Chinese mini-tractors: features of the Shifeng and Jinma brands. Review of tracked, diesel and other models made in China

It is no secret that agriculture in Russia is extremely poorly supplied with high-quality equipment. Over the past 15 years, the vehicle fleet has been halved. And the average “age” of the remaining cars has long surpassed all conceivable limits. The opinion of analysts is disappointing: the energy availability of our agricultural enterprises is 10 times worse than in any other developed country. By the way, poor technical equipment and low levels of rural labor productivity are the main reasons that hinder the market competitiveness of Russian agricultural products.

Import of Chinese tractors

In recent years, Chinese-made tractors have become popular. After all, for Russia this is an excellent alternative to expensive and not very high-quality domestic technology (may our compatriots forgive us).

Since 2000, China has steadily increased its exports of agricultural equipment. And if low-power Chinese tractors used to be popular, in recent years exports have been increasing due to medium-power machines. In many CIS countries, joint domestic-Chinese enterprises for the assembly and maintenance of agricultural machinery have appeared.

Experts suggest that the demand for row-crop units and various attachments for them will grow every year. Currently, there is a tendency to accumulate experience in operating equipment such as Chinese tractors. Reviews show that the technical characteristics of agricultural units and their preparedness exceed those of domestic machines several times.

Overview of the main manufacturers

Chinese manufacturers of special equipment have mastered the production of almost all models. You can choose between tracked and wheeled mini tractors, with or without a cab, and with attachments. All models are equipped with small-displacement engines (two-cylinder or single-cylinder) running on diesel fuel or gasoline.

The Chinese tractor is an excellent assistant in agricultural and construction work. These “babies” are often used in public utilities, vegetable warehouses, and greenhouses.

Thanks to the wide range of attachments (more than 70 types), this special equipment can be considered universal.

Chinese tractors with a cab are in greatest demand. Each manufacturer offers equipment in different price ranges, which allows you to choose the one that suits all parameters. The standard warranty for mini tractors is 1 year, or 500 operating hours.

Xingtai

There are 4 factories in China that produce Xingtai mini-tractors. Not all models of this brand are exported. The best special equipment is available only to the population of the country. The quality of the assembly directly depends on the manufacturer. Not all enterprises comply with the requirements for the production technology of special equipment in this segment.

The plant, founded in the 70s of the last century with the support of KhTZ and ChTZ, is considered trustworthy. The company produces a wide range of mini-tractors with a capacity of 12-24 hp. All equipment of this brand complies with ISO 9001/2000 quality standards.

Chinese-made tractors are equipped with a water cooling system and an electric starter. The Xingtai XT180 and XT240 model lines have a sliding track and wheel locking function. Xingtai 220 mini-tractors are of high quality, and the technical characteristics and price are optimal for summer residents and farmers. This model is small in size, equipped with an open cab and a TY-295 diesel engine.

Shifeng

The manufacturer Shifeng offers high-quality equipment, which has a distinctive feature: all models of this brand are 1-cylinder. Power and options may vary, but the engine design remains the same. The Shifeng power plant has a water cooling system, and the tractor drive is a belt drive. Many consumers prefer this type of transmission because it is easier to replace a belt than a gear.

Shifeng tractors have a semi-frame design. Attachments are connected via a 3-point PTO locking system. This is an important criterion, since this method of connecting auxiliary equipment allows the use of products not only from the Shifeng brand, but also from other manufacturers. Popular models:

Jinma

Jinma mini-tractors appeared on the Russian market at the end of the last century. The cars of this brand are equipped with engines whose technical characteristics and build quality meet US standards. Therefore, equipment from this brand has been in high demand in America and Canada over the last decade. In Russia, it is considered in many respects the best in the segment of small-volume special equipment.

Chinese-made mini tractors from the manufacturer Jinma have their own advantages:

differ in economical fuel consumption;
many models are all-wheel drive;
equipped with cabins;
power steering.

The most powerful model is Jinma 804. This is an all-wheel drive mini tractor with a 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 80 hp. Load capacity - 1320 kg. Equipment at this level can work with any attachment.

Dongfeng

Mini tractors of the Dongfeng line are premium equipment equipped with diesel engines. Each machine has:

power steering;
electric starter;
3-cylinder engine;
remote outputs with hydraulic booster.

