unrelated 6430s with same issues at same time

[High Brook Hills]

Jim,

Sorry, there are several issues. Fuel lines deteriorating is just one of the issues. The coolant issue is a seperate and recurring issue.

I guess maybe fuel lines have been reformulated? Or maybe the fuel is more caustic? But if it contains less sulpher then there should be fewer issues, less caustic? Thinking out loud. The fuel lines should be replaced by the end of the weekend at own cost, no assistance from Deere or the dealership.

I have requested the family send me copies of all the repairs and I will contact the regional or national Deere rep. We'll see how this goes. I just get more confused myself. If this is a recurring problem on these units why is there no recall or known fix?

 

[High Brook Hills]

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

Dusty,

I hope you post some information on this after you test it out! So many people would be interested! From my limited research I do not hold high hopes on this. Best wishes!

 

[AGGIE00]

Before discounting the op, keep in mind many of us found this site looking for answers to problems we were having with our tractors and the first post inevitably bashes a certain brand.

I'm a Deere fan and love the green color, but am curently having a bad experience with them. My new 5083e has 21 hours on it now and seven were put on by Deere trying to diagnose a hydraulic noise. So far it has had a hydraulic leak from a loose plug, coolant leak from a never tightened clamp, cab noise due to a never installed window clip, and hydraulic chatter due to a foreign material in the fluid. All the issues except for fluid contamination are annoying but easy to look past. The hydraulic issue is one I have a serious problem with. I'm meeting with my dealer and the regional rep Tuesday, and I'm demanding that Deere stand behind the tractor for 5 years full warranty or take it back. Not brand bashing here, just the facts.

 

[jd110]

I will say that I have seen all of the issues you are seeing on these tractors, but The pto switches have not been a problem since the 6x00 series. Quite a few of the early models got switch replacements, but the switches were improved and I haven't seen a failure in maybe 5-6 years.
The cooling sytem design is very sensitive to coolant level. The aftercooler is the highest part of sytem and if coolant level gets to low mark on tank, air gets into cooler and coolant does not circulate. This can happen at only a quart or two low. This is easy to avoid - be sure to keep coolant level to maximum line on tank. If you are loosing coolant, be sure to tighten every hose clamp in the system. Especially in cold weather, the hoses can seep slow enough that you won't see the leak. I can say I have NEVER replaced a sensor because of this. Refilling coolant and bleeding air out of cooler repairs problem.

The fuel hoses are another matter. I have replaced many of these. It seems the problem has gotten worse the last few years. I blame it on the new fuel formulation. It could be hose quality issue, but same style hose was used on all early 6x00 series and they would last more than ten years on average. I have begun replacing hoses with new hose made by Gates called Barricade. It is designed especially for new formulated fuels - gas or diesel. I am hoping it will last longer. I believe all brands are having issues with fuel hoses. Other Deere models that use a different style hose(not braided) and they have had problems also.

The hydraulic issue baffles me completely. Deere hydraulic systems are usually bullet proof. Are the tractors in question Premium or standard 6430's? The hydraulic systems are totally different although either one shaould have as much lifting power. The Premium will have alot of extra lifting speed.

 

[B58Hustler]

I'm thinking along these lines...What is common about who you get your fuel from? Some suppliers don't clean their tanks like they should. So perhaps more algae, more water, etc. is getting in your bulk shipments, especially when their bulk tank is 2/3 empty(or more). How about your own bulk tanks? Vandal protection?

Of course this doesn't address the hydraulics and fuel issues. But did you all buy your hydraulic oil at the same time? from the same supplier?

Maybe you should request the dealer has a Lab do oil, coolant and fuel scans to see if something is wrong. And if it is common to all three.

 

[Edward. S]

Jim,

I will agree with you, this is NOT what one would expect. I have been doing some research on Deeres solely and have seen many isolated cases of the fuel lines failing in two to four years. This just seems strange to me.

I do not know of the quality of the fuel they are using. I have not inquired if all are buying from same source, but that is a question I will be posing later today.

I wonder if other brands are having the same issue with their fuel lines.

Well my JD Fuel lines lasted until last year on my 6420, Thats around 7 years, your saying 2 to 4 well mine lasted double or even triple of what your saying, I'm just sorry to say I cant trust you and the 6420 has 2200 hours on the clock. My 6715 has some what 1100 hours on it and its 5 years old and the fuel lines are fine. And they all use the same fuel lines. I could say all those 3 are lemons.

 

[AKfish]

I hope the following is what you were looking for. I would also be sceptical about a "newbie" posting what I have posted. The appearance could be that someone is trying to move business away from a marque. I am not attempting to do that, I have also referenced two Deeres who have not had issues. I'm trying to find/locate a resolution short of junking/selling the tractors and starting over. It just does not feel right to me.

The PTO Switch went out, burned up. Would not turn on until the revolutions were near red line. All three tractors had this issue at same time, two years out of the gate.

Fuel lines are deteriorated and leaking on all three 2008 units. The dealer is claiming the units are in the sun too much and this is causing the fuel lines to wear out early. Tractors are three/four years old, lines are under the hood, and tractors are stored in barns (all of them) and run outdoors in the sun for 100 to 300 hours per year. This does not sound right that all the fuel lines should start leaking so soon in the life of the tractor. Dealer is asking $375.00 in labour plus costs on all the fuel lines. All lines are "soft" braided lines.

All three units are getting air in the cooling system which signals the manifold computer system to shut down. The sensor is showing the system to be running hot and out of water. Each time this happens the sensor is burned out. The dealer explains that this is a long a complicated procedure and they will not disclose the repair. It is running more than $800 per repair. ~$250 parts, ~$400 labor, ~$200 transportation or ~$300 for mechanic to come on site. Each tractor has this problem between February and March each year of ownership and each tractor had this issue last September and October. Same issue, same repairs, same costs. NO fluids on the barn floor! My family's parking barn has concrete floors so the fluid would stand out. The dealer claims the radiator fluid is not low.

