Buying Advice Jinma or Foton?

[Tanqwa]

Both brands are now available in South Africa. Is there a diff, to me looks like basically the same tractor. In the neat future i will be eeding a small tractor, now which do i buy? Also have an option for a 2nd hand Fiat 450 with lotsa work( better than both brands def) but would prefer to buy a new tractor cause the prices are very attractive ie Jinma 250 R57 000 and Foton250 R65 000.

 

[greg_g]

I'll qualify this by saying that my Jinma/Foton experience is limited to US-spec machines. They may be different in SA. Having said that - I've owned 2 Jinmas, and looked at (but never owned) several Fotons. Based upon my "Jinma experience" - if I had it to do all over again - I'd have gone Foton instead.

//greg//

 

[Diamondpilot]

Both are good tractors but the Jinma line is much better supported here in the states. I would guess a good 75% of all Chinese tractors are Jinma here with Kama, Foton, and a few others making up the rest.

It would come down to support for me. I chose Jinma because I had 2 dealers in my town back when I bought one. Funny thing is I only bought 1 part from them and turned out I did not even need it. Still sitting on my shelf.

Chris

 

[Rich Waugh]

I've no personal experience with Foton, though I hear the latest crop of th4em seem to have visibly improved fit and finish over other models.

I own a Jinma 304 that I'm quite happy with. A very robust machine for the money. I bought a crate unit and assembled myself so no dealer support really, though the battery was DOA and dealer replaced immediately with no hassle. Since I am now familiar with Jinma to some degree, I probably buy another one if I was in the market for a tractor.

I do think that if you aren't familiar with working on tractors/diesels that you should definitely get one that is supported by a good local dealer. Tractors work hard and need service and the occasional part so support is necessary.

Rich

 

[studor]

I have a Jinma but today I would look at the Foton for a couple of reasons. Local support is the same, the Foton seems to have a bit better fit/finish and the hydraulics on the Fotons I have seen are better than on my Jinma (full remotes and two pumps). As others have said if the parts availability and dealer support are the same then it really boils down to whether the small price difference is worth the feature difference to you -- JMHO

 

[Sweden-Art]

This is a little OT. But if you have a EastWind dealer near you (Dong Feng brand) I would go check it out. Especially the 254g2 model with full synchro shuttle, if its a 25 HP range you are looking for.

 

[valley]

Greetings, I have a Foton 254 bought it used works well! Over here in the states there are more places to get parts for Jinma. That is a drawback. If that isn't a problem where you are, flip a coin. Good luck.

Richard

 

[Transit]

I just received my Foton 704 turbo with cab this past Sunday afternoon; haven not spent any real time working it. I am going over all the nuts and bolts, found a few lose from shipping as expected. From the looks of it, the Foton has a much better fit and finish. I stepped up from a Jinma 254 to a Foton 704, that is a three fold increase in tractor HP and four fold in FEL lift, 875 vs. 3,550 pounds, have not made a choice in the backhoe as yet. A cab option for any brand is very, very, very nice when it gets hot or cold.
Intended use should match the tractor to the task and then you will find more tasks and wish the tractor is larger.
As said, support is very important even if you know your way around a wrench.
Good luck on your choice.

 

[rScotty]

I just received my Foton 704 turbo with cab this past Sunday afternoon; haven not spent any real time working it.

Transit, how is that new tractor working out? I'll bet I'm not the only one curious.
rScotty

 

[Transit]

Transit, how is that new tractor working out? I'll bet I'm not the only one curious.
rScotty

Well Scotty, life is very complicated. I have 17 hours on it now, located all the missing manuals, Foton 700 series operators, Parts, engine. I have installed a quick hitch.3,500 Lb FEL. Backhoe and tooth bar are next.
I have easily brushed hogged my overgrown fields, plenty of power, no overheat problems, 70 turbo hp.
I had to set the tractor aside in 10/12 for a little problem called Bladder Cancer. My next surgery is Jan. 4, 2011 and will be recovering in a nursing home about two months. We will see how I feel I the spring after I mend.
A lot depends on how well the dealership preps the tractor. I had issues with selecting gears without the manual. I still need to adjust the clutch pack to engage the PTO.