3 Cylinder Life

holstein05 · Feb 7, 2006

Quick question. Coming off of a farm I am used to the big machines with 3000-4000 hrs on a tractor not being all that unusual before an overhaul. Now however, I am looking at some 3 cylinder tractors (I'm no longer on the farm) for small jobs I have, and was just curious, what kind of Engine life do these smaller engines have?

Thanks
Holstein05

MMM · Feb 7, 2006

It will relate more to usage than # of cylinders. Utility tractors don't see near the heavily loaded hrs a field tractor does and normally see longer overhaul interval. 3k hrs for a is a might short for a properly maintained field tractor.

Farmwithjunk · Feb 8, 2006

I've got a '67 Massey 150 with Perkins 3 cylinder diesel, showing 2900 hours and still in the prime of it's life. Not at all uncommon for these engines to see 10,000 hours without overhaul.

IH3444 · Feb 8, 2006

That's what I've heard also, 10,000 hour machines. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

holstein05 · Feb 8, 2006

10,000 hours? Wow, I like the sound of that!

Thanks guys.

What about the pros and cons of 4 cyl vs 3 cyl?

Kiohio · Feb 8, 2006

Typically a 4 cylinder will run smoother BUT have less torque than an equally sized 3 cylinder.

KO

Soundguy · Feb 8, 2006

( am used to the big machines with 3000-4000 hrs on a tractor not being all that unusual before an overhaul )

My ford 5000 is past that and runs good. I think you need to up that number to around 4-5K for harsh use, and 10000 for normal use.

I've even got gassers from the 50's and that era that made 4-5k and still have enough compression and oil pressure to do hobby farm work...

Soundguy

Spiffy · Feb 8, 2006

I'll agree with everyone that the lack of heavy use or frequent abuse will add to life, but do think there are other factors:

1. Many of these machines are much higher RPMs than AG or commercial.

2. Many air-cooled engines run hotter than the oil or water cooled ones.

3. I have no idea of the target life these are designed for, but I'm not convinced it's the same as AG or commercial engines.

Anyway, I don't think you have a thing to worry about, but neither am I quite betting on 10K hours [in consumer targeted machines] until a few people have the clocks to prove it. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Farmwithjunk · Feb 8, 2006

( I'll agree with everyone that the lack of heavy use or frequent abuse will add to life, but do think there are other factors:

1. Many of these machines are much higher RPMs than AG or commercial.

2. Many air-cooled engines run hotter than the oil or water cooled ones.

3. I have no idea of the target life these are designed for, but I'm not convinced it's the same as AG or commercial engines.

Anyway, I don't think you have a thing to worry about, but neither am I quite betting on 10K hours [in consumer targeted machines] until a few people have the clocks to prove it. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif )

Keep in mind that several tractors from the 1960's, 70's 80's and on into the 90's were BOTH "AG tractors AND 3-cylinders.

Ford 3000/3600/ect.
Massey 35/135/130/135/240/245/250/50/150
Deere used a few 3 cylinders, not sure of all the model #'s.

Point is, some of these tractors have spent 10,000 hours on farms as "chore tractors" and a few were even the #1 tractor on smaller farms. Come to KEntucky and see how many Ford and Massey utility tractors spent a lifetime on our tobacco farms.

They didn't get babied.

If I'm following your lead, you might be getting specific about 3-cylinders in TODAYS compacts, as opposed to 3-cylinders in general. Some of us were talking about 3 cylinders in general.

Spiffy · Feb 8, 2006

Yeah, I know my points wander from the thread title, but thought I was going the same direction as everyone else! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Anyway, what I'm saying is that 1,2,3 or many more cylinders isn't so much the issue as differences both in usage and design between AG & commericial machines [regarless of age] and the new ones targeted for the "consumer" market today.