JD 4520 Computer Failure

[ddivinia]

I was out running my 4520 for 3 hours and all was well. Had lunch, came back and it would not start. Turn the key on - glowplug light is on and the error light. LCD is all lit up, no error codes - most everything else works, etc.

JD Service came out - looks like a bad computer (instrument cluster).

Still waiting on a new one from the factory. I am sure glad it is not haying season - I would be really pissed that it would take this long to get parts.

Anybody else have one fail?

D.

 

[radman1]

Your's is the first. Congratulations! That is the problem with the advances. Love them when they work but hate them when they don't. The big ag tractors are heavily computerized. Mixed blessing. Lots of flexibility but lots of headaches. Our new Case-IH 245 has so many options, over half the manual is devoted to running the functions. Now add on GPS guidance system that is accurate to less than 1" (it drives the tractor because a human is too inaccurate and compensates for the tilt of the tractor on slopes), computerized 16 row planter, fertilizer machines, combines etc. Drop in the results of soil testing and crop yeilds from the combines into the tractor computer and on and on and on.... The cost of the optional equipment and GPS for just the tractor was near $20,000. In theory, if it all works, it can save us 10-15K per year in decreased costs and increased yields and we are relatively small (1500 acres) compared to guys with thousands of acres.

 

[ddivinia]

Your's is the first. Congratulations! That is the problem with the advances. Love them when they work but hate them when they don't. The big ag tractors are heavily computerized. Mixed blessing. Lots of flexibility but lots of headaches. Our new Case-IH 245 has so many options, over half the manual is devoted to running the functions. Now add on GPS guidance system that is accurate to less than 1" (it drives the tractor because a human is too inaccurate and compensates for the tilt of the tractor on slopes), computerized 16 row planter, fertilizer machines, combines etc. Drop in the results of soil testing and crop yeilds from the combines into the tractor computer and on and on and on.... The cost of the optional equipment and GPS for just the tractor was near $20,000. In theory, if it all works, it can save us 10-15K per year in decreased costs and increased yields and we are relatively small (1500 acres) compared to guys with thousands of acres.

Well, i guess not many of them fail.

These new tractors are way better than all the problems of the older ones. Rebuilding carbs, leaks, etc. If the old tractors were so good- I bet they would not be selling many new ones.

Which GPS are you using? Trimble?

D.

 

[ddivinia]

New computer fixed it. I think we found the problem. On the back it had a date and location of manufacture. It was made in Mexico on a Saturday.

D.

 

[mfreund]

I always tell myself never buy anything made b-4 a holiday or weekend and I never check until things break.

 

[AKfish]

D. - glad they got you all fixed up and goin' again! Curious - is the computer located in the dash/instrument cluster? (Could go look in JDParts, I guess... might/might not list it.)

Thanks.

AKfish

 

[Ductape]

New computer fixed it. I think we found the problem. On the back it had a date and location of manufacture. It was made in Mexico on a Saturday.

D.

Aye carumba !!!!

 

[ddivinia]

D. - glad they got you all fixed up and goin' again! Curious - is the computer located in the dash/instrument cluster? (Could go look in JDParts, I guess... might/might not list it.)

Thanks.

AKfish

It is the instrument cluster.

I guess it sells for like $1500 or so.

D.

 

[AKfish]

It is the instrument cluster.

I guess it sells for like $1500 or so.

D.

Ouch!! Good thing it was on warranty..

AKfish

 

[Wayne_H]

New computer fixed it. I think we found the problem. On the back it had a date and location of manufacture. It was made in Mexico on a Saturday.

D.

To many Margaritas Friday night....

 

[Karl2]

Aye carumba !!!!

Had the same thought. I sincerely hope my tractor's computer was made in China. The Chinese may do a lot of stuff wrong but computers, they veddy good at.

 

[CrownHawg]

It is the instrument cluster.

I guess it sells for like $1500 or so.

D.

Yikes! I am assuming the cluster is the same or similar to the one on my 4120. Man, I am finding out that tractor ownership can be an expensive hobby.... I still love it though.

 

[ccsial]

The new computer age tractors are really great. What I do wonder is if the manufactures will have enough electronic parts in stock to support them for say, 30 years. Tractors in the past have had very long lifes. My 1910 is still running great and it is around a 1982. I hope they are planning for this. I wonder if the market is big enough for an after market company to look at like automotive is.

The big operators won't have an issue because they trade frequently.

We have customers that we have redesigned products for because there are now obsolete parts in them. Usually chips. They keep a stock of old stuff and when it is gone, it's gone. Their customers will have to junk their controls and buy new ones. It is probably easier to upgrade the controls on an old machine tool than a tractor though.

It will be interesting to watch this as the years go by. It is much easier to rebuild a carb than repair or retrofit an obsolete electronic system.