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| Hey guys,
First off, the priority valve is limited to the 8x30T and 8RT tractors from 2010 to 2020. The 2021 8RT update changed the hydraulic layout, and did away with the priority valve in the configuration they had it in. The reason we caution people about changing it often, is because when the o-rings get hard and blow, they cause oil to flow from the load sense portion of the valve, into the brake apply portion, and partially cause the brakes to drag. With the low cost of the o-rings, and not having a definite service life vs the downfall of the brake grenading the rear end, we just recommend annual replacement.
As to overall life, there are 8RT tractors over 6000-7000 hours, and 9RT in the same boat. I know where a few late build IT4 machines are with close to 10K. Machine lifespan is usually a direct correlation to PM (preventative maintenance) and how often it is done. I have some customers that let us fix these "little" issues on a frequent schedule, and inspect fan drives and replace belts, and check the IVT sump screens often for issues. These customers also change oil regularly, use new fuel filters, etc, and they have few major breakdowns. On the other hand, there are guys that have the same model machine, run 3 year old fuel and hydraulic filters, and then whine and cry when the IVT goes out and it's 40K out of their pocket. There are some things we can change, some things we can't, and the PM work is one of those.
The other issues are operating style. I find that machines run at the upper limit of the power band, whether 8RT or 9RT, just don't last as long. Operators that get on machines and open them up full load, and shut them down hot, have more issues than the owner driven machines that are run just a hair easier. That doesn't place all the blame on the operator, as those issues could be a machine defect in a way.
The moral of the story is, they last as long as you want them to. It sounds like you guys take care of your equipment, and the reports I'm hearing back prop that up pretty well. I just want to share some of the little known issues some people might not see, because I've been on the other side of the service tech / owner relationship, and it sure does get old hearing "They say that's never happened before." | |
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8rt and 9rt John Deere (tornapart)
