John Deere S660 Problems
The John Deere S660 combine harvester is a widely used machine in modern agriculture, known for its efficiency and technological advancements. However, like any complex piece of machinery, the S660 can experience problems that can lead to downtime and reduced productivity. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of common issues encountered with the John Deere S660, offering insights and potential solutions for owners and operators.
Common Problems with the John Deere S660
| Problem Area | Description | Potential Causes & Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Issues | Problems related to the engine's performance and functionality. | Starting Problems: Weak batteries, faulty starters, fuel delivery issues (clogged filters, fuel pump failure). Check battery voltage, replace starter, clean/replace fuel filters, inspect fuel pump. Overheating: Blocked radiator, low coolant levels, faulty thermostat, water pump failure. Clean radiator, check coolant levels, replace thermostat, inspect water pump. Loss of Power: Clogged air filters, faulty fuel injectors, turbocharger issues, engine control unit (ECU) problems. Replace air filters, inspect fuel injectors, check turbocharger performance, diagnose ECU. Unusual Noises: Worn bearings, loose belts, internal engine damage. Identify source of noise and repair/replace worn components. |
| Hydraulic System Issues | Malfunctions within the hydraulic system affecting various functions. | Leaks: Damaged hoses, loose fittings, worn seals. Inspect hoses and fittings for damage, tighten connections, replace worn seals. Slow or Erratic Movement: Low hydraulic fluid levels, clogged filters, pump failure, valve problems. Check fluid levels, replace filters, inspect pump, diagnose valve issues. * Overheating: Low fluid levels, blocked coolers, pump inefficiency. Check fluid levels, clean coolers, inspect pump. |
| Electrical System Issues | Problems related to the combine's electrical components and wiring. | Sensor Failures: Faulty sensors affecting engine performance, yield monitoring, or other functions. Diagnose and replace faulty sensors. Wiring Harness Problems: Damaged or corroded wiring leading to shorts, open circuits, or intermittent issues. Inspect wiring harness for damage, repair or replace damaged sections. Display Malfunctions: Issues with the display screen, including flickering, blank screens, or incorrect readings. Check connections, update software, replace display if necessary. Fuse/Breaker Problems: Blown fuses or tripped breakers indicating an electrical overload or short circuit. Identify the cause of the overload and replace the fuse/reset the breaker. |
| Threshing and Separating Issues | Problems affecting the combine's ability to effectively thresh and separate grain. | Grain Loss: Excessive grain loss over the sieves or through the rotor. Adjust rotor speed, concave clearance, sieve settings, and wind speed. Check for worn or damaged components. Unthreshed Grain: Grain not fully separated from the heads. Adjust rotor speed, concave clearance, and feed rate. Check for worn or damaged concaves. Rotor Plugging: Blockages in the rotor due to excessive material or improper settings. Reduce feed rate, adjust rotor speed and concave clearance. Poor Sample Quality: Grain sample containing excessive chaff or foreign material. Adjust sieve settings and wind speed. |
| Header Issues | Problems related to the header's ability to efficiently cut and feed crop into the combine. | Uneven Cutting: Dull or damaged knives, incorrect header height, or uneven ground. Sharpen or replace knives, adjust header height, and maintain proper ground speed. Feeding Problems: Blockages in the header, excessive crop buildup, or uneven feeding. Adjust header settings, clean out blockages, and maintain proper ground speed. * Auger Issues: Damaged or worn auger flights, bearing failures, or auger plugging. Inspect auger flights for damage, replace worn bearings, and clear blockages. |
| Drive System Issues | Problems affecting the combine's drive train and mobility. | Transmission Problems: Slipping gears, difficulty shifting, or complete transmission failure. Check transmission fluid levels, inspect for leaks, and consult a qualified technician. Axle Problems: Damaged axles, worn bearings, or differential issues. Inspect axles for damage, replace worn bearings, and consult a qualified technician. * Tire Problems: Flat tires, uneven wear, or damaged sidewalls. Maintain proper tire pressure, inspect tires for damage, and replace worn tires. |
| Air Conditioning Issues | Problems related to the combine's air conditioning system. | Lack of Cooling: Low refrigerant levels, compressor failure, blocked condenser, or evaporator issues. Check refrigerant levels, inspect compressor, clean condenser, and diagnose evaporator problems. Leaks: Damaged hoses, loose fittings, or component failures. Inspect hoses and fittings for damage, tighten connections, and replace worn components. |
| Yield Monitoring System Issues | Problems with the system that measures and records crop yield. | Inaccurate Readings: Calibration errors, sensor failures, or data logging problems. Calibrate the yield monitor, check sensors for proper function, and ensure proper data logging settings. Data Loss: Problems with data storage or transfer. Check data storage devices and ensure proper data transfer procedures. |
| AutoTrac (GPS Guidance) Issues | Problems related to the GPS-based automatic steering system. | Loss of Signal: Poor GPS signal strength, interference, or antenna problems. Check GPS signal strength, minimize interference, and inspect antenna connections. Inaccurate Steering: Calibration errors, sensor failures, or software problems. Calibrate the AutoTrac system, check sensors for proper function, and update software. |
Detailed Explanations
Engine Issues: The engine is the heart of the combine, and its proper functioning is crucial. Starting problems can be due to a weak battery unable to provide sufficient power to the starter motor, a faulty starter failing to engage, or fuel delivery issues preventing fuel from reaching the engine. Overheating is often caused by a blocked radiator restricting airflow, low coolant levels reducing cooling capacity, or a faulty thermostat failing to regulate coolant flow. Loss of power can result from clogged air filters restricting airflow to the engine, faulty fuel injectors delivering insufficient fuel, or turbocharger issues reducing boost pressure. Unusual noises should be investigated immediately as they often indicate worn bearings, loose belts, or more serious internal engine damage.
