Foton 404 - Starter makes winding sound

Affordable · Jul 17, 2012

The Koyker Loader is worth around $ 2,000.00 by itself maybe a little more depending on condition. That leaves $ 1,800.00 for a 40hp tractor,you cannot find a used 40 hp 4 x 4 tractor for $ 1,800.00. I think with the tractor running with the Koyker 160 loader it should be worth at least $ 5,000.-6,000.00

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

greg_g · Jul 17, 2012

I agree with Tommy. I got $5500 trade-in for a 35hp w/Koyker 160. If it's worth that much as trade, it's worth more outright. And your FT404 is a much better tractor than my TS354C. Given your investment currently stands at only $3800, you've still got a lot of playing room.

//greg//

Diamondpilot · Jul 17, 2012

Bob Rooks said:
Loosen the injectors and see if it goes away (thought you already did that?).

You know, we did the first day to make sure it was not hydro locked but I honestly can not remember if it had the tight spots or not. At that time we were thinking some other problems, not a flywheel out of place.

Chris

rickyddriskill · Jul 17, 2012

Sounds good! I'm now in the process of finding someone locally to work on it. I talked to a guy that is willing to do the work but they are currently about 1 month out. Their rate is $50 per hour. Is this around normal for service work on these tractors?

Bob Rooks · Jul 17, 2012

Not sure about your neck of the woods, but that's a bargain - maybe. Check with the BBB and references for the shop. Typically, a good shop will be about $125.00/hr.+ depending on skill levels and comprehensiveness.

greg_g · Jul 17, 2012

rickyddriskill said:
Sounds good! I'm now in the process of finding someone locally to work on it. I talked to a guy that is willing to do the work but they are currently about 1 month out. Their rate is $50 per hour. Is this around normal for service work on these tractors?

$50/hr is no bargain if they've never split a Chinese tractor before. It's wasting money to watch them learn by their own mistakes. Tractor-specific experience would be my #1 criteria. I've done most of my own work, but sometimes there's a job that requires tools I don't own. So there's an ace mechanic down the road from me - retired after a career maintaining coal mining equipment. He's got a fully equipped shop, and tackles almost anything agricultural or construction for $25/hr plus parts. But he only agreed to work on my Chinese tractors because I had a full set of books, and that I agreed to observe/supervise his work. I trusted his mechanical competence, he trusted my experience with Chinese tractors.

//greg//

rickyddriskill · Jul 18, 2012

I met with my first prospective buyer today. He is a guy from Mt. Summit, IN (About 30 miles from here) and he offered $3600. The ad has only been on craigslist for 1 day and I listed it for $4500. He runs a shop that has worked on a lot of these tractors, he says, and they charge $45 an hour. After taking a quick look, he says these tractors are known for broken crank shafts and this is likely the issue. He didn't know I had also been looking for someone to work on the tractor. He says, as did Tommy, this tractor will only bring around $5K in good operable condition. I'm not sure if I should go-ahead with the sale or hire someone to fix it. When I asked him about working on it for me, he kinda tried to talk me out of this option. After a couple of days research, it just seems like there are not too many local guys willing to work on these tractors. This could be a major issue with me since I'm not a mechanic. Any input on what to do in this situation is greatly appreciated.

greg_g · Jul 18, 2012

My take on that; he knows what's wrong - can fix it at minimal expense - and wants to turn it right around for a profit. Let's face it - would you pay $3600 for a tractor that you knew up front that you'd have to split before it would even start? With the American loader, that FT404 is definitely worth more than $5k. Like I said, I got $5500 trade-in for a 35hp with the same loader. I think the guy knows what's wrong, and I think you can do better. Ask Chris if he knows anything about the guy that might prove me wrong.

//greg//

Diamondpilot · Jul 18, 2012

Greg, I tend to agree with you. I did not meet the guy, I was out flying, but I believe its the owner of N-Complete.n-Complete

The bread and butter of his business is to buy, refurbish, service, ect all the old Ford tractors from the N series, hundred series, and thousand series.

There is no way he would offer $3600 for a tractor that he would have 15 hours of labor on at $45 per hour (about $700) plus say $500 in parts then sell it for $5000. Its a $7500 to $7000 tractor.

Chris

Bob Rooks · Jul 18, 2012

I agree with Chris and Greg. He's a businessman too. Buy low, sell high. Your tractor is becoming a known quantity to you, I'd keep it.
Why is labor so cheap (inexpensive) in Indiana?