ARTRAC

We have had Longtracs and currently carry Farmtracs along side our KAMA and FarmPro (Jinma) tractors, and I won't leave out Kioti. Each has a place. The Longtracs that are available now are larger than any legal to import Chinse tractor at 52 and 68 HP. They are heavily built and like the Chinese are not up to current design standards, but work. The Longtracs have planetary front drives with U joints where the Chinese offer bevel gear drive. the paint is better (thicker) on the Longtracs. The Longtracs are of eastern Europe manufacture (UTB). They are much larger physically than the KAMAs, I'm not sure the criteria, but even the KM554 could probably be classified as a CUT, not the Longtracts they are Utility sized.

The shuttle, when referring to Chinese tractors is a non synchronized separate shift lever for forward reverse selection that allows reverse and forward at similar ground speed. The KAMA has it on a shift lever on the trans, the Longtrac 4wd have it near the steering wheel and it is synchronized.

The Fartrac series is of Ford desing made in India and is much closer to meeting modern standards and offer very good cosmetic fit and finish (built to Ford standards as they made tractors fro ford from 1969 till Ford sold out to NH). Try a 665 with platform and Carrerro (sp?) 12x12 synchro shuttle.

kc73

thanks artrac.

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Live Oak

Hey Chip, if you are still selling Kama's we sure would appreciate an update as for what is new for 2006.

ARTRAC

Hey Randy,
Thanks for the update on the site. Good to be back and I will re-add it to my list of boards that I browse daily (or so).

For 2006 we will continue to bring in TS254C and TS354C tractors. We have had to stop (hopefully temporarily) brining in KM series as all engines 25HP and up must be EPA certified, the temorary allowance for all of these engines has expired. So if the Chinese produce an EPA engine and KAMA modifies the KM to accept it, we will bring back the KM.

Last year the shuttle shift was moved under the steering wheel, its on the right side, the Chinese figured that where all the shifters in cars are....you gotta love it, but it works fine and is very easy to go from forward to reverse, much easier than the old style stick shift shuttle on the TS series.

Both TS models will be imported with EPA certified engines in 2006, there is a price increase but we are trying to do our best to stay competitive. Farm Pro had a significant price increase and a lot of importers had stopped in 2005, perhaps because of EPA enforcement (some were using 1998 and 1999 engine dates to get around the EPA requirement and got caught.)

Hope 2006 is a great year for the tractor industry and tractor users, may we get the rain we need, and not any more or any less, affordable diesel fuel prices and most importantly enough seat time on our tractors!

Live Oak

Thanks Chip! Hope you will drop by often.

Fordfarm

I don't know a LOT about the Chinese machines, but it seems that everone I talk to that has one is well pleased. How are they (durability wise and parts availability) stacking up to some of the Korean tractors (Kioti, Montans, Branson)?

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Fordfarm
http://scroungeman.blogspot.com/

"Progress stops when you can no longer improve your property, for fear of the tax burden it would bring..."

HarryG

I think I can a little info here. I have a Jinma 224. Thats a 22HP 4WD China brand named Jinma which are rebadged into many different names like Farm Pro, Nortrac, Farm Boss and too many others for me to remember.
They are a real basic machine with 50+ year old technology. Yes, they do need some tweaking now and then and anyone that goes this route must have some mechanical skills. I have had no problems luckily although some have had issues. They are pretty heavy and powerful machines and not small like we are used to. I have a Kioti LB 1714 (17HP 4WD) and its like a riding mower in size compared to the Jinma. I forgot I also have a 62 IH Cub Lo Boy too. I like them all LOL.
In my opinion they are not in the same quality class as the JD 's or Kubotas etc. They are a basic machine at a reduced price that can get the job done . Parts availability is good stateside with several dealers stocking parts and technical info like Chip Uren from Artrac Company as well as many others.

Here is a pic of me moving some snow on my 224.
More snow to go move right now after I get done typing this.
Regards, HarryG:spinsmile

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