Chinese Tractors Now On The Market

Chinese Tractors Now On The Market TRACTORS New Tractors 7-2-16 "It's a heck of a tractor," says Ron Bell, vice president and general manager for OCI, the first importer of Chinese tractors to the United States. Available in 12, 24 and 50 hp. models, the tractors are rugged and heavy. "They're at least 1,000 lbs. heavier than competing tractors of a similar size. A key feature of the tractors is that they're extremely easy to service. The diesel engines in them have been used for years throughout China, often in remote areas. As a result, they're so easy to service you can change the cylinder liners right in the field," says Bell. How do company officials answer those who question the introduction of another foreign-made tractor in a depressed U.S. market that's already forcing dealers into bankruptcy? OCI president Bruce Riblett says that since all the under 80 hp. tractors sold in the U.S. are built overseas, the company's real competition is against foreign manufacturers. "Also, we're able to sell a top quality tractor for 20 to 30% less than the price of other imports. Dealers are looking for new opportunities and we think they'll be eager to add Chinese tractors to their existing lines of machinery." OCI is in the process of setting up dealers and a parts network. Bellnotes that the tractors come equipped with a complete set of replaceable parts as well as all tools needed for maintenance. (The Chinese are so thorough, Bell notes, that they even send along screwdrivers in the kit.) The tractors are metric. The Chinese-built "Taishan" 4-wheel drive 50 hp model has 8 for-ward speeds and two reverse, a pto and Cat. II 3-pt. hitch. The tractor has a 2-stage clutch for operating equipment, and a rear wheel base adjustable from 52 to 62 in. for row crops. About the only drawback on the tractor, according to Bell, is the seat which has square, life jacket-type cushions fastened to a tube frame. OCI has plans to outfit the tractors with a custom contour seat. OCI has 12, 24 and 50 hp models available now but will soon be importing tractors up to the 120 hp range. All are available with 4-wheel drive. The 50 hp. model sells for $14,950. "We also have Chinese-built diesel engines for irrigation and other purposes available at prices considerably lower than other engines on the market," says Bell. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, OCI, 11377 Markon Drive, Garden Grove, Calif. 92641 (ph 714 898-1255).

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