Do computes and high-end electronics belong in tractors?

[nybirdman]

For cars today you can purchase a "code reader" for $40.00 also clears the codes.When computers in cars first came out the mom&pop garages couldn't afford(or the car manufactors wouldn't sell) the diagonostic tools needed for the newer vehicles.I think the tractor industry will follow.
Electonics are here to stay,like others have said I remember when points and plugs were 15,000 mile items,tires not much better..**** my first trucks got maybe 10-12 mpg.Things have changed...for the better.

 

[Glassback]

There are a few things here that puzzle me.

As long as the cable is reasonably priced, plugging a laptop in is no big deal.

From what I know of the guys that run auto repair, not only the cable, but the diagnostic software isn't cheap. Even my buddy who bought the hand held diagnostic computer for his pick up truck was $400. Same one the pro's use just a software limit so it only works on that one vehicle. Some guys on this forum might still have a desktop! It still might be investment to get hooked up to the diagnostics. The guys here that repair tractors for a living would be the ones to ask.

This what I hate about the wife's car. It says something is wrong but won't tell you. You have to bring it in to get the codes read. I'd at least like to know whats wrong, look at my repair manual so I can say, yup I can fix that, or nope, time to bring in someone smarter than me that has the experience and tools.

 

[wvpolekat]

This what I hate about the wife's car. It says something is wrong but won't tell you. You have to bring it in to get the codes read. I'd at least like to know whats wrong, look at my repair manual so I can say, yup I can fix that, or nope, time to bring in someone smarter than me that has the experience and tools.

Any OBDII or newer code reader will pull them. On cars it is standardized for just the reason you give. It was getting out of hand.

 

[kjung17]

I have been following this thread to see what the consensus was going to be. I would like to throw out a few thoughts.
Polecat makes some good points, but his comment about "just plugging in a laptop" is a little over simplified. The cost of the hardware involved is minimal. The Millions of dollars spent on developing the software, that is only licensed to the dealers is where it gets tricky. The dealer has to buy this software and pay monthly update fees. Then you have to be able apply that software to run the proper diagnostics, interpret the results of those diagnostics then form a hypothesis and make the repair. It's not like you can plug in any old laptop and then a big arrow lights up and points to the problem. Often times, the trouble codes generated by the tractors are misleading and will cost hours of unnecessary diagnostic time. As to the remark about a "limp home" feature, Deere calls it "come home" and it will allow the unit to be transported with limited engine and transmission function.:thumbsup:

A customer recently complained of several error codes on his 6430 premium tractor. HMS, PTO errors generated. A quick check of machine functions also told me that the MFWD and diff lock were effected. I checked the fuse panel and located a blown fuse. Replaced the fuse, cleared the codes, did a quick inspection of the harness, checked for function and was done.(all without the laptop). My point is that by taking a few minutes with the operators manual and using a little common sense these computer controlled systems are much less intimidating. The machines are doing the same functions, just in a different way.

 

[nybirdman]

Amazon.com: Actron CP9125 PocketScan Code Reader: Automotive


Here is the link to an inexpensive code reader..comes with a CD for all automotive codes.Recently used it to find and repair one of my vehicles.
No laptop required..plug and read,check code,clear code.

 

[kjung17]

Amazon.com: Actron CP9125 PocketScan Code Reader: Automotive


Here is the link to an inexpensive code reader..comes with a CD for all automotive codes.Recently used it to find and repair one of my vehicles.
No laptop required..plug and read,check code,clear code.

:laughing:I had that same thought with my old pontiac. Engine light came on. Had my buddy pull codes. Only one code. Changed the sensor indicated. Ran it down the road. Same code. Check wiring-all ok. Engine needs a full diagnostic to find out the real problem. Not worth it on that old car.:thumbsup:

 

[Kep]

20 years ago in the morning I had to get all dressed up to go out in 20 below weather to try and start the car, push the gas just enough times to get exactly the right about of fuel to get it to start. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't.

Last week I rolled out of bed to go start doing nothing more than putting on my bunny slippers to stand at the door and push the remote start button.

I really don't miss the old days, the last 4 new cars and truck I've had a total of 4 trips to fix some minor problem under warrenty.

 

[nspec]

That's right. And all this talk about machinery stopping dead in the field and leaving you stranded is baloney. It just doesn't happen like that. If it does, it is both rare and serious.

 

[lostcause]

i think there's plenty of good arguments for both sides. it all depends on what you are looking for from your tractor. many of you are content with complete electronic monitoring because it can help avoid a costly problem. the other side of the coin is based on simplicity.

around here i know of a lot of small farmers that own and use tractors ranging from the 50's to the 80's. i have been on those 50's tractors, and on many of them every gauge has had the glass broken and needle twisted since the 70's. often switches are jury-rigged or bypassed completely.

i'm just saying: could you take a hammer to a digital dash, and do a little creative re-wiring on a computerized control module and still expect the tractor to do its job today, let alone if left in that state for 20 years or more? i can't say for sure, but i'm betting the answer would be no. granted, it's nice to know that you have oil pressure, and also nice to have the engine shut down to avoid damage if you don't, but there's lots of equipment out there running perfectly after many years without any monitoring. it's certainly the choice of the operator which they like: having no safety and full operation, or having safety and possibly having down time.

 

[Ford tractor]

Back before electronics in cars, you could get a 428SCJ in a mustang that would run 14.0 in the quarter and get 8 mpg. Today you can get a 6 cylinder mustang that runs 13.5 in the quarter and gets 30 mpg.

I think electronics might have something to do with it....