About
Jinma Tractors
Update 5/3/2002: Added:
Where should I buy a Jinma? Section 5
The following is general information on the Jinma series of tractors
that are imported from China. It is
meant to assist the prospective buyer in determining if this tractor is right
for them. This information comes from
being a Jinma 254 owner, hanging out at the Chinese Tractors Owner Association
(CTOA) board, and the information provided by its many contributors. It is
for personnel use only. Any commercial
use or republication in any form, is strictly forbidden. Copyright 2002 Johns Tractor.
If there are inaccuracies or there is other information you would like
to see added, please email me at JinmaTractor@prodigy.net I am not associated with the Jinma tractor
manufacturer, exporters, importers, or dealers.
The Jinma Tractor is designed and manufactured in China. You will see it referred to as JinMa, Jinma,
or just JM. This is one of many
Chinese brands. It has become the most
popular to be imported to the US. This
is primarily due to the fact that the Jinma factory made changes for the US
market and addressed some quality issues, faster than the other Chinese brands.
The Chinese are constantly improving these tractors. Some brands, like Dongfeng, are not far behind the Jinma. Many companies and importers sell these
tractors. You will see them with brand
names such as NorTrac, EmeryBuilt, Agracat, Farm Boss, and many others. Many dealers will not advertise their
tractors as Jinma or being made in China.
You will have to deduce that from pictures or discussions with the
particular dealer.
While these tractors are sold by multiple of
different dealers. they are not 100% identical. Dealers have the flexibility to work with the Chinese on their
particular requirements. In most cases
these differences are not significant.
Also, dealers vary on the assembly work they do stateside. They will sometimes substitute US or other
manufactured parts, for the Chinese ones.
Each will vary in their assembly knowledge and skills. You should contact the prospective dealer to
understand what their respective value-add is.
There is little dealer support provided by the
factory. Each dealer must gain their
knowledge and experience, on their own or from other sources, and
experiences. Dealer experience runs
from bolt together and go shops, to very experienced with the issues and
understanding of what needs to be done with these tractors. Understanding where your dealer falls
between these extremes may influence reliability and support, down the
road. The CTOA board and its many
contributors, strive to provide the knowledge and understanding that is needed
to support the Chinese tractors.
The Jinma tractor is very similar to US tractor designs of the
1950’s. Vintage tractors such as the
Ford 8N are of similar design. They
have been updated with powerful diesel engines, power steering, better brakes,
2 stage clutches, and other improvements.
By far, the biggest attraction for these tractors, is their low
cost. Fully assembled tractors can be
had for as little as 6K. Doing your own
assembly work will provide additional savings. Compare that to Kubota, New Holland, John Deere, or other
tractors. Their cost is about double.
These tractors are not Kubota equivalents at half the price, though. Outside of other Chinese brand tractors,
they are the most reasonably priced new tractors you can buy.
While Jinma tractors are available in 2 wheel drive
models, very few dealers offer them.
The cost savings usually does not justify giving up the four-wheel drive
capability. All four-wheel drive models
have a control lever to engage/disengage four-wheel drive. The two wheel drive models are not
discussed here.
JM204 – 224
This size is great for yard work, driveway clearing,
and for light fieldwork. It is the most
common model to get the turf tire option.
It is able to handle decent size implements. This tractor easily handles four-foot box blade, six-foot finish
mowers, and four-foot rotary cutters.
Average price of an assembled tractor is around 6K.
This is the most common model in the Jinma line,
today. It is the only model available
from many dealers. This tractor
provides a good size compromise to handle large yard projects and fieldwork. It provides good power and traction for
hilly areas. Many components are shared
with the 204-224 series tractors. The
254-284 is primarily characterized by larger front wheels (16” Vs 12”), larger
rear tires, and a larger more powerful engine.
It can handle larger implements, such as five-foot box blades and rotary
cutters. Prices average around 7.5 –
8k, for assembled tractors.
This is relatively new in the Jinma line. Little user feedback is available at this
time. It is a larger and heavier framed
tractor than the 254-284, 204-224 series.
It has larger wheels and larger more powerful engines. This tractor would be more suited for some
farm work than the 254-284 series. It
would be more effective for plowing and tending to acre+ parcels. It will handle larger implements than the
smaller series. Six-foot box blade and
rotary cutters are more suitable to this tractor. This tractor approaches the physical size of the tractor icon
Ford 8N, but with much more capability.
There is no JM backhoe option for this tractor yet. The JW-03 will not fit this tractor. Three point hitch style backhoes should be
able to mount to this tractor. Prices
run 8-9k for assembled tractors.
The tractors are the equivalent to US autos of the 60’s and early
70’s. Access to most items is easy and
straightforward. Filters and fluid
changes are an easy matter to deal with.
