In my opinion, you breakin a new engine the same way you breakin a new employee.
Vary the speed and difficulty of work because that is how the future work will be.
Make sure they are not overheated nor allowed to just "plug along" because neither is real lufe desired.
Make sure their needs are properly maintained during the breakin period with breaks to check and verify their needs are properly being maintained.. in either case . . . just pay attention because neither comes with an "auto pilot" button
People and engines are different in countless ways . . but they are similar in many ways when it comes to the new and breakin process. Treat them too harshly and it gets expensive when they become unavailable for service. Treat them too gently and that becomes the future expectation and then they break when reality comes-a-callin'.
Both machines and people benefit from a positive balance from their operator
Get paid on time - check oil on time.
Have some form of benefits to keep them going - change the fluids a bit earlier than required
Value their accomplishments - use clean, quality fuels, fluids and lubricants.
Have a casual party or acknowledgement once in awhile - use grease regularly and check fastener tightness
Less yelling and more leadership - don't over rev the engine or spin the wheels often.
Challenge their abilities - try new ways to use the tractor
Find compatible people to build success - search for implements that fit the size of the tractor WELL, not just OK.
Employees - tractors. In each case if you pay attention to them . . they'll work for you a long and successful time. Abuse them or coddle them and your investment diminishes. In both cases, what you pay to get them is less important than what you do to properly maintain them
