Interesting read. I recall the tractor however in defense it's always good to hear two sides of the story...
Luzhong 280 Series have an external mechanism that operates the detent springs for the gearbox that is directly operated by the clutch pedal. If any gear including HiLo is not fully engaged this mechanism will not allow the clutch pedal to return to the fully upright position thus riding the clutch. We were advised the tractor would creep, the exact symptom of a gear not fully engaged. After phone discussions our client was advised we would charge a call out fee if the fault was operator error, ie gears not fully engaged. After onsite inspection it was determined the clutch was indeed faulty. A clutch, any clutch can warp and / or burn out in a matter of minutes of abuse. The client was advised if we find the clutch in this condition once dismantled it will not be covered by warranty. The tractor was collected by tilt tray, repaired and returned a few days later at our cost. To this date we have not heard back from this customer.
For the technical stuff:
After dismantling I found the clutch friction plate had totally disintegrated, something I'd never seen before. It seems the bonding process had been skipped, all that was left was the loose fibres. Luzhong, like all Chinese tractor companies source their components from other factories. Those that know, know many parts are interchangeable between different brands including Luzhong, Jinma, Foton, etc. This plate could've easily been installed in any of these tractors. The plate lasted 2 hours of use, obviously the fibres were firm enough to escape visual inspection during the assembly. Can I blame this on Luzhong quality control? No. Could I have detected this pre delivery? No. This is an error on the part of the friction plate manufacturer. Unfortunate for both myself and our client it was installed in this tractor.
My thoughts on Luzhong tractors... **** I'd like to go to China and kick some ***. Mechanics are generally great, cosmetics and bolt on assembly suck. Same applies to Jinma, yes we sell Jinma also. Although Jinma tractors arrive with better assembly from the factory the ZL loaders are somewhat lacking. Pre delivery inspection is essential on Chinese tractors.
A thought for prospective purchasers of Chinese tractors... Buy a tractor based on the work it will be doing, not the acreage you have. A larger tractor operating at 50% for 100% of the time will outlast a smaller tractor operating at 100% for 50% of the time ten fold. For loader work, larger tractors have weight, traction and strength behind them. I have done many a repair on smaller tractors being continually pushed beyond their limits. Smaller 25hp tractors have the capability of completing the task however people simply do not realize their limitations, eventually something breaks. To a certain extent yes the 25hp LZ tractors are a little "fragile" as one poster called it, though not when used within their limitations and primary purpose which is to pull. We have sold many Luzhong and Jinma 25hp tractors throughout Western Australia. Considering these are hobby farm tractors and most clients have never even sat in a tractor before they have performed extremely well and proven to be reliable.
By the way... Luzhong and Foton are mostly the exact same mechanics and previously mostly the same cosmetics.
Zonta223... Are you the dealer that continually contacts me for free repair information? Sorry for the abrupt reply mate, there comes a time when you need to stand on your own two feet.
Dean
