Boom performance: John Deere 4030 self-propelled spray units

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Machinery john deere 4030 Boom performance: John Deere 4030 self-propelled spray units Boom strength and operating speed led all but one owner of john deere 4030

1 Machinery john deere 4030 Boom performance: John Deere 4030 self-propelled spray units Boom strength and operating speed led all but one owner of john deere 4030 self-propelled spray units in a Kondinin Group survey to say they would buy the same machine again. 18 Farming Ahead June 2014 No. 269 Kondinin Group Reproduction in whole or part is

2 Strong boom: The boom strength of John Deere 4030 self-propelled spray units was excellent. Kondinin Group Reproduction in whole or part is No. 269 June 2014 Farming Ahead 19

Machinery john deere 4030 Powerful performance: Engine power and performance impressed owners although some were concerned with the fuel economy.

3 Machinery john deere 4030 Powerful performance: Engine power and performance impressed owners although some were concerned with the fuel economy. Kondinin Group surveyed 15 John Deere 4030 owners who reported they were impressed with the boom strength, speed of operation, ease of use and visibility. But some were disappointed with the cabin noise, overall machine weight and hydraulic hoses rubbing through. Of the owners surveyed, 14 said they would buy the same machine again while one would not after being disappointed with the dealer service. The units in the survey had worked an average of 1092 hours and covered 31,955 hectares. The US-built John Deere 4030 series spray units were released in Australia in 2009 and consist of the 4630, 4730, 4830 and 4930 models. The 4930 model was superseded by the 4940 model in 2013 and two of these models were included in the survey because owners had already updated their machines. Spray tank size ranges from 2274 litres (4630) to 4542L (4930) and boom widths range from 18m (4360) to 36.5m (4930). Owners surveyed used boom widths of m. Product is pressurised by a centrifugal pump powered by a variable speed hydraulic motor. Hydraulic wheel spacing adjustment from the cab is standard. Most owners (90%) used the machines to spray herbicides, with Roundup the most common one used (75%). They were also used for applying fungicides (33%) and insecticides (22%). Spraying was performed at a range of speeds, the most common was kilometres per hour (50% of owners) followed by more than 25km/h (25%) and 15-20km/h (25%). FRAME Chassis frame strength and cracking resistance was rated highly by all owners with no problems reported. The Queensland owner of a 4630 praised the light weight of the machine while three other Queenslanders with 4730s felt their machines were too heavy and caused too much compaction in wet going. Most owners (79%) were pleased with the tank and platform access, although one Queenslander rated it as average, saying the platform at the doorway was cramped. All owners were happy with the ladder although one owner found it visually annoying. Manoeuvrability of the sprayer was rated highly by all but two owners. They classified it as average due to a large turning circle, which made row cropping in irrigated country difficult. ENGINE The maximum power of the spray unit ranges from 123 kilowatts (4630) to 242kW (4930), according to the manufacturer s specifications. All owners praised the overall performance of the engine while most (93%) also rated engine power highly. The remaining Queensland owner of a 4630 described his unit as underpowered. He added a Steinbauer chip to increase the power, which also increased the fuel usage and voided his warranty but he said it was necessary. The fuel tank capacity (269L for the 4630, 503L for and 530L for 4930) was adequate for owners, with 67% saying they were happy with the capacity and the rest saying it was satisfactory. However, owner opinions were split regarding fuel economy, with 66% pleased with the fuel usage while 27% stated it was average and 7% stating it was poor. Owners were impressed with the ease of starting the engine although one South Australian owner (4930) rated it as average but without providing a reason. 20 Farming Ahead June 2014 No. 269 Kondinin Group Reproduction in whole or part is

A New South Wales producer with a 4930 told us he replaced about eight starting solenoids under warranty because John Deere went through a bad batch of them.

For example, one Queenslander (4730) reported something was causing his engine to run at irregular revs until it was warmed up.

4 A New South Wales producer with a 4930 told us he replaced about eight starting solenoids under warranty because John Deere went through a bad batch of them. All owners also praised engine reliability despite a few faults that had been repaired under warranty. For example, one Queenslander (4730) reported something was causing his engine to run at irregular revs until it was warmed up. And a NSW owner of a 4930 said he had to replace a broken head gasket (under warranty) after just 800 hours. He was further disappointed that it took a week to for it to arrive. The cooling system was rated highly by all owners with no problems reported. DRIVE TRAIN Everyone surveyed was happy with the hydrostatic drive, although two owners reported the return line was too thin and rubbed through, draining all the hydraulic oil. An additional three owners reported other hydraulic hoses on the machine had also rubbed through. There were no problems reported for Hard to see: Some owners found the tank level hard to use and poorly located. The business case for carbon farming: improving your farm s sustainability Workshops Financial Year Business education for farm-based business A free one-day workshop designed to assist farmers who want to learn about the business opportunities presented by the Carbon Farming Initiative and how to profit from the scheme. How to register: For more information, telephone (national) or register@kondinin.com.au WESTERN AUSTRALIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA VICTORIA NEW SOUTH WALES This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Kondinin Group Reproduction in whole or part is No. 269 June 2014 Farming Ahead 21

Machinery john deere 4030 Noisy environment: Owners were impressed with the cabin controls but some found the cabin too noisy. the planetary drive, the final drives and the handbrake performance.

