Cold Weather Jinma |
Compiled from user's posts on the CTOA board Do you plan on using your Jinma in below freezing temperatures? Using it for snow removal? Here are a number of things that can make cold weather Jinma use, much easier. |
Fluids: + Fuel You want to make sure you get winter blend diesel fuel. You can add aftermarket anti-gel/conditioner to be extra safe. Diesel fuel that gels will clog filters, and engine will stop, dead in its tracks. + Radiator Fluid Make sure you have the right antifreeze to water ratio in your radiator. For most areas, a 50/50 mix works well. Check the back of your antifreeze container, with expected temperatures in your area, and mix to that ratio. + Engine Oil If your engine has been broken in, synthetic oil can help get that engine turning easier on those frozen mornings. Synthetic oil does not thicken with the cold as quickly as dino oil. + Hydraulic Oil Like engine oil, can be very thick and takes time to warm-up. You can help reduce that time by using ATF or synthetic hydraulic oil. |
Engine Block Heaters There are a number of different types of engine block heaters that you can use on your Jinma tractor. Plug the heater in, and let it run for about an hour before cranking it over. Please note, it is recommended to plug the extension cord into a GFI outlet or a circuit that has a GFI breaker. After the engine block has been warmed with the heater, it is recommended to use the decompression lever and turn the engine over a few times to get oil pumped through the engine, prior to starting. |
Lower Radiator Hose style Engine block heater |
Magnetic Oil Pan style Engine Block Heater Please note: Type shown is a low wattage unit, but has flexibility to use on numerous engines. |
Bonded Oil Pan style Engine Block Heater |
Oil Dipstick Engine Block Heater - NOT RECOMMENDED!!! |
Electrical Items: Glow Plugs: The standard Jinma 204-254 comes with glow plugs, to assist in cold weather starting. The glow plugs engage when going from the run position to the engage starter position, on the starter switch. You can watch the ammeter, and when you see a negative 30 amp draw, the glow plugs are on. Leave the glow plugs on for 20-30 seconds before engaging the starter. When the starter is engaged, or the engine starts, the glow plugs are disengaged. In very cold weather, it is advantages to keep the glow plugs engaged as the engine runs for a short time. This can be accomplished by rewiring the glow plugs to a push button type switch, rocker switch, or using a Ford replacement starter switch that keeps the glow plugs on when the starter is engaged. Battery: For cold weather, a high cranking amp battery is best. Find one that will fit the Jinma battery tray and has 900-1000CCA. The standard Chinese battery ussually doesn't cut it during the cold weather. Connections: Prior to the cold weather sets in, check all your battery terminals and grounds. Remove any oxidation and make sure connections are tight. |
Tire Chains: Four wheel drive and Ag tires do wonders in the dirt, but on a sheet of ice, quickly loose their traction. Add rear wheel tire chains, and if needed, front wheel chains. An added bonus is additional ballast. See: http://www.tirechains.com |
Tractor Cabs: Spending long hours in the cold wind? A tractor cab can make you life much nicer. While the Jinma factor offers a hard cab, it is for permenant type mounting, and can interfere with FEL and other attachments. The plastic cabs make for a nice wind break, and can easily be removed when warm weather returns, |
Plastic Cab offered by Northern Tractor |
Note: If you have the fiberglass style fenders, you must keep the tire chains tight. There is limited front clearance, and the chains will quickly wear it away. |
Ford Replacement Switch |
Illuminated 30 Amp Rocker Switch |
