The John Deere S680 is a powerful and efficient combine harvester that has become increasingly popular among farmers worldwide. It is a versatile machine that can handle a variety of crops, including wheat, corn, soybeans, and more. However, like any piece of machinery, it can experience common problems that can impact its performance, efficiency, and longevity.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common problems associated with the John Deere S680 combine harvester, their causes, and solutions. We will also provide some preventive maintenance practices that can help you avoid these issues and keep your machine running smoothly.
Common Problems of John Deere s680
Header not feeding evenly
One of the most common problems with the John Deere S680 is the header not feeding evenly. This can result in crop bunching, pushing, and uneven crop flow. The problem is often caused by a worn or damaged reel or auger, which can prevent the header from picking up crops evenly.
Crop bunching or pushing
Another problem that farmers often encounter with the John Deere S680 is crop bunching or pushing. This occurs when the crop is not distributed evenly through the combine, which can lead to increased wear and tear on the machine’s components. The problem can be caused by incorrect header adjustment, uneven terrain, or excessive ground speed.
Grain tank overflow
Grain tank overflow is another common problem that farmers encounter with the John Deere S680. This occurs when the grain tank becomes too full, leading to crop spillage and potential damage to the machine. The problem can be caused by damaged sensors, incorrect settings, or excessive vibration.
Rotor loss or damage
The rotor is a critical component of the John Deere S680, responsible for separating grain from the crop. However, it can experience loss or damage, leading to decreased efficiency and potential crop loss. The problem can be caused by debris or rocks entering the rotor or worn or damaged components.
Separation loss or damage
The separation system is another essential component of the John Deere S680. It is responsible for separating the grain from the crop, ensuring that only the grain is collected in the tank. However, it can experience loss or damage, leading to decreased efficiency and potential crop loss. The problem can be caused by worn or damaged concaves, excessive rotor speed, or incorrect settings.
Overheating of the engine
The engine is the heart of the John Deere S680, responsible for powering the machine’s various components. However, it can experience overheating, leading to potential damage and decreased efficiency. The problem can be caused by dirty air filters, damaged radiator or coolant lines, or low coolant levels.
Loss of power
Loss of power is another common problem that farmers encounter with the John Deere S680. This occurs when the machine’s power output is reduced, leading to decreased efficiency and potential crop loss. The problem can be caused by clogged fuel filters, damaged injectors, or low fuel pressure.
Belt slipping
The John Deere S680 utilizes several belts to power its various components, such as the rotor and concave. However, these belts can slip, leading to decreased efficiency and potential damage to the machine. The problem can be caused by worn or loose belts, misaligned pulleys, or excessive tension.
Electrical issues
The John Deere S680 has several electrical components, such as sensors, fuses, and wiring, that can experience issues. Electrical problems can lead to decreased efficiency and potential damage to the machine. The problem can be caused by damaged wiring, blown fuses, or faulty sensors.
Causes and Solutions
Header not feeding evenly
Cause: The header not feeding evenly can be due to worn or damaged reel or auger, causing the crop to be fed into the combine unevenly.
Solution: The solution to this problem is to replace the worn or damaged reel or auger with new ones to ensure a smooth and even crop flow. Regular maintenance of the header can also help prevent this problem from occurring.
Crop bunching or pushing
Cause: Crop bunching or pushing can be caused by incorrect header adjustment, uneven terrain, or excessive ground speed. These factors can cause the crop to be pushed or bunched up, leading to poor harvesting performance.
Solution: Adjusting the header settings to ensure the correct height, angle, and lateral position can help prevent crop bunching. Slowing down the combine and leveling the ground can also help to avoid uneven terrain and reduce the risk of crop pushing.
Grain tank overflow
Cause: Grain tank overflow can be caused by damaged sensors, incorrect settings, or excessive vibration. These factors can cause the grain tank to fill up beyond its capacity, leading to loss of grain and reduced harvesting efficiency.
Solution: Replacing the damaged sensors, adjusting the settings to the recommended levels, and reducing the vibration can help prevent grain tank overflow. Regular maintenance and inspection of the grain tank can also help prevent this problem from occurring.
Rotor loss or damage
Cause: Debris or rocks entering the rotor, worn or damaged components, or lack of maintenance can cause rotor loss or damage. This can lead to reduced harvesting performance, loss of grain, and increased downtime.
Solution: Regular inspection and cleaning of the rotor can help prevent debris or rocks from entering the rotor. Replacing worn or damaged components can also help maintain the rotor’s performance. Proper maintenance and cleaning can prevent rotor damage and prolong its lifespan.
Separation loss or damage
Cause: Worn or damaged concaves, excessive rotor speed, or incorrect settings can cause separation loss or damage. This can lead to reduced harvesting performance, increased grain loss, and decreased efficiency.
Solution: Replacing the worn or damaged concaves, adjusting the rotor speed to the recommended level, and fine-tuning the settings can help prevent separation loss or damage. Regular maintenance of the combine can also help prevent this problem from occurring.
Overheating of the engine
Cause: Dirty air filters, damaged radiator or coolant lines, or low coolant levels can cause the engine to overheat. This can lead to reduced engine performance, increased downtime, and decreased efficiency.
Solution: Replacing the dirty air filters, repairing the damaged radiator or coolant lines, and refilling the coolant to the recommended level can help prevent engine overheating. Regular maintenance and inspection of the engine can also help prevent this problem from occurring.
