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FOTON TRACTOR Review

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HOYT
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2005-09-08          116085


I am considering buying a new 40 hp 4WD FOTON tractor. The price over the big makers is outstanding. Well I was wondering if anyone could give me a review of the tractors (FOTON) and any problems they have heard about with them. Also I was wondering about using bio-diesel with the new FOTON and wanted to know if anyone was doing the same. Thanks, Hoyt



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greg_g
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1816 Western Kentucky
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2005-09-13          116312


From what I know, you're as "safe" with the red ones - as you would be with most any 40hp Chinese tractor. The dividing line comes with the dealer, specifically the quality of his service-after-sale. Be very very confident of the quality of service you'd obtain from the seller/dealer. Short of that, negotiate for a significant discount relative to a parts-only warranty - because you'll be performing/absorbing the labor costs yourself.

A blue Foton might have been stranded as unsold due to the trade dress suit by New Holland. I'd expect problems with some parts for the blue ones, since the Chinese had to do a little minor retooling to keep New Holland happy.

//greg// ....


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notamechanic
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 6 South of Atlanta, GA (near the race track)
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2008-01-26          150771


In Response to greg_g

I am the (wiser now) owner of a Futian FT354 Leopard. Yes the Blue ones that were in the lawsuit. In fact my (now defunct) dealer was the defandent in the suit (Cove Equipment). I bought my unit after the suit was settled thinking that my dealer would be around for the duration ... at least that is what he said unfortunately he folded before my warranty expired and I have had serious problems finding parts for my tractor. However, as far as I can tell FOTON and Jinma are the same tractor now with a different hood and no blue color available. I sure could stand to find a dealer that I could order some parts to fix up the not major problems that have cropped up on my unit. Seems the lights and tach have quit working (not a fuse either) plus I need the (black)moulded fender gaurd for the left side (It appears to be exactly the same as the 404 and the tail assembly (I'll settle for red besides I'm color blind) any help would be appreciated. ....


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greg_g
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1816 Western Kentucky
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2008-01-26          150777


Quote:
Originally Posted by notamechanic | view 150771
as far as I can tell FOTON and Jinma are the same tractor now with a different hood and no blue color available.
Nope. Completely different manufacturers. They might coincidentally share a few common parts, but don't count on a Jinma dealer to be a reliable source for FT354 parts.

If you don't have a Foton dealer in your area, Rural King is selling them now now. They list some parts on the website, and you should be able to make arrangements with them to special order others.

//greg// ....


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notamechanic
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 6 South of Atlanta, GA (near the race track)
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2008-01-27          150778


Wow that is a surprise, not that I'm disagreeing with you but I have to tell you I've stood next to a Jinma 354 and compared it to my Futian and it is much much more than coincidental shared parts. Somebody had to be copying the plans from one to the other. Plus It's the exact engine (TY395), radiator, and air filter maybe the guts are different i.e. the tranny but the front wheel(4) drive looks identical. There must not be any copyright protection in China. By the way my tractor is either 2003 or 2004 and you can see the resemblance (except color and the hood design even on the newer models. OK, I do like the Jinma seat better and the gauges are different! My Futian seat is like a riding lawnmowers. ....


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notamechanic
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 6 South of Atlanta, GA (near the race track)
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2008-01-27          150779


Ooops, now I have to disagree with you please check the following URL. Unless I read this wrong they (Sunny Group Agricultural Machinery Co., Ltd.)state they manufacture the Huanghai 'Jinma' series tractors from 18HP to 45Hp and implements, Futian 'Foton' series Europard tractors from 18HP to 80Hp. ....


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greg_g
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1816 Western Kentucky
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2008-01-27          150787


When you've been around the Chinese tractor forum circuit as long as have I, you won't find such physical similarities surprising. Ever look at one of todays 4-door sedans from the side - and try to guess who made it?

FWIW, I personally have owned two Jinmas, one KAMA, and a TaiShan. My TS354C for example, has the Y485 engine. But some dealers/sellers order it in TS354X dress, equipped with the TY395 instead. Same tractor, different engine. My KM454 has a 395 engine that can be found in other tractors as well. Another example is the Jinma 254. While most have the Y385 engine, some can be found with a XN2100. Seats too are a dealer/seller-specified option. Some settle for the cheap OE, others specify the suspension-type upgrade.

Sunny is not a manufacturer by the way, they're a broker. They're just middle men between domestic manufacturers and foreign buyers. It's no different than some outfit that might arrange BMWs/Mercedes/VWs/et cetera to all come over from Germany on the same ship.

//greg//
....


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notamechanic
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 6 South of Atlanta, GA (near the race track)
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2008-01-27          150817


My humble apologies, glenn_g. So much for truth in advertising. However, Their bold claim of being "The Manufacturer" seems to be outright fraud. This is why I have become very cautious of ANYTHING Chinese. I wonder if it is painted with a lead based paint?

