my DF tractor

[tractor]

I don't know how many DF tractor owners are in this forum.
I wanted to post some pictures of my DF354/404.
This is a 2007 model.
Possibly some of the pics can be posted under the picture section???

[3RRL]

There are a couple of DF owners on the board and I'm sure there will be many more.
I've seen the DF tractors in person just recently at the Tulare Ag Fair in California and I believe they are one of the best made Chinese tractors I've seen. Not only appearance such as fit and finish, but in features such as construction and how they're equipped. They seem to be the "high end" of Chinese CUT. It looks like they overcame that "cut corners" look and way of doing some things. I also noticed they come stock with a lot of standard "upgrades" and their build is sound. Their set up looks modern and up to date, addressing many of the issues in conforming to American standards, their wants and needs. But that also makes them a little more expensive than the other brands too. How do they compare price wise with say Kioti, Branson, Montana, TYM or some of the more reliable and popular Indian tractors? It seems they would approach those brands in price a lot closer than our Jinmas and Kamas?

I understand they have synchromesh trannies which I would love to have on my Kama. Do they make the DF line in larger sizes such as 55hp, 65 hp or larger?
Rob-

[Artrac]

Up to 50HP now with EPA. synchro soon in 35 and 40HP size as well as current 25/30HP range, like was shown in tulare. Price is comparable to Jinma from reputable dealer. We have selected several DF models to wear our new "AgTrac" brand name.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

VERY COOL! Is that a TZ loader on it???

[tractor]

The 4-in-1 FEL and BH is of Hanmey brand.



There are some small issues, but nothing that cant be lived with or worked out when the price is right.... !!??

[FLICK]

What sort of issues do you have with the hanmey FEL ?

I hope yours is better than mine

The one on my DF is real sloppy, most the pins have 1/16" or more slop in the holes, I can see me having to bush most the pins eventually....

There's also lots of side to side slop in a lot of the joints, I need to cut some Polypropylene washers to take up the slop and help the grease stay in the joints... (I'll post some pics in my DF thread)

Matthew.

[tractor]

Mathew,

I would think mine is similar to yours. I have the same issue with the hydraulic hose for the clam-shell that is routed straight down towards the bottom of the bucket, so it is very easy to damage ( I noticed this on one of your posts ).
I need to put a 90 on there, have already damaged one hose !!!
Other than that it is an OK FEL for the money I had to pay.
The 4-in-1 is nice to have, but I think the added strength that is needed makes the bucket a little small .... I would like to have a larger bucket ! Possibly adding some teeth to the cutting edge will help to get a real nice BIG load ?
My main problem is that Hanmey will not respond to any of my complaints and tips to correct issues..... on the BH I had the swing bushings come loose, there are no grease fittings for the swing bushings/pins, and I think the BH is a lot worse with slop in the joints than the FEL.
I understand that DF is now producing their own FEL and BH.

Steve

[FLICK]

Steve:
I have the same issue with the hydraulic hose for the clam-shell that is routed straight down towards the bottom of the bucket, so it is very easy to damage ( I noticed this on one of your posts ).
I need to put a 90 on there, have already damaged one hose

I didn't get around to getting a elbow for the hose... I ended up turned the manifold thingy upside down, so rather than having a hose pointing straight down I now have 1 that points upwards...
(I'll take a pic later)

Here's a pic (of how it was from the factory) so people know what were talking about:


I understand that DF is now producing their own FEL and BH.
I noticed the buckets on the Aussie DF's are different now, I think I prefer the style we have



Matthew

[tractor]

Mathew,
The difference between your FEL and mine is that mine is a K-QS model with only one cylinder opening/closing the clamshell. Yours is a TK-QS that has 2 cylinders.
The picture does not show it very well but on the clamshell cylinder that is mounted in the center of the bucket, the lower hose connection is routed DOWN and thereby is very easy to bang up. It would have been much better to use one of the cylinders that are on yours, where the bottom hose on the cylinder is going out in a 90 degree angle. But possibly on mine with only one cylinder the cylinder size is larger?
steve

[Dave]

Hi,
I didn't set up my bio yet but will if I decide to buy a DF.
I have a chance to by at a very good price a DF254G2 with townsunny loader or a DF354 with 404 loader. I have heard good things about the DF's. These are new 2007's . I would like to get the 354 for the size and hp but it is manual shift and has the 4cyl engine (not sure which one). The 254G2 has SS but is of course a little smaller. To I believe Steve with the nice looking red 354, is it manual and if so how do you find it when doing loader work or other back and forth work. Also is that the DF backhoe or other. I've been told there is no problem running it off the tractor hydraulics (Comes with 2 pair remotes). As there does not appear too much support down the road, am I taking a gamble for bigger items other than filters etc. DF's in Ontario are not too common but if the engines are like other Chineese engines, I wouldn't think should be too much problem. Any input would help.

Thanks Dave

[tractor]

I don't want to throw more question marks over your way, but here are my thoughts;
My 354 is a standard gear box and it is a 2007. I can't compare with the 254 SS BUT I can compare it with the 254 standard gear box.
I think if you know that you will do a lot of heavy work, go with the heavier/larger machine. You mention stumps and stuff then you want to go really heavy....if possible even larger than 354
The 254 that I had the experience with I thought was a real great machine. I felt comfortable and it was easy to control. The 354 with it's weight, and especially with the BH connected feels less controllable on hilly terrain.
The SS would be nice to have but I figure that I do not run a business and thereby if it is a little slower going back and forth it's OK!
I also felt more comfortable with the standard gear box over the SS since it was fairly new to DFAM and I do not have knowledge of the SS. I have not sat on a tractor with SS, I would say if you have the possibility try them both and that might steer you in the right direction.
So it is really up to you. The 254 is a great tractor and possibly could do most of what you need and the real heavy stuff could be done in steps or with other equip?!
The 354 will be able to do more of the heavy stuff..and if you already know what type and size of 3PH equipment you will run, that should tell you what to buy.
Both are good tractors.
Good luck

[Dave]

Thanks for the input. I was waiting for your response as you have the same tractor I was looking at. I went the other day and spent 4 hrs going over both and driving both. I actually preferred the 354 with the manual trans . It shifted very nice and handled very good. Yes it did have the 4cyl 2.54l Chaingchai engine. Next week , I should pick it up. The one I drove has 33hrs on it that he has been using for the summer with all the fluids already changed out and broken it for a little cheaper, or a new one. He's going to put the loader on it as well. He has a lightly used new BH that I will try to get cheap as well. When its all completed I will post pics and details. The one I will probably get does not have the compressor on it as yours. I would love to see some closeup pics of it to see hows its hooked up. Is it right off the engine or off a belt? Your mod for using it for air tools would be great.

Thanks Dave

[tractor]

The air compressor is mounted directly to the motor and has a mechanical on off lever on it.
Here are some pictures.





On my BH (LW7 by Hanmey) the only problem so far is that the two top bushings on the swivel (side to side) cylinders are working them selves up !
Also the swivel cylinders do not have any grease fittings?! Every other point has the fittings...

Good luck with your new tractor
Steve