[356]

Thanks for all the kind words about the new tractor. As for the fuel reimbursement, I have been very pleased with this dealer. I also visited a recently opened dealer that was a little closer (AgPower, Richmond), but they didn't return phone calls or emails, which cost them the sale.

When I purchased the 3025E, it was delivered with a full tank as well. I actually didn’t expect the full tank, but the delivery driver said they always deliver them full and suggested I call my salesman. I appreciated the quick response, and hope this post puts a positive ”plug” for the Heritage sales team.

 

[356]

In the days of internet forums, a dealer that doesn't relate to "Word of mouth" is at a disadvantage.

Heritage vs AgPower Richmond... Who starts on a right foot ?

I walked into the dealer and the Sales Manager met me with the CASH for the fuel reimbursement, rounded up, and an apology for the oversight. Needless to say, when we get our next zero turn, it will be Heritage Green.

 

[356]

Installed the Pat's Easy Change...the Cat 1 version fit the lift arms of the "small" Cat 2 great using the small spacer and using in the bushing on the "swivel ball" end. And yes, they are level at mid-lift.

 

[356]

This evening I picked up a John Deere 709 rotary cutter that should be a good match for the 5 series. This is a really heavy duty cutter compared to my JD 413, which is going to a new home tomorrow.

 

[356]

One month and 10 hours in, Deere was out to work on a PTO that was killing the engine when engaged. Almost every attempt to engage the PTO resulted in the engine dying. While using a post hole digger last weekend, I had to restart the engine at least 50 times to dig four holes. The tech called and said, "the adjustable seat setting was too high" to which I respond, "We already tried that based on internet posts." After informing him that we had gone from very low to very high on the seat adjustment, he tried again, and sure enough, it did not engage. So, the issue had nothing to do with the seat adjustment, and the tech was back to square one. They did not call me back, so I am not sure if it is fixed or not, but from what I have read, this is a common issue and usually related to the speed sensor.

 

[356]

While doing the 10 hour inspection, I discovered milky coolant in the reservoir. My John Deere dealer has been called and is coming Wednesday to pick up the tractor.

 

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I'll be curious to see how this turns out. When engine stops with pto engagement, does it sound like engine is turning off as if key is turned off, or is it stalling like under load? Is pto coming on too quickly and stalling engine? Does it stall without an implement connected? In the past on 5e series, there was no connection to seat switch to shut engine down. The only thing that happened if pto was turned on while out of the seat was alarm would sound to warn you that pto was engaged. DOes your pto turn on with a switch or a lever? I am assuming the '23 year model made some changes to the pto circuitry.

When the dealer came out (I was happy with the quick service) I was not available. They called and said, “We adjusted the seat” to which I responded, “I did too…from very light to very heavy, and it continued to work only periodically.” They ended up replacing a switch. The PTO has been working since the service visit. As to the questions: 1) It stopped as if the key was turned off. 2) The PTO, if working, seemed to engage normally 3) the PTO would stall with our without an implement 4) The PTO turns on with a lever, and the switch on the fender is to allow the PTO to work without an operator in the seat.

 

[356]

What is going on? It looks like oil is getting mixed in with it. If it ain't one thing then it's another.
Hope they get it resolved quickly for you!

The dealer is picking the tractor up at 7 am. My thought is the oil cooler or head gasket. I’ll post more once the dealer let’s me know what they find.

 

[356]

Two weeks and I am still waiting to hear what is going on. Last Monday I received a text from the service manager stating, “Running the tractor to do final checks…will deliver this afternoon or tomorrow morning.” Apparently the final check didn’t go well, as they still have the tractor.

 

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John Deere is returning the tractor to our farm today! The service department thinks someone put oil into the coolant tank prior to delivery. They could not find any evidence of leaks, so the coolant system was flushed several times and has tested out OK. Of course, I will be watching things closely.

 

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It's been almost two years since I took delivery of the 5045E. I've used the tractor to drill food plots, beans and rye, as well as general work around the farm. I've had no other issues since my posts in September 2023 and am happy with the purchase. I still need to get the tires loaded, but have yet to get that done! In this picture I'm delivering water to some wildlife tanks.