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Diagnostic software

eodnut

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2025
Messages
22
Location
Tennessee
I'm looking at biting the bullet and buying software. I own numerous brands and equipment and work on a lot of different stuff. Who makes the best diagnostic software with all the different cables
 

ROAMER_AUS

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2018
Messages
293
Location
Croatia
Jaltest is good, better than texa IMO, but it covers engines only. Be aware of that. There is no multibrand diagnostic that covers everything. Also be aware that you can do a lot of diagnosis on screens for newer models. Just need to know how to get into service modes. Coding and modifications you neeed to use OEM, or cracked copies of OEM. You need to be more precise what kind of work you want to do with these machines? If it is Liebherr for example, forget it, you can't even buy the software even if you wanted to.
 
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MFM Truck&Equipment

Active Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2024
Messages
43
Location
Ontario
We use jaltest for all makes all models of off highway equipment. It has its moments. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. We also have the cracked versions of the OEM softwares with OEM interfaces(cat, Deere, etc) It all depends how much your looking to spend. Just remember jaltest does not have trouble shooting. It's good for pulling codes and tests and derate removal. We use the OEM service manuals for troubleshooting with the jaltest.
 

Mr. Wrench

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2025
Messages
388
Location
Ohio
Occupation
Mechanic
We use jaltest for all makes all models of off highway equipment. It has its moments. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. We also have the cracked versions of the OEM softwares with OEM interfaces(cat, Deere, etc) It all depends how much your looking to spend. Just remember jaltest does not have trouble shooting. It's good for pulling codes and tests and derate removal. We use the OEM service manuals for troubleshooting with the jaltest.
How do you compare Jaltest to the cracked versions of the OEM one's. How well does it do?
 

Mr. Wrench

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2025
Messages
388
Location
Ohio
Occupation
Mechanic
I use Jaltest, still learning what it can and can't do. Wiring diagrams are generic at best. I think OEM would be better if you only work on a few brands. If you need to cover many brands that would be kind of costly so youmay be better off with Jaltest.
 

eodnut

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2025
Messages
22
Location
Tennessee
Thanks, where can you get a cracked version of OEM.
I need Komatsu, Cat, John Deere, Bobcat forOHW, and john deere, Kubota, for ag
 

MFM Truck&Equipment

Active Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2024
Messages
43
Location
Ontario
The cracked OEM softwares are a good option when working with only a few brands. You will need to purchase the OEM interface for each software and each interface is only good for that specific brand. The OEM interfaces are not cheap. Don't be fooled by the cheap Chinese clones, they are junk. My John Deere EDL 3 was roughly 3k and my cat com adapter was roughly 1k. It adds up quick.
 

MFM Truck&Equipment

Active Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2024
Messages
43
Location
Ontario
How do you compare Jaltest to the cracked versions of the OEM one's. How well does it do?
Apples to oranges. The OEM is always the best. However I can't afford to have every OEM software and interface under the sun. That's where the jaltest comes into play. Gives us a chance of diagnosing/repairing the problems on a brand we don't see alot of.
 

Simon C

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2015
Messages
3,052
Location
Rocky Mountain House , AB., Canada
Occupation
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
I have a YouTube channel that shows you many access procedures for access to the diagnostics menus available through the monitor panels in the machines.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZtvgWG-EtmGZhvtMeBMEQ/videos
I checked out your You Tube Channel. Looks very good. Will watch them in the weeks to come. Am certain to learn something on each video, is my goal. Like to see other peoples perspective on repairs or systems operations.
Simon C
 

eodnut

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2025
Messages
22
Location
Tennessee
Thanks, for the replies. I come from OTR Trucks and only have experience with their software.
I will check out youtube channel.
Where can I purchase cracked software for these? I will buy OEM connections to me just makes sense and yes they get pricey
 

eodnut

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2025
Messages
22
Location
Tennessee
The cracked OEM softwares are a good option when working with only a few brands. You will need to purchase the OEM interface for each software and each interface is only good for that specific brand. The OEM interfaces are not cheap. Don't be fooled by the cheap Chinese clones, they are junk. My John Deere EDL 3 was roughly 3k and my cat com adapter was roughly 1k. It adds up quick.
Is cracked software good for Komatsu? Will they do bidirectional testing, 95% of equipment I own or work on is "older" pre emissions some dating to 60s
 

Simon C

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2015
Messages
3,052
Location
Rocky Mountain House , AB., Canada
Occupation
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Yeah but theres 4 machines that are 2021 or newer that's why I'm asking about software
The newer Komatsu stuff has a lot of information available on their monitors, including pressures and code clearing. Schematics can help a lot but sometimes it takes software to get things done. Base your decisions on how many thousands of dollars income you miss out on per year to justify whether to buy or not.
Simon C
 

Hew's Mobile

Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2022
Messages
22
Location
Massachusetts
Occupation
Mobile Equipment Repairer
The cracked OEM softwares are a good option when working with only a few brands. You will need to purchase the OEM interface for each software and each interface is only good for that specific brand. The OEM interfaces are not cheap. Don't be fooled by the cheap Chinese clones, they are junk. My John Deere EDL 3 was roughly 3k and my cat com adapter was roughly 1k. It adds up quick.
Thats partially true on needing the genuine adapters. But you can do a lot of different programs with either Nexiq, noregon, and what i use a lot for non caterpillar is dearborn. I would prefer to use the oem where and when i can but knowing what you will be working on and where you can save the buck will make a difference when you are doing a lot of different machines. the dearborn works on cat but i prefer that cat com with ET and Perkins ET, EDL 3 for John deere is a must, kubot dst and or python for digitizer is a must, volvo you can use dearborn or nexiq but i seen it limit what you can do on newer machines. i ended up with a vocom. but insite, jcb, international, wabco, and a few others i cant think of right now. my dearborn dla 5 and 4 both work. annoying but do some research and youll see what you can get away with. if you want an everything ready to go set up. im sure someone will build and put it together for you but you will be overpaying like crazy
 

MFM Truck&Equipment

Active Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2024
Messages
43
Location
Ontario
Your the second person to mention nexiq works with JCB. Can you confirm the nexiq usb link 2 works with JCB service master. And if it does how do you add it into the adapter selection menu? My JCB only list the JCB interface as an option. Already have the link 2 for all my truck software.
 

eodnut

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2025
Messages
22
Location
Tennessee
The newer Komatsu stuff has a lot of information available on their monitors, including pressures and code clearing. Schematics can help a lot but sometimes it takes software to get things done. Base your decisions on how many thousands of dollars income you miss out on per year to justify whether to buy or not.
Simon C
I understand but I should be able to get needed software and different adapter cables for my nexiq. Who do y'all recommend of best wiring diagrams, on the OTR trucks most manufactures have decent wiring in their service software
 
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