Jinma 354 or the Foton 354 - which one to choose..

Kobi · Jan 16, 2006

Hi, I find it very difficult to make a decision between the Jinma 354 and the Foton 354. It seems that the parts are easier to get and more readily available for the Jinma 354 - but I sure would like the meshed gears and the planetary final drive of the Foton as well as the 2 remotes.

Which one would you choose... and why....?
I have never seen either of them - but on pictures.... HELP...

Thanks, Kobi

greg_g · Jan 16, 2006

Where have you seen a FT354? That's a new one on me. Sure you don't mean Taishan (TS354)?

//greg//

Kobi · Jan 16, 2006

Hi Greg,

The Foton is available in Canada from: http://www.foton.ca/model_ft40_354.php

Cheers, Kobi

gunslinger101 · Jan 16, 2006

Me personally, I would go with a Jinma, parts are easy to get and if you check I think you will find such things as wheel weights on the Foton cost extra. The base cost of the Foton seems to be higher also.
I know someone who lives in Canada and had a 354 Foton, he sold it, he said on hills working sideways the trans leaks and if he leaves it out in the rain he has had water get into the trans, how I do not know, but the leaking part I have read on the forums with the 40 hp Fotons.
Parts would be my main issue, 40 hp Foton parts are around (Farm Pro and Rural KIng)but the 35 hp they seem to be hard to get since dealers who sell the 35 hp are very rare.

Kobi · Jan 21, 2006

Thanks Jim and Greg!
I thought I would get more response, your input is much appreciated. I have decided to go with the Ft404....!!!
I really want the 2 remotes and the meshed gears are important to me. I also do have some implements already and the 40 HP will be a better choice.

What size Koyker backhoe & FEL would be - most suitable - for this size of tractor? Any idea...?

Thanks for taking the time to respond and voicing your opinion!

Cheers, Kobi /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

holstein05 · Jan 21, 2006

Most the 404's I've seen with loaders are the Koyker 160. Somewhere in my joggled mind however, I thought somebody told me to go with a 190... but maybe he said 160, and I was smok'n crack that day...

I too am just a good wife deed or two away from buying a 404. Been hearing plenty of good things about them.

Kobi · Jan 21, 2006

Hi Holstein05 - I will be ordering this coming monday, the only thing I am still debating is to go with a 3 cylinder or 4 cylinder version.

Have you found any interesting sites for the FT404...? Mods...,Projects...,etc... once I get mine - I will create a website dedicated to the FT404 with pictures and modifications that I will be doing.

Cheers, Kobi /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif