Question about Deere 2.9L Engine...

Rivendale · Feb 20, 2013

I am in the market for a tractor and looking at a few. I have a question about the
John Deere
turbochargeddiesel
3-cylinder
liquid-cooled
179 ci [2.9 L]
This is the engine is in a JD 5400 that I'm considering buying. I am also looking at a NH in the same HP Range 75hp engine , and low 60s PTO.

The engine in a New Holland tractor im looking at is 3.9L and 4 cylinder but in the same HP range.

The engine in the JD5400 seems to be basically an older version of the same size engines used currently in the 5045D through the 5075E. JD tweaks with fuel delivery and a few other things right? and uses the same engine across a broad spectrum of ranges. Looks like they did the same thing in the 90s with that series

I guess to make my question simple... seems to me that the engine in the 5400 (versus a larger displacement and extra cylinder) would "work" harder to generate equel HP as an engine with hight displacement and an extra cylinder... am I right or is my thinking way off base?. I don't want to turn this into a brand thing. I really like JD but I want some advice to be fully informed on my purchase.

The heaviest workload it will do is pull a medium duty batwing (woods MD315) and pull a medium sized round baler on flat ground. (the 5400 im looking at is 4wd) The tires are loaded and I would ballast probably because I have a couple steep banks that I would mow with the batwing.

Help

RollingsFarms · Feb 20, 2013

I've only heard if one of those 2.9L's blowup in my life and it had 3500 hours on it. The guy claimed he didn't know what went wrong but you could look at the tractor and tell he didn't understand the term "proper maintenance". Tractor just looked like c-r-a-p. for it to last to 3500 hours with that fool at the helm is a testament to the engine. I have the same engine in my 5203 making 56hp and a friend has a 5105 and his makes 50 but is not turbo like mine and the one you're looking at. I'm not familiar with the New Holland but I can tell you the Deere engine is wet sleeved so that should make it last longer then one that isn't and also easier to rebuild come that day you ever have to. They are tough tourqey little engines that are pretty decent on fuel consumption. Nothing to make your jaw drop in awww but not gonna hit you hard on the wallet filling it up all the time either. It's an old engine that's been around since the early 90's I believe so the longetivity is there. Maybe someone can chime in about the New Holland and give you some more info.

Rivendale · Feb 20, 2013

I am at the very top of that power band... that's why I was even asking for re-assurance. I agree, they have stood the test of time. Thank you for the reply

kuboman · Feb 20, 2013

Rivendale said:
I am at the very top of that power band... that's why I was even asking for re-assurance. I agree, they have stood the test of time. Thank you for the reply

Unless you are planning on working it at maximum load all the time I would not worry about longevity. Small displacement engines that are squeezed hard actually tend to be more efficient.

RollingsFarms · Feb 20, 2013

Rivendale said:
I am at the very top of that power band... that's why I was even asking for re-assurance. I agree, they have stood the test of time. Thank you for the reply

I think they are getting 81hp out of this engine in one of the skid steers? I could be wrong but seems like I read that somewhere. According to tractor data the 5400 is rated at 68 engine hp so you should be ok since the 5075e is 75hp with te same engine.

Edward. S · Feb 20, 2013

I have the 2.9 Liter in my 5200 and 5310, both have over 3000 hours on them, very reliable tractors. Not much maintenance on them not saying you can drive the dog crap out of them and not caring, but they do last for a long time. I think I have 3500 on the 5310 and 3000 on the 5200. The 5200 doesn't do much but sit on a roller so its relatively light work and the 5310 is used like a normal loader tractor and some wagon pulling in between here and there.

Rivendale · Feb 20, 2013

Thats good to hear. This tractor would be my main tractor on the farm if I get it. (cattle and hay operation) no plowing or heavy ground engaging implements at all. The batwing and round baling would be the heaviest. 60PTO hp is the lowest I want to go doing that sort of work anyways

Edward. S · Feb 21, 2013

I know a few guys around here with 5400's and 5410's and 5200s all sorts of the 2.9 Liter engines. Someone has like 3 5200's I think! Overall these are very good tractors.

JD5210 · Feb 21, 2013

Just to add to what others have said. There is a LOT of the 2.9L engines out there. If you check this web-site and other tractor web-sites, you are NOT going to find people having problems with that engine. I have seen tractors with the 2.9L with as much as 8,000 hours on machinefiner and tractorhouse.

You did not say how many hours are on the 5400 or what its main use has been. My concern would be, use, how well has it been maintained and condition of the transmission.