2020 4815C(H) Engine temp dash monitor

[Texasmark]

Neighbor has one and also has an owner's manual specifically for that combo and smaller engines in the cab, hydrostatic 15 series. The Owner's manual shows two black lettered, white background digital monitors for functions but his tractor has an analog, black background tach right in the center of the display rather than two white digital side by side. Only white background indicator is on the right side and is for fuel level. Red lights are provided for oil pressure and battery condition plus a glow plug indicator on the left side.

Problem is that there is no engine temp indication on the dash. Is this dash maybe for a non cab version, or a non hydro version? Possibly there is an indicator in the dash display but the wire to operate it isn't connected.

Clarification appreciated.

 

[K5lwq]

This is the instrument panel in my 4815C. I do not know if it has a temp light as I have not overheated it. It does have the gauge. Does his not have a gauge?

 

[Texasmark]

No sir. Your tach is over on the left side and his is centered. You have two more analog gages and his has none. What year is your tractor?

 

[K5lwq]

I bought got it January 2020. It was the first they came out with the cab for the 4815. They offered one for the 3515 and 4015 before then.

 

[Texasmark]

I said 2020 may have been a '21. He bought it around May 2021. Sometimes model year and year of mfgr. get a little blurry on non automotive machines. I looked the manual over and couldn't find a copyright date. Thanks for responding.

 

[Asteral]

i'm looking into this for you guys, should hopefully have an answer shortly about this

 

[Asteral]

ok as of current there is no temp gauge to monitor,( this is such an asinine decision) because Branson switched that style of cab over to an all digital dash the temp only shows up if you get to an overheat state, there is no way to monitor the temp from inside he cab, now I've sent an email to the president of branson asking for clarification on why they did this because as far as I'm concerned this was by far the dumbest thing they have done in the last 3 years, i'll keep you posted once i know more...

 

[Texasmark]

Man oh man. What a dumbassed move. Like an idiot light for oil pressure but we have gotten used to that. At least I have.

I assume there is a red light that illuminates on the dash panel. Would be nice to know what part of the instrument panel and the symbol. Thanks for the support,

 

[K5lwq]

Holy smokes that is crazy. I would definitely be adding a aftermarket gauge as easily as this compacts like to overheat.

I watch my gauge constantly and the moment it starts to rise the radiator get blown out. I can not imagine waiting till a light came on. That is way too late to address the problem.

Wonder how hard it would be to convert the dash back to the one like mine?

 

[Cougsfan]

Although I might mention the temp gauge on my older 4720ch is not as useful as it could be. In the summer, the difference between normal operating temp and over-heated is about 1 degree in needle rotation. It is about as accurate as my fuel gauge, which appears at times to be hooked to a random number generator.

 

[CobyRupert]

Keep them radiators blown out if you’re operating blind.

 

[CobyRupert]

Holy smokes that is crazy. I would definitely be adding a aftermarket gauge as easily as this compacts like to overheat.

I watch my gauge constantly and the moment it starts to rise the radiator get blown out. I can not imagine waiting till a light came on. That is way too late to address the problem.

Wonder how hard it would be to convert the dash back to the one like mine?

It’s likely the dash has a connector or a few that plug into a wiring harness(es). You’d want to know if the connectors are compatible, that is, are there’s wires from sensors and switches on tractor to match connections for the dash gauges.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Holy smokes that is crazy. I would definitely be adding a aftermarket gauge as easily as this compacts like to overheat.

I watch my gauge constantly and the moment it starts to rise the radiator get blown out. I can not imagine waiting till a light came on. That is way too late to address the problem.

Wonder how hard it would be to convert the dash back to the one like mine?

I would be adding an aftermarket gauge too.

It can't be that hard to find a passage somewhere on the front of the engine block or on the waterpump housing to put in a mechanical temp probe.

Run the mechanical temp gauge (usually more accurate anyway) and plumb in the light for the gauge to the light circuit somewhere. If all else fails, bring the wire for the gauge light back to the fuse block.

No way would I be brush hogging without a temp gauge.

 

[Cougsfan]

I have learned to pay special attention to the cleanliness of the radiator when brush hogging, particularly if the weeds have gone to seed. HF makes a very small battery powered leaf blower (Hercules) that is small enough to carry in the cab I am thinking about getting to avoid trips back to the shop for air to clean the radiator.
From what I have seen; it isn't just Branson. I don't think many, if any, tractor company pays enough attention to providing high quality instrumentation. It is an area they choose to skimp on. Go to any rental yard and look at a rental tractor of any brand that has some hours on it. Chances are some of the instruments aren't accurate, don't work, or are blinded by repeated condensation inside.

 

[ericm979]

I don't know about Branson or other tractors but many modern car and truck temp "gauges" are really three stage idiot lights. Cold, normal, hot. They even have damping between the stages to make it look like a real gauge. An OBD2 reader in a car/truck will show the actual value from the sensor.

 

[Texasmark]

I too thought about suggesting that he do that but on being new and what it cost him I doubt he would be inclined to do so.

No doubt you have to have the analog gauge and know where on the dial the T stat opens, and where on the dial you get over 200F so that you know when something has to change to stay in the normal operating temperature.

Don't suppose, if what we are talking about were true, a "recall" would be issued for that dash assy, especially when the "Operator's Manual" shows the digital dash...with a couple of simulated analog functions.

 

[K5lwq]

I am wondering if they started using the Data Logger to control the dash on the 15 series like they did on the 20 series? Also wonder if the new dash was brought over from TYM tractors?

 

[ptsg]

I am wondering if they started using the Data Logger to control the dash on the 15 series like they did on the 20 series? Also wonder if the new dash was brought over from TYM tractors?

That would be my guess. We start seeing the fancier digital dashboards with the newish cabs and most of the stuff on these cabs clearly came from the TYM part, things like the knobs, controls, etc.

Not that it matters much for the subject but just finalized the acquisition of Kukje last year. TYM has completed the acquisition of Kukje Machinery Co. Ltd.; Global Agricultural Machinery Group is born

 

[K5lwq]

That would be my guess. We start seeing the fancier digital dashboards with the newish cabs and most of the stuff on these cabs clearly came from the TYM part, things like the knobs, controls, etc.

Not that it matters much for the subject but just finalized the acquisition of Kukje last year. TYM has completed the acquisition of Kukje Machinery Co. Ltd.; Global Agricultural Machinery Group is born

Thanks for sharing. I see in this article that Branson increased their production to 20,000 units last year to meet market demand. I think that warrants another post in the Market Share Thread.

 

[Asteral]

sorry for the late reply ( i was out for a while with covid) i did receive an answer back from branson's president from what he stated the design change was mainly due to supply shortages on the other style of digital dash, basically they had to make due with what they could get ahold of which is why the manuals show a different style gauge cluster compared to what is installed, they are fully aware of the temp issue and will from what he said be making changes to rectify the situation as soon as they can, my guess would be a service bulletin will come out not long from now with an updated part that will have to be swapped, but i am glad they are taking this seriously, as soon as i have some info on when this may occur i'll let you guys know.