unrelated 6430s with same issues at same time

[High Brook Hills]

Family has one 2008 JD 6430, two neighbors (people living within two miles) also have one each. For the past 18 or so months each of these machines have experienced the exact same problem at the exact same time. They are all 2008 model years, MFWD, Diesels, four wheels, with FEL and range from about 400 to 900 hours on the clocks.

All problems have required a diagnostic test to determine what was wrong. Some of the problems have been corrected by the diagnostic tool.

Currently, all three tractors are showing to be overheating when the FEL is under a load above about 100 pounds. All three tractor's temperature gauges show to be well within the middle or lower of the temperature range.

All three farms started talking recently and comparing notes. The same dealer is servicing the machines, costs are almost the same for the repairs, all the breakdowns are the same, all breakdowns require a diagnostic tool to identify.

Now all three families are very upset with their Deeres and are looking to get rid of the machines.

Is there anyway the breakdowns could have been programmed into the machines? Could an error code have been sent directly to the equipment without having to plug into the diagnostic port? They are all used for basic chores, mowing, running balers, etc on properties in the 100 to 200 acre range. It is strange that all three machines with different hours have the same breakdowns in the same time frames.


On a related question, is there an inexpensive diagnostic tool available for these machines?

 

[High Brook Hills]

I forgot, the annual cost of repair (over and above normal maintenance of fluids, filters, etc) on each machine is running over $1600 each right now. Seems rather high to me for quality equipment that is hitting four years old.

 

[ctlguy]

Seriously? you actually believe that the dealer can and would make machines fail just for a diagnostic fee? The truth is with these late model machines diagnostics is just part of the troubleshooting tree now. The software that the dealers use is not something that you can purchase yourself. The actuall data and software are designed to expire requiring the dealer to be on a subscription. Where the dealers unable to fix all of the problems? Switching colors so long as you stay with late model equipment like this will not be any different in terms of troubleshooting problems. The ag world just isnt ready to let their diagnostic software out into the world like the automotive world has.

 

[dusty3030]

There may be a tool out there now.
ScanGaugeD - Advanced J1939 & J1708 compatible Vehicle Monitor for Diesel Pusher Vehicles : Linear Logic

I've used the auto version and has been great on reading and clearing codes and you can check anything that has a sensor for what it is out putting.

This may or may not work on the tractors, but I plan on getting one if it does.

 

[ctlguy]

I would talk someone else into buying one first. It will not work, this is a proprieterry (sp?) system, the communication aspect of tractors in the ag world is way to competitive between the oems largely due to sattelite guided farming.

 

[dusty3030]

I would talk someone else into buying one first. It will not work, this is a proprieterry (sp?) system, the communication aspect of tractors in the ag world is way to competitive between the oems largely due to sattelite guided farming.

I'm going to try it. Due to the Tier 3 / Tier 4 crap the connector to the engine has to be J1939 and on my tractor that appears to be what the round diagnostic plug by the fuse box is, a J1939.



http://www.deere.com/en_CAF/products/brochures/power_systems/brochure_industrial.pdf

 

[ctlguy]

Let us know how it works, I am sure there are lots of folks who would like more options on working on their own late model units. Keep in mind the gove restriction on tier3, etc does not realy have a lot to do with the tractor comunication as a whole but I do wish you good luck.

 

[dusty3030]

Let us know how it works, I am sure there are lots of folks who would like more options on working on their own late model units. Keep in mind the gove restriction on tier3, etc does not realy have a lot to do with the tractor comunication as a whole but I do wish you good luck.

I'm curious as to what it will pick up. I know on the automotive version of this thing it kind of turned into an "open source" deal. People would figure out how to program it to read different things on different cars.
Out of the box it should read any sensor that is related to the engine and I'm hoping it will pick up on any on the transmission as well.
Might not tell you what is wrong like an OBD2, but might allow you to "read" what the engine is doing. If nothing else it is a relatively cheap digital temp and oil pressure gauge

 

[Edward. S]

Are these Premiums or Standards.. , Don't want my new one to be like that. Mines going to be a 2012, so I think they're wont be a problem..

 

[High Brook Hills]

All three are Premiums with cabs, bells, whistles....


Is there more to address as to all three having the same issues at the same times? Is this normal for the new generation of Deeres? The annual costs of repairs is just last year, so far this year they are all experiencing the same issue and the repair costs are north of $900.00, and it is still early in the year.

Do all brands have the same issues? Our Case, albiet not a top of the model line, has not experienced any issues. My buddies 5505M has not had any hiccups. My other buddies 5305 has fewer hours than mine, is older, and looks rougher but has not had a mechanical issues. The neighbors 'bota (I cannot remember the number but it is ~100hp) has not had an issue and it is going on two years old. Another friend with a 'bota that is going on five years old, 55HP range, no issues and he adds 50+ hours a year. Plumber buys a new 'bota industrial with a BH every three years and he has had good luck with most of them. One replaced/traded by dealer after repeated issues.

I have a buddy with a Branson bought at the same time as mine. He has fewer hours and has had two warranty repairs on the hydraulic system and one electrical issue. We paid about the same price for our machines.

Just some of the people I have talked to directly.