25 hp range Foton or Jinma?

[JasonWNY]

Hi Im in the market for a new tractor but havent decided exactly on the size yet but probably in the 25-35 hp range. I really like the idea of the shuttle shift for loader work or snowblowing but I was wondering if there was any differnce in quality between the jinma 25/28hp and the 25 hp foton? I would rather spend a little more if the foton was a little better quality Thanks Jason

 

[Foton404]

Hi Im in the market for a new tractor but havent decided exactly on the size yet but probably in the 25-35 hp range. I really like the idea of the shuttle shift for loader work or snowblowing but I was wondering if there was any differnce in quality between the jinma 25/28hp and the 25 hp foton? I would rather spend a little more if the foton was a little better quality Thanks Jason

They are supposed to be the same tractor, but I looked at both and came away with the impression that Foton was the better equipment. I had a
254a and put 300(x) hours on it. My mowing business outgrew it and I traded for a 404 (great tractor). The 254a was one of the first to be imported, and have had some winkles smoothed out since. I have a position that you never buy for what you need, but rather buy for what you will need! Don't know much about the 28 or 30 hp units. Costs rise as you upgrade, but I would go with Foton, and particularly since you are going for a loader, if you possibly can, go with the 404. If not, I'm sure the 30hp Foton will work.

 

[greg_g]

I've already owned a pair of 25hp pre-EPA Jinmas. Didn't like them, but it wasn't wholly their fault. They were geared wrong for my hillside pastures, so 25hp turned out to be insufficient for the work I do on this property. Plus, the selling dealer had incompetent mechanics (when they had any at all). But if I had to choose today - between the JM254 and FT254 - I'd get the Foton. Pretty sure the hydraulics are stronger. And if you're considering a loader, I know the Foton front drive is stouter. It's got a positive shuttle linkage (the Jinma uses cable) and two pair of hydraulic remotes (the Jinmas around here have either one half remote - or none at all). That said, I don't like the two 6V batteries and the big air filter housing blocking airflow through the Foton radiator. But that's easy enough to remedy after purchase.

//greg//

 

[Affordable]

We have sold both the Jinma & Fotons,my personal opinion is 25 hp and below Jinma,above 25 hp the Fotons.Look at both esp.the front drives of the Jinma & Foton,the Jinma shuttle shifts have improved as well the first editions were crude but they are still cable operated but much more positive,the hydraulics are the same Foton used the Y385 in most of there 25 hp tractors which is the same as Jinma.Last but not least parts support,there is a large supply of Jinma parts in the USA,Foton parts are limitied and hard to get,even if we air freight parts in for Foton it can take 3-weeks.If you move up to the 40 hp look at the FT404 with shuttle they are nice.If we can help you with any questions please give me a call or e-mail

Tommy
Affordable Tractor Sales
" Your Jinma Parts Superstore"
Home of compact Jinma, Foton, and Koyker Tractors and Parts, Wood Chippers, Backhoes - Affordable Tractor Sales Company

 

[bluechip]

You might want to check this out. Our AT3024 has SYNCHO shuttle, shifts like a $20,000 tractor. Have a dealer gearing up in Ohio, we are having excellent success with these tractors in our area. POWER UP WITH AGTRAC TRACTORS

 

[JasonWNY]

Thanks for the replies, I guess I still have alot of homework. I do like the sound of the FT404 but parts availability is kinda scary. Thanks Jason

 

[greg_g]

I do like the sound of the FT404 but parts availability is kinda scary.

Naw, lots of 'em around. Finding parts should be easier than finding a competent mechanic who's not afraid to tackle a Chinese tractor. And if you do your own work, that's just one less issue to face.

//greg//

 

[Affordable]

Greg_g , share some of those parts sources with me, I have 2-guys that work for me in China and go directly to the Foton factory and cannot get parts , common parts Hydraulic pumps, starters, ect are easy anything beyond that is horrible to almost impossible.At the Foton Factory there parts dept is a 20' x 20' room with metal shelfs that are mostly empty.


Tommy
Affordable Tractor Sales
Home of compact Jinma, Foton, and Koyker Tractors and Parts, Wood Chippers, Backhoes - Affordable Tractor Sales Company

 

[greg_g]

Greg_g , share some of those parts sources with me,

In case I somehow missed it, what have you done for me lately Tommy - other than throw insults and innuendo my way? I personally feel that
sort of behavior fails to justify "sharing".

//greg//

 

[Ranch_Hand_Supp]

#1. Hi Im in the market for a new tractor but havent decided exactly on the size yet but probably in the 25-35 hp range.

#2. I really like the idea of the shuttle shift for loader work or snowblowing

#3. but I was wondering if there was any differnce in quality between the jinma 25/28hp and the 25 hp foton?

#4. I would rather spend a little more if the foton was a little better quality Thanks Jason

Hi Jason, Here is another opinion.

#1. Dont know what your intended plans are for your tractor nor property size.? The Jinma 254 has a lot tighter turning radius than Jinma 354.

#2. I like the shuttle shift and have only sold / imported one Jinma 254 with creeper gear. The market demand for me is shuttle shift. I have not had any major problem with the shuttles I have sold and they have improved a lot over time. I have not had feed back from any one that has had a problem with the transmission gear ratio.??

#3. I can only give you a opinion on the Jinma. Quality (fit & finish) has improved also over time with Jinma. The factory quality control has improved some but not 100%. The service and prep that is performed before the tractor is put to work is key. There is a lot of parts here in the USA for the 200 & 300 series Jinma's. Foton parts is a different story no matter what size tractor.

#4. I have been around the Foton 404 a little and they do seem to have a little better fit and finish but also need a good prep as well. Your selling dealer plays a BIG part in happy owner ship.


Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply