Farming Ahead August 2012 No. 247 www.kondiningroup.com.au 22 Kondinin Group continues its machinery evaluation series. This month engineer Paul Kupke takes a look at John Deere's 6030 tractor series and finds it's a winner with owners John Deere dazzles with its 6030 series | MACHINERY JOHN DEERE 6030 Photos: Ben White Winning formula: Although some were disappointed with the tyres, John Deere 6030 series tractor owners were impressed with the comfort and reliability of the machine and all owners surveyed would buy one again. S eventeen owners, every state in Australia and an average of 2406 hours on the engine provided the backdrop for our evaluation of the John Deere 6030 series. The US-built 6030 range was released in Australia during 2007, consisting of the 6130, 6230, 6330, 6430, 6534, 6630 6830 and 6930 models. All models are suited for tillage, spraying, and power take-off (PTO) work, with more than three-quarters of the owners surveyed having a front-end- loader attached to their machine. The most common model surveyed was the 6530 (seven tractors), followed by the 6630 (four) and 6830 (three). Engine Engines on John Deere 6030 tractors performed well and were easy to start. The 6030 series uses in-line four- cylinder, 4.5L (6130–6534) or six-cylinder, 6.8L (6630–6930) diesel engines, which are turbocharged and intercooled. Power at the rated engine speed of 2300 (6130–6630) or 2100 (6830, 6930) revolutions per minute (rpm) ranged from 57.1 kilowatts (6230) to 102.5kW (6930), according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) tests conducted in Germany. All owners were impressed with the power and ease of starting the engine, although one SA owner of a 6530 reported a turbo failure after 1500 hours. Another 6530 owner from NSW reported his fuel system was being investigated due to ongoing problems with the engine not running smoothly. A Victorian 6630 owner replaced the engine control unit (ECU) and fuel lift pump after it rubbed through.
Transcript
Farming Ahead August 2012 No. 247 www.kondiningroup.com.au22
Kondinin Group continues its machinery evaluation series. This month engineer Paul Kupke takes a look at John Deere's 6030 tractor series and finds it's a winner with owners
John Deere dazzles with its 6030 series
| Machinery John Deere 6030
Phot
os: B
en W
hite
Winning formula: Although some were disappointed with the tyres, John Deere 6030 series tractor owners were impressed with the comfort and reliability of the machine and all owners surveyed would buy one again.
S eventeen owners, every state in Australia and an average of 2406 hours on the engine provided the
backdrop for our evaluation of the John Deere 6030 series.
The US-built 6030 range was released in Australia during 2007, consisting of the 6130, 6230, 6330, 6430, 6534, 6630 6830 and 6930 models.
All models are suited for tillage, spraying, and power take-off (PTO) work, with more than three-quarters of the owners surveyed having a front-end-loader attached to their machine.
The most common model surveyed was the 6530 (seven tractors), followed by the 6630 (four) and 6830 (three).
Engine
Engines on John Deere 6030 tractors performed well and were easy to start.
The 6030 series uses in-line four-cylinder, 4.5L (6130–6534) or six-cylinder, 6.8L (6630–6930) diesel engines, which are turbocharged and intercooled.
Power at the rated engine speed of 2300 (6130–6630) or 2100 (6830, 6930) revolutions per minute (rpm) ranged from 57.1 kilowatts (6230) to 102.5kW (6930), according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) tests conducted in Germany.
All owners were impressed with the power and ease of starting the engine, although one SA owner of a 6530 reported a turbo failure after 1500 hours.
Another 6530 owner from NSW reported his fuel system was being investigated due to ongoing problems with the engine not running smoothly.
A Victorian 6630 owner replaced the engine control unit (ECU) and fuel lift pump after it rubbed through.
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Both items failed outside warranty and cost $2900 and $230 respectively.
One NSW owner of a 6630 replaced its radiator after 1000 hours — but under warranty.