The manufacturer Dongfeng produces more than 70 types of attachments. But equipment from other brands is also suitable for special equipment of this brand. Popular models:

Foton

The manufacturer offers a smaller lineup than its competitors. But every development is brought to perfection.

TE 240 and TE 200 - with 3-cylinder engines, rear-wheel drive.
TE 244 - equipped with a 3-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, multifunctional, with a comfortable workplace.
TE-354, TV 404 - with a 4-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, with a heated cabin and an adjustable seat.

Machine power - 20-24 hp.

Mahindra

The manufacturer FengShou produces several series of mini-tractors. All types of vehicles in this category are represented in small-compact special vehicles:

with cabin and without cabin;
rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive;
with diesel engines with a Common Rail system with direct fuel injection (developed by FengShou).

All models are equipped with a 3-point heavy-duty hitch and 2-speed PTO. The manufacturer took care of operator comfort. All machines are equipped with comfortable seats with adjustable backrests, dashboards with sensors for monitoring fuel and other mini-tractor systems. Electrical wiring in cars is single wire.

Chery

Chery products are distinguished by high power. The company intends to become a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery in China and pays great attention to the build quality of mini-tractors. Each model of this brand is brought to perfection: everything in the design is thought out to the smallest detail, operating the machine is as convenient as possible.

Chery focuses on producing mini-tractors with power from 25 to 210 hp. But there are also less productive machines designed to perform household tasks. Advantages of this brand's products:

versatility and maintainability;
insulated and soundproofed cabin;
wide selection of attachments;
prices affordable for most buyers.

Advantages of Chinese motorcycles

The Chinese agricultural machinery market is represented by popular models of motorized tractors and mini-tractors. Due to their small size and efficiency, they are deservedly in demand among farmers. Almost every Chinese tractor has high ground clearance and easily overcomes all obstacles and bumps. More powerful models with 4x4 drive feel great in swampy areas and on snow.

In addition, Chinese tractors have the following positive qualities:

Chinese motor tractors

This is something between a regular unit and a walk-behind tractor, but smaller and lighter in size than a full-fledged Chinese tractor. Here, unlike a walk-behind tractor, there is a seat for the driver, a steering device and pedals.

There are diesel motor tractors, less often gasoline ones. The former are purchased for cultivating large areas of land, as they are economical and have good traction. The second ones are maneuverable and smaller in size. They are suitable for work in small areas, for example, gardens.

The power of motorized tractors ranges from 9 to 24 hp. s., which is equal to 6-18 kW. Chinese walk-behind tractors are especially popular in Russia.

Reasons for the popularity of Chinese mini-tractors and motorized tractors

Thanks to the change of attachments, this agricultural machinery acquired much needed qualities, such as all-season capability and multifunctionality. The mini-tractor body can be equipped with additional “gadgets”:

plows (single-hull or double-hull);
potato planters (single-row or double-row);
mowers, seeders, shovels, blades, cutters;
front and rear lifting mechanisms;
trenchers, sprayers, balers, trailers;
potato diggers, cleavers, loaders, trailers;
rippers, snow throwers, pick-ups, seeders;
branch choppers, hullers, rakes, bed formers;
wheelbarrows, harrows, choppers, tedders, hillers.

Consequently, motorized tractors and mini-tractors are capable of planting, digging, mowing, sowing, removing snow, transporting goods, chopping firewood, processing grain and much more.

Characteristics of agricultural machinery from famous Chinese manufacturers

We represent popular Chinese brands - tractors that are in demand.

Xingtai Corporation produces tractors of the following modifications: XT-120, XT-140, XT-160, XT-180, XT-200, XT-220, XT-240. Engines with power from 12 to 24 hp. With. Cooling – liquid, start – electric start, motor – diesel. According to reviews, tractors are popular due to the wide selection of attachments.
Foton is a manufacturer of mini-tractors that confidently cope with any work and are functional in any weather, since they have a closed cabin. The company produces rear-wheel drive tractors with 24 hp engines. s., and all-wheel drive units with a three-cylinder diesel engine of 60 hp. With. Popular models: TE 244, TV 404, E 240, E 250. The Chinese Foton tractor has a rollover protection design and an increased safety system, which makes its operation comfortable.

