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Post by richardc on Mar 19, 2009 22:07:37 GMT -5
Greetings Randy, Glad you came over. Richard
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Post by jimbo6538 on Jun 23, 2009 20:58:20 GMT -5
Hello all:
Well I finally feel I have a right to say something on this forum. I joined March of 08 but didnt have my tractor yet. I am pleased to announce that I am the proud [so far] owner of a Foton 504. I had a lot of trouble at first with ordering it. Long story...but I was lucky and got my money back from the bad Chinese company thanks to a friend and a stranger to me who also helped out. Then I ordered direct from the factory. My friend was in China on other business and went to the factory and toured it etc. and laid the ground work.
My Foton 504 has rear hyd. outlets [2], cabin with heat no air, joystick controlled FEL, Lights, turn signals, 8 + 8 shuttle shift, power steering......and seems really quality made. FEL has subframe, tractor has rear trailer lights hookup, rear work lights, 3pt hitch. I am real pleased. I must credit both Chinese Tractor World and CTOA for help as well as Chip at Artrak and Tommy at Afforadable, and guys like Rob for shareing what they know. I almost bought a tractor from Chip but I realized that I needed more then what that unit would give me so I did not buy there. My problem also was that I had a budget.....So I self imported and I am well pleased. I also bought in a Foton backhoe and a WC 8 woodchipper at the same time. My loader was assembled at the factory. Small steel wheels were put on rear to let me get into a "normal 20' container". So it is good to be here and report a good experience of self importing and saving bucks. If anyone wants to know I can tell you how I went about it. For me it would help PAYBACK for what these sites have done for me.
For what a good second hand "Name" tractor would have cost [and I didnt find one] I have a top brand Foton and a backhoe and wood chipper and loader. Not sure how to load pics yet but if there is an interest I will try to do so. Note this tractor is part of the 40 or TB series of Foton.
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PJ
CTW Expert
Posts: 176
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Post by PJ on Oct 23, 2009 7:20:04 GMT -5
I bought my 604 through Northern Tool. I just ordered the tractor, paid for it and when it came, it was delivered right to my door. No hassle! Front end loader with quick attach bucket and accessories plus back hoe, all set up by Northern. When it was delivered, it was ready for work.  |
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Post by bradblazer on Oct 23, 2009 23:29:40 GMT -5
PJ,
That is a really nice tractor. Is your loader a Koyker? The bucket looks a lot like mine. It seems like Northern is selling Koyker loaders as "Nortrack". I envy the QA bucket.
What size backhoe did you get? Is it subframe or 3ph mounted?
Jimbo - If you're still around - nice first post and welcome! I don't know why we seem to have missed replying back in June. Sounds like you had an adventure getting your machine but it turned out good in the end. Please feel free to give us an update on how the tractor and implements are working out.
Like Rob I was close to getting an FT404 when I got my Kama. My dealer actually had both for the same price. I went with the extra 15hp and I have been generally pleased. That said - nobody seems to be bringing in any more Kamas since the 2006 EPA rules. Not a good sign.
Brad
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PJ
CTW Expert
Posts: 176
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Post by PJ on Oct 24, 2009 5:04:23 GMT -5
Hello Brad, The loader and the skid steer quick attachment set up on the front is a Koyker. The 3 point back hoe, well, Northern calls it an 860. It's made up in Minnesota or Montana, not sure exactly where. The back hoe, a completely self contained unit, works very well for occasional use, but I wouldn't want to use it on a construction site. The loader is built well and the only complaint I have with it is, it doesn't have a self leveler on the bucket. Had I known that, I'd have ordered another unit. With 40 years in the construction business, I'm used to commercial loaders and hoes. The tractor is a well built unit. The Chinese seem to be improving on that end. The whole setup is great around the farm, as I can drop off the hoe when it's not needed, but it's there if I do. With the quick attachment front, it only takes a minute to change from bucket to forks or whatever. There are many attachments that will work on the front. I'm happy with it! PJ
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PJ
CTW Expert
Posts: 176
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Post by PJ on Oct 27, 2009 11:09:23 GMT -5
Someone on one of the other boards had a 60 or 70 horse with the cab and he was having trouble with it wanting to overheat when working it hard. I don't know if it was a problem or he just needed to stop brush hogging every hour to clean the radiator. I know when i use the 6' cutter in heavy stuff the radiator fins get clogged pretty quickly. On the 95+ degree days I have to stop and blow it out about once an hour. Dwayne, I believe it was me your talking about. My 604 had a heating problem while cutting dry tall grass or hay. The reason was caused by the air conditioner condenser being placed to close to the radiator and the chaff would get between the two and couldn't get out. I remade the condenser bracket to move it out about 2 inches and then made a screen cage to catch 95 percent of the chaff before it gets in the radiator. I now blow it out at the end of the day, which is very little and mostly fuzz. It only ever heated up when the AC was turned on, now it runs at the proper temp and everything is "COOL!" PJ |
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Post by jimbo6538 on Nov 6, 2009 21:41:00 GMT -5
Hey Brad:
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Post by jimbo6538 on Feb 25, 2011 23:38:26 GMT -5
Hello again
I want to give an update on my Foton 504 tractor. I first posted on June 23 of "09". I have tried to get back onto the site to talk about it before but I was unable to get into the site. I tried to write Brad but something happened and only a small part showed. Finally did it this time so here goes.
