Breaking In?

jwcinpk · Nov 15, 2003

I was reading my owners manual and it says my new tractor should be broken in pulling half loads. It gives a half loaded trailer as an example. Now since that is absolutely not gonna happen, since there isn't a half loaded trailer around. So I just wondered what did you guys do to break yours in. I figure don't lug it and don't overrev it and it should be fine. When would you say it's okay to roll hay with it?

Bird · Nov 15, 2003

Joel, I wonder how long it says to break it in at a half load. My personal opinion is to basically break it in the way you intend to use it, although I'd try to vary the rpm pretty frequently for the first few hours; i.e., I wouldn't just set out to run it at PTO speed all day the first day without slowing it down occasionally. I think you've already pretty well got the right idea.

BobG_in_VA · Nov 15, 2003

Very good question! I had the same one when I got my 6000. What I did was run a 7ft bush hog at about 1400-1500 in 3 low and then in 4 low in moderate field grass (3ft high). In that low of a gear it never strains but it always has some load on it. What you are trying to do is not "glaze" the pistons, I guess that comes from over reving with no load on a new engine. I also moved about 700 yards of dirt with the FEL which used some "load" as well. When I went from barn to field or just crusin' I would use 4 low or 1 high at about 1200 rpm. I changed the oil/filter at 25 hours rather than 50hr as the book calls for. I now have 50 hours on mine ant it purrs like a kitten, but open it up with a the 7 foot brush hog going up a hill and it growls like a wolf. Never had it feel like it wants to bog down. Yeah, I know, I'm preachin' to the choir. I used 15-40 Chevron Delo to change the oil and got the filter thru the dealer for about $6.50 (got 2 when I ordered them). Book also says don't idle for long periods (carbon build-up). Keep us informed of your progress. BobG in VA

Bobvt · Nov 20, 2003

It was disconcerning to read that you shouldn't idle for more than 2 minutes, due to possible carbon build up. I have owned several diesel tractors and you could let them idle all day if you wanted, without any problem. I will be using my 6500 to skid out logs on my land. The no idling for more than 2 minutes is going to be a real pain. I going to have to break down and buy one of those remote car starters!!!

Bob

BobG_in_VA · Nov 20, 2003

I'm with you on the 2 minute idle thing. I believe what they were saying was during the breakin period (50 hrs) you shouldn't let it idle for very long. I believe once its got an oil change and a goodly amount of hours breakin, you could idle a whole tank of fuel if you wanted to. I don't worry about idling now that I have 50 or so hours on my 6000. YMMV. BobG in VA

Bobvt · Nov 20, 2003

Bob G,

I wish you were right, but I don't think so. I didn't get the impression it only applied to the breakin. If carbon builds up is a problem, I don't see how it would change once the pistons & valves are seated. Hopefully, any build up will get blown away when you open it up under load, which I'll have when I come out of the woods (and I mean a load).

I'm in the process of fitting it out and breaking it in (a little landscaping & road building) under moderate conditions, before I put the whip to it. In about a month from now, I'll harness it up and she what this Indian can do.

Bob

Bird · Nov 20, 2003

Bob, maybe it makes a difference as to what RPM "idle" is. I know a fellow who bales a lot of hay by himself. He uses two John Deere tractors; the rake behind one and the baler behind the other; rakes awhile, bales awhile, rakes some more, etc. And he never shuts off either tractor all day. Of course the reason he doesn't shut them off is that they're both air-conditioned cab models and he wants those air-conditioners to keep running. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif But I never asked him what RPM he "idles" them at.

Bobvt · Nov 20, 2003

Bird,

I guess the question is: Is the "idle no more than 2 minute" rule peculiar to Mahindra? (If so why? Possibly the high compression of their engine?) Like I said in an earlier post; I have owned several diesels, and none had such an advisory.

Bob

dieselsmoke1 · Nov 20, 2003

The manual for my 2810HST has the following entry under the heading "Fuel Saving Tips"

"Do not run the engine without load for more than 2 minutes. It is better to stop the engine rather than run it idle. This will help in saving fuel."

There's no other mention of idle time in the manual.

Maybe the entry you referenced is a morphed carryover from this.

Experience tells me to let it idle for 12 hours if it suits my needs.

BobG_in_VA · Nov 20, 2003

"I'm in the process of fitting it out and breaking it in (a little landscaping & road building) under moderate conditions, before I put the whip to it. In about a month from now, I'll harness it up and she what this Indian can do."

Bob: Trust me, the first time I put the coal to it with the 7ft bushhog in 3 ft thick grass going up a steep hill, I was really impressed. I pushed the foot excellerator, and watched the exhaust stack; a couple of quick puffs of smoke (I'd been running about 1600rpm in 4L) and it went straight to 2100rpm with immediate acceleration. You're gonna love that AVL designed diesel. By the way, you get the rears filled??? It makes a huge difference! BobG in VA