Does something like this exist for the Kubota tractor?

[Bmyers]

I was watching Tractor Time with Tim and he was showing a new data connector for the JD that works with your phone. I did some searching, I didn't see anything for the Kubota, but wasn't sure if I was missing it.

Is it needed option? No, but just something for geeky people like me to play with.

John Deere debuts Smart Connector for compact tractors

The John Deere Smart Connector transfers information from the tractor to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

www.lawnandlandscape.com

 

[GreensvilleJay]

well..., my BX23s has a CAN bus connector(ugh) 'under the dash' but I can't see Kubota releasing the interface protocol and commands to actually access whatever the 'computer' has in it.

Pretty sure there's now way JD will let you change parameters

Given enough time and 'incentive', I can read/control the computer...

 

[mcfarmall]

I watched that video last night and had the same question. The JD interface does not allow you to "change" anything to speak of but has a lot of "read only" information such as PCM codes or errors, all kinds of engine data such as % load, soot load, PTO run hrs, engine load during PTO run and many, many more.

It also must have some GPS capability as Tim showed a satellite map of his yard and everywhere he drove Johnny 2 when he mowed.

I'd drop a C-note on a dongle like this if it was available.

 

[mdhughes]

It also must have some GPS capability as Tim showed a satellite map of his yard and everywhere he drove Johnny 2 when he mowed.

I think the app uses the GPS of the smartphone for that function.

 

[Dave_eng]

John Deere is the company engaged in legal battles with their customers. Customers want access to tractor data for their own diagnosis and repair. JD claims that info is proprietary and will not make it available.

The article in the link below starts with:

Farmers Fight John Deere Over Who Gets to Fix an $800,000 Tractor


John Deere

Dave

 

[NHSleddog]

Farmers Fight John Deere Over Who Gets to Fix an $800,000 Tractor

John Deere

Dave

The whole "our machines can be dangerous if hackers change the source code" is the red herring. John Deer mechanics sitting in a John Deer repair bay don't and can't "change the source code". They can flash/upgrade it, or replace it, but they can't modify it. When they have to resort to scare tactics, you know they have a weak argument.

What the farmer needs is the ability to "plug it in" and read the sensor data that is currently off-limits to them in order to effect repair, not source code to reprogram the brain.

From most of what I have read, this isn't about major repairs or warranty work, but the unnecessary and hugely expensive trip to the dealer to repair a 100.00 sensor on that 800,000.00 machine.

Free speech, right to work, right to carry AND right to repair would all be in my constitution - lol.

 

[skeets]

The more they over think the plumbing,,,, the easier it is to stop up the drain
Mr. Scott

 

[Tire Biter]

Wait’ll they can access yer tractor and disable certain options unless you pay the annual subscription ala Tesla.
I like my tractors and my vehicles dumb.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: disable certain options unless you pay the annual subscription ala Tesla.
any 'code cutter' can turn on the 'paid in full flag' in 2-3 minutes....
I had fun watching friend's windows go up and down when he came over to show me his new ride..

 

[Mike9]

Why does a "tractor" need a computer in the first place? Too damned much reliance on electronics IMHO. It's the main reason I'd never buy new.

 

[whitetiger]

well..., my BX23s has a CAN bus connector(ugh) 'under the dash' but I can't see Kubota releasing the interface protocol and commands to actually access whatever the 'computer' has in it.

Pretty sure there's now way JD will let you change parameters

Given enough time and 'incentive', I can read/control the computer...

Your BX23S has neither a Can Bus nor a computer.

 

[SidecarFlip]

John Deere is the company engaged in legal battles with their customers. Customers want access to tractor data for their own diagnosis and repair. JD claims that info is proprietary and will not make it available.

The article in the link below starts with:

Farmers Fight John Deere Over Who Gets to Fix an $800,000 Tractor


John Deere

Dave

On another forum I mentioned that my farmer friend down the road had a couple million in JD rolling stock and most all of it is no more than 2 years old and all computer driven. He has to use JD filters and JD lubricants, everything has to be JD. Reason being, even the filters have sensors in them that 'tell' the computer when to change the oils and the computers talk to JD via the dealer. If they get an error code or have an issue, the local JD dealer won't tell them how to address it, they have to do a service call and hook up to the on board computer and only a JD certified technician can do that.

Much like Kubota's proprietary interface on the newer T4 final units, only a Kubota dealer can access the 'brain box'. Too bad they (tractor builders) didn't standardize the ports like automotive did where no matter what brand you buy, the OBD port is the same for all. Like Deere, Kubota won't sell you a code reader but you can buy a code reader / scan tool for any automotive application. In fact the code reader I own will tell you which component need to be replaced so you aren't throwing parts (and money) at an issue and not knowing WHAT i9 causing it.

I certainly hope the folks suing Deere win in the end but JD has a ton of money to fight it.

Been down there to watch before.

You talk about emissions controls on the newer Kubota's, JD really has some hardware (and software). The downlink on the tractors works through the JD GPS tracking system and it's all proprietary stuff.

 

[Mlarv]

In the auto world each MFG has their own proprietary buses. The base of these buses is what is refered to as OBD2 C.A.N. For the basic information error codes etc most any repair shop or auto store with a code reader can get them. Then on the primary side (the real working side) you need special readers for each MFG. Ford I know has a high speed bus and a medium speed bus. The high speed bus takes care of engine and tranny related information. The medium speed bus takes care of the seats heat windows door locks etc. GM and FCA have not been open source in fact FCA has their private side encoded so it can not be done with out FCA knowing. In the tractor world I could see and open standard for each MFG, but the private side should remain internal to each MFG. I also think they should make the readers available to the local shops like the Auto MFG do or to a big farmer to check their equipment. I have found a way to read the Ford propriety buses and change certain options, say Lincoln has the option and ford does not offer it. I can turn it on in the Ford. JD should license the SW and OBD reader.