So far I love this machine. It has done and is doing all I ask of it. Today it pulled my plow truck out of snowbank twice. I have about 365 hours on it. I do all my oil changes etc. myself...no dealer here for sure. My cab keeps me sheltered and with the heater it gets to 60 deg. and is comfortable but sometimes I have to crack the door a bit to cool it down a little. I have a Foton FEL installed at the factory. The bucket is lightweight and I bent it a bit 3 weeks ago. Just finished repairing it this week in time for more snow pile pushing. The bucket is something that will need more metal and reworking in the future. I heard there is a heavier weight one available but I didn't know when I bought my unit. I have had no problems with lose bolts or nuts. Fuel was clean when I got it. Oil was clean as well. Following different threads I for instructions...I changed oil filter to SAE and reg. filters. I use Rotella oil from TSC stores [only when on sale]. I have broken a few grease fittings but replaced them at TSC also. I am able to get metric hoses and fittings locally so that helped when I snapped a fitting on my bucket cylinder while lifting a log. Its been a colder winter then last here in Maine so I installed a Kats lower radiator hose heater. Works great as I knew it would. A bit tight to install but I managed. IF I have a problem with the hose I will move the radiator forward an inch or so. I did have a problem figuring out the hydraulic outlets at the rear to power my back hoe. I have had very good support from the factory. What I have found from the forums and pictures is that the hydraulics can be plumbed differently. I admit I am not a genius with hydraulics...but I try to be careful. The valve that controls the rise and fall rate of the 3 point hitch under my seat front was stuck or pained or rusted....not sure which. I finally removed the seat and bottom panel seat is mounted on and put the wrench to it. The knob moved finally. I sure didn't want to break anything there. I used penetrating oil for a week before I tried the wrench. I forgot to say I had the rear tires loaded with a bio liquid that is non corrosive and helps balance tractor when using bucket.
To make the rear hydraulic outlets 2 way [out and return] I had to turn a screw in the valve body. I just was not able to access the screw to turn it per the directions. Finally I had it. I took my heavy drill and figured where I wanted the access hole and drilled a 3" hole in the metal inside fender and then I had access to the screw. I filed the edges and repainted from the rear. So then my rear outlets worked to power the back hoe...if I turned the knob under the seat to the right and "Closed" it. So now I have a working back hoe. The BH is the only attachment using hyd. at the rear. The back hoe has been a surprise. From the many post I read most people thought the controls on the BH's were junk and sloppy etc.. Not so with mine. It has a Foton label on it but is similar to many I see on the net from China. I had one problem with a steel pipe on my boom cylinder. Something plugged it so nothing flowed through the pipe and of course nothing moved. I swapped hoses at the valve control body to make sure where the problem was and then removed the cylinder [tractor shut off and pressure relived] from the unit and took it in my so called shop. I dismantled it thinking I had a blown seal. I didn't but I made a drill out of a strong but thin steel wire about 1/16 " and 2 ft long. I bent the end and filed it smooth so it wasn't sharp. I put it in my drill and cleaned out the rubber type stuff that was jammed in solid. I then washed it out and checked for residue etc. and then reassembled the cylinder. Learned a lot and better understand cylinder workings. Gotta say I was proud of myself. All those different threads I read and studied sure help. Have had no problems since. I am replacing the top link as it doesn't fit where I want it to fit to have BH level. Will figure my spacing and have a buddy who works in a metal shop make it up for me.
One problem I have is ..when you use the rear outlets you have 2 levers to the left of the seat. You have to have it pulled either forward or back when running or I was told I will blow the pump. Don't want to do that so I saw in a post from Sweden that the mans [tractorz ?] 404 had a rubber strap that looked made just for that. I emailed my contact at Foton yesterday with a picture of the Swedish 404 and the strap....so we will see what he says. It is awful hard to climb over the bungee cords I have been using, and it will be so much easier to move tractor with hydraulics to rear on instead of shutting down engine each time I need to move.
Last winter I got in firewood at this time in February....NOT THIS YEAR.....as snow is 2 deep. The tractor PTO handles my Farmi winch very well and I cam haul a good snatch of logs with it. I admit I knock my mirrors out of viewing angle a lot but they are easy to reset. I also extended my exhaust stack a bit and installed a rain cap. I use a large coffee can over that if I think it will be blowing rain etc. as a precaution. Before I got the Foton....I bought small magnets so that when I did my first oil changes I would drill and install them in the oil plugs. Well when I went to drain the oil....the plugs were already with magnets. I also bought rubber to make floor mats for the inside. It came with floor mats. Well I have talked long enough. In summery.....I love it. The cab doors even close like I think a good car would.....that solid clunk of things fitting well. In the spring I will do paint touch up and more lubrication underneath.
