FAQ’s
ATO’s first rule: Don’t break the tractor.
ATO’s second rule: Deliver what we promise without violating Rule One.
Do PowerBoxes really work?
Yes, they do. For years when you wanted more horsepower from a agricultural diesel engine, you “turned the screw.” The new electronic control systems do not allow mechanical adjustment like on earlier machines, but more a sophisticated approach (a PowerBox) yields similar, but much more refined results.
How long have you been in business?
Since 1999 – 12 years. Over the past twelve years we have sold over 5000 PowerBoxes on 4 continents: North America, South America, Europe and Australia.
Is there a money-back trial period?
Of course. We have absolute confidence in our products, and gladly offer a 100% money-back trial period. You have 45 days and / or 20 hours of operation to decide if your PowerBox meets your expectations. With in this time, you can return the PowerBox for a full refund, including out-bound shipping costs.
But, we know from experience that it will take you much, much less time to realize your PowerBox exceeds your expectations!
How much more horsepower will I get?
All of our PowerBoxes are designed to provide 20% more horsepower at rated engine RPM. Due to the way the PowerBoxes interact with the engine’s ECU (computer) there is often as much as 25% more peak power available (peak power occurs at a lower RPM than rated power). ATO always talks about power increases at rated RPM.
Can I really have more power and use less fuel?
Yes. There are several different contributing factors to this seemingly odd benefit of using a PowerBox, but basically the whole system, and the engines in particular work more efficiently at higher power levels.
When working hard with a PowerBox, and using your extra horsepower, you will burn more fuel per hour, but up to 20% less per acre. When you are running light loads, within stock power levels, you would expect to see stock fuel consumption. But, open ‘er up and see what happens- you’ll have to stop for fuel sooner, but you’ll have covered more ground…
Can I get more than 20% more power?
Not reliably. We here at ATO are farmers ourselves and we are protective of our machines by nature, and your machines by extension. We do extensive testing and research so we are confident our products are reliable and do not put excessive stress on the machines they are installed on. While we’ve tested some models at up to +50%, we strongly believe that 20% is the maximum safe increase on all the machines we currently work on.
Why not have a switch in the cab to control the horsepower?
A switch is unnecessary, is a weak point from a durability stand point, increases installation complexity, and is typically used on inferior products to compensate for design deficiencies.
A PowerBox interacts with the engine’s ECU to make additional power only when it is needed. Our PowerBoxes are designed to allow the engine to operate the way it is supposed to: for example, allowing the engine to idle properly, which allows for proper cooling before shut down. Since our PowerBoxes are designed to produce the maximum safe horsepower increase, as well as designed to allow the engine to operate normally, there is no reason for a switch.
How hard is a PowerBox to install? Will I have to cut any wires?
PowerBoxes are designed to be easy to install. Most install by simply unplugging a wire harness on the engine and plugging the PowerBox in.
You NEVER have to cut wires to install a PowerBox. A few models (for Bosch VP fuel systems, for example) require a snap-on connector to attached to one of the wires, but this easily done with a pair of pliers and does not cut the wire.
Can my dealer diagnose engine problems with a PowerBox installed?
Usually, yes. One of the key challenges to making a PowerBox work is making the engine work the way we want it to, without its ECU (computer) knowing that is happening. This means that while many tests, especially ones run by the ECU can be performed properly with a PowerBox installed, some tests that use external measuring devices (gauges, etc.) may show unexpected results, skewing the diagnostics. But, for this reason it is recommended that a PowerBox be unplugged before engine diagnostics.
Will the safeties built into my engine’s computer still work?
Yes. While we are kind of pulling a fast one on the ECU, making it run the engine the way we want it to, it remains in ultimate control. Safeties and features such as power de-rating until warm, Murphy-switch safeties, auger-on power boosts, etc. are all still functional with a PowerBox installed.
Will a PowerBox void my warranty?
Yes. While the machine returns to stock when a PowerBox is removed, using a PowerBox will void your OEM warranty.
