Chinese Tractors "Cheap But Risky"

Chinese Tractors "Cheap But Risky" TRACTORS New Tractors 26-6-16 The Chinese are coming. And they're invading on small tractors. Don't panic, though, if you're a tractor dealer. A lot of them will break down and there won't be any parts to fix them. "Right now, Chinese tractors have a deservedly bad reputation. Parts and service for these tractors have been non-existent and quality hasn't been consistent, either," says Roger Powell of China America Imports, Creswell, Oregon. "At one time, there were at least 52 Chinese tractor makers," he reports. "Companies have consolidated and some have gone out of business, but even so, there are still at least half that many. Some of the larger factories have developed partnerships with companies like John Deere, Case, Cat and Kubota." China America Imports works as an agent for some of the exporters into the growing U.S. market for small horsepower compact utility tractors. "We are working with a few of the best companies, setting up distributors and dealers for manufacturers who are willing to provide U.S. based parts and service support," he says. "The main advantage of Chinese tractors right now is price. They're 30 to 40 percent lower in price than comparable Japanese or Korean tractors. The biggest disadvantage is the long wait for parts, which usually have to be shipped direct from China," he says. Small farmers and part-time farmers are the biggest buyers. Farmers and others who can't wait for parts generally don't buy or are dissatisfied if they do. Powell says some U.S. companies have done a good job stocking parts for the Chinese tractors they sell. One Chinese manufacturer, DongFeng, has set up a USA parts warehouse. "Right now, unless a tractor is nationally supported, I would be very careful before buying it," he says. Powell says anyone having trouble finding parts for a Chinese tractor should contact Lawn and Garden Products Ltd. by fax. The company, located in Qingdao, China, says it can find any part needed and will ship by UPS. "Shipping can be fairly expensive, but if you need a part, they'll get it to you," he says. Lawn and Garden Products maintains a U.S. fax number: 707 988-0201. You'll need to include your name, address, E-mail and phone number, as well as the part number and make, model and serial number of your tractor. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Roger Powell, China America Imports, 33898 Adler Lane, Creswell, Oregon 97426 (ph 541 895-2959; E-mail: imports@centurytel.net; Website: www.china-america.biz).

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