HST Temp Readings

[dieselsmoke1]

Been lots of discussion regarding HST operating temps, so I took some sample readings with an IR temp reader this morning.

Test Conditions:
Ambient: 82 f, overcast
Tractor: Mahindra 2810HST
Work: 5' Bush Hogging in grass, average density, 8" typical, 16" in spots
Terrain: Rolling with a couple of steep banks
Load: Medium at approx. 4mph, slower in heavy areas, 2500 / 540 rpms
Duration: 1 hour / 2 hours, Both sets of values virtually identical

Tranny Case, hottest spot in rear: 159 f
Hydrocooler In: 149 f
Hydrocooler Out: 142 f
Tranny Filter: 143 f
Engine Block: 178 f
Radiator In: 158 f
Engine Oil Filter: 162 f
Dash Temp Gauge: Slightly less than center mark

I make no claims as to the accuracy of these numbers, just gave it my best shot and thought I would share them for discussion.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Been lots of discussion regarding HST operating temps, so I took some sample readings with an IR temp reader this morning.

I make no claims as to the accuracy of these numbers, just gave it my best shot and thought I would share them for discussion.

Wonderful post! Nice work. Temps seem reasonable.

When it cold, do it again! I would love to see the numbers when it is freezing outside. And where and how much and what type of IR gauge did you get?
Bob

 

[dieselsmoke1]

And where and how much and what type of IR gauge did you get?Bob

Thanks. The IR is a Raytek Raynger ST, circa 1999. Belonged to a buddy who is a mainteance mechanic. He bought a new snazzy one and retired this one to the cabinet. I horse traded some cabinet work for it. Tested it side by side with his new one and readings were good.

 

[daTeacha]

Hmmm. It seems like there is more cooling from the lines running to the oil cooler than from the cooler itself. Someone with cooling problems could almost plumb in several feet of copper line or something like downline of the cooler. Kind of like an Appalachian Aboriginal Alcohol condenser.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Thanks. The IR is a Raytek Raynger ST, circa 1999. Belonged to a buddy who is a mainteance mechanic. He bought a new snazzy one and retired this one to the cabinet. I horse traded some cabinet work for it. Tested it side by side with his new one and readings were good.

Nice! Sounds like $$$$$.
Bob

 

[dieselsmoke1]

Hmmm. It seems like there is more cooling from the lines running to the oil cooler than from the cooler itself.

There was a lot of variation down the line from the tranny. The hottest spots were at the tranny out fitting, of course, and where the tubing passes within about 1.5" along the side of the crank case. A little shielding there would probably be worthwhile.

 

[daTeacha]

Did your meter let you focus just on the oil line or might you have gotten some false data from the crankcase behind it, too?

 

[dieselsmoke1]

Did your meter let you focus just on the oil line or might you have gotten some false data from the crankcase behind it, too?

I tried to take the readings from the lines, can't say how successful I was. The meter has a built in laser sight and specs the read area at 0.8" @ 6". I was reading at about 4". I could see the readings spike up when the laser moved from the lines to the case.

Next time I'm running, I'll check again with a temporary shield behind the lines.

 

[jinman]

Nice job! There's only one question/request I have. Can you get some readings on your main engine mounted hydraulic pump? How about when you run the 3PH up and down so the pump is producing pressure to the system instead of working into an open-center system? I'd like to know what the temperature rise is from the inlet to the outlet of the pump. I'd guess less than 5ºF, but I could be wrong. There will probably be some thermal lag while everything heats up too. It may be tough to get an accurate reading.

 

[dieselsmoke1]

Can you get some readings on your main engine mounted hydraulic pump?

Dang, I should have thought about that. I'll check it on my next run.