Kama/TaiShan

[sjb]

Hi all,
I've been lurking here for a while. I'm in the market for a new tractor, and had pretty much decided on buying a 300 series Jinma in a crate.

Recently, I've read some pretty good things about the Kama/TaiShan TS254C, and TS354C, and have decided to try to find out more about them.

Does anyone know of a dealer in New England, or NY?. I'm in Western Mass. Additionally, are these tractors available in crate form?

Does anyone know the ground speed in each gear on these tractors with the creeper option. I have not been able to find this info any the web.

Any other comments on the Kama's are welcome. My reason for originally choosing the 300 series Jinma over the 284 was concern over the strength of the front axle. From what I have read the Kama is a stronger design, and the TS254C will probably meet my needs.

 

[bluechip]

I have the speed specs at the shop, I will try and get them posted for you. I can tell you that the TS254C with creeper offers 16 forward ratios and several of them are below 1mph the best I can recall. You are right about the heavier front axle, also the steering cylinder is mounted above the axle out of the way. PM me if you would like a quote, may have a truck headed up that way in a few weeks.

 

[JINMA224XR]

<font color="blue"> Does anyone know of a dealer in New England, or NY?. I'm in Western Mass. Additionally, are these tractors available in crate form? </font>

Hey SJB,

Maybe EastWinds in NY, still has one of the 354's for 6K!!!!!!!

Or maybe BlueChip will sell you one for that. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[bluechip]

[
Or maybe BlueChip will sell you one for that. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

)</font>

Don't hold your breath on that one! I am guessing that dealer was clearing out some old inventory, for whatever reason...
We have had no problem getting a fair market price for these tractors. they guy who bought it got a "once in a lifetime" deal.

I just sold a good ford 960 with loader on ebay, worth $3000 but only one bidder, no reserve ,so it goes for $1850, sometimes these things happen, but you gotta be in the right place at the right time... and be ready to pull the trigger when you see the right deal, not wake up the next day and say "I shoudda done it!".

For example we sold a KM450 2wd on ebay last fall real cheap, guy in texas got a bargain. Happy shopping! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[AR15MIKE]

I am extremely happy with the TCS354C that I bought from Eastwind in NY, and yes it was 6K, I was very pleased. He selld them for 7500 normally though, 6k is on e-bay and nobody bid on the no reserve auction.

 

[JINMA224XR]

<font color="blue"> Don't hold your breath on that one! </font>

Hey BlueChip,

Come on BlueChip, You ought to cut us Poor Boys From Arkansas, some slack, every once in a while. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Maybe if I wore my old worn out work boots in to your dealership? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks for your input &
Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[tnfarmer]

Comments:

Well I bought a KAMA 554 about 6 months ago. I will include the good and the bad. Starting with the bad:

Electronics - The elecronics are very simple, however thay have already failed. I am going to have to replace both headlights already and the rear light rivots popped out the first day due to vibration. The instrument panel stopped working, but I was able to remove the panel and fix the short. Also, the fuel float got stuck, but that was an easy fix. Also, the self-repair fuses constantly blow, not sure why.

Oil - Oil replace the oil ASAP, the thick stuff in there could be run-in oil or just some Chniese oil, not sure.

Hydraulic Connections - Well I leaked hydraulic fluid everyhwere for a week. I finally bought some sealant for the steering connections, seems to have resolved the problem.

Manual - Good luck, some English, but very poor. I hope they produce a newer version.

Pins, Linkages, Levers - Poor quality and metal, but can be replaced, except the levers.

Good Stuff:

Engine - Once you know how to start it, it purs like a kitten. No problems so far with the engine.

Price - Can't beat it.

My last concern is parts, gonna talk to "blue chip" and see if he can provide me with head lights on the KM554 and maybe get some advice on other small issues.

Hope that helps!

Todd

 

[Scozz]

<font color="blue"> sometimes these things happen, but you gotta be in the right place at the right time... and be ready to pull the trigger when you see the right deal, not wake up the next day and say "I shoudda done it!".
</font>
<font color="black">I hear you on that one Chip /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ... Scozz </font>

 

[bluechip]

Todd,
If your dealer cannot or will not help you with these issues, I will be happy to, just give me a call at ARTRAC or PM me.
If you are blowing fuses, you might have a fuse box wrapped with the wrong fuse wire, I can send you some 30, 10 and 5 amp wire to correc this. The KM does not normally blow fuses if wired correctly.

Any warranty issues MUST be handled through the dealer who sold you the tractor, we can only assist in warranty on what we import.

