Task Master Questions…

MaineTWLSB · Apr 5, 2005

Yet another newcomer to the tractor world with more questions then answers.

Does anyone know anything about Task Master tractors? Looking for a 30-35 hp tractor and a local dealer carries a Task Master Trojan 438 (maybe a Titan but he told me Trojan). I’m a little antsy about going Chinese. (It’s a 38hp but is still 4-5 grand cheaper then the other tractors I’m looking at.)

First thing on the list of things I need the tractor to do is snow blow/snow removal. Have pretty harsh winters up here in Maine. Do these engines hold up over time?

I don’t have time/knowledge for fixing engines and what not. Somewhat mechanically inclined but not something I really enjoy.

Any help/hints/concerns are appreciated.

Thanks

John
maineh70@yahoo.com

Affordable · Apr 5, 2005

Not a bunch of Taskmaster dealers on here, you may want to Look at Jinma, basicly the same tractor with alot more dealers and parts support.About the same saving also

Tommy
Affordable Tractor Sales

greg_g · Apr 5, 2005

TaskMasters are made by DongFeng Agricultural and Machinery Group (DFAM). You'll find additional info by searching for information on
DongFeng tractor and
DF tractor and
BullDog tractor and
DFAM tractor.

//greg//

Boltonpower · Apr 5, 2005

Task Masters are a brand name for tractors from several factories.
As good as any Chinese tractor but they have an exclusive
importer on the west coast. Check with the dealer and make sure
he has parts and will continue to support the product. Jinma has
about 100 importers and many more dealers for parts and support..

Graham

DFW · Apr 6, 2005

John, first welcome to TBN, you'll find a wealth of information and very helpful folks here. While the Jinma and it's variants seem to be the big name in Chinese tractors, DF or Task Master if you will, is making some in-roads into the tractor market. They are trying to develop an "Americanized" Chinese tractor. The importer is working directly with DF to constantly upgrade and address issues that are unique to the US market. I happen to have a TM 432e and love it. A very strong workhorse that I am sure would do well for you. I have dug out numerous trees, dug the footers for my garage (24x30) and moved loads of gravel and dirt. I had some QC problems in the beginning, but they were dealer issues not the tractor per se. I have over the year plus that I've owned the tractor, had contact with the dealer a few times and there was no shortage of repair parts. They would literally send me anything that I needed and generally within a day or so.

Hope this helps and again welcome to TBN.

JohnS · Apr 6, 2005

I haven't touched a TM, but have seen DFs. They appear to be similiar to other chinese tractors. At the time, I liked what I saw in the 354.

Nothing against DF or TM, but they don't seem to be growing as fast as some of the other chinese tractor brands. Kama and Fuitian/Foton seem to be gaining wider popularity and acceptance. Lenar, which I believe comes through the same single importer or controlled by such, appears not to be growing as fast as brands mentioned above, as well. While the tractor may very well be a good product, there is something to be said for having multiple sources and choices for parts.

The "americanizing" is part hype. Yes, I am sure they are doing that. But, so are all importers of different chinese tractors, be it Jinma, Kama, Foton/Futian, or whatever. I am not aware of any brand that is not trying to improve their tractor for the american market. If there is any that are not improving, they won't be around long.

In many cases, the single biggest factor in any chinese tractor, is the selling dealer. How well they prep the tractor, and their after sale support. If this is a well established dealer in ME, there should be plenty of customers to talk with.

MaineTWLSB · Apr 6, 2005

( I have over the year plus that I've owned the tractor, had contact with the dealer a few times and there was no shortage of repair parts. They would literally send me anything that I needed and generally within a day or so. )

Those two sentences sum-up why I’m questioning Chinese tractors in general. I assume I’m being naive here but I don’t want to be looking for parts in the first year.

In any case I appreciate any and all info given here. Thank you to everyone that replied.

I’m quite certain picking a wife was much, much easier then this…..

Thanks again
John

greg_g · Apr 6, 2005

( I don’t want to be looking for parts in the first year.
)
That's a bit unrealistic. No matter what color paint a tractor is wearing - no matter how much you paid for it - no matter who you bought it from, things are going to break during the first 50 hours. That's why they call it a break-in period, that's why you need responsible service after sale.