5 Machinery john deere 4030 Noisy environment: Owners were impressed with the cabin controls but some found the cabin too noisy. the planetary drive, the final drives and the handbrake performance. All owners praised the gearbox even though one NSW owner of a 4730 reported multiple problems. A gearbox sensor failed on the first day of a long weekend and limited the speed to 14km/h. It was eventually repaired under warranty but he was required to spray for three days at this reduced speed. He also said his gearbox had a power takeoff shaft from the engine snap due to a faulty casing. It was covered under warranty but still did a lot of damage and he was without his machine for three weeks. WHEELS AND SUSPENSION Generally, owners were satisfied with the tyres, although three owners reported their tyres had cracked prematurely. An SA owner of a 4930 said the narrow tyres gave his machine a rougher ride and tended to make the auto steer work much harder. Rims, bearings and axles were all rated highly by owners, with no problems reported. Some experienced problems with flotation in soft and wet soil but 47% of owners were happy with flotation, while 33% considered it as average and the balance rated it as poor. Four owners reported the tyres cut deep tracks in the soil in wet going. A Queenslander with a 4730 reported the crop shields attached to its wheels would be a problem if there was a lot of mud as it would build up between the wheel and the shield, causing the frame to bend and break. Most owners (86%) praised the wheel spacing adjustment although one owner (7%) rated it as average and another (7%) as poor because the axles of his 4730 were not able to be extended out to 4m wheel tracks. The suspension impressed most owners although two reported issues. One with a 4630 reported an issue with the airbag levelling system early on but it had since been corrected. A South Australian (4930) described his suspension as rough and said it could use a shock absorber. Owners were generally pleased with the sprayer s ability to eliminate machine bounce. PUMP AND PLUMBING The pump performance and capacity was rated highly by everyone. One Queensland owner of a 4730 said the Hypro pump housing corroded out the thread that held the bung, which eventually caused the pump to leak. The problem was solved by drilling out the thread and tapping it to suit a larger bung. He also reported replacing the hydromotor for the pump under warranty. Owners were generally impressed with the filtration system although one reported it was poor but did not provide a reason. The plumbing fixture and layout satisfied owners requirements with 71% praising the feature and the remainder stating that it was good. All owners were impressed with the control of the flow rate although two (13%) reported problems with the evenness of the flow. One NSW owner of a 4930 reported his machine was a bit slow to adjust the flow rate when he changed speed. A Queenslander with a 4730 reported he had problems with the evenness of the flow when he was spraying at more than 100 litres per minute with the orifice open. BOOM All owners were impressed with the 22 Farming Ahead June 2014 No. 269 Kondinin Group Reproduction in whole or part is

6 Only one owner reported problems with cleaning the main spray tank, saying the flushing and rinsing of the tank needed to be simpler. Owners had mixed opinions about the tank level indicator, 47% rated it as good, while the remaining owners rated it as average (47%) or poor (6%). Four said the tank level indicators were hard to see, with three reporting they were annoyed the side of the scale visible from the ground was in gallons and not litres. Two owners also reported it was difficult to see the indicator from the cab. Strong but heavy: Owners were impressed with the frame strength but some were disappointed with the overall machine weight. boom performance and durability, with four owners rating the boom strength as one of the unit s best features. Some owners were disappointed by the boom fold, with 57% pleased with the feature and the remaining owners stating it was average. Three owners reported the boom could fold and unfold faster. One Queensland owner of a 4630 drilled out the flow control on the wing lift kit to speed up the raising and lowering of the boom. A Western Australian with a 4930 reported the end section of his boom seized up after not being used for four months. And a Victorian with a 4830 reported one side of the boom would miss the cradle during folding since the machine was new it has been repaired by John Deere but was not covered by warranty. Two owners fitted guide wheels or skid plates and both rated their performance highly, while all owners were impressed with the machine s ability to eliminate boom bounce. A Queensland owner of a 4730 reported his dealer fitted a smoker from the exhaust system during pre-delivery to provide an idea of wind speed and direction. FRESHWATER AND MIXING TANKS Generally owners were impressed with the freshwater tank capacity although two owners rated it as average. Many owners were disappointed with the chemical mixing tank with only 53% happy with the feature. The remaining owners rated it as average (33%) or poor (13%). Two owners reported they were disappointed the mixing tank was too small to fit a 20L drum of chemical. All owners were happy with the mixing tank s ease of use, the mixing quality and ease of cleaning. MAIN SPRAY TANK Most owners (80%) were happy with the tank capacity, with the remaining owners rating it as average. All owners praised the tank agitators with no problems reported. The tank s ability to handle water slap also impressed with all but one pleased with the feature. CABIN Ease of cabin entry pleased most owners (73%), with the remaining owners rating it as average. One Queensland owner of 4730 suggested the door and walkway needed modifying so the door opened wider. Operator comfort pleased all but one, who rated it as poor because the cabin noise level was high and the cabin was hot because the air conditioner was unable to keep up in summer. Three other owners also reported excessive cabin noise levels. Owners were generally happy with the visibility from the cabin although some owners had issues. One Queenslander with a 4730 suggested the cabin needed a mirror or camera so the operator could see the back nozzles. Two others reported it was difficult to see behind the machine, while another two felt visibility was poor when the booms were folded. The instrumentation and the location and use of controls impressed, despite one Queensland owner of a 4930 lamenting a sensor always seems to fail and shut down the operation completely. Owners raved about the performance monitor and its calibration, with three of them agreeing its ease of operation was one of the unit s best features. They were impressed with the standard lighting package on the spray unit with one owner of a 4730 calling it the best lighting system by far on a unit he had owned. The 12 owners who reported using global positioning systems all said the system was excellent. SERVICING Generally, owners were content with the ease of changing the oil and the filters, with 73% happy with the feature and the remaining 27% rating it as satisfactory. Two owners felt changing the oil was fiddly and hard to access. The service access was pleasing to Kondinin Group Reproduction in whole or part is No. 269 June 2014 Farming Ahead 23

