Compact Diesel Engine Tractor vs Gas Engine Riding Lawn Mower For Mowing

[DieselBound]

Maintenance has to do with routine stuff like fluid changes. I don't use my log splitter all that much, but it still requires an annual fluid change. And for water-cooled engines there's the coolant to keep up as well. But, yes, lightly used, small air-cooled gasoline engines ought not really pose repair-like issues. I'm torn about whether it's a good idea to run fuel systems dry before storage: many folks end up with sticking carburetor floats (why I like diesels!). There's also the issue of physical storage: in general, tractors seem to have no issues with living out in the open air; other equipment no so much.

 

[MossRoad]

Maintenance has to do with routine stuff like fluid changes. I don't use my log splitter all that much, but it still requires an annual fluid change. And for water-cooled engines there's the coolant to keep up as well. But, yes, lightly used, small air-cooled gasoline engines ought not really pose repair-like issues. I'm torn about whether it's a good idea to run fuel systems dry before storage: many folks end up with sticking carburetor floats (why I like diesels!). There's also the issue of physical storage: in general, tractors seem to have no issues with living out in the open air; other equipment no so much.

Why do you change the fluid in your log splitter every year?

 

[DieselBound]

Why do you change the fluid in your log splitter every year?

I don't, but, I try to. The manual calls it out, for yearly change. I suspect it's got to do with concerns of condensation/water.

 

[MossRoad]

I don't, but, I try to. The manual calls it out, for yearly change. I suspect it's got to do with concerns of condensation/water.

Hmmm.... my in-laws bought a Huskee log splitter around 1980. They heated their house with wood for 30 years, about 6-7 cords per year, plus they split tons of firewood for family and friends would borrow it often. They gave it to me about 10 years ago. I asked them if they ever changed the hydraulic fluid or filter. They said they changed the filter once. I've changed it once, and added a quart of fluid. But for all intents and purposes, that's 38 year old hydraulic fluid on its 2nd or 3rd filter.

The Briggs and Stratton engine pull starter broke, and the main shaft seal started leaking, so I swapped in a Predator engine last year. But that's the only thing that's wrong with it.

Just have to wonder if there's a need to change hydraulic fluid annually for something that doesn't get used often. I'd be more concerned with the hours of use at load, and a clean filter on a regular hour-based schedule, not a time based schedule.

However, it sure can't hurt to change it more often.... unless you don't put the plug back in correctly, or the filter.... there's always something.

 

[DieselBound]

Seems that things used too MUCH OR too LITTLE tend to experience problems. I bought a Polaris Brutus (diesel) that had sat on a dealer lot for three years: it was a demo unit, very few hours/miles on it. The starter was compromised (water/moisture): I cleaned the brushes once and then, a year later, did a complete rebuild- some of this is a design flaw in that the starter lies underneath the gap between the cab and the bed (hoping to have it under cover once I complete the construction of my firewood shed). It also has some sort of leak (at first I thought it an oil leak but now think it's an hydraulic leak), which I'm almost certain is due to the vehicle sitting for so long.

I get over 60" of rain here per year. LOTS of moisture.

I'm going to take another look at the manual, but am pretty certain they call out for some sort of fluid and filter changes. I've got enough stuff to maintain such that I really don't need to be looking to over-kill: I like to go by the book; I work stuff hard.

 

[4570Man]

I don’t understand the maintain another engine deal unless you live somewhere where you can’t get ethanol free gas. I pour gas in my small engines and change the oil every couple years. I’d never change the hydraulic oil in my wood spitter. That would be stupid to change every year.

 

[DieselBound]

I don’t understand the maintain another engine deal unless you live somewhere where you can’t get ethanol free gas. I pour gas in my small engines and change the oil every couple years. I’d never change the hydraulic oil in my wood spitter. That would be stupid to change every year.

And I don't understand folks' understanding of "maintenance." Having multiple pieces of machinery require more management. I don't know about you or others, but I keep maintenance logs on most everything I own.

Stupid is NOT doing recommended maintenance. Everyone is free to exercise what they think is "smart" or "stupid."

 

[4570Man]

Changing the oil in a small engine only takes a few minutes. What’s to gain by changing the hydraulic oil in a wood splitter. Maybe the $200 pump will last 25 years instead of 20. You can throw that money away if you want to. And your more machine equals more maintenance is wrong. If you drive 2 trucks 20000 miles a year or 1 truck 40000 miles a year the 2 trucks will go twice as long ( calendar time passed ) before they need serviced. And if your 1 piece of equipment breaks down you’re dead in the water. With multiple pieces you can still work.

 

[MossRoad]

Where's the bedside manner forum???

 

[4570Man]

Where's the bedside manner forum???

What other definition is there for spending way more money to maybe prevent something than fixing it cost?