More tractor life expectancy - but not the motor?

[slowrev]

The more aluminum and plastic in a tractor the shorter it's life span.
Not sure on Hydros, I know the old IH hydros are horribly expensive to have repaierd. Many just junk them.
How long will a hydro last ? Mostly depends on the maintenance, but the seals will age and leak eventually....
Gear type trannys you just have to keep the oil inside, and not worry about keeping it in the right place inside.

Ben

 

[HGM]

You know,guys I cant totally agree with the "anti" electronics and plastic ideas. I do understand the more advanced they become, the more difficult they are for the average Joe to fix. However, electronics and (some) plastics have mostly helped the automotive industry. Early on they were challenged, at best, they had allot of issues. Currently, vehicles are lasting longer with MUCH less maintenance. Drivetrains and gears are suffering failures before most of the electronics and plastics.. Of course there are differing situations, but for the most part electronics are the best thing that ever happened to the industry. I'd much sooner drive a '95 or newer vehicle with 250k mi accross the country than a '65 model with the half the mileage.

 

[SkyPup]

Ditto to that! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Budinohio]

I own a 1999 JD4600 power reverser 4x4 with 3200 + hours. At 2500 I replaced the water pump $285.. The next spring at 2700 hours the pinion bearing went out we replaced all the bearings in that part of the case $600. for gaskets and all parts. All the gears planetary drive everything was in excellent condition. At 3200 hours replaced seal around pto shaft $40. and rebuilding alt. $50.. I put 500 plus hours a year doing a little produce and installing new lawns I can not complain about what little I have put into repairs. The motor runs strong hydraulics still strong and tractor looks less than year old. I take well care of it, wax, fluids, filters and anything else needed. I save on repair costs brother was a JD mechanic for 21 years. I just thought this would give some insight on a high hour tractor.

 

[slowrev]

How many people are driving 50 yr old cars ? How many people still run tractors over 50 years old ?

Ben

 

[HGM]

Thats my point, I believe with technology advancements, as crazy as it sounds, instead of 50yrs, you might get 100..

 

[SkyPup]

50 years ago the lifespan of the owners was only 2/3rds of what it is now, at least the current owners of new tractors will be able to enjoy their tractors for an extra decade or so. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[slowrev]

Just remember a principle rule of reliability. The more complicated a device is the more opportunity for failure.
We will just have to wait and see won't we.

Ben

 

[daTeacha]

But even if it goes, you still have a 2wd tractor that can do a decent amount of work. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SkyPup]

I agree 100%, human biochemistry and physiology is so extremely complicated, how the average life expectancy has increased so much over the last 50 years probably will not be repeated again during the next fifty years, in fact it just might start going down again.