Buying Advice Need advise on Jinma 204 and 254.

Todd_C · Sep 19, 2005

I live in a homewoners association and we maintain about 11/2 miles of gravel road. The homeowners association purchased a 1948 Ford 8N that is in good condition. This tractor has been used for several years to grade the road and to remove snow. I was helping the neighbor that keeps and maintains the 8n grade the road with my TC 30 when he asked me about selling the 8n. There seems to be a demand for the old Fords. I would like to sell the 8n and consider looking at a Jinma 204 or 254. I know the Jinma would do a lot more than the 8n.

The tractors seem to be well built. I just can't figure out why the prices vary so much. Northern Tool wants as much for the 304(?) as I paid for my TC 30. Any input would be appreciated.

greg_g · Sep 19, 2005

If there's a specific question or questions lurking in there, I'll be glad to address it/them. I've owned a pair of JM254s in the past.

Northern's prices are a bit higher than most, to help recoup some of their "free shipping" expense.

I hope you understand that you listed Jinmas from three different size groups. With size comes power and and capability - and necessarily a bigger price tag.

//greg//

Todd_C · Sep 19, 2005

If the 8n were sold, we could only afford to buy the 204. I would like to know the average selling price for a 204. I have seen the 204, 254, and 304 at the local Northern Tool Company. I know some of the tractors at the store have been there for a while, but this is a reflection of the price and not the tractor. My area has a lot of tractor dealers so there is a lot of competition.

I have read several posts about the 204 and there seems to be good source for parts so this question is answered. The main purpose of a 204 is for snow removal. We have a 6' blade on the 8n and this balde would be used on the 204. I would like to hear from 204 owners about common problems and/ or lack of problems. I would also like to hear form someone who has owned/ used a 204 for several hundered hours to a thousand hours.

Thanks for your help.

greg_g · Sep 19, 2005

RURAL KING sells their JM200 for $3999, but it's 2wd with turf tires. I don't think you'd move much snow without chains. But on the plus side, it's got metal fenders. I'd be afraid of chains alongside those with fiberglass or plastic fenders.

That said, RK doesn't sell the 4wd version. But as a general rule, there should be a minor deduction for with ag tires (R1) and a big add-on for 4wd. I'd say you should be able to get a JM204 (or clone) for somewhere in the vicinity of $5000. But they're much less common (think availability) than the 25hp version. You might want to consider setting your sights just a tad higher.

//greg//