Hydraulic System Issues: The hydraulic system powers many of the combine's functions, including header lift, reel speed, and steering. Leaks can occur due to damaged hoses, loose fittings, or worn seals, leading to a loss of hydraulic pressure and reduced performance. Slow or erratic movement can be caused by low hydraulic fluid levels, clogged filters restricting fluid flow, pump failure reducing pressure, or valve problems preventing proper fluid distribution. Overheating can occur if the hydraulic fluid is low, the cooler is blocked, or the pump is inefficient, leading to reduced performance and potential damage.
Electrical System Issues: The electrical system controls various functions, including sensors, lighting, and the display. Sensor failures can affect engine performance, yield monitoring, or other functions, leading to inaccurate readings or malfunctions. Wiring harness problems can cause shorts, open circuits, or intermittent issues, leading to unpredictable behavior. Display malfunctions can make it difficult to monitor combine performance and make necessary adjustments. Fuse/Breaker problems indicate an electrical overload or short circuit, which should be identified and resolved before replacing the fuse or resetting the breaker.
Threshing and Separating Issues: Efficient threshing and separation are critical for maximizing grain yield and minimizing losses. Grain loss can occur over the sieves or through the rotor if settings are not properly adjusted or if components are worn. Unthreshed grain indicates that the grain is not fully separated from the heads, requiring adjustments to rotor speed and concave clearance. Rotor plugging can occur if excessive material enters the rotor, requiring a reduction in feed rate and adjustments to rotor speed and concave clearance. Poor sample quality results from excessive chaff or foreign material in the grain sample, requiring adjustments to sieve settings and wind speed.
Header Issues: The header is responsible for cutting and feeding crop into the combine. Uneven cutting can be caused by dull or damaged knives, incorrect header height, or uneven ground. Feeding problems can occur due to blockages in the header, excessive crop buildup, or uneven feeding. Auger issues can result from damaged or worn auger flights, bearing failures, or auger plugging.
Drive System Issues: The drive system provides the combine's mobility and power transfer. Transmission problems can manifest as slipping gears, difficulty shifting, or complete transmission failure. Axle problems can include damaged axles, worn bearings, or differential issues. Tire problems can include flat tires, uneven wear, or damaged sidewalls.
Air Conditioning Issues: A functional air conditioning system is essential for operator comfort. Lack of cooling can be caused by low refrigerant levels, compressor failure, a blocked condenser, or evaporator issues. Leaks can occur due to damaged hoses, loose fittings, or component failures.
Yield Monitoring System Issues: The yield monitoring system provides valuable data for crop management. Inaccurate readings can result from calibration errors, sensor failures, or data logging problems. Data loss can occur due to problems with data storage or transfer.
AutoTrac (GPS Guidance) Issues: AutoTrac provides automatic steering for increased efficiency. Loss of signal can be caused by poor GPS signal strength, interference, or antenna problems. Inaccurate steering can result from calibration errors, sensor failures, or software problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my S660 engine overheating? Overheating can be caused by a blocked radiator, low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, or water pump failure. Check these components and ensure proper coolant levels.
- What causes grain loss in my S660? Grain loss can be caused by improper rotor speed, concave clearance, sieve settings, or wind speed. Adjust these settings to minimize grain loss.
- My S660's hydraulic system is leaking. What should I do? Inspect hoses and fittings for damage, tighten connections, and replace worn seals. If the leak persists, consult a qualified technician.
- Why is my S660's yield monitor giving inaccurate readings? Calibrate the yield monitor, check sensors for proper function, and ensure proper data logging settings.
- My S660 AutoTrac is losing signal. What could be the problem? Check GPS signal strength, minimize interference, and inspect antenna connections. Ensure the system is properly calibrated.
Conclusion
The John Deere S660 is a reliable and efficient combine harvester, but like any complex machine, it can experience problems. By understanding common issues and their potential causes, owners and operators can troubleshoot problems effectively and minimize downtime. Regular maintenance and proper operation are essential for ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of the John Deere S660.