. Cost-effective and economical units have proven themselves to be excellent. They perform diverse work: plowing, hilling, watering, harvesting, transporting various loads, removing snow. They are no larger than a walk-behind tractor, but in terms of functionality they are not inferior to a full-fledged machine. Mini-tractors are equipped with additional equipment, including trailed equipment, which expands their capabilities (they can transport loads weighing up to 1000 kg). The standard equipment of Bulat includes a rotary cutter and a plow.
Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Tractors from this manufacturer have a hydraulic booster, and some models have a heated cabin. Equipped with all-wheel drive, 3-cylinder diesel engine with a capacity of 22 hp. With. Such units are lightweight due to their use in the production of fiberglass cabins.

Chinese technology

In terms of sales volumes, Chinese mini tractors occupy the leading positions in the domestic market. Having gotten rid of the well-deserved fame of “disposable” equipment, they are actively winning the sympathy of users.

In the category of garden and multifunctional mini tractors, Xingtai products are popular. Its model range includes five modifications of diesel engines: 120, 160, 180, 220, 244 (power 12, 16, 18, 22 and 24 hp, respectively).

Moreover, even the lowest-power tractor of this company is equipped with a 4-stroke diesel engine, the operation of which does not cause serious complaints. The range of working attachments for Xingtai equipment is quite wide (plow, disc furrow, cultivator, haymower, potato digger and potato planter, rake and trailer). The buyer is offered both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive models.

Xingtai XT-220 – “TOP model” of the Russian market

Simple to operate and design, repairable and with no shortage of spare parts, these machines suit most owners. Prices for mini tractors from this company range from 180 to 420 thousand rubles (models with hydraulic outlets).

Having created joint ventures, Xingtai produces its products under the trademarks Uralets (modifications 160, 180, 220) and Caliber. In terms of performance and prices, they are similar to the flagship models assembled in China.

Two other manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom represented on the Russian market are the Jinma company (Bulat brand) and Dongfeng (Dongfeng). They can hardly be called competitors of Xingtai. The similarity of power plants, design solutions and performance characteristics allow them to coexist peacefully and be in demand among land owners.

Jinma JM 244 - the average price of a new car for 2020 is from 430,000 rubles.

As an asset of the Xingtai company, you can write down more attractive prices, which are lower than those of Jinma and Dong Feng by an average of 20-30%. Farmers who intensively use Xingtai and Jinma mini tractors claim that these machines work flawlessly for the first 3-4 years. After this, repairs are very expensive due to severe wear of the units. Therefore, anyone who wants to use mini tractors from these companies for a longer period of time should avoid active use in heavy work.

Dongfeng DF 244 - equipped with a heated cabin for an additional fee

There are fewer complaints about the Dong Feng technique, since the higher price has a positive effect on the quality. In conclusion, we note that critics and fans of Chinese technology agree that its quality is reminiscent of a lottery. Some are lucky with the choice, while others struggle with repairs.

Chinese tractors: customer reviews

Having studied the statistics, we can say with confidence that Chinese agricultural machinery has deservedly gained the respect of our compatriots. Users agree that these machines are the best value for money. Repairing Chinese tractors is inexpensive, and with the help of attachments you can do almost any job.

About the disadvantages

Chinese mini-tractors are not without their drawbacks. Regardless of the manufacturer, these machines have weak electrical components. Contacts and wires may melt, so it is recommended to replace all peripheral wiring as soon as possible after purchasing the equipment.

A disadvantage is considered to be a small selection of attachments for working with grain crops. Most auxiliary implements of this profile are specialized for rice harvesting. Therefore, equipment for grains has to be ordered from manufacturers or distributors.

Another “minus” is the low seating position and the inconvenience of the seat for the operator. The cabin equipment of Chinese tractors is designed for short people. For Russians, you have to change the bracket under the seat and install something more spacious and comfortable. The steps for climbing into the cabin cannot be called comfortable either: they are narrow and made of thin metal.

After acquisition, a preventive technical inspection of special equipment is carried out and identified deficiencies are eliminated: bolted connections are tightened, oil seals are replaced. Many models are characterized by loosening of the steering rod structural elements. In most cases, this problem is solved by installing VAZ spare parts.