| Excalibur - 3/5/2020 19:44
You triggered a thought.
The older equipment that can be repaired by farmer will appreciate greatly. The newer equipment will depreciate like a lead ballon after warranty expires.
Big local beef outfit bought a new 7200R a few years ago for their main workhorse tractor. Ran fine briefly and started having seizures and rabies and acid reflux and stuff. Dealer, who was a very large outfit at the time (since changed ownership) said "neither we nor Deere have ever heard of" any of the problems it was having after checking it out. The two boys in particular got so pissed at the dealer over that one tractor that they almost went blue, but the ever-growing fleet of classic 20, 40, 50, and 55 series machines would seem to indicate otherwise. They traded the R in for a 7830 and 7230, and ain't lookin' for nothin' new. And it's best not to mention that 7200 in their presence. Still makes 'em mad 3 years later. Meanwhile, they bought a small truck shop and hired 'em a mechanic. Last time I checked, a 4440 don't "throw codes" as the older son says...
Onboard diagnostics are great -- when they work. Our then-2-yr-old 6150M started barking about plugged air filters and would slightly derate under a load. The real problem? A faulty harness. Nothin' wrong with either filter. Luckily it was a common problem, so the dealer instantly knew what was up.
I will add one comment: some factory wiring (like under a cab) looks like it was tossed in a blender for a few minutes before being installed. I wonder how many 'lectronic issues come from lazy designs/installations? |
Farmers fight John Deere
