6030 series cab - consul and seat

EhM8 · May 11, 2008

Considering the 6030 series John Deere, probably the 6330, 6430 or 6530, in regards to a future purchase. Have yet to test-drive one. The initial walk around at the dealers, I was impressed with the fit and finish of these tractors, but looking on the websites I noticed something which bugs me a bit. It's the right-hand consul or control centre. Compared to other brands, it seems bulky, and looking from a birds-eye perspective the seat seems to be off-centre to the left because of it. This is probably a good thing when you are doing draft work and looking out the right hand side of the tractor, but I am afraid it would be annoying or uncomfortable during transport or loader work. It would also seem the bulky consul would make it a bit difficult if you had to get in and out of the right hand side of the tractor, especially when fitted with a joystick for the front end loader.

I was wondering if anyone had spent any time in these tractors, they could tell me whether they noticed this and if it was an issue?

I've never heard anyone complain about it, but it is one of those things once you noticed might tend to niggle a bit.

6030 Series Tractors : John Deere

JESSE1 · May 11, 2008

I have a '96 JD 6400. It's basically the same configuration as the newest models. The seat is not offset, it's lined up straight with the hood. These are very comfortable tractors to operate. The console is not a problem, everything is pretty much convenient to your right hand. I understand what you mean by entering from the right. It can be done but it's a tight fit. The loader joystick will fold down out of the way when not in use. I never bother with entering from the right side, always get in on the left.

Just now noticed your link. It does look like the seat is offset to the left but I think that's just the camera angle.

EhM8 · May 11, 2008

Thanks, it must be just the photograph in that link, in that case. I talked to the dealer for about half an hour, but he never unlocked the door - probably at least 6 months off being serious. The Massey Fergusons seem to have the simplest and best interior designs at the moment, apart from looking a bit tupaware in the plastics. Case IH uses a good colour brown in theirs and I think they might have the roomiest cabs in the Maxxums, but in the tractors I've looked at, they aren't quite as good in fit and finish as the JD - good enough for a tractor though, but it is nice to see the good build quality in the JDs. Sometimes it is handy to be able to get in the right hand side when you are getting in and out a lot, especially when you have a loader and implement on, instead of having to walk right around to the other side of the tractor.

JESSE1 said:
I have a '96 JD 6400. It's basically the same configuration as the newest models. The seat is not offset, it's lined up straight with the hood. These are very comfortable tractors to operate. The console is not a problem, everything is pretty much convenient to your right hand. I understand what you mean by entering from the right. It can be done but it's a tight fit. The loader joystick will fold down out of the way when not in use. I never bother with entering from the right side, always get in on the left.

Just now noticed your link. It does look like the seat is offset to the left but I think that's just the camera angle.