I Built My Own

2006 - Volume #30, Issue #2, Page #11

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I Built My Own "Crate Tractor"

When I bought a house in 2003 with a 600-ft. driveway, I realized my snowblower and garden tractor weren't up to the job anymore.
  I priced smaller Deere tractors but they were around $25,000. So I went on the internet and stumbled across the Chinese Tractor Owners Association (www.CTOA .net).
  I learned about Chinese-built tractors on there and eventually bought a "crate tractor" from a dealer about 200 miles away. I bought the Jinma 224 for $5,400 ù still packed in its shipping crate ù and spent two weekends putting it together in my garage.
  The crate fit into my cargo van with 2 in. to spare. I removed the crate bolts slowly since some were under a lot of tension. Some parts were shipped partially assembled and I found it useful to keep all nuts, bolts, washers and other parts together as they came out of the box.
  A friend and I were able to put the tractor together without too much trouble.
  Here are some of the lessons I learned on the project:
  Read the manual early and often. Although the translations make it difficult sometimes, they're invaluable. There's no 800 number to call so you're on your own but the CTOA has a lot of useful information.
  For example, at about 10pm one night, I had questions about what I was doing and posted a message on the CTOA forum. By breakfast the following morning, I had some answers.
  I recommend replacing all Chinese fluids and filters. This saves a lot of future headaches.
  Dismantle and clean the fuel system from the tank all the way to the injector pump. Don't forget the thimble filters, pump cylinder, sediment bowl, and the inline filter. Don't use any of the fuel that may have been shipped in the tank.
  Pay special attention to all of the electrical connections. If one is frayed or a connection looks suspect, repair it immediately.
  I've got a detailed step-by-step description of this project on my website at www.diyquest.com/ctoa or readers can email me at DIYGuy@DIYQuest.com.

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I Built My Own "Crate Tractor" TRACTORS Made-It-Myself 30-2-11 When I bought a house in 2003 with a 600-ft. driveway, I realized my snowblower and garden tractor weren't up to the job anymore. I priced smaller Deere tractors but they were around $25,000. So I went on the internet and stumbled across the Chinese Tractor Owners Association (www.CTOA .net). I learned about Chinese-built tractors on there and eventually bought a "crate tractor" from a dealer about 200 miles away. I bought the Jinma 224 for $5,400 ù still packed in its shipping crate ù and spent two weekends putting it together in my garage. The crate fit into my cargo van with 2 in. to spare. I removed the crate bolts slowly since some were under a lot of tension. Some parts were shipped partially assembled and I found it useful to keep all nuts, bolts, washers and other parts together as they came out of the box. A friend and I were able to put the tractor together without too much trouble. Here are some of the lessons I learned on the project: Read the manual early and often. Although the translations make it difficult sometimes, they're invaluable. There's no 800 number to call so you're on your own but the CTOA has a lot of useful information. For example, at about 10pm one night, I had questions about what I was doing and posted a message on the CTOA forum. By breakfast the following morning, I had some answers. I recommend replacing all Chinese fluids and filters. This saves a lot of future headaches. Dismantle and clean the fuel system from the tank all the way to the injector pump. Don't forget the thimble filters, pump cylinder, sediment bowl, and the inline filter. Don't use any of the fuel that may have been shipped in the tank. Pay special attention to all of the electrical connections. If one is frayed or a connection looks suspect, repair it immediately. I've got a detailed step-by-step description of this project on my website at www.diyquest.com/ctoa or readers can email me at DIYGuy@DIYQuest.com.

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