Cabs & AC

PineRidge · Aug 30, 2005

Propane is dangerous mainly because it doesn't dissipate like the majority of other gasses. Instead it pools in low spots just waiting for the opportunity to cause a fire or worse explosion. A propane leak, even a small one under a closed hood is an accident looking for a place to happen.

I remember years back watching my ex-wife light a propane grill with the lid down once. I tried to show her the correct way to light a grill but she had to find out about propane all for herself. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

TMcD_in_MI · Aug 30, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Propane is dangerous mainly because it doesn't dissipate like the majority of other gasses. Instead it pools in low spots just waiting for the opportunity to cause a fire or worse explosion. A propane leak, even a small one under a closed hood is an accident looking for a place to happen. )</font>

Good point, PineRidge, and as we know, that's why wise boat owners generally don't use propane on board, and definitely not belowdecks. On the other hand, a tractor is a long way from being a boat and I'm trying hard to think of a place that propane could collect under the hood of a tractor, truck or car. Even in the tractor cab, wouldn't there be some openings on the bottom?

Anyway, I've probably carried this on a little too far already, and I definitely don't want to appear to be argumentative. So, with respect to all, good night. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Tom

OKnewguy · Sep 5, 2005

I think that the main concern is when you need to service the system. Just imagine going to do some a/c recharge work on your brand spanking new to you tractor and your evacuating the system or something (i am not an a/c tech) and all of the sudden you have a a major propane leak. Then all it takes is a small spark. I will ask my buddy the a/c guy how the propane can get ignited. I do remember him telling me about a minivan that was brought in because somehow the propane expoded in the system. He said it was amazing, the whole explosion was contained in the system, but the condenser was blown out like a ball.
Good night.....zzzzzzzzz

JayC · Sep 5, 2005

I hate to go off the propane discussion, but does an AC in a tractor rob the engine of horsepower like it would in a car?

em14 · Sep 5, 2005

Yes It does. Remember a while back the problem Cowboy Doc had with the loss of power in the 5000 series JD he had purchased for hay work. He had to go into the 6000 series JD to get the power he needed. It seems that he reported a loss in the order of 10%.
Leo

wushaw · Sep 5, 2005

I would hate to be the one using a propane sniffer trying to locate a leak in a system that is suppose to have R12 or R134... /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

ddivinia · Oct 12, 2005

I just bought a John Deere 5525 Cab - it rocks. I bougth a 15' mower for it and I tell you - it is a lot more fun using that tractor. I still have my smaller 4720 that I use a lot

I looked at used cab tractors and it seems that most of them had broken AC. Also, you will want to know if the system had been converted to R-134a.

D.

n4807g · Oct 12, 2005

I don't notice a difference. Of course a tractor is designed for torque output and geared appropriately.

jgh · Oct 13, 2005

20051013

My TN90F NHolland has had a troublesome AC 5 yr history. I'd say it depends more on reliability of the design, etc, than on the fact it is on a tractor. My field service guy did tell that NH had run around like a chicken with its head cut off on some ac matters when he ran service at a now defunct dealership.

I would 2nd what someone said above about running your ac in the off season or when the equipment is not used for a while. Those seals are a problem if not kept exposed to the lubricants, refrigerant.

I'll report on what NH does about my latest problems (noisy condenser, etc) as I work with their excellent factory rep (worked with him on other problems on this tractor, very helpful).

But don't leave home without it, unless you are in a very coooool climate! And then, skip the cab/greenhouse!

I have ac in my SSL and mini-excavator (both Bobcats). Very nice, and with the things that fly around (animal and mineral) I just would not want an open station on anything if I can avoid it!

Jim