Price Check TS354C price comparisons

Squid · Sep 16, 2006

I am a newbie wanting to gain some insights from others who have been around the block.
After much research, visiting a number of dealers, taking notes I have come across a KAMA TS354C on a Canadian website at a price comparable to the TS254. (hard to pass up) More horsepower obviously has appeal. On the other hand the reviews seem to give the edge to the TS254. Is horsepower the only differece?

Secondly, there are no dealers anywhere near me, (central B.C. Can.) so if I get one, it means from a container. It sounds like horror stories for some who have tried to get one going. I have little choice if I want this tractor. I figure if I take my time and keep reading here I should be able to get by???

bluechip · Sep 16, 2006

Hi Squid,
The TS254C and TS354C are identical except engine, which makes the hood longer on the 35 and tire size, with the 35 having one step up in tire size on all 4 corners the transmission, lift box, front axle, steering gear, etc is teh same. I would offer to quote you a crate tractor but have no experience with Canadian import process, so I would defer to the Canadian dealer/importer for that aspect.

Squid · Sep 17, 2006

Thank you for that. I've seen your helpful replies on other tractor discussion boards.

I am not sure what the customs is either, but the price quote I was given certainly makes the TS354C a very good buy for what I am getting. All things considered I am going to follow through and see where it leads.

bjr · Sep 18, 2006

Are Kama's different than the Jinma's? Because I was told and bought on the premise that the JM354 Was a lot heavier built tractor than the 25/28 tractors. I've really put my JM354 through the paces and it's held up very well. bjr

bluechip · Sep 19, 2006

Yes the KAMA is different than JInma. the 25HP series is built on a heavier chassis, especially the front end, differential etc. the 35HP is similar in weight to Jinma but offers 8x8 shuttle shift. Creeper is also available. Both 25 and 35 offer the same lift box as 300 series Jinma with draft and position as standard. Engines are same as current Jinma 3 cylinder for 25HP 4 cylinder for 35HP. Tire sizes are also same.
index

3RRL · Sep 19, 2006

Chip would know for sure,
but I remember when I was comparing spec for spec...that the Kama I was interested in was built a little sturdier than the comparable Jinma. Planetary final drive, weight and width if I recall....maybe some other minor things too?
Maybe Chip can verify? Anyway, I made the right choice because my Kama is VERY robust and sturdy.

psj12 · Sep 20, 2006

I believe the Kama also has a constant mesh transmission as opposed to the Jinma sliding gear transmission.

bluechip · Sep 21, 2006

Just to clarify, it is true that the KAMA KM series offers planetary final drive and constant mesh trans...the TS series do not. Since we are not currenlty importing KM series because of lack of EPA approved engine availablity (a new KM554 is to be available this winter with an EPA engine made in another factory), The 25 and 35HP TS series is all we are currently able to offer from KAMA. The TS series offer outboard bull gear final drive for more ground clearance and the chassis is much heavier than the 200 series Jinma. The steering rack is located behind the font axle. The transmission is avialable with eaither 8x8 shuttle or 16 speeds with creeper option. We can safely use the heavier Koyker 160 loader on the TS254C (and 354C) due to stronger front differential. The chassis of the 25 and 35 are the same, only the hood is longer (4 cylinder vs 3) and tires larger on the 35. Comparing the 35 to the 300 series JInma, the main difference in the KAMA TS is the choice of 8x8 shuttle or Creeper gear transmission. Both JINMA and KAMA use the same engines now (24. something and 35HP) No one is importing (legally) the 28HP version of the Y385 engine any longer. That is to say that if you select a JM284, JM254 or TS254C you will get the same Yangdong engine. I do think Jinma is doing a better job of painting thier chassis and I know they do a better job of packaging and crating thier tractors (less bumps and bangs) although I have never imported any 300 series Jinmas. Foton seems to have the best cosmetics IMHO. Oops, it seems I'm getting carried away and answering questions no one is asking so I 'll stop.