Cold Weather PT Operation

[woodlandfarms]

OK, so it is my first winter with the 1850. My comments about the mud have proven unfounded. I can goop up the tires and still pull myself out of many nasty situations. I asked for a Gorilla winch for X-mas, Santa's purse strings are really tight because of the writers strike so it remains to be seen if it is under the tree.

This all said, I wondered if there were any special notes about cold weather operation of the PT. I start it by setting the throttle to about half mast and crank the bejeezes out of the machine. once it catches, I throttle back to idle and let it sit for a few moments. Now, my PT has the brake system that shuts any flow off to the wheel motors (I think). So when I finally unhook the brake the pump really has a slight whine for a few moments. I take it slow, getting the system warmed up.

So, any notes on improvements? Oh, as for cold, if it is below 32 in our area I am surprised.. Days are almost always in the high 30's and nights are in the 20s.

Carl

 

[Bob999]

Now, my PT has the brake system that shuts any flow off to the wheel motors (I think). So when I finally unhook the brake the pump really has a slight whine for a few moments. I take it slow, getting the system warmed up.
Carl

My understanding of the operation of the Brake Tender system is that when the handle is in the vertical position it prevents the Brake Tender from being pressurized and when you move it to the right it allows the system to be pressurized which releases the spring applied brakes. If my understanding is correct there would be little flow of hydraulic fluid in the brake system--the flow would be similar to the flow in a hydraulic brake system on a car when the brake pedal is depressed. I notice no effect on the engine or sound of the hydraulics when I move the brake tender handle.

 

[MossRoad]

I have the PT425, hence no brake tender....

In cold weather, I start my unit up and let it run at 1/4 - 1/3 throttle while I shovel the walk and steps by hand. That's about 5-10 minutes, depending on snow depth. By the time I get back to my PT, the hydraulics are warm enough to work with good speed.

I believe there is no fluid going through the wheel circuit, just the makeup for the charge pump, so the fluid in the wheel motors remains cold until the unit is moved around. However, the PTO pumps are always on, just pumping fluid back to the tank. That will really warm the steering and lift circuits quickly.

 

[farm23]

I have a 1430 so it does not have the break tender (wish it did) but I think bob999 is correct. I have started my 1430 down to 10 with no problems with the same technique. I do keep an additive in the fuel. I will change the oil to one of the new 5-40 diesel synthetic oils at the next oil change but even with the standard 15-40 I have not had the problems I anticipated.