Jinma. Any good?

[4shorts]

Hi everyone. I have never seen a Jinma other than on the net so I haven't a clue what there like. I would like to but a 30-40 hp tractor for snow clearing so it would need a loader attachment plus I would like to have a backhoe for it. Would Jinma be worth looking at? I know there are folks who say they would never buy a Chinese anything but I'm in the repair business and I purchased a really nice reliable Chinese tire changer last year that I just love. It works as good as any I've ever used so I'm wondering if the same holds true for there tractors. Thanks for your thoughts. Paul

 

[RonMar]

I love my 28HP 4WD model(284). It is a real brute. It is a basic machine, but perfectly adequate for getting some work done. If you are familliar with machinery and can turn your own wrenches, you are probably a good canidate for succesfull ownership. The Jinma 200 series, having owned one for 3 years now, IMO is a good solid machine. It is probably the most prolific model/manufacturer and the same machine is available under several different names in this country. This make parts availability not such an issue as there are quite a few dealers available, even Northern Tool sells the 25 and 35HP Jinmas rebadged as Nortrak. The large numbers being imported was one of the deciding factors for me. There are some that don't have very many importers and may cause you problems a few years down the road when you need a part that no one in this country has...

If you put some more info in your profile, or let us know where you are at, perhaps some owner in your area, or a dealer will let you come see theirs...

 

[greg_g]

Sounds like you're mechanically inclined. That and a reasonable collection of tools are generally what it takes to be a successful Chinese tractor owner. When properly maintained - and used for tasks appropriate to a utility tractor - they're **** near bulletproof. Most of the complaints you read come from folks who don't know one end of a wrench from another, who don't understand the concept of preventative maintenance, or who push their tractors beyond design tolerances (bulldozing, demolition, swamp buggy, etc).

But since you're in the repair business, I'll bet you already know these folks.

//greg//

 

[Ranch_Hand_Supp]

Would Jinma be worth looking at? Paul

My opinion:

It must have a good prep prior to use. Then where am I going to purchased my replacement parts from? Being a mechanic you will love how smiple it is to work on. There may be times you will need some technical assistance due to the lack of info in the factory books. Thats where a good dealer kicks in. I do not recommend the China backhoe.

You are welcome to come by the shop here in Chesapeake Va. and bring some of that cool Canada air with you !!....... grin.


Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

 

[Bob Rooks]

I do not recommend the Chinese backhoe either.

 

[4shorts]

Wow. Some great info here guys. Here in Newfoundland there's not even a dealer for these tractors but they can be ordered in. I'm looking at a few other makes of tractors and will get one before the snow gets here. I'm just going to use it for a few small lots for snow clearing.

I'm very used to wrenching. Got a good shop here with all the tooling to do what ever I need to do along with a lathe and milling machine but don't want to work on a tractor all the time either but I'm not so nervious considering one of these tractors thanks to you guys. Appreciate your opinions. Thanks. Paul

 

[SPIKER]

being up there in the cold, I would suggest you stick with the sized machines that come with glow plugs! I think the 30~40 hp versions did not come with glow plugs but the 28hp & down do. (they may be able to put glow plugs on the bigger units I don't know that?)

I have a 284 with china fel and china backhoe.
I would look around and see if there are Local Made FEL and HOES available for the tractor b4 buying that way you know what they will cost vs the china ones. they work but are not as good the tractors are great though. mine has been more bulldozer than tractor. BUT I've also broken more stuff than most using mine that way or should I say abusing mine that way...

also get a good block heater set up right from getgo. there are several that heat rad water at lower heater pipe that seem to be what every one says are best... Mine starts when ever I need it to even down in COLD temps. just takes time to warm her up with some heat lamps on injection pump and tarp ccovering to hold warm in for a while... oor more hard on the starter!

mark M

 

[Gronk]

Can anybody explain why the backhoe should be avoided? I am looking at these tractors and the backhoe is something I desire. I have not seen a Jinma in person yet.


Sean

 

[Bob Rooks]

Mind you this is only my personal experience after approximately 20 hours of operation, other experiences may vary:

I found the cylinder piston cup seals to be unreliable; kept breaking down and blowing through. The material used may be incompatible with domestic hydraulic oils.

Grease points, or lack thereof.

Poor design of boom pivot pin and gudgeons.

Hydraulic operation is jerky, poor quality valves.

You may have good luck in finding hoses. All of the fittings are 18x1.5mm ORFS.

I now have a LiTW backhoe, and couldn't be happier (with the hoe).

 

[3RRL]

I have 2 Chinese tractors.
I bought a 2005 Kama 554 in 2005 and just recently a 2008 Jinma 284 for my wife. I can tell you that her Jinma is set up really nice. The workmanship is better than on the 2005 Kama and she has had no mechanical problems whatsoever. My Kama had rougher fit and finish, but it has given me 560 hours of REALLY hard work. Her 284 comes with spin on filters which is another improvement. They are also very accepting of improvements and add ons and easy to work on. I (we) do all our own wrenching.

The only drawback is I feel the Chinese hydraulic valves are not up to snuff. I changed hers out to an after market valve sold by both Affordable and Ranchhand. It is well worth it. As far as the tractor, it is a real workhorse and a bargain to boot. I have no experience with Chinese backhoes. I know you can get others with more reliable valving and perhaps better features for about the same money.