dealer question".

//greg//

 

[RICHARDG]

Well,if I had a 204,,I'd probably have 4 ft hog and tiller,,instead of 5 ft,,other than something like that,[a ft ain't a lot in those things],I would be happy with 204,,now if you really needed more power/weight,,the 30-40 h.p. jinmas are out there,but don't think I'd trade in for 5 more h.p.,,,thingy

 

[jonrjen]

Had to go out and take a look, it is a 2 banger. I bought it around a year ago with 100 hours on it. It came with the FEL, single board plow, and a 5' three point blade. With the tractor engaged in 4x4 it handles a 5' box blade with out a problem. In all I gave $5000 for it. I have located a dealer that has the 284 Jinma at a price of $5900. Thought about up grading to the larger tractor, but maybe this isn't the way to go.

 

[greg_g]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Had to go out and take a look, it is a 2 banger.... Thought about up grading to the larger tractor, but maybe this isn't the way to go. )</font>

Well, something got you thinking upgrade.

If this is just a TimTaylor thing ( more POWER !! ), I think you'd be $5900 less poor if you stuck with the 204. I've worked a 24hp Yanmar two cylinder side by side with a 25hp Jimna three cylinder. In dry conditions, the two banger won every time, especially going uphill.

But if it's something mechanical that's got you worried about the 204, that's what we're we're here for.

//greg//

 

[RICHARDG]

Another thought,,I'm not sure if those 284's are any more h.p. than a 254,seems like people saying the govenor just was set higher or something like that?I think they got the same motor as a 254?So you are really only taking about maybe 5 or so more h.p.,,if I was going to trade up from a 204,,I'd think about a much bigger one,,Gregs just bought a big one,,its not a jinma though,,kama or something,he says,,sounds like he got a good deal on it,but bigger ones will be different,taller,less turning radius,wider,etc,,mine just fits my paths,and just now have the tree limbs trimed to where they need to be,unless you were planning on doing a lot of loader/backhoe work,the only advantage in getting bigger than you got,is you could use 5 ft cutter,5 ft tiller and 6 ft blade,and like I said a ft really don't mean all that much [at least in this],couple more passes is all really. thingy

 

[jonrjen]

I guess all said and being honest about it, it is more of a Tim Allen thing.......More Power.
I didn't realize the 2 cylinder has more TQ and HP than the 3 cylinder. Just thought the extra HP would have be noticeable.
I also have an Zetor 25 HP diesel articulating little beast. Strange looking little thing, but it has never managed to get stuck in wet Texas black land clay.
If these two ever need assistance, they are also backed up by three Belaurs tractors, a 68 HP two wheel drive, a 825 4x4, and a 102 HP turbo 4x4, all cab designed tractors.
What do all of these tractors have in common, you may wonder. All were inexpensive to purchase, simple to work on, and with simple maintance they are a work horse and get the job done.
Thanks for your help.........think I'll keep the 204.........after all it will "Get R Done"