Buying fOTON 404

[greg_g]

I agree, but you must consider that they're two entirely different sized tractors. To be fair, the FT404 at 1920kg should be compared to the JM454 (2122kg). Within the Jinma line, the 454 is two full tractor sizes up from the 254.

If you were unaware, Jinmas 200 Series initially spawned from a basic 18hp/2 cylinder tractor. Obviously some strengthening was added along the way. Otherwise, dropping in up to a 28hp/3 cylinder would likely have overstressed the original design structure. But the SCUT roots of the two JM254s I owned - still showed through. The FT404 on the other hand, is purpose built as a CUT. Everything is stouter from the git-go.

//greg//

[Foton404]

I wasn't denigrading the 254. They are a good value. But, point taken...there is a two model step between the 200 and the 400 series.

[PJ161]

Originally Posted by Dargo

My local Rural King just got in a new 70 hp Foton cab model and it looks completely different from the 70 hp model they had last year. The new unit is a vast improvement and the fit and finish are so much better I can't believe it's the same company! Has anybody bought one of those and put a Koyker loader on it? If I could get a good deal on R4's for the 70 hp Foton cab unit and a decent price on a powerful Koyker loader for it....man, it sure would be a lot of tractor for the money!! I'd love to hear if anyone has used such a thing; whether it's an individual or dealer.

I bought a 60hp Foton with cab & air from Northern Tool and it came with a Koyker loader. I also ordered it with a backhoe. The tractor has about 400 hours on it and has run perfectly with it's Perkins engine. Only issue I've had is the AC condenser was mounted to close to the radiator and chaff from mowing hay gets in between them and causes the engine to run hotter than normal on a 90+ degree day. I'd have to stop every hour or so and blow the chaff out. I remounted the condenser 2 inches out further and the problem was solved. I love the tractor and I have 4 other American tractors. It's well built and very comfortable to run all day long. I would buy another if the need arises. PJ

[Adrian Dang]

Originally Posted by drdage

I have been looking at purchasing through Ruralking in Il. They are telling me that their latest stock of 404's are 4 cylinder units and the hoods are about 7" longer then the 3 cylinder models. I talked to a dealer out of Ia who said that these 4 cyl. were a short run and about to be discontinued. Anyone else Know anything about the 3 vs 4 cyl situation?

Paul

i am 30km away from the FOTON factory. 3 or 4 cyl is different in engine. 3 cyl is XinChang,and 4 cyl is LIJIA.