Break-in Period

[DanielTerence]

I apologize if this has been asked before. My Kubota L2800 manual says not to run the tractor at full speed for the first 50 hours. I assume that refers to RPMs. How can I use the tractor, FEL work and brush hogging, and at the same time "baby" it for 50 hours?

So far I am just keeping the RPMS around 2400, but I've got work to do.

 

[_RaT_]

Do you need more RPM's then that? I have 600 hours on my L3830 but still run it at about 2000 to 2300 RPM, that is my "sweet spot". Typically your 540 PTO RPM is still slightly below WOT or maximum RPM. With all the work it sounds like you have to do, 50 hours should be obtained in a week.

 

[DanielTerence]

My Dealer told me to run the tractor wide open, full RPMs once it is broken in. Everything is working around 2400, but I just want to be sure I'm not harming anything by doing at lot of work at 2400. I've got about 10 hours on the tractor and most of that has been spend moving dirt.

 

[_RaT_]

Some folks run their tractors at PTO RPM for everything. I could not stand to do this. The main thing is to avoid lugging the engine. I like my tractor at 2200 RPM for loader work as it gives me great loader speed, pretty quiet operation and about all the power the diesel has. You can experiment and find your diesels sweet spot. I would disagree with your dealer. There is no way I want to run at WOT, to loud, loss of control, more fuel. Just don't lug the diesel and you will be fine.

 

[Bird]

You don't want to "baby" one during break-in, in my opinion. Take a look at this thread and this one.

 

[_RaT_]

I like what PlainDave had to say in one of your links Bird. I am of a similar mindset. Todays metlurgy, design and machining have changed much of what we once always did to "break in" an engine.

 

[Bird]

I agree, RaT. I'm actually of the opinion that you "break it in the way you intend to use it." I do believe in varying both RPM and load during the first few hours, but I "broke in" my tractors by using them from the time I got them. And I broke in new cars and pickups "pedal to the metal" within the first day or two and I've never had an oil burner yet.

 

[proudestmonkey]

This thread reminds me of a thread on a forum I read shortly after buying a new truck.

Here's my logic: Kubota makes the tractor and they are telling you the best way to break it in. Why wouldn't you believe that they know best? Sure, it might help you to be able to run it wide open right away, but in the scheme of things, what is 50 hours out of the possible thousands you'll be putting on this tractor?

I have a smaller tractor than you, with a shorter break in period, but I have been following the break-in suggestions in the manual (not from my dealer who also said not to worry about it). I have been varying the speed, but not going over 3/4 throttle. As I get closer to the break-in mark (10 hours on my BX), I will push it toward the full point more and more, and then afterward put it there only when I really need it (going up hill with loader full of heavy dirt). Otherwise, I will vary the speed according to what I need.

Again, I assume Kubota has a vested and informed interest in making sure your tractor runs a long long time. That seems like a safe assumption.

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> You don't want to "baby" one during break-in, in my opinion. </font>
That's the way I feel. Matter of a fact, a lot of dealers that deal in larger tractors will put them on a dyno for two to four hours pulling a heavy load before they will even deliver a new tractor. Then when the farmer gets the tractor, they will work it like they are going to from then on. I have seen to many cars, trucks and tractors that used oil because they were babied.

 

[LeadPoison]

Tell an 18-wheeler driver to baby his new Freightliner for the first 50 hours and not put a heavy strain on it!

My first 11 hours had the the RPMs between 2000-2300 for mowing, discing and some loader work.