For those with block heaters

[bdhsfz6]

There must be variations between transfer switches and generators.

In my case the start-up delay is set on the generator, as is the time the generator runs after the power is restored. I increased both from the factory settings.

Also, instead of starting once a week and running a mere five minutes, mine is set to start one a month and then run for about 30 minutes.

To me the whole idea with a standby setup is to not have to go out and do anything manually.

The generator is around 100' from the house in the back of my barn. I have it set up so I can control it from the house without going outside. I monitor it with a security system camera that I can view with my smartphone or PC.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Fair enough.

But if I wake up from hearing the UPS kick in, I prefer to just go back to sleep and let the generator do its thing.

At least neither of us need to get dressed and go start a generator, mess with breakers, etc.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Yeah, an auto transfer switch would be nice, and I would have gone that route if it weren't for the expense. My main breaker panel and meter are on a wall surrounded by concrete sidewalk and decorative landscaping. Much of it would have to be torn up to install a transfer switch setup.

Going overhead is a possibility, but it would involve installing poles. Everything is underground now and the wife is concerned about how it would look.

 

[JRH02]

That's interesting. Ours too. It fires right off. Our 310SG TLB came with 6000 hours on the clock. It was used daily in a very cold climate by a concrete demolition company. From the factory they ordered it with factory block heater, fuel heater, remote ether injector, and a dual battery system.... but no glow plugs.
The only one of those extra cold weather systems that we use is the low wattage standard block heater - the same block heater our 16 hp Yanmar has.

During power outages I've started that 90 hp JD 310 often at 0*F or below without any preheat at all. I don't like to do so, especially after it has been sitting a few months - but sometimes there is no choice.
Like your JD 410, It fires up instantly - sometimes so quickly that it needs close attention to hear the starter crank. Settles down to a smooth idle and no unusual noises. None of our other diesel tractors or trucks starts half so well.

Whatever JD did to make their engines last so long has sure worked out. My buddy has a much older JD310 which starts and runs as well as ours.
rScotty

Our 410j is model year 2010. But you got me wondering. I believe the engine is basically the same in 310 and 410 but JD has eked a very little more HP for the 410. Personally I love that it has a plain 'ol mechanical injection pump - not a computerized unit like in a Powerstroke pickups, etc. And the turbo doesn't have a bunch of electronics either. But the machine has no end of electronics overall. It seems most is for sensors, monitoring, BH joysticks, etc.. And thank the Lord that the wiring used throughout isn't a target of the mice and ground squirrels. One drawback is overall weight and height. When it was delivered it was on a lowboy pulled by a semi with the backhoe stretched out because it wouldn't have made it through the tunnels.

310 base model open center pump
310 se/sj/sk turbocharged PLC pumps, can have pilot controls basically stripped down lighter 410
410 more HP, turbocharged , few more options, mostly just bigger heavier with more power
Ps don't think powershift transmission is option in base model, option on se/sj/sj and standard on 410 size

Anyway, according to the long range weather forecast for our area, it's supposed to be warmer and wetter than normal so starting any of the equipment shouldn't be as much of an issue. Emphasis on 'supposed'.