These units are having the same issue at the same time every year. One has already traded their Deere for another marque. My family is thinking of doing the same thing after they get the next repair.

The Deere regional rep has refused to assist any of the farms with this issue. The farms all feel this is a design flaw issue.

Any thoughts are appreciated. I'm trying to think of a way to go forward on this. I know the tractor is already about 30HP and 5,000 pounds heavier than they need for their operation. But extra horsepower is ALWAYS something we want!

Cheers,

Ok.... now, you've given all of us some real, problem related details! No vague, open-ended "my tractor's a lemon" and by the way so's my neighbor's!

And the local tractor TBN "saw-bones" have offered their prespective on those specific issues. That's the information all users (and potential buyers) are looking for..

However, I apologize for ruffling any feather's. My comments were not intended to be heavy handed - merely a jostle! I think if you'll re-read my posts; you'll find that to be the case.

Please continue to post your finding's related to the issues that need to be resolved. JD corporate seems to lend an ear to TBN and the discussions that take place here. And the more "specific details" you provide does make a real difference towards understanding and solving the problem!! :thumbsup:

AKfish

 

[High Brook Hills]

Jim, Aggie, JD, Dave,

Thank you for the input!

The main thing I see is to check the coolant daily PRIOR to and AFTER operating, during if a long day and able to cool the system (don't want to spray HOT fluid over anyone!). This troubles me as a design. Are there any other models with similar systems?

Fuel lines problem across the board, gotcha! Wonder if there is anything pending a major recall or is this just too big of an issue? This troubles me as a point of manufacturing. If this is across the board then everyone is in for some major expenses. What about metal fuel lines?

IF I have understood correctly, the hydraulic issue is baffling to everyone. There is enough fluid etc. Personally, I wonder if the hoses could not be compromised and have an air leak. There are thorned shrubs in the area and there is the chance that one could have clipped the lines.

More to think about!

AKfish,

Thank you.

 

[High Brook Hills]

Well my JD Fuel lines lasted until last year on my 6420, Thats around 7 years, your saying 2 to 4 well mine lasted double or even triple of what your saying, I'm just sorry to say I cant trust you and the 6420 has 2200 hours on the clock. My 6715 has some what 1100 hours on it and its 5 years old and the fuel lines are fine. And they all use the same fuel lines. I could say all those 3 are lemons.

Edward,

You come across as a little, petty person. It is easy to continue calling someone a liar. I have responded with more information as requested and I am happy you are not experiencing the issues I have presented. I would not wish for anyone to experience them.

As far as anything else, go live you life elsewhere. There is no further need for you to review my posts or provide your opinion. It is neither required nor desired.

 

[Edward. S]

Edward,

You come across as a little, petty person. It is easy to continue calling someone a liar. I have responded with more information as requested and I am happy you are not experiencing the issues I have presented. I would not wish for anyone to experience them.

As far as anything else, go live you life elsewhere. There is no further need for you to review my posts or provide your opinion. It is neither required nor desired.

I'm not trying to be a d*ck about it, its just that usually JD's fuel lines tend to last longer. You should read some of my posts, I'm not mean.

 

[mbarber84]

In terms of the fuel lines leaking:

We have 2 6420`s a 2003 and a 2006

Both have had to have the fuel lines replaced under 1200 hrs. Our machines are stored inside, well maintained, and are only run by myself and my grandfather. Neither of us is a rookie, we operate and service our machines with care and due diligence. Unfortunately, the culprit with the fuel lines leaking is a Deere issue, i believe they are just poor quality lines.

In regards to the cooling system issue, sounds like an electrical / sensor issue or something else entirely. Wish I could see them in person. I wonder, could it be something silly like hard water being used in the system to make 50/50 mix, then causing some sort of deposit build up on something?

The new machinery is all eletronic, all brands have their teething issues. I agree that this can be aggravating, I have had to chase down some electrical issues on ours as well.

I have replaced the following on a machine that has under 1500 hrs on it:

PTO Solenoid (under warranty)
Front light bulbs (barely used)
HVAC Temperature Control Switch
Fuel transfer/lift pump
All fuel rubber fuel lines
Bulbs in the instrument display cluster (right side of console)
Rubber boots on steering arm

And today I noticed I believe I have a leaky oil pan gasket

I guess the old adage "They dont make`m like the used to" hits home some times, but in terms of the tractor itself, I`d say its a hard machine to beat.

As far as the dealership goes, the should be standing behind their work. If they cant get the issue FIXED (not patched), they need to do some more investigating and get down to the real issue. Deere considers its in-field service second to none. The service you get should reflect this. If not, I would highly recommend you contact the John Deere Customer Support Contact Center at 866-993-3373. I have had to do this a few times myself for various reasons and have had 100% success both times. Although at times, Deere seems to take a snobby approach to things, truly they are a fantastic company and they ARE committed to their reputation. Just have to play the corporate game sometimes.

Good luck, keep us posted. If I think of anything else, i`ll chime in again. I`ll also talk to a few friends in the area that also run these and see if I can catch anything pertinent.

 

[ctlguy]

I needed a chuckle today, good timing on this thread re-surfacing !! Anyway cheap and easy fix for the metric clotch braided hose that is an issue on most all 20 series utility tractors is to buy a 25' roll of just 5/16 rubber fuel hose, box of hose clamps and replace the cloth braided hose. Problem solved, or atleast in my experience it has solved the problem long term.

 

[mbarber84]

Yep, agree! I did that on both of our 6420`s. Not a real fun job, but it fixed the issue.