Just to clarify, the KM is a completely different design than the TS series being discussed here. non of the issues Todd is facing (with the exception of changing the oil. and they use the same instrument cluster and worklight) will apply to a TS series tractor. The headlights on the TS are the same wrap around style as LE series Jinma.

 

[JohnS]

The wiring, hyd leaks, and oil change are items that should have been handled by your dealer. If this was a crate purchase, it is part of the "fun" for saving additional $$$. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[tnfarmer]

Clarification:

Overall, I am very happy with the tractor. I am located just outisde Memphis and I bought the tractor in Springfield, MO. I don't think any of my issues would be covered under warranty. I don't think I would want to make the drive back anyways.

The engine does run great. It took me a few to learn how to start it, as all tractors are somewhat different. But, once you do, the Kama starts on the first couple of turns. I would recommend one, based on the price. You can always paint it green. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Hope this helps if you are considering to buy one. I will be glad to answer any questions if you are interested in buying one.

One last note, If you are somewhar mecahnically inclined, the simplicity of the tractor makes it easy to work on versus other tractors as well. I know a John Deere that sat in a field for weeks due to a a bad sensor. Don't get me wrong, I am sure to have a Deere or Holland when money is not an issue.

Todd

 

[Bugsy]

Hey guys - just have to chime in on the issue of pricing.

Let me start with the fact that there is absolutely nothing wrong with looking for the best deal possible.

With that in mind, people must remember that the "best deal" deal can turn into the biggest disappointment ever. You see, people work, and businesses exist, for a reason - to make money to survive. Some are better at it than others. Some need more and some need less. If a person or business cannot survive, then they will not be there when you need them most.

There are many factors that go into the pricing of a product, and no, it is not the boat payment /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. (That is reserved for doctors and lawyers). Overhead is the largest factor. Another, never mentioned factor, is "goodwill". You know when you have a problem or a need and the people seemed just so nice and giving- you could not believe it.

That holds true in all businesses. If you make "price" the number one concern then it should not matter if the seller is even around when they are needed. It should not matter that they even speak to you, unless of course you are "buying", and here comes that word "price" again.

On the other hand - if you like getting that little "extra". The "free" cup of coffee. The "free" advice. Even the "free" labor or the occasional part, then "price" is no longer the main concern.

After all that, the point is that there is a balancing act between price and goodwill. Price is important, but goodwill is just as important. On long lasting investments, tractors or whatever, the "price" is worth less and less every day whereas "goodwill" is increasing in value every day that you hold your investment.

Last example: Look at Chip and Tommy, and many others. They spend hours on these boards, on the phone, and writing emails. (We know this because we do it too.) All those hours are time away from the boat, the golf course, and the yes, the family.

What would it take or what does it cost to take you away from that?

No offense to anyone, but there is more to "price" the the amount of steel or iron.

 

[JINMA224XR]

<font color="blue"> Let me start with the fact that there is absolutely nothing wrong with looking for the best deal possible. </font>

Hey Bugsy,

Thank You, and IMHO, Tractor Buyers that are considering a Chinese Tractor, are trying to get the most tractor that they can get for their Money, and Saving a Ton of Money's at the same time.

In the years to come, I think that WalMarts Philosophy will be the accepted Business Strategy, "Sell It For Less and They Will Buy It". So Far WalMart's has proven that Strategy to be true. But I think that you do have to buy your own Coffee.

Have a nice day,
Joe

 

[tat2z1969]

When I started on my quest for a new tractor I talked to about 6 different dealers, some cold, some so full of it their head hurt, others were like standing down wind from a Texas cattle ranch, all you smell is BS.
I talked to 2 that in my opinon are honest, not cheapest, HONEST. If I can not respect the dealer selling a tractor, I just can not buy from them.
Low price is nice, but for a few bucks more if I know the dealer is going to treat me right and stock parts and answer questions that need answered, well thats worth more to me then the cheapest deal.
After all, someone in business needs to make a buck and keep the lights on, I don't mind paying for a steak once in a while, but I am not paying for a dealers Lobster, wine and Limo. If you get my drift.
I first go by the conversation I have with a dealer and the information he is willing to tell you even if you haven't bought off him before, or might not now.
Second, if he is fast and pitches a quote and is done talking, the big switch goes off.
Third, If you call a few times or drop emails with questions and they are answered and you don't detect him blowing you off and takes that extra few minutes to gain you as a customer, that is a plus.
If the dealer has what YOU want and you can both come to terms for a purchase, home run.
The sale has to last for years, he received your business and he wants more of your business, you need him for product support, it all works out when terms are clear in the beginnig. Ask questions.

Jim