Engine Break-in Question

aledobud · May 10, 2017

I have a new Mahindra 1533 that I took delivery on the Saturday. I was reading the owners manual break-in instructions and it stated to run the engine for the first hour at "100 rpm above full load governed speed". I have not idea what that means. The specs say the governor engine speed without load is 2600 rpm, rated speed is 2400 rpm and PTO RPM is 2376. So should it have been run at 2700 rpm or 2500? and under what type of load? Just moving? Towing? I seems that you couldn't use the PTO during break-in because you shouldn't go above the rated PTO speed.

This is a mute point anyway, because the tractor already had 1.3 hours on it when it was delivered. It was on the dealers lot and I am sure it had been driven around the lot on test drives. Probably at less than full load. I have already added about an hour from using a shredder. Is this something I should be concerned about? Of course there is a disclaimer in the manual about damage to the rings and cylinder walls if break-in instructions are not followed.

bdog · May 10, 2017

This is one of those topics that everyone has an opinion on and they are all likely different. I can tell you this, I own I think a total of 19 Diesel engines in various trucks, tractors, heavy equipment, etc. Many of them we buy new and trade every few years. I have never done anything special on break in and have never had any engine problems. My latest purchase is a 2017 super duty and I put a 20k+ trailer on it third day I had it and towed it across the state. Have about 15k miles on it now and it runs perfectly.

aledobud · May 11, 2017

I've never been too particular about breaking in any vehicles that I have owned either, but you tend to drive at various RPM's while driving on the road, which is what I have always heard you need to do during break in. I was wondering about the tractor because you tend to work at a steady RPM. I am going to be doing some box blade work next time I use it, so it will get some work under load. I sure it is not going to be a problem. I have test driven a lot of new tractors on dealers lots and no one has ever told be to rev up the RPM's to protect the engine.

oosik · May 11, 2017

The OP manual for my 2009 M6040 says, regarding breaking in the new tractor - - for the first 50 hours: do not operate the engine at full speed - do not work the tractor to maximum capacity with any implement - go at reduced speeds over rough terrain & while operating on any roads. Thoroughly warm the engine before it is put to use. More or less, common sense stuff.

buickanddeere · May 11, 2017

Work it , don't baby it or putt around .

JRobyn · May 11, 2017

Everything that used to be true about engine break in has changed with the advent of "modern" engine block metallurgy and piston ring materials and coatings. Almost all engines these days are "broken-in" in the first few minutes of running, which happens at the factory. Manufacturers still quote the old ways, mostly as a CYA (IMHO). It is undoubtedly still true that optimum "contact patch" for heat transfer between the rings and cylinder walls doesn't develop for a few hours of run time, but I wouldn't worry in the slightest about causing any damage. And you can surely do no harm by varying the RPM around a bit.

vsteel · May 11, 2017

If you want to follow something just don't run the RPM low and lug it. Keep the RPM up and you should be fine. What JRobyn said though is true, break in is more of a thing of the past.

mjw357 · May 12, 2017

buickanddeere said:
Work it , don't baby it or putt around .

Agreed, let it warm up a bit then use it however you intend to use it.

big bubba · May 12, 2017

avoid cold quick short runs. brush hogging & moderate ground engagement use would be good.

allow engine to idle several minutes to cool off before shutting down after working

theg · May 12, 2017

I have a mahindra 1533 less than a year old about to hit 250hrs. It's been run like it's gonna be used since it was off the truck. I do try and warm it up before a load is on it. I also let it cool for a min before I turn off. Keep fluid changed is more important. IMHO.. Its a tractor made to work, Hight gear low RPM IS way worse for a diesel. Great tractor enjoy.