T354 loader, dealers service etc

[RNeumann]

First- thank you to everyone who posts and supports this forum!

I have been looking at several brands of tractor because I have several dealers within an hour or so of me. A TYM and Kioti dealer was at the local fair. They seem to be a good dealer with a good long history so now I am also looking at the TYM. Size wise the T354 is what I'm after.

Questions:

The TYM loaders has significantly higher FEL lift specs. And inversely lower lift times which makes sense- cylinder size and location. Has this slower time been a noticeable issue for users? Can you get enough weight in the back of the tractor- ballast, rear box scraper etc- to use the extra lift capacity?

It appears a lot of the folks listed in the "dealer" section of TYM site only do parts and service. Has anyone had experience with a place that just does parts and service but doesn't sell the tractors? Even though this dealer has been around for a long time I don't want all my eggs in just one basket- I'd rather buy something else if other folks have had issues with this.

Anyone who has the T354- How has your experience been with this tractor?

Thank you!

 

[Btown]

I can only answer the first question. Yes you can put weight on the back. Loading the rear tires with beat juice, anti freeze, steel weights, windshield washer fluid or water depending on where you live will help. But putting a heavy weight for example: back hoe, box blade, brush hog, weight box etc.... Will allow the back of the tractor to stay on the ground.

 

[joeyd]

R-

I am not sure of your location but my local TYM dealer also sells Kioti and we recently had a fair so you might be talking about my dealer, Jordan Sales. I purchased a TYM 353 from them and have been very happy with it and them. Only two mechanical issues that I fixed myself but I purchased the parts from them. They were very helpful regarding "how to" info as my warranty had expired, that is just the way my luck goes.

I may be reading your question wrong but I don't know why you would not want to use the dealer you purchase from to work on your tractor? In my experience and by reading here the dealer relationship is one of the main reasons to purchase. In this case you would want all your eggs in one basket. Having other service locations in your area would be a convenient back up plan.

As far as your question regarding rear weight to offset the FEL lift capability I have my rear tires filled with Rimguard and I always have my back blade on for extra weight. I was told by a neighbor that the rear blade can also be used as a rear stabilizer if you feel the need. I make it a rule to only lift very heavy objects on level surfaces. Going slow and keeping the load low also adds to the safe practices.

 

[RNeumann]

Thx Joeyd. With the weight added to the tires and the rear blade have you ran out of loader lift capacity or does the rear end come off the ground first? Or maybe you haven't been in that situation yet?

I understand going to a local dealer I purchase from is ideal. However with so few dealers- your next dealer is south of Seattle on the coast if I recall- my concern would be if something happened with that dealer. I know I'm paranoid but I'd rather purchase something else if 10 years from now I can't get parts or how to help.

 

[joeyd]

R-

I have moved some large logs or loads with the SSQA forks while the rear end may have felt light it was still on the ground and operable. Again I only operate on level ground when getting close to the lifting capacity. I have not run out of loader capacity lifting. I have at times not been able to take as big a bite out of snow banks when clearing the white stuff. I think a lot of that had to do with how frozen it was not so much weight, I just take a smaller bite. What do you expect to be lifting that has you concerned?

I did not think about parts down the line when I bought my tractor. The engine is common enough and I just figured if I had to make a repair any good tractor mechanic/shop could repair an old tractor.

 

[Cranedaddy]

I have a T354. Had no issues with it after 85 hours. The loader has plenty of power but is a little slower than other models. Not so much slower that it's annoying but it is noticeable. It will pick the rear end of the tractor off the ground with a 5' box blade on and empty tires.

Only minor issue i've noticed is the display will fade in brightness in hot weather with the engine heat blowing on it but comes back to normal after it cools down.