Deere 3R engine issue

deeredroppings · Feb 27, 2015

Hello all. I bought a Deere 3046R, cab. I wanted to let everyone here know that it was having a terrible time idling, or revving up for PTO work this winter. The dealer figured out eventually that it was the computer MAP for fuel delivery at different engine temp levels. They re-programmed the computer and so far it acts normal. Before your dealer tries installing parts, sensors, etc. you may want to point this out to them. We almost started yanking parts from under the hood! So far so good, I'll blow some snow today with it and if anything changes will let you all know.

With respect to the rest of the unit, transitioning from a 3720, cab: It is a nice tractor. I feel that it actually is a bit more powerful, despite the ratings saying less (-1hp). I know the DPF thing isn't optimal, but all my other tractors have it with no issues (6000,8000,9000,combine,pickup even). Two major beefs from me: the PTO switch I have to pull when backing up (I think I found a fix on here for that) and the multi piece hood. The PTO backup kills the entire machine.... not sure why it couldn't just kill the PTO. This is an old complaint on here, I'm sure. The hood design was better as one-piece. I didn't spend tons of time under the hood of my 3720, fortunately, but this seems like a backward step.

Yes, the motor rattles for a while on startup. I like the new electronic transmission control cluster. The radio gets AM, that's nice, and the heated cab on these cold days will keep you somewhere between "roast" and "bake". I like the unit overall, it has some nice updates, but I'm biased.

MechE1 · Feb 27, 2015

deeredroppings, awesome information and good job troubleshooting. I’m looking for a 3046r this spring or late next winter and have blower from old machine. As far as the PTO and reversing, I was under the impression that with the new front lift, there was a switch which would keep the PTO/tractor from shutting down when reversed. Can you confirm that you have a switch? If the switch is there, and it’s not for PTO, then what is it for? Is your lift from your old machine?

buickanddeere · Feb 27, 2015

We just got a couple of those here at work for snowblowing. One was running rough. Turns out somebody started pushing dash buttons and the tracror went into re-gen. The operator got scared, shut off the tractor and ran away.
If worked hard blowing snow they operate ok but for putting around work spreading salt . Or when left idling in cold weather while the crew goes for coffee.not so good. I found one of the 3046's outside the shop wheezing at slowest idle with every factory light and the aftermarket lights turned on. After moving the throttle up the engine was missing but eventually reved to 1500rpm and smoothed out. The lights also shone much brighter. Of course the employees will only use a block heater if the engine won't start.

MechE1 · Feb 27, 2015

buickanddeere, can you answer the reverse PTO kill question for your new machines? Will it kill the machines/PTO when reversed if not shut off?

buickanddeere · Feb 27, 2015

Don't know. I'm not allowed to drive the tractors aS I have not had the tractor training course. I'll ask.The canadian spec units maybe different ? I'm sure I could do better than the operator who had the engine rpms at 1000 and was trying to blow snow.

MechE1 · Feb 27, 2015

Maybe they were tyring loadmach or other automated function and didn't know what they were doing?

buickanddeere · Feb 27, 2015

It was a women operator who wears hearing aids. She didn't like "how loud it was " when rpms were redlined to blow snow.

buickanddeere · Feb 27, 2015

They are using a front mounted snowblower driven from the mid pto. Nothing trips , shuts off or alarms when transitioning from forward to reverse.
Don't know about the rear pto.

MechE1 · Mar 1, 2015

Thanks buickanddeere! That's good to know.

buickanddeere · Mar 4, 2015

MechE1 said:
Thanks buickanddeere! That's good to know.

I looked again closer and there is a symbol on the pto knob that indicates it must be lifted if the tractor is reversed. Sorry I have no idea if or when this applies to the rear pto or when both pto's are in service? Or if the function is locked out for front mounted equipment that is mid pto driven?
I'm not too sure about the equipment operators. A couple of days ago they were told to remove the rear mounted salt spreader. The foreman walked into the shop and found the spreader tipped over with the lower arms and top link still connected. The lower arms and upper link had been removed from the tractor along with the sway bars. They were pounding on the pto shaft trying to pull it apart. They were shocked when the button was pushed and the pto shaft slid off the tractor's pto stub shaft.