Deutz Fahr Agroplus purchase eval... is this normal?

[RJG]

I'm evaluation a Deutz Fahr Agroplus 87hp, 2007 model. It has many very nice features but...
(1) transmission is really hard to shift - both the low-med-high range and the 1-5 speed shifting is surprisingly rough. I would expect perhaps that the range selection to be a bit sticky, but the 1-5 speed shifting too?
(2) stop-and-go feature doesn't seem to work in creeper at all and in most gears it doesn't work in reverse.
(3) brakes - these brakes are the hardest I have ever seen to apply

Are these common complaints with Agroplus?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Charolais]

Originally Posted by RJG

I'm evaluation a Deutz Fahr Agroplus 87hp, 2007 model. It has many very nice features but...
(1) transmission is really hard to shift - both the low-med-high range and the 1-5 speed shifting is surprisingly rough. I would expect perhaps that the range selection to be a bit sticky, but the 1-5 speed shifting too?
(2) stop-and-go feature doesn't seem to work in creeper at all and in most gears it doesn't work in reverse.
(3) brakes - these brakes are the hardest I have ever seen to apply

Are these common complaints with Agroplus?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

I hope it isn't common. I have one that I bought new and have about 350 hours on it. I've had non of those problems. Stop and go doesn't work on mine if the rpm's are at 1,800 or above in 5th gear mid range but that's because of a speed sensor and from what I've been told it doesn't on any of them. It cuts out at 9 mph in the high range and the manual states that. So far as brakes it has the best braking system of any tractor I've ever sit in. Love the all wheel braking. Only shift that's a little slow on mine is from first to second gear in any range. The rest are smooth. If I use the foot throttle I've learned to make the 1st to 2nd shift smoother.

[RJG]

Thanks for the feedback.

I have also noticed that there are two fans and a rad on the exterior roof. I assume this is for A/C. Won't the placement of these cause an issue in the winter with snow / ice accumulation?

[Charolais]

Originally Posted by RJG

Thanks for the feedback.

I have also noticed that there are two fans and a rad on the exterior roof. I assume this is for A/C. Won't the placement of these cause an issue in the winter with snow / ice accumulation?

I suppose the ice or snow could be a problem but those fans on top of the cab are for the airconditioner. I don't suppose in Canada you'll use that air in winter. The heat will come from the engine.

Since you mentioned those fans Deutz made a change and my dealer came out and made the modification on mine at no charge. Only one fan ran and at some point the other would come on. They change it so borh come on and run while the airconditioner is being used. Made a great difference on how well it cooled the cab also.

[RJG]

Thanks.
A/C in the winter can be useful at times to dehumidify the cab. What concerns me is that the A/C button is right next to the heating controls and there is no light on the A/C switch nor on the dash so I wouldn't easily spot if got turned on by accident.
I would most likely have to pull the fuse to be safe - but it bugs me when I see this type of engineering. Kinda like the range shifter...what is the deal with its placement way down on the floor under the seat??!! I'm somewhat amazed by what product managers will let out the door. This comment applies to many brands. I have also looked at Kioti, Kubota, JD, MF, Case, NH, Branson, Landini and I have yet to find one that is a hands-down winner.

[Charolais]

Originally Posted by RJG

Thanks.
A/C in the winter can be useful at times to dehumidify the cab. What concerns me is that the A/C button is right next to the heating controls and there is no light on the A/C switch nor on the dash so I wouldn't easily spot if got turned on by accident.
I would most likely have to pull the fuse to be safe - but it bugs me when I see this type of engineering. Kinda like the range shifter...what is the deal with its placement way down on the floor under the seat??!! I'm somewhat amazed by what product managers will let out the door. This comment applies to many brands. I have also looked at Kioti, Kubota, JD, MF, Case, NH, Branson, Landini and I have yet to find one that is a hands-down winner.

Perhaps the shifter range stick is down there so no one can try and shift on the fly? That one has never bothered me. When working tillage I stay in the mid range and some other light work I use the low gears in the high range and just switch from rabbit to turtle. I like the layout for the rear remotes, rpm memory, three point arms and such. I love the air seat. Sure is nice on the old bones. And since I have old bones the 3 point hook/ball hitch with rear 3 point control makes hooking up a breeze after all those years of the old standard ball type. BTW I found some hitch balls from Agri-supply that will work on those arm hooks. I bought enough to leave them on each implement.