John Deere 6155R: Problems And Durability Explained

John Deere 6155R is the largest of all mid-frame six-cylinder tractors and features some of the best and the latest technology in the segment. In this article, we will discuss:

• The JD 6155R specs
• Common problems of the JD 6155R
• The durability of the JD 6155R tractor

With a Tier IV-compliant 6.8-liter twin-turbo engine giving out 195 hp power output, the JD 6155R comes with a tried-and-tested full-frame chassis designed to take all the work-related strains from individual components.

The engine and all transmission components are placed and protected within the chassis frame while the axles, the rear hitch, and the optional loaders are attached directly to the chassis. This arrangement ensures the chassis directly absorbs any strain or stress emerging from the tough work environment, offering protection to all the critical components, thus extending the tractor's durability.

The engine comes with a 40hp Intelligent Power Management booster that is activated upon reaching the power take-off above 2.5km/hr, or transport power over 15km/hr. it has a state-of-the-art StarFire 6000 receiver that gives the operator full auto-steering.

The tractor has various transmission options including Direct Drive (DD), Auto Quad Plus, and Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) that combines mechanical and hydrostatic power to provide continuous power between 0 and 50 kilometers. The tractor also boosts the largest cab, the Comfortview Cab, which offers an extra 20% of space and comfort for the operator.

Problems

Although the John Deere 6155R (and indeed all John Deere tractors) ranks among the most reputed, reliable, and durable tractors in the business, the tractor is still prone to operational and mechanical issues. Here are some of the most common problems likely to be found with the John Deere 6155R.

1. Transmission Problems

Due to the intense work volumes that the JD 6155R is put through, the Auto Quad or the other transmission systems usually develops clutch pack wear which affects transmission. The pack has to be repaired, completely rebuild, or changed to allow proper operations.

The internal lubrication valve is especially prone to failure causing the lubrication oil to flow or spill out. The spillage causes the clutch to fail.

Due to the many hours of continuous work that the JD 6155 R is capable of returning, the teeth in the clutch pack may wear away over time. This causes the spinning of the gears when engaged. The pack must be stripped down and rebuilt, or too much worn out, must be replaced.

During operations, intense vibrations emanate from the powerful engine output and the amount of workload under the tractor. The vibrations loosen, jar, wear, or break the moving parts of the transmission components. These parts have to be repaired or replaced from time to time.

2. System Failures Associated with Worn Brakes

The JD tractors run a one-source oil supply system for the brakes, back-end, and transmission in what is known as the series brakes system. This setup provides an avenue for wear debris to be moved around these three systems. The brake discs are vulnerable to tear and wear due to the heavy load of the JD 6155R.

• If the discs are left unattended for long, they wear off and also cause the pistons and the back plates to wear off unevenly. The worn-out debris will be circulated into the other systems by the oil causing more trouble to these systems. You may find a collection of metallic pieces and other debris in the suction screen of the diff housing.
• If the debris finds its way into the transmission system, it may cause the Auto Quad transmission to have complications which may affect the shaft and the crown wheel. The transmission may fail and the crown wheel and the pinion have to be replaced to restore the Auto Quad operations. The crown wheel and the pinion must be matched and replaced at the same time.

3. Power Take-off Issues

Damaged valves and circlips can cause the PTO in the JD 6155R to fail. These failures may be occasioned by jolting or excessive vibrations when the tractor is operating in extreme conditions. PTO transfers mechanical power to another engineless device or equipment attached to the tractor. The PTO system transfers the energy to the other device to avoid wastage and improve operation efficiency.

 The PTO uses geared transmissions to power up mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic applications attached to the JD. The PTO shaft and a PTO kit enable the transfer of energy to the peripheral devices. Due to the operational pressure, the pto might fail, occasioning a total rebuilding or replacement.

4. Engine Hard Starts

The JD 6155R diesel engine may occasionally fail to crank into life, especially in the morning after overnight storage. The hard start could be caused by:

• Fuel flow restrictions in the lines supply the engine. This could be a result of stale/sticky fuel blocking the lines and reducing in-flows
• Too much air in the fuel tank. This means more air than fuel is pumped out into the combustion chamber.
• Broken down or blocked diesel injection nozzles that restrict fuel injection into the combustion chamber.
• Clogged fuel filter that restricts fuel flow into the engine.
• Restricted airflow due to dirty filter or dirty induction system.
• Worn out or broken piston rings.
• A malfunctioning cold start system.

These conditions inhibit the fuel inflow into the engine combustion chamber, thus reducing the amount of fuel necessary to ignite the engine into life. The problems must be addressed promptly to enable the engine to start easily and smoothly.

5. Steering Issues

The two most common steering issues in the JD 6155R are the steering wheel failing to work or a steering wheel that turns too easily.

• Steering not working

A failed steering can be a big scare to a tractor operator. The steering can fail when there is too much air in the hydraulic system which prevents the hydraulic fluid to circulate properly. Also, it could be a result of low levels of hydraulic oil in the tank, or a worn-out hydraulic cylinder to rectify the issue, the air must be drained from the system, oil added to the required level, and the worn-out parts replaced.

• The steering wheel turns too easily

Sometimes, the steering wheel becomes too loose and turns quite easily in all directions. This could be caused by a worn-out steering cylinder, a worn or damaged steering pump, or low steering oil levels. These problems make the steering wheel system to be too loose and thus turn easily. In such situations, the steering of the tractor becomes haphazard with the steering wheel having little or no control over the tractor wheels.

• The steering wheel turns hard

Sometimes, the steering may become too hard to turn. This could be caused by low steering oil levels, a defective steering pump, worn-out power steering, or leaking hydraulic connections.

An easily turning steering wheel or one that fails to turn makes it difficult to control and operate the tractor, compromising safety and the overall operations of the tractor. The problematic parts need to be replaced to return the steering to its normal operating condition.

6. Starter Failure

The JD 6155R starter may fail, meaning the tractor cannot be started. Starter failure can be caused by clogged fuel lines and dirty filter elements that eventually lead to total failure. The starter should be repaired or replaced and the clogged lines and elements must be cleaned thoroughly to restore normal operations.

7. Problem Shutting Doors

The JD 6155R has extra large one-piece doors for ease of access to the cabin. The sheer size of the doors gives the operator some hectic time trying to close them once inside the cabin.

8. Overheating

Overheating could be caused by one or a combination of the following:

• Low levels of coolant in the system
• Dirty radiator cores and side screens
• Engine overloading
• Damaged fan belt

Overheating is a serious problem that if not rectified immediately leads to engine damage which is very expensive to repair/replace. Check the issue and have it rectified immediately.

Durability

Despite the problems highlighted above, the JD 6155R is a durable tractor likely to give one a long impressive, and reliable service. John Deere tractors have a reputation for reliability and durability. The company is North America's best-selling tractor brand. Though there is no perfect machine, John Deere is trusted to offer long and reliable service.

With a strong full-frame chassis and state-of-the-art suspension systems, the design enables the tractor to absorb the rigorous stress arising from the heavy workload beneath, thus protecting the vital components (engine, cabin, transmission) from direct strains. This prolongs the life span of these components and the tractor in general.

The JD 6155R has impressive performance for long periods regardless of the work/ground conditions. It is built to last with quality and exceptional technology that guarantees operator comfort and the best work output over a long period.