JINMA 354

inveresk · Aug 25, 2005

I've been looking for a 35hp tractor for an 11 acre farm I've just bought in BC, Canada and got quotes from three dealers. Kubota came in at $38k CAN, John Deere $46k CAN and Jinma $21k CAN. The price difference is huge and will pretty much pay for all the other kit I need but I'm just a little concerned about reliability and spare parts availability. The Jinma looks like a robust beast, machined with the amount of metal that tractors used to be made with here some decades back. However, it isn't quite up to the mark on technology (which is to be expected and in some ways is welcome - if the machine is fairly rudimentary, you can bet it will be easier to fix without professional help). If there are any Jinma 354 users out there who can provide feedback, good or bad, on how their machine has performed and whether it arrived on time, complete and in good condition, I'd be glad to hear from you.

Affordable · Aug 26, 2005

We have been selling Jinma in the USA for years,they are a little behind in tech. but are great tractors if you don't mind turning a wrench every now and then. Parts are not a big problem.we stock alot of them and there are other dealers that do also.I would recommend purchasing from a dealer rather than crate,we have to adjust clutches,flush fluids,ect.during set up. Also if you are expecting a 35 hp 354 it must have the Y395 E1 engine,the 354 is also sold with a Y395 E3 engine which is 30 hp.You should also make sure that it is EPA approved.The LE version has a few options that you may want to look at also

Tommy
Affordable Tractor

bjr · Aug 26, 2005

The 354 is a good machine. I have only 150 hrs on mine. So far it's done every thing on my two acres. I have the following views.

If you have the ability and time a crate tractor is less expensive. I knew what I wanted but had a hard time convising a dealer to supply my needs, but finally succeeded. Just figure the warranty goes away sooner on the parts. It didn't matter cause it had taken 6 mo. of the 1 yr sitting in the dealers yard.

Flush the fuel tank and replace tank valve/screen assembly with conventional quarter inch needle valve. You'll have a good starting with full power engine then.

Use lots of antiseize when assembling check every nut and bolt you can get a wrench on.
Don't let the wiring intimidate you it will be just fine and tie wrap up everything. I did finally replace all guages including the fuel guage and float assembly. I bought oil, amp temp at Harbor freight for about $10, got the fuel gauge and float at Napa $55.

Unscrew the oil filter center screw about 1/2-5/8 in. to be able to put on a standard Ford oil filter. CHANGE ALL FLUIDS.
I probably would have went to a 40 HP though now. bjr

ejtaylor822 · Aug 26, 2005

I have a Jinma 454LE. Really love this machine. So far it has done everything I have asked/tried - it's a real work horse. I had a coupling come loose and blow my hydraulic pump. Had a brand new pump within the three days after my call to the dealer.

It seems that most parts are available - just google "jinma" and you should get a bunch of the suppliers. The 354 is very popular so I would be surprised if there were an issue with parts.

The only parts problem I have had is getting a tail light lens for mine. The 454LE is pretty new to the US and the tail light is different. Accidently busted mine and having to wait a month for the part.

BTW, not sure if you are looking at a crate and putting together yourself - I did not do this. Bought mine from a dealer that assembles and resells.

KevinW · Aug 26, 2005

I'm in the market for a 354 also. I was looking at the Jinma, then swithed over to the TS354C. It offers Shuttle Shift and a 4 Cylinder Diesel engine. This model is alvailable in a Kama or Taishan. Can anyone explain the difference between a Kama TS354C and a Taishan TS354C? There's also a model KAMA TS354X 35HP 4WD with Creeper gear, no Shuttle Shift tractor with TY395 EPA engine, with Steel Hood and fenders.

I live in NC and there are no dealers around that I know of, so I'm getting prices on crate ship with FEL and backhoe.

Good Luck...

TS254C

inveresk · Aug 26, 2005

Kevin, can you let me know who is quoting you on the Kama or Taishan. They look like good options to the Jinma although I'd prefer if I could get it assembled.