Just wondering whats the general thoughts on JD 3650. Is one worth buying or are the scrap?

Normally the 3650 are very good, obviously there are a few pups around, stay away from the 40k versions, the gearbox doesn't like it.

Just look for normal signs, but on the whole a very good, well built lump!

A good reliable performer but we found they did'nt like a lot of constant hyd work like de-stoning / Harvesting and would get the judders on them and maybe lacked a little grip to some other colours of same size but i liked them..!

Your pretty safe with any of the 50 series Deeres, I think they are one of the best range of tractors ever made. Make sure you buy a goodun as cost of putting a bad one right isn't worth it. 3650 is a very good tractor can get 140hp out of engine no probs. If you would like some buying advice just let us know and I can soon help you out.

JD 6820 

Hi we run a JD3350 now with 8000hrs on the clock. Just finished silage lifting with it and Mex6 everyday. It had 5000hrs on it when we got it and hasn't missed a beat since. Wish newer JD's were as well put together!!

 used to drive a 2750 very nice tractor also have a 4455 at work also good all of thows 20/30/40/50 sres tractors are great reliobal work horses and if you want a bit more powere out of them very esey to do that as well

What about the hyd's...Everyone i know dislikes the 30,40,50 series for weak hyd performance but other wise wonderful tractors.....Running de-stoners and harvesters and other machinery that require constant hyd pressure just ruled them out and was part of the reason ourselves and many others went to fords...and put up with the early 40 series gearboxes..?

Although i'm no JD man i have a soft spot for the old 3140  had a couple with opu cabs and whey were great but changed them for Ford 7710's and 7810's for the same reason....

Had a 8120 deere on hire this week and again hyd trouble not maintaining a constant flow ..What is it with deere hyd's..?

theres no scrap about it, 50 series has to be some of the best tractors deere has made (that and the 10 series) ive got a 3650 and you cant go wrong, they will become a proper collectors tractor along with the ford 7810

 the thing with the hydraulics on jd's  is to do with the way the pumps and valve work but if u fit what jd call a power beyond  slice in the system they cope noprobs wit destoners, planters, harvesters, or any thing else that requires a constant flow and pressure

We run 3 of the JD 3650 and they are brilliant plenty of power on demant, will run flat out all day no probs, plenty of grip in the rough stuff.

They have a very good turning circle great for yard work! some people often say to us why not get a newer tractor and we wont simply because there is nothing more reliable and useful as a 3650. definately not scrap !!!!!

should still be used on a daily basis !!! great to drive and overall brilliant machines.

The early 40kmph ones had touble with the gearboxes, a needle bearing in the bottom of the box would break up, expencive to repair, later ones were modified. Bit light on the front end same as all that 50 series. Engines were good and you could wind a new one out to about 155hp, wouldn't recommend doing that to an older engine. Hydraulics weren't the greatest but ok. Not a bad tractor all told. A turdoed and opened up 3050 would be better.

Hi there,

wasn't here for a long time. I'm overhauling a 3650. it's a late version with serial nr's into the 7xxxx. . this means also the gearbox is upgraded. the sensitive needle bearing is replaced by some plastic bushing according the seller (Krone in Germany). it is a late 1991 with about 11.000 hrs recorded. the reason we bought this one is that is was delivered with full options and a bigger American type whit these hours would have to face a costly powershift revision. we've done so far the front axle completely and hydraulic pump and work our way to the back.  all the parts are cleaned, sandblasted and repainted with the original 2 layer- 2 pack paint system. next step is to lift the cabin and split the drive line to overhaul the clutch,Hi-Lo Hydraulic and transmission components.

So, coming to my question. Pulltopark, you mentioned a so called "Power beyond slice" option. can you explain what this is and is it easy to install? We open the transmission anyway, so, if we can build it in, we'll do that. I'm looking forward to hear about this option.

Ducbertus

 if i remember correctly the powerbeyond slice in the 50 series tractors as with all modern jd's fits on the spoolblock so that it gfets priority over the spoolvalves   i think didnt do much with them to be honest butn do know once fitted the 50 series we had was alot better on the planter ands harvesters

but in all honesty ull probability ull strugle to find one 

Hi

Well the Ford 7810 has departed my company and in its place I've come accross a 1990 JD3650 near me. Just wondering what a needle bearing is? How will I know if it is in trouble? Is ther anything else that I should look out for?

Regards

John

Hi John,

there are a few things we've learned the hard way. I guess you know how a bearing is build up with inner race, rollers and outer race. A needle bearing is a bearing where the rollers have the shape of a "needle". meaning the rollers are cilindrycal with a great lenght compared to the diameter of the rollers. They can withstand great loads, but are sensitive for centre line deviation, which can occur when shafts bend a little under heavy loads. I believe in the older 3650 have this needle bearing to support one of the shafts of the tranny. failure means removal of the cabin and split the gearbox. If your 3650 has a serialnumber starting with 76xxxx, you have the newwer version with improved needle bearing construction. As stated in the former posts the 40 Km version are more prone to this faillure than 32 Km/hr versions

After app. 10000 hrs. the O-rings of the Hi-Lo can give way, causing leaks and reduced hydraulic performance. you'll notice this by irregular movement of the hydraulic lift, or the PTO jumping out. These functions are all fed by the low pressure pump (10.5 bar)in the gearbox. sometimes one the pressure lines inside are cracked which gives the same symptoms. as the high pressure pump for the lift and powering implements is fed by the low pressure pumps. so if all these functions are OK, you have a sound one.

in case of FWD look for wear on the front support/ front axle. we had to remove both pins and bushes. the pins came out with the help of a torch. also the pivoting bearings of the front axle wheel housing were gone. the wheel bearings them selves had to much play. If you lift the front end you can check all these joints for excesive play.

the egine is a delight, free revving with a great sound.

looking overall our 3650 had very hard life in former Eastern Germany. But is was fully loaded with goodies as front hitch, front PTO, FWD, air brakes, airco, 40 km tranny, Prohytronic EHR, digital tacho, very luxury driver seat equiped with a compressorand lot of other small options. Also important was that it was German build tractor, which incorporates good quality. If you take the serial number to your JD-dealer they print out the whole range of accesoires the tractor originally was sold with. also on the JD parts home page you can find detailed information about the 3650. every part is shown in exploded views together with the Bill of Materials. very informative. If you read all this is looks like a sad story. But we don't feel it that way. A lot parts are available second hand in Germany. search on Ebay or Mobile. I think in the UK will also be a few wreckers who have parts. Don't get shy, but try it. If the owner has a fully documented history, it's definitively a pre.

well  I hope to hear from you soon,

regards, Bertus

Hi John,

just to support you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpDbV4KK8oc

this is our 3650 before we started the overhaul.

BR, Bertus 

Hi Bertus, I am considering to buy a JD3650 http://www.noelosheaplantsales.com/john-deere-3650/5050 its a 1989 and looks in good condition for year. i am not as clever as you and I think this one that will have hydraulic problems etc,. Abny advice would be welcome.

cheers