There are only a handful of different metric size wrenches needed, on
these tractors. How things are assembled
can be easily interpreted from the “Illustrated Parts Breakdown” manual or from
careful inspection and dis-assembly.
No expensive electrical diagnostic equipment is needed.
The fit and finish on these tractors are not on par with many US
counterpart tractors. The Chinese keep
improving in this area, though.
Currently, it wouldn’t be uncommon to find some areas of the under
carriage or other parts of the tractor that was missing some black paint. The painting of hoods, cowling, and other
surfaces, lack the sophistication of multiple layers of baked-on paint, and
clear coating. It is also typical that
some small chips and scratches take place in shipping and handling. The assembler or dealer can easily handle
these defects. Consequently, items on
these tractors tend to rust more quickly than normal. Keeping the tractor covered, away from exposure of the elements,
becomes more important.
Control layout is typical to what you would find in 1950’s vintage US
tractors. There are many levers and
controls. Most are in easy reach. Like 50’s vintage tractors, you are sitting
over the transmission. No flat, open
deck, like what can be found on many Kubotas, and yard machines. When you mount and dismount the tractor, you
need to take care to how you lift and place your feet. The seat is a hard mount, with no springs or
damping, outside of the seat foam.
The Jinma hood has been going through numerous changes over the last
few years. They have gone from boxy
metal hoods to sleek fiberglass like hoods.
Improvements have been made in access to areas, ease of fuel filling,
and other cosmetic changes. Future
units are expected to change as well.
Metal fenders have been the norm for a number of years. The Jinma's are now available with sleek
fiberglass type fenders. Metal
components, while being more susceptible to rust, are probably more durable in
the long run. Rocks and stones that
fall from FEL, etc would only cause dents, which could easily be hammered out,
by the average Joe.
The transmissions on these tractors use straight gearing. The tractor needs to be completely stopped
to change gears. Failure to do so will
result in grinding. Straight gearing
also produces more gear wine than more refined transmissions. While there is some variance in
transmissions provided, most offer 3 forward gears, 1 reverse, high/low range,
and a creeper gear. This makes 16 combinations
of possible gearing. Probably more than
anyone actually needs. There are no
hydrostatic or shuttle shift options, with these tractors. Note: 304-354 uses a different transmission.
There are a number of different hydraulic pump options that your dealer
can select. These range in capacity,
and from single to dual pumps. The most
popular is a single high volume pump that runs of the timing cover of the
engine. This pump is said to be more
reliable and can handle the requirements of power steering, rear lift, and a
properly plumbed FEL.
All nuts and bolts on these tractors are metric. The metric sizes include 8, 10, 13, 16, 18,
21, and 24 mm. If your dealer includes
the standard parts and tools box that come with these tractors, it will include
open-end wrenches and other tools you need.
If not, a quick trip to the local auto parts store will yield the size
you need. Most tractor supply stores
keep a good stock of metric bolts.
Some slight oil seepage, small fuel, and other fluid
leaks are not uncommon on these tractors.
Most are easily rectified, if it does happen. This is another area that they keep improving on.
The Chinese battery while large and heavy, does not
produce allot of cranking amps. The
Chinese typically use the decompression lever for cold weather starting. Some dealers replace the Chinese battery
during assembly. If you live in cold
climates, you may want to consider replacing it with a 750-1000 CCA battery. Otherwise, use it until it fails and
replace with US brand battery.
The Chinese electrical items could stand some
improving. While the starter and
alternator are reliable, many of the gauges experience premature failure. Failures of gauges probably increase with
exposure to the elements. Most gauges
can be replaced with US type parts.
BTW, gauges are in metric units, but it is easy to convert. Lights are also easy to retrofit if they
should fail. The electrical switches
for lights, ignition, etc, can easily be replaced with commonly available parts
The tractors come with 4 manuals.
· Tractor Illustrated Parts
Breakdown Manual
· Tractor Operations and
Maintenance Manual
· Engine Illustrated Parts
Breakdown Manual
· Engine Operations Manual
Reading these can be somewhat amusing given that the Chinese conversion
to English is not always 100%. These
manuals maybe replaced or supplemented by dealer supplied ones.
The Chinese supply a parts
and toolbox with each tractor. The
tools comprise of a four open end wrenches, breaker bar and 18mm socket, a
special 13-16mm box end wrench possibly used for clutch work, and other misc.
tools. One spare oil filter and fuel
filter is provided. Other parts include
piston rings, head gasket, many o-rings, some light bulbs, and a few other
miscellaneous parts.
Because so many dealers sell Jinma or
versions of the Jinma tractor, parts are available from multiple sources. Multiple sources provide competition, which
keeps prices in check.
If your local dealer is gouging, non-existent, or out of stock, you can
go to many other Jinma dealers to order parts.
You will have the added expense of shipping, and must be able to
tolerate the wait. If the tractor is
used in a business such as landscaping or farming, you need to consider
that. Lost time might impact you
more.
