Buying our first diesel tractor

[RandyinMS]

No offense Randy, but answers to generic questions like yours are best found in the owner's manual.

Even with specific questions, people's posts are based on;

1. The tractor they own
2. How they use
3. Their circumstances
4. Their opinions, which some people present as facts.

The LS forums are a great source of information for the tractor you bought.

Yeah, it was kind of what I thought, but I asked general questions thinking maybe some info might be brought up from experience. i've learned a lot from reading the forums. I wasn't seeking anything in particular, just trying to open up discussion.

No offense taken

 

[Jerry/MT]

Hello All

We are about to buy a LS Tractor 4150 with tier 4 turbo diesel. I have owned and worked on standard fuel engines but not diesel.

Any tips suggestions?
Concerns with diesel engines/fuel?
We only get a few days in winter below 20 but what is to cold?

More questions coming

Since you live is Mississippi, you'll have to pay attention to maintaining the fuel system because of the high humidity environment. Condensation in the tank and warm temperatures can cause bacterial growth at fuel/water interface. This can lead to a sludge formation that blocks fuel delivery. You'll have to ask you fuel supplier about biocide additives in the fuel and if they don't blend those in, you'll have to do it yourself. Does the tractor have a cold start device (glow plugs, Thermostart, block heater)? 20°F is not that cold. I am partial to block heaters because they have other benefits and are cheap to add on and if you don't need them the recurring cost is zero.

 

[brown40]

I was nervous about my first diesel too, just because they're different than what i cut my teeth on. The reality is, the design is simpler and usually more robust than gas. Gelling and algae growth are the only issues with fuel, and additives can be had if you're not burning through it/using it at cold temps. Power Service is about the most recognizable. Not a big fan of the dpf/urea/recirc stuff, as it adds layers of complexity, but it's a nice gesture to protect the air quality over the western hemisphere, and there's no choice.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I live in NC with a very similar climate as yours. My tractor is kept in an unheated garage. I keep the fuel tank full and utilize fuel conditioner year round. During the winter I keep a battery charger hooked up. Small 1.5V Schumacher charger/maintainer. Very inexpensive and a great value. No need for a block heater but if the temps were in the teens or lower I would use one. I don't typically use the tractor that much when it is that cold.

 

[check]

I use my Kubota diesel tractor a lot in the winter, to blow snow and clear my driveways. No problems at all, and it does get down to -30 up at the cottage. The gas stations all switched to winter diesel as soon as it gets cold up here, so I don't even have to worry about it. I do have a block heater that is put on a timer, since the tractor will sit during the week. All in all, I am very happy with my diesel engine. Has started every single time with no trouble at all since I bought it in 2009.