How long do you let her "warm up"?

[StrangeRanger]

So I was actually reading my owner's manual and was surprised to see how long they say to let it "warm up" before running the tractor. I was just curious, how long do you let it run just sitting before you start working? I know it's ambient temperature dependent, but give me an idea what ya'll do. Thanks,
j

 

[RoyJackson]

I don't own a Kubota...Deere guy here (790), however this is a question that can be applied to any brand...

I wait until the tractor reaches operational temperature (about ¼ up the scale) if I'm going to work the tractor.
If I'm just moving the machine, I'll idle at 1500 RPM for about 30 seconds before I put it in gear.

 

[Taiser]

Usually until she's running smooth. In winter about maybe 5 - 10 minutes. Now with the warmer weather I find she runs smooth after only a couple. So the answer is...It depends!

If I waited for my temp needle to rise it would be sitting there all day!!! Hopefully in the summer it goes a little higher. Next winter I'll put a shield over the rad and hopefully get the temp up a bit more. Now in the winter the temp barely goes above the "C".

 

[irwin]

Don't see temps as low as they get in canada.. but @30'f my gauge will be@ 1/4 in about 7-10 minutes. so I agree with Roy and Taiser , let her get warm-diesels should be reasonable warm before asked to do any real work..of course most of my experience is with diesel trucks- I am getting more experience with the tractor now though..

tim

 

[StrangeRanger]

I'm not so much worried about the motor. I'm more concerned about the hydrolic system for the tranny and FEL etc. Doesn't that system need to have nice warm fluid running through it?
j

 

[irwin]

You are right- and there are engineers around TBN that can tell you why.

tim

 

[MOPAULY]

In the cold temps, if I'm going to use the tractor, I let it sit a good 5 to 10 minutes for engine temps to come up. This would also make the hydraulic fluid more viscious, which in turn should make the hydraulics function easier.

In the summer I let it idle for maybe 20 to 30 seconds, or long enough for oil to be circulating in the engine.

 

[Bob_Young]

I've got a block heater that gets plugged in for a few hours prior to any cold weather start. It's pretty effective as you can feel warm air coming out of the vents near the top of the cowl after it's been operating awhile. On the temp gauge, the needle's nearly to the middle of the 'C' on startup. Thanks to the heater, the engine runs smooth immediately. But my warmups have little to do with smooth engine operation.

For any temperature between 20 and 45 deg. F., I let it warm up at least 5 minutes @ 1300RPM. Below 20 deg., it warms up for at least 10 minutes. This is to get the hydraulic oil up to temperature and circulating freely. Don't need the jerky operation or risk of a blown hose/filter seal that comes with cold fluid.

Tractors are to help get work done; not create more work.
Bob

 

[George2615]

I'll agree with Taiser that it depends. In real cold weather I let mine warm up about 10 minutes. If its warmer I go after just a few minutes. In either case I don't do any heavy work until the temp gauge comes up to normal operating range. If I lived in the south where its warmer most of the time I'd probably just start and go after a minute or two. I also have an in line lower hose heater for keeping the engine warm in winter but that doesn't warm the HST fluids which is why I take it easy the first 10-15 mins.

 

[Thomas]

-0F or lower good 15mins other than that 10mins,follow slowly raising than lowering the frontend loader and curling the bucket couple times,also 3pt hitch...let the warm juices flow.