Well, I am still on my quest for body parts, have been for over a year now. Things that no stateside reseller keeps around or seems to be able to procure. 1, the molded plastic/vinyl mud guard attached to the fenders. Caught a tree while sliding down an embankment. the left gaurd and the plastic/vinyl tail light assembly where scraped off clean. It is shown on the cover page on the tractor I own but is not listed in the manual. 2.The Tachometer has not worked since 3 months after purchase and 3.the headlights and turn signals stopped working shortly after that. Gee, if only I had a dealer to work with me.

If you just have to buy a foreign tractor, my highest advice to everyone is: make sure the dealer is sound! I would also be very skeptical of any brand that does not have a U.S. representative and parts warehouse.

Spent some time comparing part numbers on-line last night at Circle G tractors, they have many identical looking and part numbers for the 300 and 400 series, as my Leopard 354 if it starts with a "FT 300.xx.xxx " it appears to be the same part.

Circle G, (no I don't work for them) has helped me out with a broken steering tie rod (original was sorry metal full of voids and snapped like a twig) and an oil filter adapter replacement. They seem to have the most viewable parts of all the tractor suppliers I have been able to find. I'm sure the board is familiar with this site but Justin Case, their link is below.

Only major problem I have had is loss of the 4 wheel drive due to a snapped axle (while driving over straight and level terrain and no load). The original drive shaft was made of a thin wall pipe that snapped clean at the rear spline. Luckily my local mechanic made me a new one out of solid bar stock.

Don't get me wrong now, the Futian is a decent tractor but it isn't suited very well for the purpose that I bought it for, that is clearing trees and building a small pond (50x100). My (out of business)dealer told me It would be perfect for that (oh yeah truth in advertising). It has been great for leveling the gravel drive, leveling out the yard and hauling brush and tree debris. Love the Hog hanger, the box blade and the rake attachments.



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markty32
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 4 Victoria Australia
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2014-05-10          190279


national machinery traders selling foton ft504 lemon review "foton tractor" a bunch of rip off husband and wife!!!!

look at this
YES I GOT RIPPED OFF I have had the tractor just over a few months now and have about 15 hrs or so., on it. The dealer national machinery traders pty ltd foton tractors doesnt help at all, rubbish foton tractor. Following issues fuel tank and injector pump leaking from main housing, also hydraulic pump leaking i have a warranty "yeah right" I want a full refund so i can buy a different brand. Another major issue is the gearbox is very tight and wont go into gear. I call national machinery traders pty ltd whom supply foton tractors and no help!! rip offi want a refund! What are my rights?

THEY SUCKED ME INTO THIS DEAL AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE BEST CHINESE ON THE MARKET!!!

yeah right i am not happy Come out and fix this as you promised me a parts/labour warranty
also did you no this company has over 5 business names with ABN DODGY'

national machinery traders selling foton tractors bad news is out finally and im not the only one other members from tractor forums agree and we are going all the way.

contact me if you are even considering buying a foton tractor

I am going all the way with this!!!! ....


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markty32
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 4 Victoria Australia
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2014-05-11          190286


Quote:
Originally Posted by HOYT | view 116085
I am considering buying a new 40 hp 4WD FOTON tractor. The price over the big makers is outstanding. Well I was wondering if anyone could give me a review of the tractors (FOTON) and any problems they have heard about with them. Also I was wondering about using bio-diesel with the new FOTON and wanted to know if anyone was doing the same. Thanks, Hoyt


we have had not much luck!! in Australia can give you post and other feedback ....


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yocsr1
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 182 Terre Haute, Indiana
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2014-05-17          190317


I just bought my foton 40hp in november. I've plowed snow, graded drives, and I just brush hogged 12 acres today. I'm real happy with it so far. I've got 85hrs on it. I've got a friend that has the same and he rips out and reinstalls concrete drives. The foton 40hp is what he uses and he works the heck out of it and the only problem he's had the what the chinese call generator(alt.) went out. You will more than likely do all repairs yourself. For parts and any questions call Thomas at Affordable Tractor - 1-979-865-4002. He'll be able to answer your question about biodiesel.
Larry.
....


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temora55
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 2 temora
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2015-07-11          193097


Hi mate
I was looking for feedback online in regards to the Foton tractors, and comments about them and I came across your review how did you get on, in regards to your tractor and getting a fixed or a refund. ....


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yocsr1
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 182 Terre Haute, Indiana
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2015-07-11          193099


I can honestly say I'm happy with my 404. I have about 200 hrs on it now and the only issue is electrical connectors lose connection over time. I pull them and spray with crc electrical cleaner. In a recent post a guy just bought from northern tool and said the tractor has foton all over it. He says they are now servicing them. I haven't called to verify that info. ....


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