JD T series combines

[willy]

What are peoples experiences and is there any known issues with these machines. TIA

 

[Bill Turtle]

I’m also considering one of these, if anyone has experience using them.

 

[Simon Chiles]

What are peoples experiences and is there any known issues with these machines. TIA

I’m also considering one of these, if anyone has experience using them.

New or secondhand?
Mine’s 10 years old now, had it from new. I haven’t clocked many hours so it’s had an easy life so unsurprisingly it hasn’t had any major issues.
Mine’s a 560 so it’s got masses of power which I think contributes ( I think ) a very reasonable fuel consumption.
I like the idea of the crop flow, it helps keep the straw intact through the machine. Setting up the pre sieve to take as much up into the tank without affecting the sample is key to output, I normally run with the sieves a bit wider and the fan a bit higher than factory recommendations but later models have a bigger sieve area. If you’ve got a choice I’d go for pro drive and the premium chop chopper.

 

[Bill Turtle]

I’m looking at a 15 plate 670 to replace a 07 plate 9780i. I am drawn to the fact that mechanically it is reasonably similar to what I have had for the last 16 years.

 

[Chris W]

I’m looking at a 15 plate 670 to replace a 07 plate 9780i. I am drawn to the fact that mechanically it is reasonably similar to what I have had for the last 16 years.

They went through a major redesign in 2016. Might be worth finding a slightly newer machine.

 

[Bill Turtle]

Do you have any idea what was altered?

 

[Wilbada]

I’ve got a 2022 T560 hillmaster machine and it’s a fantastic piece of kit. Amazing output/ losses for a walker, and very good sample. Can’t praise it enough to be honest.

 

[Simon Chiles]

Do you have any idea what was altered?

Increased the feeder house chain speed, a booster bar that could be swung in and out without tools ( although to be fair I leave mine in all the time except linseed ), increased the t series rotor from 660 mm to 800 mm diameter but it rotated slower, increased the sieve area significantly ( 41% ) and changed the sieve structure to be aluminium to reduce the weight. They also had slightly more power.

 

[snipe]

Did they increase the length of the walkers as well.

 

[Bill Turtle]

What were you running prior to the T560?

 

[Bill Turtle]

Was the previous rotor known to block? How do you unblock it if you’re unlucky enough to do so?

 

[snipe]

Not known for blockages, it was increased just to up capacity

if it blocked there was a big drum spanner. Only used it once in 12 years.

 

[Chieftain]

Worst thing about the pre-2016 models is barley separation, often find the straw trailers have a scattering of grain on them.

Other than that, can't fault them really. Cab is very spacious and comfy on post-2014 models. As mentioned, Prodrive is the best if possible for fuel efficiency.

Very little daily maintenance, actually don't think there's any if you don't have Hillmaster?

Power only becomes an issue if you're chopping a heavy wheat crop going uphill.

Pre-2016 will definitely do 30 tonne/hour and post-2016 are 40 tonne/hour with the bigger drum.

 

[Bill Turtle]

So does a post 2016 five walker match a pre 2016 six walker?

 

[L P]

So does a post 2016 five walker match a pre 2016 six walker?

I'd say yes, drove a t670 a few years back and wasn't that impressed, nowhere near cts capacity, drove a new t560 last season for neighbours, it was a cracking machine and not far behind cts for output, really impressive little combine and a pleasure to sit in, much better cab, very quiet, silky smooth threshing mechanism. Was advised not to use the booster bar unless absolutely necessary. From memory pre cleaner is not adjustable on later ones. Don't be under the illusion they are not still walker limited, even pinching a fantastic sample the walkers are the first sign you're pushing it too hard... its difficult to pull the engine back or get sieve losses. None the less, really good machine and easier to move around

 

[homefarm]

The 2016 update was significant as we had a my15 then a my17 and I would say there was a 20% improoovement between the two.
We ran a My22 last year and that has more capacity again new concave design for both drums does seem to work separating more grain before the walkers which are defiantly the limiting factor.
Never see sieve losses and really good sample, prodrive is good, no real issues after a few teething problems but we have only run one for three years before changing.

Quite a complicated belt system to drive the multiple drums may be an issue with an older machine.

Very nice cab and with auto steer and yield mapping a very pleasant place to spend harvest.

 

[Simon Chiles]

I'd say yes, drove a t670 a few years back and wasn't that impressed, nowhere near cts capacity, drove a new t560 last season for neighbours, it was a cracking machine and not far behind cts for output, really impressive little combine and a pleasure to sit in, much better cab, very quiet, silky smooth threshing mechanism. Was advised not to use the booster bar unless absolutely necessary. From memory pre cleaner is not adjustable on later ones. Don't be under the illusion they are not still walker limited, even pinching a fantastic sample the walkers are the first sign you're pushing it too hard... its difficult to pull the engine back or get sieve losses. None the less, really good machine and easier to move around

I was always under the impression that even the older T560’s would outperform a CTS, there’s normally a reason design engineers gave the T560 more HP and a larger grain tank. I also thought it was the reason JD dropped the CTS, because they had a better alternative. Don’t misunderstand me, I thought the CTS was a good machine, its forte is difficult harvesting conditions ie damp straw. It was originally designed as a rice harvester which is probably the toughest crop to harvest.
My 2013 560 has a 20 ft header and it isn’t really big enough for it, I’m often harvesting in the 6-8k range of speed, a 25ft header would have been better. The 25 is now I think the recommended header for a 560 and a 30ft for the 670. Whilst I would think it perfectly possible to have a 30ft header on the older T670 I think you’d be pushing it on the new T560. Personally I think the newer design lets less experienced operators get more out of the machine as the combine settings are less critical.

 

[Bill Turtle]

All useful information thank you.

 

[willy]

Yes Thankyou, really useful.

 

[Flat 10]

I’m looking at a 15 plate 670 to replace a 07 plate 9780i. I am drawn to the fact that mechanically it is reasonably similar to what I have had for the last 16 years.

But isn't a 9780 a rotary and the Ts walkers?