Owners reported the average fuel consumption was 10L/hour for light loads and 20L/hour for full loads which pleased 77 per cent of owners, with the remainder still agreeing it was satisfactory.
Fuel-tank capacity of 165L for 6130–6430 models, 207L for 6534–6630, and 250L for 6830–6930 met all owner expectations.
Transmission
Owners were impressed with the performance of the transmission
All models include a four speed powershift transmission providing either 24 (6130–6630) or 20 (6830, 6930)-forward and 12-reverse gears.
Four owners reported having the optional infinitely variable transmission (IVT).
The transmission was one of the most impressive components of the tractor, being highly regarded by all but one owner, who had experienced minor unspecified problems.
The smoothness of the shift and suitability of the gears drew universal praise.
But the optional IVT transmission was especially praised, being rated as one of the tractor's best features.
Hydraulics
The 6030 series tractors have a load-sensing hydraulic system with a pressure-compensated pump, which provides a maximum flow rate of up to 69.2L/minute at an average system pressure of 17.6 mega-Pascals, according to OECD tests.
Seventy-seven per cent of owners were pleased with the hydraulic system and the remainder were satisfied.
All were pleased with the capacity except one Western Australian owner of a 6530 who reported his hydraulic system would cavitate under cold conditions before it was repaired after 600 hours (under warranty).
Two owners reported issues with hydraulic remotes which needed to be replaced, while another owner replaced his selectable control valves twice, both in and out of warranty.
Linkage and PTO
All owners who used the PTO rated its performance highly.
A NSW owner of a 6430 replaced his PTO seal after 1600 hours at a cost of $100, which was not covered under warranty.
Tyres, final drives and ballast
Tyre Problems: Some owners experienced problems with tyre performance and cracking.
Of those surveyed, nine used water ballast, while two owners used cast. The remaining owners did not use any.
Only two owners, who both used ballast, reported minor problems with tyre bounce.
Sixty-three per cent of owners checked tyre pressure monthly, while the remaining checked them every six months.
All owners used radial tyres, which they expected to last an average 4038 hours.
The most common combination was 420/70R 28 tyres on the front (50 per cent of owners) and rear 520/70R 38 wheels (43 per cent).
Owners believed the final drives and axles were excellent, with no problems reported.
The tyres were one of the most disappointing components of the
All owners surveyed had used the three-point linkage fitted to the tractor, and were pleased with its performance.
Fourteen of them have had a front-end-loader fitted to their tractor and all praised its operation.
Six owners rated it as one of the tractor's best features, although another two owners reported issues with the controls.
Drawbar performance
The tractors were mainly used for spraying at 19km/h (32 per cent), PTO work (24 per cent), transport and front
end loader work (23 per cent), and tillage (21 per cent).
Most of the work was carried out under a light load (32 per cent) and half load (32 per cent) with the remainder at heavy (23 per cent) and full loads (15 per cent).
The most common implements used were trailed boomsprays, front-end loaders and mower conditioners.
Fourteen owners rated the tractor's drawbar performance as excellent, while the balance believed it was satisfactory.
engine: Few owners reported problems with the in-line four cylinder, 4.5L or six cylinder, 6.8L turbocharged and intercooled engines.
| Machinery John Deere 6030
cabin: Cabin suspension was one of the unit’s best features, 88 per cent of owners praising cabin comfort. But work lighting only got a tick from two thirds of owners surveyed.
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machine, with five owners reporting problems.
One Queensland owner of a 6630 suggested the tyres were too soft, while another 6630 owner from Victoria reported replacing his tyres due to internal cracking and not because of wear.
However, the only owner with Trelleborg tyres (instead of the standard Firestone) rated their performance as one of the machine's best features.
Four owners also described suspension as one of the machine's best features although one Victorian owner of a 6630 rated it as poor, without giving a reason.
Cabin and controls
Operator Space: The cabin was comfortable and the control layout was excellent.
