The
following is a list of items that would be welcome improvements or options for
the Jinma tractor. Please email
suggestions to: JinmaTractor@Prodigy.net Who knows, the factory engineers may peruse
this website and get some ideas!
Tractor
Improvements or Options
·
Shuttle Shift Transmission
Many would like the comfort and convenience of hydrostatic
transmission. I believe this would be
too big of a technology step for the factory.
A shuttle-shift transmission would be a great improvement over the
straight gear transmission. It should
be in reach of their engineering and manufacturing capabilities and require
less redesign of the tractor. Price
would need to be contained to $100-$200 over current FOB. Just synchromesh gears would improve on not
having to come to a complete stop.
·
R4 Tire/wheel option
This is the ideal tire for most combined lawn/field work. The Ag tires are too tuff on the yard, and
the turf’s are not adequate for most fieldwork. Price should be inline with the current turf tire/wheel option.
·
Spring dampened seat
The current seat is hard mounted and after a long day of fieldwork, you
butt and back feel it! Price should be
$50 or less. Word has it, that a new spring
seat will be arriving on tractors very shortly!
·
Wider platform
The current platform is some what cramped for a 6’ person. You have to be careful when getting on and
off the tractor, that you don’t catch your foot on a lever. A Kubota style flat open deck would require
a complete redesign of the tractor, and would be out of the question. If the platform deck were widened about 2-3
inches on each side, it would improve things.
It would move the fenders out accordingly, but might require a new rear
axle.
·
Side fill fuel
The center top fuel fill is a great improvement over
the under the hood design of a year or two ago. Most homeowners use 5-gallon containers to fill their
tractors. The center mounting makes it
awkward and easy to spill fuel that will run down on the gauges. A left side fuel fill would make this
significant easier. It would require a
new hood design.
·
US measurement gauges
Since this tractor is for primarily import into the US, it should have
standard US measurement and symbols vs the current metric.
·
Raise axle mounted power steering cylinder
The front mounted cylinder is a stronger solution
than the side mounted design.
Unfortunately, on the 254/284 model series with the axle mount, ground
clearance is lost. It would be nice to
gain that clearance back or at least protect it in such a way that it is not
damaged on contact. This may not be as
easy as it sounds. From a quick look
the front axle may need redesign to do so.
·
Improve paint and finish
While improving over last few years, this should be
continued to be pursued. Most common
negative voiced by the big 3 crowd.
·
Corded radiator hoses
The solid type hoses will not last more than a couple of years. Corded style should come straight from the
factory, such that the dealer or consumer doesn’t have to go out and replace
them.
New tractors are arriving with improved hoses!
·
Hardened Wheel and Axle Bolts
This is a common upgrade done by the dealer and owner. The latest tractors arriving have cadmium coated 8.8 hardened bolts.
·
EPA Certified engines
Jinma owners would like to continue to see new Jinmas arrive, even
after the year 2006.
FEL
Improvement or options
·
Rear axle FEL mounts
Are needed for these tractors and are provided by after market FEL
manufactures, such as Koyker and GreatBend.
Will it increase lifting capacity?
·
FEL Joystick control option
A joystick is much easier to control
one handed.
·
Wider FEL bucket
Another common complaint on the ZL20.
Don’t have mine here right now, so can’t recommend a new width. Approximately 6” increase would be nice.
·
Quick release FEL
Current ZL20 is a bit hard to get on and off the
tractor. Improvements in this area
along with a better built-in stand are welcome.
Backhoe
Improvement or options
·
Outriggers that extend further out.
They should extend at least
another six inches on each side to give it more stability
·
Larger outrigger pads
The pads are on the small side and will sink too far
in soft or loose soil.
·
Stronger sub-frame
The original frame can bend very easily. An improved frame is said to be coming.
·
Rework Top Joint
To prevent the top pivot pins from popping out.