3430HST break in tips / suggestions?

[DavidVT]

Well,
Having made it past 3 hours on my new tractor, I guess I better see what the community has to offer with regards to proper break-in tips / suggestions.

Most days I've only been able to watch the orange tractor sitting outside in the rain. When the rain stops I've mainly just spent time learning the controls of the FEL and playing with the rear scraper a bit. I've ripped up a few small stumps with the FEL and pulled a 60' dead tree out of the woods.

Oh, and the FEL is great for making 'emergency' trenches for moving this darn rain water around... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Any break in tips would be appreciated...

This summer's project list will likely be just stump destruction and brush hogging...

Thanks,
David
Bottom line, should I be gentle to start or just GO FOR IT?

 

[surfran]

Well for starters, you have to use it to break it in /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif OK I guess the rain does have to stop to use it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I followed the manual pretty much in breaking mine iN. I didn't run full throttle, I tried to remember to vary the throttle speed while using it and other than that, I used it just like I do now, which half the time is below full throttle anyhow.

Be careful whenever using the FEL and keep your loads low while moving. Be aware of your surroundings including others such as children, better halves, and Pets.

Other than that, just ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Oh and Post pictures periodically of all the fun....I mean work your having or doing that is /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[KMurphyAL]

I'd worry about leaving it out in the rain more than break in....over time, water will age your tractor significantly. You paid a ton for the tractor so you need to spend some money on a shed!

Good luck

 

[DavidVT]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( so you need to spend some money on a shed!
)</font>

I already made an appointment for a quote for a two bay garage on tuesday! Hopefully I can afford to have big enough doors so I don't have to fold down the bar!

 

[cisco]

Usual stuff. Warm up the diesel before raising the rpm's, or taking on any tasks. Don't exceed the recommended rpm level (line on your tach indicates such). Keep things lubed (FEL grease nipples q10 hours of work per Kubota). Check the oil and hydraulic levels fairly often for awhile to make sure there are no manufacturing snafus (leaks in the systems - which other TBNs have reported - me, I had none with an L3410, and after 350 hours, still don't). Basically, take it just a tad easy on the tractor, and watch closely for any defects, until you get to the 50 hour maintenance.