Do you own the service manual for your tractor?

[scobrado]

I am considering buying the service manual for my tractor. It's about $70 from greenfarmparts.com. It's a like to have, not a necessity. I'll never replace piston rings!! :yuck: But there are times I would like more information or procedures. :reading: I have exploded parts diagrams for the tractor, but I get a little puzzled sometimes on how things come apart and fit together, special tools required, etc. Also, I don't have a trailer for my tractor, so if I need to take it in for service, it's going to cost more than the cost of a service manual for the delivery. Maybe I could do some repairs myself if needed.

Questions: Do you own a service manual for your tractor, and do you find it a valuable resource?

 

[RoyJackson]

I've had three Deere tractors (still own the third) and have had the service manual for all three. Even if you normally don't do your own work, it's advantageous should it come to the point you need to troubleshoot your tractor.
BTW, I do recommend getting the manual on CD-ROM.

 

[DFB]

Yup!

 

[murphy1244]

Have parts book too.

 

[scobrado]

Thanks for the feedback. The veterans vote yes.

The parts with exploded diagrams are available online at John Deere - Parts Catalog.

Is there an advantage to getting the published copy of the parts catalog? greenfarmparts.com has the parts catalog for $32 in paper only. The $70 service manual is on CD.

Thanks for advice.

 

[creekbend]

I have all three Manuals. Like Roy said, these help with trouble shooting.

 

[compact]

I bought them as soon as i bought the machine - they have already paid for themselves.

 

[DFB]

I find JD's parts online exploded diagrams covers it pretty well for me. Easy enough to save a copy too

You will find the JD shop manual highly detailed. Much more than just a disassembly/repair guide it also explains the theory behind how each system functions and what parts are involved including how to test and troubleshoot. Beside the tractor I have had a shop manual for each truck and motorcycle I ever owned.

 

[timster2]

Even if you don't plan to do the service on your machine if you hire a mechanic to work on your tractor the manual will make the work go faster and more accurate. While the systems are similar, pressure settings, torque settings and adjustments vary. Having the manual helps get it right the first time. I have manuals for all the equipment I own, cars, trucks, tractors etc. If there is a manual available, parts, service, owners etc. I get it either in print, online or CD. In addition to a detailed service record the manual adds value to the equipment when its time to sell.

 

[jinman]

Repair manuals are great for telling how things work and giving you an idea of whether you should tackle the job or not. Even the best service manuals don't know all the tricks that your dealer's shop knows. I've had some of the best tips come unsolicited from techs who care enough to advise me after seeing the parts I was buying at the counter. Too bad they don't sell a hotline to those guys in the shop.