[jermo]

We're just a few weeks (hopefully) away from getting our tractor (2038r) and I was wondering if it's worth getting the tech manuals or not? I'm generally skilled in electrical/electronics/computers/hydraulics/pneumatics/mechanical and some light welding.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ClydeLogan]

I have a 1025R I bought new 6 years ago and now with 1200 hours. I have done all the servicing and repairs so far by myself. I bought the technical manual this year. I wish that I had bought it years ago. You may not put the manuals to full use, though, until the warranty expires on your tractor.

Enjoy the 2038. I envy you.

 

[jgayman]

If you intend to do anything beyond routine maintenance the Technical Manual is a must have. They are not a step-by-step repair manual but they have very thorough theory of operation and testing sections that gives you a good understanding of how the various systems operate.

 

[pede]

If for nothing else....the electrical schematic.

 

[coaltrain]

If you intend to do anything beyond routine maintenance the Technical Manual is a must have. They are not a step-by-step repair manual but they have very thorough theory of operation and testing sections that gives you a good understanding of how the various systems operate.

I had to double check that I didn’t write this post myself.

In other words….what he said!

 

[akadave]

Yes. It will pay for itself if you can do even a couple little repairs yourself.

 

[tibadoe]

I have purchased the manuals for other pieces of equipment I have and they come in very handy. From what I hear and read on here, JD Tech manuals are worth it. So I'm going to download one from my tractor.

 

[hosspuller]

The tech manuals are one of the reasons I have a Deere fleet. They are not inexpensive. But, with your skills, they will pay for themselves in one avoided dealer service call or routine maintenance procedure. The only Deere tech purchase I regret is the parts manual for a mower (F915) With updates and substitutions, the Deere on-line parts site is more useful.

 

[Drifterbike]

I always buy te tech manuals if for nothing more than seeing if I feel confident doing the repair. I used it quite a bit on my L&G 420. I do think form this time on I will buy the CD version of it.

 

[Herminator]

Absolutely they are worth it when there is a spec or value you are looking for. I have two of them on CD Which are a PDF you can load onto your computer. As the tech manuals get bigger and bigger the search function is very handy and you can print out any page you need.

 

[sennister]

I have them for both my machines. I didn't buy the one for the Z950R until my warranty was up. Turned out I would have been better off buying it right away because I think they were about $75 back when I bought it and it was a bit over $100 when I ended up buying one.

Is it worth it? Well it kind of depends on your mechanical ability and if you are the person that goes to the dealer for everything but an oil change or if you will wrench on them yourself. I am a wrencher so I get them. Just last week my X585 died and a quick look at the wiring schematic helped me trace the problem down to a blown Fusible link. I might have found it without the schematic but it would have taken longer. A lot longer.

 

[Herminator]

Some thing I didn’t mention as more and more systems get tied together that is where the search function helps as well. For example you could search a word such as cruise And find any mechanical and electrical things that might be in separate sections. When I did my horn I searched horn and it even pulled up the parts of the electrical schematic with which connectors or fuses were for it.

 

[rwmeyer]

I agree with the above statements, 110%, BUT !! The 4 or 5 TM's that I have do a GREAT job of explaining & repairing the tractor itself but nothing about the engine. JD uses a separate manual for the engine. I'd get both, as I've done for my L&G's. I agree, too, on using the JD parts online catalog as this will also give you the current price & availability at your dealer. Go to, "https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/" and create a FREE account. Enter model in the search box and you'll find every nut, bolt, and part in/on your tractor. Bob

 

[jgayman]

I agree with the above statements, 110%, BUT !! The 4 or 5 TM's that I have do a GREAT job of explaining & repairing the tractor itself but nothing about the engine. JD uses a separate manual for the engine. I'd get both, as I've done for my L&G's. I agree, too, on using the JD parts online catalog as this will also give you the current price & availability at your dealer. Go to, "https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/" and create a FREE account. Enter model in the search box and you'll find every nut, bolt, and part in/on your tractor. Bob

For which tractors did you find this to be the case? I have the TM for both my 2720 and X500 and both manuals do deep into engine diagnosis and repair.

In my searches for Technical Manuals for various L&G, SCUT and CUT tractors I have never found a separate manual listed for the engine. It may be different for very large Utility and Ag tractors.

 

[rwmeyer]

JG, Not big tractors, L&G's. My 314, 317 and 322 have separate manuals for the engine...314 manual by Kohler, 317 was Kohler until repower, so now B&S, and 322 is Yanmar manual. Basic info is in TM's like fuels & lubricants, but detailed specs aren't. For instance, from TM1591 for the 322, it states,
"ENGINE
For all repair specifications—Use CTM12 (322)."
Bob

 

[jgayman]

JG, Not big tractors, L&G's. My 314, 317 and 322 have separate manuals for the engine...314 manual by Kohler, 317 was Kohler until repower, so now B&S, and 322 is Yanmar manual. Basic info is in TM's like fuels & lubricants, but detailed specs aren't. For instance, from TM1591 for the 322, it states,
"ENGINE
For all repair specifications—Use CTM12 (322)."
Bob

I don't think that is the case anymore. The Technical Manuals for the D/E-series with B&S engines sold at Lowe's and Home Depot and the X-series with Kawasaki engines sold through dealers have Technical Manuals that are all inclusive of the tractor and engine components.

 

[Poppi]

I always believe in Tech manuals. Right now I just can't swallow over $400 for a compact 2520; maybe "sippie cup Joe" will get these lowered with a stimulus package.

 

[coaltrain]

I always believe in Tech manuals. Right now I just can't swallow over $400 for a compact 2520; maybe "sippie cup Joe" will get these lowered with a stimulus package.

I got lucky and bought one just before the big increase. It was $85 for the CD and $150 for the book.

I very rarely buy anything on ebay - but a few months ago I found the tech manual for my Gator for less than 1/2 price. It was the book which I wanted and was brand new.

 

[dwellonrooftop]

I always believe in Tech manuals. Right now I just can't swallow over $400 for a compact 2520; maybe "sippie cup Joe" will get these lowered with a stimulus package.

I have a copy for a 2720 I could send you.

 

[Poppi]

I have a copy for a 2720 I could send you.

Boy - I'd take it. How much do you want for it? Do we do a PM?