One thing I dont like is that the hood is hinged at the front. Harder to work on engine and add oil etc.. Also the brake pedals are hard to put my feet on. I love the brake lock handle but it is hard to "skid steer" with the small pedal and limited room for your feet on pedal. I am thinking of extending the shuttle shift handle to make for a little less bending over to shift. I am also planning a grill guard to protect the front. I also built a seat to the left of my seat so my dog can ride and see. The cab interior that I thought would be bear bones is really finished nice. I hang my hardhat and caps etc. at top right side in hooks I installed. For the present my tool box...a .50 cal side hings lid type painted blue to match tractor sits on the floor in back of brake pedals. Good flashlight hangs on cab door piller on right side easily gotten to. On the right inside fenf=der I have a small wooden box that holds differant things like my tractor log, spare clipon sunglasses, etc. and behind that is a Bubba Mug holder bor my ice water or coffee or whatever. Another plus is the great instrument panal. I will be adding a voltmeter as it has a light. The battery has stayed strong and test well everytime. There is a switch for windshield washer but I cant find the washer.....Wipers work great. This unit has worked great right out of the container. Hope I havent bored you but hopefully this will help someone else make a good choice. I have also learned that Nothern Hyd. will be stocking parts for the Fotons in the first half of this year I was told. If I needed parts I would rather contact the members and sponsers of the Chinese Tractor sites. Any questions please ask. Only Brad replied back in June / 09 so maybe there isnt any interest.
Jim
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Post by Rich Waugh on Feb 25, 2011 23:53:05 GMT -5
It sure sounds as though you're having a really good experience with your self-import tractor. That's great! It sure sounds like a nice tractor. I'm envious.  Rich |
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Post by jimbo6538 on Feb 26, 2011 0:20:13 GMT -5
Hi Rich...I am having a good time with it. I have been amazed at the quality. What I got was far more then I expected. I did forget to say that my FEL joystick rod broke off. I contacted the company just for the rod...they sent me the whole setup complete. All packed in a nice wooden box. No charge. Thats service. However a friend gave me a brass rod close to size. I carefully ground down to wheere I could thread it the right metric size. Works great and no problems since. The rubber boots are not good quality...so I am looking for a better replacement for that. If you get past the envious part....it should still be afforable to direct import....be glad to offer advice to anyone. Take care.
Jim
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arto
CTW Member
Posts: 9
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Post by arto on Feb 26, 2011 1:12:48 GMT -5
Hi Rich...I am having a good time with it. I have been amazed at the quality. What I got was far more then I expected. I did forget to say that my FEL joystick rod broke off. I contacted the company just for the rod...they sent me the whole setup complete. All packed in a nice wooden box. No charge. Thats service. However a friend gave me a brass rod close to size. I carefully ground down to wheere I could thread it the right metric size. Works great and no problems since. The rubber boots are not good quality...so I am looking for a better replacement for that. If you get past the envious part....it should still be afforable to direct import....be glad to offer advice to anyone. Take care. Jim Hey Jim. Sounds like you have been busy with you new tractor I sure would like to see some pictures of it. I have also self imported two tractors on two different occasions myself. One DF254G2 and the tractor I have now, a Mahindra 2525. No problem at all with the self imports, and it have and saved me a lot of cash. /Arto |
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Post by bradblazer on Feb 26, 2011 23:42:29 GMT -5
Jimbo,
It sounds like you've been anjoying the tractor. Nice work self-importing and doing all of the setup and maintenance yourself.
Of course we aould like to see some pictures.
It makes sense that you would bungee the hydraulic lever to operate the backhoe but I've never heard of having to keep the bungee on whenever you have the remotes plugged in. On my Kama if I leave the lever bungeed, none of the other hydraulic functions work since the valve for the rear remotes is the first valve in the hydraulic circuit.
Brad
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Post by jimbo7238 on Mar 2, 2011 14:14:53 GMT -5
Hi Brad and Arto...thanks for the nice replies to my post. Brad...I will address yours first. I was told that when the knob under seat front was turned fully clockwise it would not let 3 pt hitch be used...but that lever had to be "open to rear so that hyd. pump didnt blow. I also got the "hold open" idea from traktorz in Sweden from his very useful info under Topic "404 Hydrulics" [
Author Topic: FT404 Hydraulics Confusion (Read 98 times)
traktorz
Here is the statement...."But we have to lock the leftmost lever (located near the drivers left hip) with a rubber strap in the retracted position, in order to operate the front loader."
Well I have no problem running my loader but the strap seemed like a good idea. anyway to keep the circuit open when I moved from place to place still needing the back hoe. This was reinforced in my understanding from China contact. Even if it is wrong...can it do harm? I will try to post some pics as well........however I do have a problem. Perhaps I should start a new topic or forum??/ Not sure. My problem is that my Shuttle shift shifts for reverse but no forward motion. HELP!!!!
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vo2et
CTW Member
Posts: 8
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Post by vo2et on Apr 14, 2011 21:04:31 GMT -5
Hi Guys, I have a Foton TE254 2008 model. The tractor seems well built and the cab components seem good too. Besides the regular adjustments and fiddling its been working great 304 hrs on it now. Heres a couple of links to a couple of small videos I made of it tormenting my father to get one of his own. Darryl www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eQgIhGDHy8www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Tf7c9EB44 |
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