The lake I live on owns a dredging machine with a JD engine. The operator told me when a technician came to fix problem, it had 100 problem codes. It was about a year or two old at that point.

One of the main reasons I bought the tractor I did (Kubota L2501) is because it squeaks by just under the size requiring all the fancy electronics and a DPF, in Kubota's case DPF with periodic regeneration, some other brands just run it extra hot all the time.

I wish they'd reintroduce heavy duty, low rpm, high torque, gasoline engines in tractors again.

quote:

Originally posted by cas:
I've always been amazed at the dairy farmer I know, who at this point is probably only technically a farmer, probably just enough to keep the county from changing his tax rate and keep any subsidies... anyway. It's always amazed me at the many many hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe million dollars worth of equipment it takes, to just barely scratch out a living.

I have cousins in the mega-dairy business. Talking to them some years back and the eldest said "We go through X million dollars a year. Just which some of it would stick to our hands."

Most heavy equipment is this way now. It’s a major pain to deal with sometimes. The average mechanic can’t do much with these machines. You’re obligated to use the dealer’s service department and they aren’t cheap. Some of the technology is very nice and useful but some is pure garbage. However the machine is more environmentally friendly since it uses a couple gallons less diesel per day.
I’ve been looking for a newer excavator but won’t buy anything newer than 2012 and probably a little older. The only issue is others feel the same way and it’s driving prices up on these older machines. The local JD dealer told me they aren't getting any trade-ins now because people are hanging onto their stuff or selling privately.

quote:

Originally posted by armedmd:
.....However the machine is more environmentally friendly since it uses a couple gallons less diesel per day.

Ummm not always because many of the new tier 4 diesels need run at higher rpm (requiring more fuel) all the time otherwise they end up into frequent regen (uses more fuel). This isn't too much of a problem when your application requires max rpm and power like running a mower because you're at full throttle anyway. But for many other tasks like loader work or working on your driveway with a blade, etc., having to run the tractor close to full power and rpm just wastes fuel and makes more noise.

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:

quote:

Originally posted by armedmd:
.....However the machine is more environmentally friendly since it uses a couple gallons less diesel per day.

Ummm not always because many of the new tier 4 diesels need run at higher rpm (requiring more fuel) all the time otherwise they end up into frequent regen (uses more fuel). This isn't too much of a problem when your application requires max rpm and power like running a mower because you're at full throttle anyway. But for many other tasks like loader work or working on your driveway with a blade, etc., having to run the tractor close to full power and rpm just wastes fuel and makes more noise.

Very true. My big Kubota is tier 4 unfortunately so I have to run a minimum of 1800 rpm regardless of what I’m doing.

quote:

The lake I live on owns a dredging machine with a JD engine.

John deere makes engines ?

John Deere Engine Works, Waterloo IA. Over 2M built as of 2013.

Was that meant as a trick question or perhaps a setup? JD makes and sells engines for many applications in all kinds of sizes on all kinds of equipment. I've one in my chipper. I live in a coastal fishing town and there a zillion of them in boats. So not exactly sure your point?