Do we really need all the electronic features in new tractors?

[KiwiBro]

I'm looking forward to the game. Love seeing the two smallest country in the final. McCallum vs Warner, though I reckon McCallum in form at the right time. I'm flying to Syd half way through so I'll need to find a pub when I get there.

We were annihilated by a spectacular and clinical team performance. Well done Aussie.

 

[KiwiBro]

Hello KiwiBro, There has been a major tightening of emissions regulations for new heavy vehicles, so large trucks and large tractors now need "ad blu" to meet the new regs, this is on top of EGR that most were already using..The start date was around 30/06/2013 or 2012. I don't know what the cut off date is for the mid sized diesels is.
I suggest you ask a tractor dealer where to find info on emissions regulations.The NZTA site is poor. It doesn't even have proper dimensions info for tractors.

Cheers. I agree, it is hard to pin down the applicable regs on the NZTA site. The info seems to be all over the place - a bit here then a bit there but that bit is now out of date, then a bit over there, etc. So, I have just emailed them with what I think is the rules that will apply to my case, asking for them to confirm, and also asking for more info on the emission regs for tractors.

Apart from confusion over the emission regs, it's hard to work out whether a wee tractor incapable of over 40kmph needs to be registered or licensed, or is just exempt from the fees thereof and fines for being on a public road when travelling no more than 21kms between farms.

I'll certainly raise this with the dealer when I finally get around to buying a tractor, if the NZTA don't get back to me.

Thanks again.

Received some info back and I can't say I agree with it all just yet as it seems to conflict with other rules so I will need to clarify a few things.

In respect of tractor emissions, here's what they pointed me to for tractor regs. All they use is a visible inspection during a rapid acceleration test, with no reference to specific engine sizes, nor any tier classifications:

Exhaust emissions - NZTA Vehicle Portal

Quoting from that page, here's what constitutes a failed emission test on tractors in NZ:

"Performance

1. A vehicle with the engine at normal operating temperature emits clearly visible smoke (Note 2) from the exhaust tail pipe during a rapid acceleration test (Note 1).
Note 1 Test procedure

Rapid acceleration test

While the engine is accelerated quickly from idle to 2500rpm (or half the maximum engine speed if this is lower), observe the tailpipe emissions. To avoid engine damage do not over-accelerate the engine. A vehicle that passes this test below normal operating temperature is deemed to have passed with the engine at normal operating temperature.
Note 2

Visible exhaust smoke does not include:

emissions that are largely water vapour, or
smoke that is barely visible, or
a moderate amount of smoke caused by turbo lag, or
some normal visible smoke caused by the engine's design (with the engine in good condition and running the correct fuel). The inspector may require documentary evidence that the engine produces some visible smoke because of its design.

"

It does not differentiate between tractor sizes, so is it simply generally accepted that the larger the tractor engine, the more chance it will fail such a test without ad-blu? Further, is it generally accepted a t3 or t4i engine would fail such a test and that t4final upwards would pass?

There is nothing to suggest that here in NZ officialdom is testing tractor emissions for non-visible yet harmful gasses. So as long as the tractor is not blowing excessive non-steam smoke, she's good to go from an emissions testing perspective.

They also got back to me about vehicle registration and licensing but it conflicts with other areas of the site so I need to check on that. Their take is any tractor if it is going to be used on public roads (even if just scooting between farms on trips under the magic 21km trip distance limit), must have both reg and lic. That conflicts with what I've read elsewhere, so further discovery is needed. There must be a zillion tractors in NZ running the gauntlet, illegally, on NZ roads between farms if this is the case, and I have never seen a single one of them pulled over nor ever heard of them being ticketed. It is usually pretty obvious which are contractors on a long hauls (and they generally have the bigger, specialised gear and plates) and a farmer scooting down the road to help a neighbour - I doubt many if any of their tractors have ever been licensed or registered.

 

[MHarryE]

I complained for 2 seasons my tractor with power shift had rougher shifts than 3 other power shift tractors we have on our farm. This winter it went back to the dealership to be checked out. They could never get it to match the required shift calibration until they replaced the computer. In addition, I had them install a third function valve on my loader. My dear wife bought me a brand new grapple at an auction and suddenly I needed a third function. Get the tractor back and store it in its shed until spring, then install the grapple. The loader didn't work right. The only way it would raise was if I curled the bucket at the same time. Same thing for the grapple - curl at the same time. Last week I needed this tractor to unload 1600# totes of seed grain and 2000# totes of fertilizer. I got the job done but it was difficult. While roading home I noticed I had knocked the electronic 3 point control out of position. When I raised it completely I noticed by sound the hydraulic noise increased when the 3 point reached the top. My control quadrant is marked 0 to 9. I needed the control to be at 7.5 or lower for the whine created by oil going over relief to shut off. With the 3 point control in the lower positions the loader worked perfectly. When I got home I pulled out my Kubota WSM. Fortunately I had bought one. It explained how to calibrate the computer to match 3 point sensor inputs. I followed the book procedure and it resolved my problem. The mechanic who replaced the computer had only calibrated shifting and missed the other functions. My ground speed was also not functioning. The initial computer setting was zero - no tires installed. That was a very easy calibration.

1. Without the book, I would have had no clue as to how to calibrate. I would have had to pay to have my tractor shipped back to the dealer.

2. Working with off-highway equipment electronics was much of my job over the last 9 years of my career prior to retirement so I had no qualms about attacking the problem. How about the people with lesser experience? My partner cannot spell computer let alone operate 1. Three neighbors have me set the clocks in the computers on their tractors when the time changes. They ask me how they could ever work on a machine?

3. With the computerized controls everything works fantastic. Fast response, light control inputs, great engine response, I can raise and lower my 3 point from the ground using buttons mounted on the fenders. Raise implement at a headland with a touch of a switch. Lower it again with a touch of another switch and be right back to the level I wanted after I turned at the headland and started.

Electronics are fantastic when everything goes right but those with which I have worked have been more complex to initiate. Who would have ever thought calibrating the 3 point would resolve a completely mechanically controlled hydraulic function?

 

[ultrarunner]

I think this is the point... when it works... it's great. Not so much when it doesn't and the real problem will come as the equipment ages.

Seen this with all manor of computer assisted technology... it ages and becomes obsolete and then what?

 

[KevT]

Well what I have learned on this post is that everyone has a different opinion. Working building maintenance, I work on a lot of condos, and no one agrees as to what needs to be done or what it should cost. I know I can't change EPA regs, so I live with it, my newer tractor has all the stuff you guys are complaining about and as it wears out there will be ways to by-pass or repair. The JD I traded was held together with baling twine and duct tape. Personally I can't wait to install front and rear cameras with monitor so I can see what is happening without hanging off the tractor. I do NOT miss the old Farmall V-wheel my dad raised me on. I guess at 60 years old, I have become complacent.