Is it true that a technician will be able to tell I’ve used a PowerBox, even if it has been removed?
No. For a technician to be able to tell you’ve used a PowerBox, there would have to be some evidence left in the machine’s computer, the ECU. If the ECU knew there was a PowerBox installed, it would throw an error code or would simply not allow the PowerBox to work. On some newer machines, it may be possible for the technician to see that you’ve been using more fuel per hour than standard, but that could be for any number of reasons and cannot be directly linked to the use of a PowerBox. There is no guarantee that this won’t change in the future, but this is the current situation and we don’t expect it to change.
Note: ATO does not suggest nor condone violating the terms of a machine’s warranty.
Can I move my PowerBox from one machine to another?
Yes. As long as your machines have the same engine and fuel system then usually the same PowerBox will work on both. There are situations where one PowerBox will work on several different engine sizes. There are also situations where if the second machine is newer, but otherwise has the same engine and fuel system the same PowerBox may not work.
The Y-Series Common Rail PowerBoxes as well as the JD125-20A & JD135-20A PowerBoxes for 10.5L, 12.5L & 13.5L Deere engines are designed to be reprogrammable and have replaceable wiring harnesses to allow for movement to other compatible machines.
Please feel free to contact us about your situation.
If I buy a new tractor or combine, can I use my PowerBox on that machine?
Sometimes, if they have the same engine / fuel system as on your old machine. The bottom line is we can only design PowerBoxes for what is available when we design them. Whatever modifications the manufactures make may or may not have an impact on how an older PowerBox designed for the same system will work. We have always been able to build backwards compatibility into new PowerBoxes (a new PowerBox works on all older versions of that same system), but we can’t guarantee forward compatibility.
The Y-Series Common Rail PowerBoxes are designed to be reprogrammable. While there is no guarantee of future compatibility, we have built them with a wide range of capabilities to make them as future-capable as possible.
Is a PowerBox reliable?
Yes, we and thousands of customers believe so. As mentioned, we are farmers and build our products to be as safe and reliable as we can make them. We have sold in the neighbourhood of 5000 PowerBoxes around the world over the last 12 years, and it seems our customers believe they are reliable as we do.
How long is the PowerBox warranty?
Lifetime. We build all of our PowerBoxes to last. Our goal is to outlast your machine, but in the unlikely event your PowerBox doesn’t, we’ll be there. You get a three year replacement warranty and a Lifetime prorated replacement warranty (see next question for details).
What are the warranty details?
During the first three years, a replacement will be provided at no cost (you must return the malfunctioning PowerBox). This warranty is transferable to additional owners should you sell your PowerBox. Follow the link for detailed Warranty Information.
After 3 years, a prorated replacement will be provided. This warranty is limited to the original purchaser (or user if purchased through a dealer). After 3 years, a replacement PowerBox will be available at a prorated cost of 50% of original purchase price plus shipping costs upon return the malfunctioning PowerBox to ATO.
ATO builds a tough product, but malfunctions due to any form of abuse, tampering or improper installation are not covered. This includes removing the serial number label on top of the PowerBox.
I’m ready, how do I place an Order?
Great! You have 3 options for placing an order with ATO, Inc.
1. Order on-line. Start by finding your machine brand on our Products Page and following through until you find the PowerBox for your machine. Secure online payment is via PayPal.
2. Fax your order in. You can download a copy of our order form from our Ordering Information page and fax it to us.
3. Phone your order in. This option is generally only suited for repeat customers. Please visit our Ordering Information page for more details.
How do you ship? What are the shipping times?
ATO, Inc., generally ships in-stock PowerBoxes the same day, if the order is received before noon, eastern. Depending on your location, we may use either UPS or Canada Post for standard shipping (which is always free). Expedited shipping is available for an additional cost, and detailed Shipping Information is available by following the link.
Your question not covered above?
Please feel free to contact us with your question by following this link to our contact us page.