MACHINERY JOHN DEERE 4030 owners, with 73% happy with the feature and the rest still happy it was average.

One Queensland owner of a 4730 said there were far too many 10-hour grease points. A NSW owner of a 4930 also felt the nipples on the suspension were difficult to access.

The Victorian owner of a 4830 added autolube to his machine, which he said was expensive but necessary due to the number of grease points.

SUMMARY All owners of the John Deere 4030 praised their reliability, performance and quality of finish. Most owners (79%) also agreed it provided value for money.

He said his dealer was useless at stocking parts, claiming the dealer would get them shipped from Melbourne in three days and was one of the reasons he would not purchase the machine again.

Second-hand buyer s guide: Check for records of service history Check hydraulic hoses for signs of wear and rubbing through Beware of narrow tyre selection if working in wet or boggy soil Check noise

7 MACHINERY JOHN DEERE 4030 owners, with 73% happy with the feature and the rest still happy it was average. Owners were more satisfied with the access to clean the radiator, with only one expressing any disappointment with the feature. The grease point location and access disappointed only 47% were happy. One Queensland owner of a 4730 said there were far too many 10-hour grease points. A NSW owner of a 4930 also felt the nipples on the suspension were difficult to access. He said he had removed the covers for better access, which also had the benefit of preventing dirt and stubble build-up. The Victorian owner of a 4830 added autolube to his machine, which he said was expensive but necessary due to the number of grease points. Four owners reported disappointment with the toolbox size and location, saying it was not only too small, it was also smaller than previous models. SUMMARY All owners of the John Deere 4030 praised their reliability, performance and quality of finish. Most owners (79%) also agreed it provided value for money. Parts availability received mixed results with 73% pleased with parts availability, 20% stating it was average and one owner (7%) rating it as poor. He said his dealer was useless at stocking parts, claiming the dealer would get them shipped from Melbourne in three days and was one of the reasons he would not purchase the machine again. All but two owners rated the dealer and manufacturer service highly. Generally, owners were happy with the operator s manual. Second-hand buyer s guide: Check for records of service history Check hydraulic hoses for signs of wear and rubbing through Beware of narrow tyre selection if working in wet or boggy soil Check noise level in cab during operation For units with high operating hours have the engine and transmission checked over by an experienced mechanic Price: 4630 Self-Propelled Sprayer (Model Year 2014)- $237, Self-Propelled Sprayer (Model Year 2014) - $308, Self-Propelled Sprayer (Model Year 2014) - $349, Self-Propelled Sprayer (Model Year 2014)- $455, Buy again rating: Yes: 93% No: 7% Unsure: 0% Sample size: 15 Owner quotes Excellent integration of machine to computer. South Australian farmer Dealer is useless with parts, yes we have that part in Melbourne, will be here in three days! New South Wales operator Best lighting system so far. Queensland owner Good overall machine. Queensland operator Model Cylinders (T = turbocharger) 6,T 6,T 6,T 6,T Capacity (L) 6.8L 6.8L 6.8L 9L Power (kw) Fuel tank (L) Wheel spacing (mm) Tank capacity (L) Boom width (m) MANUFACTURER S COMMENT John Deere is committed to meeting the evolving needs of our spraying customers now and into the future. From the proven workhorse that is the 4630 Self Propelled Sprayer to our next generation of Sprayers, the R4030, R4038, R4045 and 5430i - John Deere delivers spraying precision with staying power. Exclusive GreenStar Ag Management Solutions like AutoTrac, BoomTrac, and John Deere Section Control enable handsfree operation in the field, reduced overlap and chemical wastage, plus improved leaf coverage and penetration. For more information refer to the operator s manual or discuss with your local John Deere dealer. 24 Farming Ahead June 2014 No. 269 Kondinin Group Reproduction in whole or part is

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