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26 November 2014

James Maloney on 26 Nov 2014

What to watch out for in the second-hand John Deere 6320

We look at a model from John Deere which is particularly popular among livestock farmers and is in big demand second-hand.

26 November 2014

What to watch out for in the second-hand John Deere 6320

The cab environment is excellent on this 6320 considering it is eight year old and with nearly eight thousand hours logged plus was fitted with a loader. The seat is its original Grammer unit and not worn or torn. This version is an air seat but mechanical Grammer seats were also available. Check all the seat functions and that it is not ‘falling out of the tractor’.

Faults are few on the 6320SE according to the lads but an occasional forward/reverse shuttle lever can get stiff after time and need replacing. Premium versions have electric F/R shuttle levers. The main clutch or PremaCluctchII as Deere calls ii is a, “decent big unit and incorporates clutch cooling vales so is ideal for loader work,” Peter states.

A good indicator of age and use according to Peter is that the numbers on the electronic lift control slider tend to be worn off around 8,000 hours.

A Sauermann telescopic hitch was standard fitment on Irish tractors but there are a few UK imports going around with a more basic, non-telescopic hitch. The telescopic hitch is obviously more desirable. Both Ken and Peter agree that hitches on this size tractor tend not to be too bad or subject to much abuse. Worth checking is where the hook sits for wear. Check the locking housing that it’s not loose and where the locking pin locates is not worn. Also check the plastic telescopic slider we

On older or high hour examples check the exhaust stack elbow for wear or corrosion. It will most likely be noisy or blowing if there is an issue.On older or high hour examples check the exhaust stack elbow for wear or corrosion. It will most likely be noisy or blowing if there is an issue.

Easy to slide out plastic screens on the John Deere 6320 makes radiators easy to service and clean. All filters and air filter are similarly easy to access.

In the engine area also check to see if the braided fuel pipes are wet. Age can cause the fuel pipes to perish and will need replacing, again an easy and relatively cheap fix. One sure sign of fuel pipes starting to fail is that the tractor will stop after starting indicating there is air getting into the fuel system.

Cab steps are among the most vulnerable parts of any loader tractor working around the yard or sheds. If damaged, sections/steps can be replaced as required.

Peter Breen and Ken Doyle of TFM Ltd – Enniscorthy branch with an example of a very clean 2006 John Deere 6320SE with 7867 hours on the clock.

Coming into the new year, farmers who are thinking of buying a new tractor will most likely have the deal done in time for 151-registration. The majority will also trade in the tractor they are replacing.Good quality trade-ins are always in demand. Here, we look at a model from John Deere, which is in high demand secondhand.

Good quality trade-ins are always in demand. Here, we look at a model from John Deere, which is in high demand secondhand.

John Deere’s 6320 Premium and SE have a solid reputation. TFM’s Ken Doyle and Peter Breen are both salesmen with TFM Ltd’s Enniscorthy branch and talk us though what to look for in a used 6320SE.

Both have been working with TFM for a number of years. Ken is tillage and Lemken sales specialist within the TFM group, while Peter is harvest and combine specialist for the entire TFM group.

Deere’s 6320 was introduced around late 2002 and ran until around 2007, according to Ken. “You’ll find that there is a good mix of both SE and Premium versions out there.”

Peter explains the major differences between versions. “SE versions of the 6320 have mechanical injection systems, while the Premium versions had common-rail electronic fuel injection from 2003 onwards.

“Many have specified front suspension, a/c and possibly even headland management system (HMS) on Premium versions,” Ken adds.

For this article, we will look at the SE version with a mechanical fuel injection system and 66l/min fixed displacement hydraulic pump (96l/min PFC pump on the Premium version). “Farmers like simplicity, especially in a secondhand tractor,” Peter says.

Ken and Peter had an excellent example of a John Deere 6320SE in stock. This is a 2006 tractor with 7,867 hours on the clock and a John Deere 631 front loader fitted from new.

The customer who traded it in kept the loader and its brackets were transferred to a 6430, which he purchased from TFM.

The brackets suited exactly, according to Peter, but there are some differences in the loader hydraulic kit.

Frame: Full chassis design with ISO-mounted engine and tiltable cab for maintenance/servicing.

Engine: John Deere 4.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled engine with mechanical fuel injection developing 100hp.

Main clutch: PermaClutchII oil-immersed wet clutch.

Transmission: Most popular, Powr16/16 with four gears and four powershift speeds. Cable-operated power-shuttle.

Brakes: Transmission lock, independent handbrake and oil immersed disc brakes.

Pto: 540/540E/1,000rpm.

Hydraulics: 63 litres/min gear pump, with load-sensing valves. Three mechanical spools.

Lift type/capacity: Electronic lift control/45.9kN (approximately 4.68t).

Fuel tank: 165 litres

Wheelbase: 2,400mm.

Height: 2,714mm.

Weight: 4,340kg.

Hitch: Sauermann telescopic.

Tyres rear: 16.9 -R38 to 540/65-R38.

Tyres front: 13.6-R24 to 480/65-R24.

Typical prices: €27,000 to €32,000 s/h John Deere loader typically adds around €5,000.

Replacement parts prices: Headlight €80.64 plus Vat, F/R shuttle cable €131.94 plus Vat, hitch locking pin housing €122.40 plus Vat, replacement single step €30, plus Vat.

TFM winter service offer (in garage), 6020 Series €625 plus vat when done in TFM garage (subject to 13.5% vat). Includes changing of engine oil and filter, fuel filters, trans and hyd filters, hyd oil, front axle and front axle hub oils, fully greased tractor plus numerous other checks and a clean air filter.