John Deere has a loyal following among farmers. In rural communities across the land, you’ll see the unmistakable green on farm fields that is characteristic of John Deere agricultural machinery. Farmers have praised John Deere equipment for exceptional reliability and performance. It’s a reputation that has followed John Deere since its early days as a plow manufacturer in the 1800s.
How to maintain John Deere agricultural machinery on a budget
What you might not know is there is a smart way to keep your John Deere tractor working while saving money. When you purchase replacement parts from an aftermarket supplier as opposed to OEM parts from the original manufacturer, you will generally pay less for the parts. These parts are not branded by the original manufacturer, but they are made to meet the same fitment specifications. As a testament to the quality of aftermarket parts, it should be noted that many independent repair shops choose aftermarket replacement parts for their quality and value.
7 times you can save money when repairing John Deere farm equipment
These are common parts you can buy through aftermarket suppliers that will commonly save you money over OEM parts.
1) Water Pumps
Circulating coolant is the task of these essential pumps. They pump coolant through the system to keep engines from overheating. The natural operation of an engine produces high heat, and the coolant transfers some heat to keep the engine within a normal operating temperature. As they age, water pumps can develop leaks, requiring periodic replacement.
2) Radiators
Radiators are the other major component in a tractor’s cooling system. Radiators store the coolant and help release the heat through vents. Over time, radiators can develop rust and leaks. When that happens, it’s time for replacement.
3) Alternators
The power to run your electrical system and accessories comes from the alternator. It works in harmony with the battery for powering other electrical accessories. Signs of a failing alternator include dimming or flickering lights or erratic performance of the electrical system overall.
4) Starters
The battery provides electrical power to the starter to crank the internal combustion engine into operation. If you’re experiencing sluggish starts, you should investigate the starter as a possible cause. Noises like clicking or grinding can also be signs of a bad starter.
5) Fuel Pumps
A properly operating fuel pump will maintain good flow and pressure in the distribution of fuel for smooth operation, without erratic actions such as sputtering, surging or hesitating.
6) Lights
Having bright lights to keep working fields at night is important. If your tractor is still equipped with older halogen lights, you might be surprised at how much a difference LED lights can make. Tiger Lights is a brand with a solid reputation for high quality LED lights. After experiencing the difference between halogen and LED lights, many farmers choose to upgrade even if a light is not burned out.
7) Air conditioning
If you operate a tractor with air conditioning, you’ll quickly notice when it’s not working well. Major parts for air conditioners include compressors and receiver driers. Replacing these major components will restore comfort when working the fields on hot and humid days.
Save money when fixing John Dere tractors
The examples above are just a few of the parts you can save on by choosing aftermarket parts. The parts mentioned in this article tend to be the more expensive ones needing replacement on tractors and farm machinery, so they come with the biggest savings. Remember, the money you don’t spend on more expensive parts is money you can enjoy in other ways.
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