//greg//

NIXON · Apr 6, 2005

Greg makes a great point ! I have 100 hrs on my 3130 (kubota ).
But they haven't been without a few warts . I had the 3ph control valve replaced at around 15 hours . The right hand actuator for the bucket developed a leak at 90 hrs. And my Kubota top link cylinder developed a leak at one fitting at 94 hours. The first two were fixed b7y the dealer ,. the third by me .
I guess my point is that they are all man made and subject to failures . Personally I picked the Kub as I'm not much on wrenching .
But then thinking about the Chinese machines.... They are designed to work in an environment without a lot of dealer support. They are no frills machines . Yet they are designed for reliability . John

DFW · Apr 7, 2005

John, I probably should have clarified a bit more my statement on parts. The parts I "needed" were in many cases my mis-diagnosis of the problem or a possible future problem averted. As an example, when I first got the tractor the ammeter wasn't working, the dealer sent a new instrument cluster and alternator, turns out to be a blown fuse. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I had a cut in a hose on my backhoe from rubbing against the frame, no immediate concern, but called the dealer, explained the problem, two new hoses a few days later, no out of pocket cost.

Were any of these show stoppers, no. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

David

shvl73 · Apr 7, 2005

Not intended as a bash on anyones brand of choice but,
( I don’t have time/knowledge for fixing engines and what not. ) this leads me to believe maybe a more established brand with a labor warranty as well as a servicing dealer might be a better choice. This part ( Somewhat mechanically inclined but not something I really enjoy. ) also stands out. It seems to me that, although many members get alot of work out of their tractors, there is the occasional wrench turning required. On the Chinese units, most warranties are for parts only, leaving the owner to do the required repair. While some may enjoy the diagnostic challenge and the satisfaction of doing the actual repair, if someone is stating they don't want to do the same, maybe having a full warranty with a dealer to take care of any issue would be a better choice. Tell me if I'm wrong, I'm hoping nobody takes this the wrong way.

Boltonpower · Apr 7, 2005

The factory offers a parts only warrenty to the importers.
Some direct importers and even the retailers they sell to
choose to leave it at that. Others don't. I'm a direct importer
and dealer. I offer a full parts and labour warrenty. If the
work is done at my shop. Most of my customers are in New
England so we work out the transportation piece. I don't do
many warrenty jobs though. Most of the stuff is so minor,
light bulbs, fuses, boots etc.. That the customer either picks
up the parts or I mail them because it isn't worth the trouble
to transport the tractor.

Graham

MaineTWLSB · Apr 7, 2005

( I'm hoping nobody takes this the wrong way. )

Not in the least I think you nailed it.

Thanks again everyone...this site is great....get all sides

coloradobuddy · Aug 19, 2014

Re: Task Master Questions

DFW said:
John, first welcome to TBN, you'll find a wealth of information and very helpful folks here. While the Jinma and it's variants seem to be the big name in Chinese tractors, DF or Task Master if you will, is making some in-roads into the tractor market. They are trying to develop an "Americanized" Chinese tractor. The importer is working directly with DF to constantly upgrade and address issues that are unique to the US market. I happen to have a TM 432e and love it. A very strong workhorse that I am sure would do well for you. I have dug out numerous trees, dug the footers for my garage (24x30) and moved loads of gravel and dirt. I had some QC problems in the beginning, but they were dealer issues not the tractor per se. I have over the year plus that I've owned the tractor, had contact with the dealer a few times and there was no shortage of repair parts. They would literally send me anything that I needed and generally within a day or so.

Hope this helps and again welcome to TBN.

I have 432e and need parts. Do you have any contact info for a dealer???

coloradobuddy · Aug 19, 2014

Need help finding dealer to order parts for trojan 432e.

coloradobuddy · Aug 29, 2014

The 432 task master tractor has been a very good tractor!!! I have had a few little issues and a couple big ones. My tractor is ten years old and I think the problem I'm having now is a bad injector. I have 39 hard hours on it. It mows weeds with brush hog the loader works great. The weak point in this tractor is the clutch and can be burned up in a hurry by riding the clutch, but if you use the gears no need to ride clutch. It has high low on both the trans and transfer case. This is my second tractor. My first was an 8n ford. loved the ford but the task master is the better tractor. I would buy another task master it has been great for the price!!!!

coloradobuddy · Aug 29, 2014

Finding parts has been the only problem I have had, but in 10 years have had to fix a tire a couple broken bolts and a fuel leak. I don't see how a warranty would have helped.

taskmax · May 10, 2015

Who is the dealer&where is he? Thanks!

hazer36 · May 11, 2015

I would not buy a china made tractor and expect dealer to back warranty.Around here all would close shop as soon as their shipment was gone and problems started.There is a guy around here that did warranty work on farm pros and some fotons.He still has some parts left over.He said half time he never got paid.
Be prepared to turn a wrench or two.The jinmas seem to have the best support or as parts.