Loss of power
Cause: Clogged fuel filters, damaged injectors, or low fuel pressure can cause a loss of power. This can lead to reduced harvesting performance, increased downtime, and decreased efficiency.
Solution: Replacing the clogged fuel filters, repairing the damaged injectors, and increasing the fuel pressure to the recommended level can help prevent the loss of power. Regular maintenance and inspection of the fuel system can also help prevent this problem from occurring.
Belt slipping
Cause: Worn or loose belts, misaligned pulleys, or excessive tension can cause the belts to slip. This can lead to reduced harvesting performance, increased downtime, and decreased efficiency.
Solution: Replacing the worn or loose belts, aligning the pulleys, and adjusting the tension to the recommended level can help prevent the belts from slipping. Regular maintenance and inspection of the belt system can also help prevent this problem from occurring.
Electrical issues
Cause: Damaged wiring, blown fuses, or faulty sensors can cause electrical issues. This can lead to reduced harvesting performance, increased downtime, and decreased efficiency.
Solution: Repairing the damaged wiring, replacing the blown fuses, and replacing the faulty sensors can help prevent electrical issues. Regular maintenance and inspection of the electrical system can also help prevent this problem from occurring.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is critical for ensuring the optimal performance of John Deere combines. Proper maintenance can help prevent unexpected downtime, reduce the risk of major repairs, and extend the lifespan of the equipment. Here are some key practices for preventive maintenance:
Regular inspection and cleaning:
One of the most important preventive maintenance practices is to regularly inspect the combine and clean it. Check for signs of wear and damage, such as cracks or rust on the equipment’s exterior. Clean the combine thoroughly, including the engine, radiator, and hydraulic components. Dirt and debris can interfere with the combine’s performance and cause significant damage over time.
Lubrication of moving parts:
Another important aspect of preventive maintenance is proper lubrication. The moving parts of the combine, such as the bearings, chains, and gears, require adequate lubrication to function correctly. Insufficient lubrication can cause parts to wear out quickly, leading to expensive repairs. John Deere combines typically require different types of lubrication, so consult the owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Replacement of worn or damaged parts:
Worn or damaged parts can impact the combine’s performance and potentially cause more damage to other parts. Therefore, it’s essential to replace any worn or damaged parts promptly. This includes belts, chains, bearings, and other critical components. It’s essential to use genuine John Deere parts to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the equipment.
Adjustment of settings and parameters:
John Deere combines offer various adjustable settings and parameters. Proper adjustment of these settings is crucial for optimal performance. Parameters such as rotor speed, concave clearance, and fan speed can impact the combine’s performance. Ensure that the settings are adjusted correctly for the specific crop and field conditions.
Use of genuine John Deere parts and accessories:
Using genuine John Deere parts and accessories is crucial for proper maintenance of the equipment. The use of non-genuine parts can lead to poor performance and potentially cause significant damage to the equipment. John Deere offers a wide range of genuine parts and accessories that are specifically designed for their equipment.
In conclusion, regular maintenance and inspection of John Deere combines are critical for optimal performance, reduced downtime, and extended equipment lifespan. Proper maintenance practices include regular inspection and cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, replacement of worn or damaged parts, adjustment of settings and parameters, and the use of genuine John Deere parts and accessories.
Common Questions: FAQs
What are some common problems that can occur with the John Deere S680 combine harvester?
Common problems include header not feeding evenly, crop bunching or pushing, grain tank overflow, rotor and separation loss or damage, overheating of the engine, loss of power, belt slipping, and electrical issues.
What are some preventive maintenance practices for the John Deere S680 combine harvester?
Preventive maintenance practices include regular inspection and cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, replacement of worn or damaged parts, adjustment of settings and parameters, and the use of genuine John Deere parts and accessories.
Why is it important to address problems promptly and effectively with the John Deere S680 combine harvester?
It is important to address problems promptly and effectively to minimize downtime, reduce repair costs, and ensure optimal performance of the equipment.
What are some benefits of using the John Deere S680 combine harvester for farmers?
Benefits include efficient harvesting of large crops, increased productivity, and a reduction in labor costs.
What are some factors to consider when adjusting the settings and parameters of the John Deere S680 combine harvester?
Factors to consider include the specific crop being harvested, the field conditions, and the desired output. Adjustments to the rotor speed, concave clearance, and fan speed can impact the combine’s performance.
Why is it important to use genuine John Deere parts and accessories?
It is important to use genuine John Deere parts and accessories to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the equipment. The use of non-genuine parts can lead to poor performance and potentially cause significant damage to the equipment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the John Deere S680 combine harvester is an advanced and efficient machine designed for harvesting large crops quickly and effectively. However, it can face common problems such as header not feeding evenly, crop bunching or pushing, grain tank overflow, rotor and separation loss or damage, overheating of the engine, loss of power, belt slipping, and electrical issues.
It is crucial to address these problems promptly and effectively to minimize downtime, reduce repair costs, and ensure optimal performance. Preventive maintenance practices such as regular inspection and cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, replacement of worn or damaged parts, adjustment of settings and parameters, and the use of genuine John Deere parts and accessories can help prevent these problems from occurring and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
In summary, the John Deere S680 combine harvester is a powerful and reliable machine that can revolutionize the harvesting process. With proper maintenance and timely repairs, farmers can reap the benefits of efficient harvesting and increased productivity for many years to come.