Is frequent short term use harmful?

[CutTheHolesOut]

good morning all. I’ve found myself using my tractor pretty often but only for very short periods of time. It got me thinking that maybe it could be causing some sort of harm but I don’t really know. I’m basically using it to turn a compost pile. Lazy or not, my back isn’t what it used to be. Is there any downside to starting it up, using the loader for three or four scoops and shutting it back down besides the battery might need to be charged more often? I mean it’s maybe a total of 3 minutes of use. It’s a bolens g274 if that makes any difference. Thanks in advance

 

[duffer]

Don't know for sure, but I would say "yes" it does cause some harm, as moisture in the engine when first started hasn't had any time to evaporate during use, especially over a long period of time.

If yours is a diesel, you should let it warm up for at least a couple of minutes to let the fluids circulate and warm up a little, as well as the hydraulics.

I would suggest a long duration use (20-30 min) once in a while to mitigate any condensation in the engine.

My 2¢.

 

[dj1701]

I don't know one way or the other. I'm sure you will get opinions either way. If we stop using a tractor to make our life easier, we are defeating the purpose of having one to begin with.

Dave

 

[Agvg]

good morning all. I’ve found myself using my tractor pretty often but only for very short periods of time. It got me thinking that maybe it could be causing some sort of harm but I don’t really know. I’m basically using it to turn a compost pile. Lazy or not, my back isn’t what it used to be. Is there any downside to starting it up, using the loader for three or four scoops and shutting it back down besides the battery might need to be charged more often? I mean it’s maybe a total of 3 minutes of use. It’s a bolens g274 if that makes any difference. Thanks in advance

Do you only use it for this purpose or do you use it for more heavy and longer use?

 

[RjCorazza]

"Short Trips" are generally harder on any vehicle, and I would avoid not getting the tractor up to temp and working on a regular basis. I save up a few jobs for the times I wouldn't be running my tractor for very long.

 

[moriboy]

I would use it as you see fit. Letting it sit and not using your tractor is likely harder on it.

 

[big bubba]

agree w/above statements. in addition, with repeated short cold start use, i certainly would be changing the engine oil far more frequently than manu recommendation due to moisture build up, etc in the crankcase

diesels, once warmed up, are meant to work steady, & repeatedly putzing around w/cold starts doesn't do one any favors, regards

in general, i'd let the engine warm up 5 min (longer in cold weather) & work it at least 20-30 min

 

[BleedingOrange]

If you have a temperature gauge, make sure it gets up to normal running temperature, before working it and shutting it off. To accomplish that, it wouldn,t hurt to give it a run up and down your driveway, before putting it to work.

 

[oosik]

No matter what kind of job/project I have. I always run it long enough to have it up to temperature for at least a half hour. Like has been said - it will eliminate any water that might be in any of the different oils.

 

[Notforhire]

Given the choice of beating up my body or reducing the life of my tractor....

Compare costs of repair to you or the tractor.
Have you priced a good funeral lately?