The Chinese provide a one year parts warrantee with these tractors,
which starts the day the shipment is accepted.
The shipping is paid for by the dealer or contained in the next tractor
shipment. The dealer will send you
parts from their stock on hand. Some
parts are included to the importer/dealer to handle early warrantee and
installation and checkout failures. The
factory warrantee is different then the dealer warrantee. Make sure you understand the warrantee being
offered to you. All warrantees should
be in writing.
There are a number of common options that can be ordered with the Jinma
tractor. Most dealers offer some of
these options.
This allows you to park the tractor inside of a typical car
garage. There are two flavors. One to be used with the optional sunshade,
and one without. Unless you have a
dedicated high bay garage or barn, this option is highly recommended.
Made of white fiber-plastic like material, offers
some relief from the beating sun or light rain showers. Also comes in two flavors. One type is for the optional folding ROPS,
and one for without. If you will be
mowing or working close to trees, you will need the folding type, albeit you
would be defeating the safety of the rollbar.
The sunshade will also provide a nice place to mount auxiliary
lights. Auxiliary lights are
recommended when using a FEL. If you
are forced to store your tractor outside, it also makes for a nice tarp support
mechanism.
This option is primarily a cosmetic one. The main drawback is that it prevents easy
access to a number of areas. Filter
changes and other maintenance is hampered.
Definitely not recommended if you plan to use a FEL. Removing the side covers may require removal
of the FEL. If you like the looks that
they provide, just be prepared to deal with the downside.
Jinma has come out with a new hood style for the
254/284 series tractors. This hood
provides a sleeker look that goes well with the new fiberglass style fenders. It provides easy access to the battery and
radiator area of the tractor. Also has
a larger set of headlights over the previous version. The only downside is: FEL installed tractors may require the
removal of the front crosspiece to be able to open the hood. The new hood also comes with a new set of
removable side-covers. The new hood
design allows for removal of the side panels with a FEL mounted.
The 304/354 comes standard with an axle mounted power steering cylinder. It is an option on the 254-284
tractors. The side-mounted cylinder is
prone to breaking steering arms when used with loaded FEL, while turning hard
when the tractor isn’t moving. The
steering arm is a reasonable inexpensive part and easy to replace. The axle-mounted cylinder is much stronger,
and will prevent this. Unfortunately,
you lose about “X” inches of front ground clearance. This is fine for yard and reasonably level fieldwork. This could be a concern if you will be using
it in deep ruts, creek beds, and other rough areas. The 304/354 cylinder is mounted above the bottom of the axle and
does not suffer the lost clearance.
Note: Unsure of exact lost clearance.
Will measure when new tractor arrives.
An integrated instrument panel is available over the standard separate
gauges. It provides all the gauges in a
nice compact unit that looks very good on the tractor. You should consider, if one gauge fails
within the package, it may require the whole assembly to be replaced. The separate gauges would be easier to find
US replacement parts for.
A new spring mounted tractor seat is now available from the Jinma
factory. This is welcome over the hard
mounted one that can be a pain in your back and butt after a long day on the
tractor. Highly recommended.
Power steering, dual stage
clutch, tach, etc
While these may have been options at one time, most are standard
equipment today. If the tach is an
option on the particular tractor you are looking at, get it. It is very important to know what RPMs a
diesel engine is running at. Many of
the options discussed above will become standard equipment down the road.
At the current time, just about anyone can import
these tractors from China, given the importing knowledge and having the money
to pay up front for delivery. Tractors
can be purchased from one-time importers to dealers that have many years of
experience with the Chinese factories.
Unlike most tractors, there is the ability to buy the tractor in crate
form. Each option has a degree of risk
and the corresponding amount of savings or cost involved. Don’t assume if the
Jinma dealer you purchased your tractor from, goes under or stops selling
tractors, that your warrantee or repair work will be picked up by another Jinma
dealer. In most situations, this is not
the case.
The following are generalizations. Exceptions exist and some dealers may cover
multiple roles and have the benefits that the combination brings.
Crate tractors offer the most dollar savings to the
buyer. The purchaser needs to have a
decent mechanical ability and tools to perform the assembly. The tractors do not come with an assembly
guide or directions from China. Check
with your supplier if they provide any instructions. If possible, get a copy of the instructions before purchasing,
such that you can determine that it is within your abilities.
Most crate purchases require most or all payment up
front. Make sure you understand the
warrantee that is being offered and who pays the shipping of warrantee parts,
and from where. Make sure you are
comfortable with the amount of technical support they can provide.
From time to time, some quality issues do make it
out of the factory. The crate purchaser
will be at more of a disadvantage to solving and dealing with these
issues. You have to be prepared for the
possibility of a long wait for parts.
