bustedknuckles52 - 11/21/2024 07:04

I have a fleet of well-maintained older higher hour non electronic equipment. I'd like to update to a larger cab and higher flow hydraulics, but unfortunately that also means electronic dashes and controls. I'm worried about the longevity of the 90s and 2000s electronics.

My planter tractor is a '74 4430. It's simple, reliable, and nearly infinitely rebuildable. Will a 7800, 7810 or 7820 Deere still be reliable as my 4430 when its 50 years old and has comparable hours? What about an 8400, 8410, or 8420?

It seems like early electronics troubleshooting can be problematic. The technology is already 10 - 15 years out of date. I can't help but think how many cell phones and laptops I have been through over the years. I don't buy new, and I tend to hold onto equipment for a long time. I don't want to end up with a tractor that's disposable like a cell phone, or unreliable with electrical gremlins.

Am I better off sticking with older reliable and rebuildable equipment and solving the hydraulic requirements of a newer implements with PTO hydraulic units?