Altitude change from 5200ft to 650ft above sea level.

[datanull]

Are diesel tractors tuned differently for higher vs lower altitude? If I move a the tractor from high to low altitude will I need to need to change anything?

I don't know the exact model and size. I know it is newer JD but I don't know HP etc. I will supply more info when I learn more.

Thanks to all!

 

[RoyJackson]

I know they make less HP at high altitudes, but rather your particular brand of tractor is adjusted to compensate (if possible with normally aspirated engines) is a good question for your dealer.
If anything, I'd think they'd be leaned out a bit to keep the correct air/fuel ratio.

 

[SPYDERLK]

If your tractor is a normally aspirated diesel set up for hi altitude it could use a bit richer fuel charge at the lower altitude. If its not set for hi alt, but for regular "generic" [low] alt youll not benefit from fuel adjustment. You will just notice more power and less smoke at the new low alt with no fuel adjustment. If your tractor is a turbo it will perform almost exactly the same either way.
larry

 

[kjung17]

Look at your exhaust when under load. White smoke indicates a lean condition. Black smoke is a rich condition. I suspect, you will notice reduced black exhaust smoke at lower altitudes, as well as the HP gain that Roy mentioned.

 

[BethesdaEC]

Probably depends on how old your tractor is. Modern cars since mid 80's or so have a lot of sensors to compensate for different altitudes and temperatures automatically. Not sure when that tech hit tractors but I suspect that my 2010 JD 2520 probably automatically adjusts.

 

[kjung17]

The Computer controlled engines with multiple injection events, Variable geometry turbos and EGR valves will, certainly, adjust for maximum performance. The 4.5 liter JD is the smallest engine that has these features. The small tractors are still using up carbon credits and do not meet any emission Tier requirements.

 

[RoyJackson]

The Computer controlled engines with multiple injection events, Variable geometry turbos and EGR valves will, certainly, adjust for maximum performance. The 4.5 liter JD is the smallest engine that has these features.

Just out of curiousity, do you know that as a fact? Or is it just conjecture?

 

[kjung17]

I do a fair bit of training for Deere. I'm pretty sure, say 90%, about the 4045 engine being the smallest Tier III engine. I did not look up the sensor set up on the smaller tractors, but, again, I don't recall any advanced features on the small tractors. There may be high altitude software for the larger machines that I am unaware of. I'll have time for more thorough research this evening.

Curiosity got the best of me. Did a little research while eating my chili.
1) There does not appear to be any info on high altitude tuning for diesel engines on the Deere website.
2) I overlooked Spyder's post earlier. He has it right. Turbo units make their own atmosphere and are not really effected by altitude.
3) The 3029 and 4024 (3 cylinder 2.9 and 4 cylinder 2.4) engines will also meet a variety of Tier requirements. The 4024H can meet interim Tier IV requirements.
4) There is nothing on the emissions chart under 48 hp or 2.4 liters.

 

[RoyJackson]

I do a fair bit of training for Deere. I'm pretty sure, say 90%, about the 4045 engine being the smallest Tier III engine. I did not look up the sensor set up on the smaller tractors, but, again, I don't recall any advanced features on the small tractors. There may be high altitude software for the larger machines that I am unaware of. I'll have time for more thorough research this evening.

Actually, just curious about the Deere built engines, not the Yanmars.
I'm pretty sure (from the Deere website) that the Yanmar engines are Tier III or Tier IV emissions controlled (but I haven't looked on the Deere website recently).
I am just curious...but I don't think those Deere engines (in the new 4xxx series machines) would be capable of the automatic altitude compensation without some type of dealer or technician work.
Again, just curious...this information doesn't apply to me...

 

[kjung17]

Actually, just curious about the Deere built engines, not the Yanmars.
I'm pretty sure (from the Deere website) that the Yanmar engines are Tier III or Tier IV emissions controlled (but I haven't looked on the Deere website recently).
I am just curious...but I don't think those Deere engines (in the new 4xxx series machines) would be capable of the automatic altitude compensation without some type of dealer or technician work.
Again, just curious...this information doesn't apply to me...

I added a few notes to my earlier post.
Here is the chart from the Deere site:
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There is only 2.5 psi difference from sea level to 5000 feet. Diesel engines do not appear to be effected as much as gas engines due to the higher compression ratio and thermal efficiency.