While the assembly and most repairs are straight forward, recognize that
you are responsible for ALL repairs, be it engine, transmission, or drive
train. If something is amiss from the
factory, you will have to deal with it.
It is not uncommon to see a group of guys pool their
money to order a container of tractors.
Sometimes they need a few people to help fill the container. These deals can be very cost effective. Understand that there is a one-year parts
warrantee from the factory, but it does not include shipping from China. Make sure you understand who pays for this
shipping. In most cases, you assume the
same risks as a crate tractor even if someone else assembles it. Technical support is determined by the
capabilities of the group involved.
The importer deals mostly in crate tractors but will
have a number of containers delivered per year. The frequency of containers usually determines when non-stocked
parts would be available. They may sell
directly to the end user or to small dealers or both. Importers have a very good knowledge on how to arrange and get
the product into the country. They may
have very little hands-on experience assembling or actual seat time in the
tractors. Little technical support is
usually provided.
Dealers with only one or a handful of outlets can
provide a very personnel service. They
get to know their customers on a friendly basis. You may have to pay slightly more since their overhead has less
to be spread over. A one-on-one
relationship with your dealer can provide a lot of satisfaction and trust,
which can pay-off in the long run.
Small dealers are more susceptible to market conditions and supply
issues. Buyer gets the opportunity to
touch and feel the tractor. Buys what
he sees on the lot.
Theoretically can provide the best support and cost
structure over a small dealer. Has the
resource to draw upon in unique circumstances that may severely impact a small
shop. Has the quantities purchased to
influence the factory on options and suggestions. Sometimes, but not always may lack the personnel touch. It compares to going to your local hardware
store VS Lowes or Home Depot. You may
get the best price and return policy, but they may not greet you by name or
remember the exact configuration and options you purchased, the next time you
stop by. Should have a very adequate
parts supply that should not require any waiting, for delivery from China. You get the same touch and feel benefit of a
small dealer.
You will find Jinma tractors sold by used car
dealers to farm supply discount houses, where tractors sales and support only
make-up some fraction of their total business.
This diversification can certainly help during lean tractor sales
periods. It can also lead to some buyer
frustrations, when the tractor expert is not on premise. The sales person you talk to, may never
have owned or operated a tractor. If
you are knowledgeable enough, then this might not be an issue.
This is by far the safest way to go with a Chinese
tractor. The longtime dealer has all
the experience with dealing with the Chinese and understands and remedies all
the issues that can crop up. They have
developed the knowledge on what has to be checked, replaced, and fixed on
container delivery. They know what
parts and the quantity needed to be present to support the volumes of tractors
sold. Realize that this experience and
support does not come free. They have
carefully calculated the assembly and support costs and knows what needs to be
charged to sustain their business for the long run. The Chinese Jinma tractor is still relatively new to the USA, so
the number of very experienced dealers is very low. If you are fortunate to have one close enough to your location,
it is certainly worth the premium for this valued experience.
The Chinese Tractor Owner’s Association (CTOA)
message board provides support and guidance needed for many to maintain and fix
their tractors. After monitoring this
board for a short time, you will realize that most of the technical responses
come from handful of dedicated dealers and owners. One should realize the time and effort that these people spend to
help, and there is no guarantee that they will always be there.
Your dealer should be given the opportunity to help
fix or remedy the situation, prior to bringing it to the board. Bringing a problem immediately to the board
can give the wrong impression on the kind of support they are providing. Please post the problem and remedy
afterwards, such that others can learn from it.
If the board provides you with answers and helps you
with problems and issues, please return the favor to others. Dealers that see people being helped that
purchased the product from should also return the favor and help ones that
didn’t. The board is growing in
strength and popularity and it needs everyone’s support to continue to do
so. This is needed such that the
Chinese tractor will continue to grow and improve for the future.
· How long have they been in business?
· How long have they been dealing with Chinese tractors?
· How often do they get new container shipments in?
· How extensive is their supply of parts?
· What is the written warrantee?
· What does it cover?
· What doesn’t it cover?
· What is the period, and when does it start?
· Are their deductibles and is it per repair?
· Do you need to bring the tractor in?
· Where do you go for repairs?
· Can they provide a list of customers to contact?
· What is their reputation in the area?
· Are tractors and implements their only business?
· Does what the dealer says jive with what research you have done on the tractors?
You will have to balance what your needs and
requirements are to what sales options you have in your area. Careful consideration before buying can be
critical to long time satisfaction. No
one can tell you what is best for you.
If a good fit can not be made in your area to your needs, consider
looking at other tractors and solutions.
The Jinma tractor provides allot of value for
the money. While it has some
deficiencies, they are minor and can be easily dealt with. This tractor is ideal for the person that
can do their own repair and maintenance.
At their price point, it brings the possibility of a new tractor, to
people who could only consider purchasing used or renting. Best suited for small estate owners and some
light commercial work, such as landscaping.