Computers vs. repairs

[Dan in North Houston]

We've all heard about the issues with JD and right to repair, and the problems with computers in general causing downtime on new tractors.
What about construction equipment? We have an older JD skid-steer and have had no problems, but we may be in the market for a mini-excavator, and I got to wondering if the computer problems we hear about so much on new farm tractors is also a problem on the construction side. Despite a long line of green equipment at our place, my disappointment with JD on their right to repair means that I will be looking at Cat or Kubota as options.
Is this a problem on the construction side?

 

[JMOR]

I don’t have any hands on experience, can’t speak on topic and what you are likely to get here are also those without hands on experience, but sure willing to talk out the ying yang about it.

 

[Janicholson]

We've all heard about the issues with JD and right to repair, and the problems with computers in general causing downtime on new tractors.
What about construction equipment? We have an older JD skid-steer and have had no problems, but we may be in the market for a mini-excavator, and I got to wondering if the computer problems we hear about so much on new farm tractors is also a problem on the construction side. Despite a long line of green equipment at our place, my disappointment with JD on their right to repair means that I will be looking at Cat or Kubota as options.
Is this a problem on the construction side?

The only company that I know of that has a stated goal of farmer repair access is Big Bud. Litigation may force others to provide software assessment tools, and repair procedures, but it is a solid problem across many industries. Jim

 

[Fritz Maurer]

Only way around it is get an older machine if you want serviceability. Or keep buying that extended warranty if you buy a new machine. Kubota is about your best bet in terms of dealer service if you buy new.

 

[Brendon-KS]

The only company that I know of that has a stated goal of farmer repair access is Big Bud. Litigation may force others to provide software assessment tools, and repair procedures, but it is a solid problem across many industries. Jim

The new Big Bud that is in development will still have an electronically controlled engine and transmission that will require the appropriate CAT diagnostic tools for servicing. I doubt these are cheap and a person would need a sound understanding of what they are doing to make them effective. I know that AGCO operates this way - the same computer diagnostic tools that the dealerships have are available for anyone to purchase but they are expensive to both purchase and maintain, likely more than what most operations could justify unless they had numerous AGCO machines and a skilled mechanic on staff.

While it certainly seems ethical for a company to provide a right and the means for self-repair it would be a poor business decision to make it inexpensive and simple enough that their dealerships would loose service work they otherwise would have. The companies all exist to make a profit and key to that is having successful dealerships that also turn a profit. Big Bud has no dealer network to protect so for them it is a different situation.

 

[moresmoke]

Kubota is probably the worst on the self repair side of things. Cat offers the SIS app, gives you access to parts information for free, and service information is a subscription service. Still doesn’t give you any computer access, it probably available, but I am not familiar with their programs.

Deere offers all the service information you need, at a price. The dealers have to pay for this information too. Much of the electronic service information you need is available through the cab display, you just need the diagnostic manual to make sense of it.

What service information are you looking for that is not available?

 

[Fixingfarmer]

I’ve found that the newest stuff has taken a step in the right direction. Giant display shows all the codes with a description and allows them to be deleted. The r4045 sprayer I had they could read the code at the dealer too while I was loading and tell me what’s going on and then decide if it was worth stopping the spreader. Stuff got a little rediculous for awhile I’ve got a couple tractors made about 2010 to 2012 while there’s no def one has a dpf and they weren’t playing nice at that time. I found no problem with the sprayer made in 2019 and that is 6 years old already but the false codes on the older r series and 30 series gets old real quick fighting wiring issues where the code tells half the story. I think a lot of uproar started about then.