Foton 404 in Canada

[afoster]

I'm considering purchasing a Foton 404 with cab and loader for use in Canada's northern territories. I was wondering what experince people might have had running these tractors in cold temperatures -25C or less. My other concern is getting parts for these units as there is no dealer close to where I live. I'm expecting high freight charges for parts but I just want to make sure they are available in Canada.

 

[TTTTTT]

I'm considering purchasing a Foton 404 with cab and loader for use in Canada's northern territories. I was wondering what experince people might have had running these tractors in cold temperatures -25C or less. My other concern is getting parts for these units as there is no dealer close to where I live. I'm expecting high freight charges for parts but I just want to make sure they are available in Canada.

Have you checked with JBD below. They do supply parts and have dealers across Canada as their site shows but I think many are small operations. People have gotten their parts through them but the Foton ones may be a different story, but maybe worth a try ahead to see.

Dave

Foton Tractors - JDB Sales and Services

 

[Ammy1012]

I found a detail product introduction that maybe could help you know foton 404 well.
Model:FT404

Overall dimensions (mm):Total Length 3513/138, Width (in usual Tread) 1750/68;
Height (to Steering Top) 1540/60

Wheel Base (mm/inch):1924/75

Front Tread ( In usual):1250/49

Other Front Tread:1150;1350;1450/45;53;57

Rear Tread (In Usual):1250

Other Rear Tread:1150;1350;1450/45;53;57

Min.Ground clearance (mm):400/15

Front Wheel:6.00-16

Rear Wheel:12.4-28

Structure weight (kg):1890

Min.Operation Weight:1920

Theoretical Forward Speed (km/h):2.43/0.32;3.53/0.46;4.81/0.63;7.42/0.97;
10.45 /1.36;15.16/1.98;20.69/2.70;31.88/4.16;

Theoretical Reverse Speed (km/h):3.61/0.47;5.23/0.68;7.14/0.93;11.01/1.44

Engine

Type:SL3105BT

Model:3 CYLINDER, VERTICAL, COLLED WATER, 4 STROKE

Rated Power (12h) (k.W):29.4

Rated speed (r/min):2200

 

[Westendorf-RR]

Just a heads up if you are considering a loader - we've seen a lot of different frame styles and changes on Foton tractors. One tractor even came in with wrong decals identifying the tractor model (i.e. 404 was the decal, but the tractor was actually a 504). Someone got a tractor upgrade for free The hydraulics are on the bottom end for speed, but do work with a smaller loader.

 

[afoster]

I thought maybe I should explain what I want to use this tractor for and why I am considering one of these tractors. I have an existing 20 year old 30hp Kubota with loader and no cab. I have found that I need a bit more power and lifting capacity plus a cab for use in the cold winters. I wouldn't mind buying another Kubota but I can not afford the cost of a new 40 hp Kubota with a cab and loader and, comparable priced used Kubota are 10 to 15 years old with several 1000 hrs on them.
I use the tractor for snow removal of our 1/4 mile long laneway and yard, plus some of our neighbours as well. It is also used for lifting 16ft logs on to our band sawmill, powering a buzz saw and a chipper/shredder, plus general acreage maintenance. I don't want to go bigger than this size as its physical measurements still allows me to bring it into our garage to do maintenance. I've heard that the quality of the Foton is better than many other Chinese tractors, but at the same time I'm not finding much information about peoples experience with them in Canada.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Being where you are located I would look at a Jinma just due to the parts availability and nothing else. The Jinmas have came a long way since I got mine back in 2003. I would say they are now on par with the big names of 10 years ago with the exception of the hydraulic valves and the quality of the fluids. The fluids on any Chinese tractor should be flushed and filled with quality fluids before the first hour of use. That just leaves the hydraulic valves which is also a easy fix with some of the dealers direct fit kit like the one Ranch Hand Supply has. As with any tractor proper setup is key, my Jinma has been great since I got it but it helped having a knowledgeable guy fix all the dealer screw up's after the first 10 hours or so. It is every bit as reliable as my neighbors JD and my best friends Case. It never fails to start with the block heater plugged in. The coldest it has ever been started is around -20 F.

Chris

 

[richardbro]

My neighbor has a couple of these tractors and they start OK in Ottawa winters.
Also, you can get parts just a bit north of where you are...

 

[rpbary62]

I'm considering purchasing a Foton 404 with cab and loader for use in Canada's northern territories. I was wondering what experince people might have had running these tractors in cold temperatures -25C or less. My other concern is getting parts for these units as there is no dealer close to where I live. I'm expecting high freight charges for parts but I just want to make sure they are available in Canada.

hi. I got a Foton 404 a couple of years ago and live in northern BC. I installed a oilpan heater, I can plug in an hour before I start the tractor. He doesn't like to start by -35 but he does. I started to put him into my shop, so he is out of the wind and then starting is no problem.
i had my problems with getting parts, but now Prince George has a dealer,, Norther Acreage,, that is very helpful and gets parts fast. Since this is my first tractor I also call when I have a problem and the owner is very helpful and knowledgable when it comes to these tractors.
I did some adjusting to lift 1200lb haybails (2forks) and a faster system to change from the bucket to the fork. I live on a hillside and have to watch not to tip but otherwise I love my little tractor.

 

[doxford jim]

hi. I got a Foton 404 a couple of years ago and live in northern BC. I installed a oilpan heater, I can plug in an hour before I start the tractor. He doesn't like to start by -35 but he does. I started to put him into my shop, so he is out of the wind and then starting is no problem.
i had my problems with getting parts, but now Prince George has a dealer,, Norther Acreage,, that is very helpful and gets parts fast. Since this is my first tractor I also call when I have a problem and the owner is very helpful and knowledgable when it comes to these tractors.
I did some adjusting to lift 1200lb haybails (2forks) and a faster system to change from the bucket to the fork. I live on a hillside and have to watch not to tip but otherwise I love my little tractor.

HI,

I have to agree about Northern Acreage - the new dealer in Prince George. I believe the dealership opened just over a year ago. In fact I recently purchased a back blade from them and got a good deal and it was in the dealership within a couple of days - had to be freighted up from Abbotsford..

Can't comment on the Foton tractors as I have a Jinma, but from what I have heard the Foton is a good brand.

Jim

 

[404 foton]

were do you get a foton serves