Chinese mini tractors: prices and characteristics, pros and cons

The Chinese mini tractor is a popular piece of equipment in Russia because it is sold at a low price and has a wide range of models. Farmers know about the quality of Chinese products, but they agree in advance to the upcoming hassle associated with repairs. The fact that the build quality of mini-tractors has increased over the last decade also encourages purchase.

Cost analysis of Chinese mini tractors

Chinese manufacturers offer equipment in different price ranges. In order to choose the best or good mini tractors at a low price, you need to compare not only the cost, but also the technical characteristics of the models.

A comparative analysis of prices for the power of mini-tractors gives an approximate picture of the situation on the market. Equipment with similar technical characteristics is in the same price range, so the selection algorithm should be as follows:

• determining the tasks that the purchased machine will perform;
• choosing a model that is suitable for its technical characteristics;
• studying the reviews of those who operate this special equipment;
• price comparison.

Application area

The use of a Chinese-made mini-tractor is carried out almost everywhere where conventional tractors are, even moreover, a mini-tractor can be used where a large tractor, due to its significant dimensions, simply will not pass, or will pass, causing damage.

Of course, you need to take into account that the performance of a mini tractor is naturally much lower than that of a tractor of conventional dimensions. If you are planning to plow a large field, the work that a regular tractor will do in an hour, a mini tractor will not be able to do in a day.

But that's not what he was created for.

Processing fields

The purpose of a mini tractor is to cultivate small fields and gardens of private farms, work in greenhouses and hotbeds, maintain livestock farms, clear snow from cramped areas (see here) and debris, mow grass in small cramped areas, and transport small loads over rough terrain.

In general, it is advisable to use a mini tractor wherever using a large tractor is irrational or impossible.

Chinese mini tractors are represented on the CIS market by many Chinese manufacturers. Among them are Dong Fen, Photon, Cheri, Xingtai, Jimna, Shifeng . Each of these manufacturers has several models of different mini tractors on the market.

These are mainly Chinese belt mini tractors. In addition, some factories in the CIS countries are purchasing machine kits for mini tractors from Chinese manufacturers, and, after minor modifications, release them to the market under their own brands.

This is, for example, the Ural Tractor Plant with its Uralets (another name for the Xingtai minitractor), or the Dnepropetrovsk Tractor Plant with its DTZ (they are also called the Chinese DTZ 244 minitractor).

For more complete information about the DTZ 244.4 mini tractor, watch the video:

Rating of Chinese mini tractors

Top Jinma models:

1. "Bulat 120". Diesel, 1-cylinder engine, power 12 hp. Price from 99 thousand rubles.
2. "Bulat 240". Diesel, 3-cylinder, power 4 hp. Price from 240 thousand rubles.

Top Xingtai Models:

1. Xingtai 160. Diesel, 1-cylinder, power 16 hp. Price from 125 thousand rubles.
2. Grasshopper GH 220. Diesel, 3-cylinder, power 22 hp. Price from 309 thousand rubles.
3. Xingtai 244. Diesel, 2-cylinder, power 24 hp. Price from 210 thousand rubles.

The best Dongfeng models:

1. DF-244. Diesel, 3-cylinder, power 25 hp. Price from 247 thousand rubles.
2. DF-244 with cab. Diesel, 3-cylinder, power 25 hp. Price from 267 thousand rubles.
3. Dongfeng 240. Diesel, 2-cylinder, power 24 hp. Price from 260 thousand rubles.

Several dealers sell Chinese mini-tractors in the Russian Federation. Presenters:

• Traktor LLC;
• LLC TD "Expert-Sibadi";
• Tekhnograd LLC.

To get a good idea of ​​the prices for special equipment from China, it is enough to study the price lists of these companies.

TOP 3 Chinese manufacturers

The rating of Chinese tractors in the mid-price category includes models from Xingtai, Shifeng and Dongfeng.

Xingtai

The history of this company began with the support of the USSR about 40 years ago. Xingtai is developing mini-models of agricultural machines with a power of 12-24 hp. If earlier samples of Japanese technology were taken as a basis, today it is Xingtai that is becoming the base for other manufacturers. The advantages of the developments of this company are considered to be well-thought-out hydraulics, the presence of several power take-off shafts, and a manual transmission. Adaptation to Russian conditions in these machines is expressed by a 1-3 point hitch system and rear drive wheels.

The rating of the best Chinese tractors based on the reliability of their main tasks includes the following models:

1. XT The basic configuration includes a minimally assembled machine; upon individual order it is possible to install a cabin. The main purpose is to carry out field work in small farms, warehouses, greenhouses and livestock complexes. The advantages of this model are on-board hydraulics and the presence of a universal three-point hitch for attachments. According to technical parameters, the XT180 is an 18 hp machine that develops a minimum speed of 2.47 km/h when moving forward and up to 9.37 km/h in reverse. The weight of such a tractor is 820 kg, dimensions (lxwxh) – 2530x1200x1750 mm.
2. XT Rear-wheel drive diesel mini tractor equipped with a 2-cylinder water-cooled engine. Used in agriculture for plots of 1-3 hectares and in the public sector. The advantage is that it is equipped with an electric starter, which adapts the machine to operation at sub-zero temperatures. The range of the manual transmission is 8/2 mode. In terms of power, the XT240 exceeds the 180 model by 6 hp. PTO power – 540 rpm.

Shifeng

The Shifeng company produces compact equipment and full-size models. Factories in 80 countries produce cars of this brand. Depending on the configuration, the models have a power of 22-50 hp. Russian farmers prefer all-wheel drive versions of Shifeng tractors with front- or rear-wheel drive. Even the most compact Shifeng machine has the ability to be aggregated with mounted and semi-mounted equipment.

The best Chinese tractors produced under this brand are:

1. Durable, reliable equipment, equipped with a 4-stroke single-cylinder diesel engine with a power of 24 hp. The advantage of the SF240 is the torque of 71.5 Nm, which significantly exceeds the capabilities of three-cylinder engines. The package includes disc brakes, hydraulics, and an instrument panel with electrical and mechanical gauges. Travel speed – 2.87-29.56 km/h. PTO speed – 720 rpm. Machine weight – 795 kg, dimensions (lxwxh) – 2925x1550x1540 mm.
2. The leader of choice for domestic farmers, since such a tractor can be used throughout the year. The SF244 is similar in power to the 240 model. Its advantage is reduced fuel consumption, which allows you to operate the machine on remote land plots. Power figures depend on the rear PTO and three-point hitch. The work cycle includes performing land work for growing all vegetable crops, as well as cleaning areas, which is in demand in the public sector. Maximum travel speed – 35 km/h, PTO – 540 rpm. Tractor weight – 1345 kg, hitch load capacity – 470 kg.

Dongfeng

The Dongfeng company is one of the world's 20 best manufacturers of agricultural machinery. Initially, it was a joint Japanese-Chinese venture that used the facilities of Nissan Motors. Dongfeng engineers specialize in small-displacement mini-tractors with a power of 24-40 hp. An advantage for Russian farmers was the ability to install a full-fledged metal cabin on any machine. The manufacturer offers its consumers more than 70 types of attachments, designed to fit its own models.

The most popular and best Chinese Dongfeng tractors are considered:

1. DF The tractor is equipped with a three-cylinder, four-stroke engine with a power of 25 hp. with liquid cooling system. The advantage of the model is the large traction force, which allows the machine to be mounted with heavy attachments. Good cross-country ability and increased performance capabilities are provided by all-wheel drive, hydraulic booster and differential lock. The DF244 is available in two versions: with and without a cab. Each car is equipped with a four-speed manual transmission. The transmission allows the tractor to move at speeds of up to 26.2 km/h forward and up to 7.45 km/h back. The lifting capacity of equipment under the symbol DF244 is 432 kg, the total weight of the tractor is 1256 kg.
2. DF Compact rear-wheel drive tractor with a 24 hp three-cylinder diesel power unit, complemented by a liquid cooling system. Equipped with a two-speed PTO, front and rear attachment mechanism. The machine is used to perform all types of agricultural work: cultivation, harrowing, hilling, preparing livestock feed, fertilizing. The tractor is equipped with a dry single-plate clutch, operating range – 8/2. Mode – up to 24.94 km/h forward and up to 6.8 km/h reverse. PTO speed – 540-720 rpm.

Modern Chinese tractors have a high working life. Valued for their low cost and high maintainability. They will be indispensable in private farms for cultivating an area of ​​1-3 hectares. When purchasing, you should take into account not only the compact dimensions of the tractor itself, but also the small dimensions of the driver’s seat.

About the benefits

Chinese mini-tractors for households are a profitable purchase. These are multifunctional machines capable of performing all types of agricultural work:

• plowing;
• hilling;
• sowing;
• harvesting;
• loosening the soil.

Buying a Chinese mini tractor is a good investment. The payback period for machines rarely exceeds 1.5 years. Compact special equipment has a wide range of advantages:

• ease of maintenance;
• high maneuverability;
• easily overcomes inclines less than 35°;
• sufficient maneuverability for working on loose and viscous soil;
• wide range of models;
• availability of spare parts;
• large selection of attachments;
• simple controls.

Reliability from a Chinese manufacturer can both please and disappoint. Therefore, when choosing a mini-tractor, you need to collect as much information as possible about the manufacturer.

Features of tractors from Asia

Domestic agricultural producers are wary of Chinese equipment, considering it a low-quality offer. However, over their forty-year history in the market, the Chinese have been able to achieve significant success in development, as they have adopted the experience of their colleagues from Japan. The engines and equipment were taken as the basis. The first models were a copy of the tractors of the Land of the Rising Sun, then in China they learned to independently design agricultural machinery, entering the world market with it.

Chinese mini-tractors are widely used in private farms and small farms and forests. They are convenient for cultivating personal plots, vegetable gardens, and orchards. The advantages of such machines include:

• functionality: suitable for plowing, hilling, sowing and harvesting, snow removal, site development;
• adaptation to operating conditions in Russian conditions;
• maintainability: simple design and production of the same model by different factories makes it easy to select spare parts;
• quick payback due to low price and high performance.

The main disadvantage of the “Chinese” is weak wiring, which often causes insulation melting. Also, when purchasing mini-equipment, domestic farmers are stopped by the need to additionally purchase equipment for soil cultivation.

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.

What to look for when purchasing

When buying a Chinese tractor, you need to pay attention to the width and reliability of the wheels. Many models have narrow and small diameters. This reduces the vehicle's maneuverability in snow and mud. It is also necessary to check the reliability of the headlights. An important point is the length of the gear lever. Often it is too short and awkward.

When purchasing, be sure to check the functionality of the equipment. Find out how pronounced the noise and vibration are. It is recommended to inspect the gas tank and ensure the quality of the welds. If you take all these points into account, you can choose a high-quality tractor that will last for many years.