Most owners (83 per cent) were pleased with the ease of cabin entry and visibility, while all rated the noise level highly.
Three owners reported the cabin suspension was one of the unit’s best features, which contributed to 88 per cent of owners praising cabin comfort.
However, five owners (29 per cent) stated the seat comfort was only satisfactory, including two who reported unspecified problems.
Generally owners were pleased with the placement and use of controls, as well as the instruments.
One NSW 6534 owner specifically praised the control arm layout as a great feature of the tractor.
Three quarters of the owners who had on-board computers fitted to their tractors praised its performance.
Transmission or gearshift in cab: One of the best features of the 6030 series according to owners was the transmission. Particular praise was given to the IVT transmission.
Tyres: Letting the side down was the tyres according to owners. Over half had problems with tyre performance and cracking.
| Machinery John Deere 6030
AustralianFarmer of the YearAwards
Visit www.kondiningroup.com.au for more information or contact Kondinin Group 1800 677 761
abc.net.au/rural
Kondinin Group, ABC Rural and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation are proud to host the 2012 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards
Join us to celebrate the next Australian Farmer of the Year at The Grand Hyatt, Melbourne, Wednesday September 12, 2012
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www.kondiningroup.com.au No. 247 August 2012 Farming Ahead 27
John Deere 6030 Machinery |
Some owners were disappointed with the standard lighting, with only 65 per cent praising the feature.
A Queensland owner of a 6630 said his tractor arrived with no real work lights, which was corrected after complaints to his dealer.
Owners were generally satisfied with the cabin airconditioning and heating, however, three were disappointed with the dealer-fitted radio.
Of the owners who had two-way radios and phones installed, 79 per cent were pleased with the ease of installation.
Servicing
Seventy-seven per cent of owners were pleased with ease and access for daily servicing while only half were pleased with major servicing, with the remainder rating it as satisfactory.
One Queensland owner of a 6630 was disappointed his John Deere-fitted loader did not have a safety prop for servicing and said he needed to be careful who was around during servicing.
Most owners (77 per cent) were happy with the ease of changing the oil and filter and fuel filter, while all but one praised the ease of changing the air filter.
All owners thought battery checking was excellent, and the majority were happy with battery life.
Fewer owners were pleased with the location of the fuse box (53 per cent) and the location and size of the toolbox (67 per cent), with the remainder rating the features as satisfactory.
SummaryOverall the John Deere 6030 series tractors surveyed met, or exceeded, owner expectations, receiving praise for performance, reliability, quality of build and ease of handling.
Most owners were satisfied with both dealer (71 per cent) and manufacturer (73 per cent) support, although two reported minor problems.
More than half were pleased with the manufacturer warranty, with the remaining owners rating it as satisfactory (35 per cent) or poor (6 per cent).
Three owners reported some difficulty with parts availability but all owners were generally happy with the operator’s manual.
Loaded: Fourteen of the seventeen owners surveyed had a front-end loader fitted. Six specifically noted it as one of the best features of the tractor.
Back-end: All owners surveyed had used the linkage and no major issues were reported. Only one owner had to replace a PTO seal at 1600 hours.
Buy again: A 100% buy again rating from owners gives the 6030 series a big thumbs up.
Second-hand buyers guide
Check for records of ▸service historyhave the engine and ▸transmission condition checked on machines with high hours Look at tyre condition, ▸especially for radial cracking$50,000–$110,000 secondhand ▸depending on model, hours and condition
Buy again ratingYes: .................... 100 per centno: ..................... 0 per centUnsure: .............. 0 per centSample size: ..... 17
owner quotesPut better tyres on it
Versatile all around tractor
Very happy with this model for our application
Manufacturer commentJohn Deere continues to be proud of the highly versatile and reliable 6030 Series tractors and its many milestones achieved. In order to get the best from your machine and your tyres please refer to the operator’s manual or discuss with your local John Deere dealer.
