How long do you let it run?

SteveM · Nov 5, 2004

5 minutes is a long time...so in the summer I am not that good, usually I have to hook up some implement or trailer, so I will fire it up, let it run for maybe a full minute before moving it around the driveway etc. I never jump right on and put it under load, but certainly part of my warm up time is usually driving to an implement or whatever. Now in the winter, it is a different story. I use a block and crankcase heater, so the fluids are not completely gel- but I give it a real 10+ minutes running before I even back out to begin plowing etc. Usually go and shovel the steps etc to keep moving while waiting. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

GerardC · Nov 5, 2004

I just got my tractor in March 29th of this year. I'm new to all of this.
In the summer I would start it, lift the FEL (3PH if needed) and back out of the garage. I would do this at IDLE speed. I then drive it to where I'm going to do my work (usually at least a minute drive away "at idle") then get to the task at hand. At the end of my work, I idle back to the garage, park it and shut it down. I put PS in the tank at every fill.
As for the winter starting, I will be sure to give it adequate warm-up time. Any other pointers appreciated. Gerard

dmccarty · Nov 7, 2004

bczoom,

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Dan, What is your reason for letting it run while burning? )</font>

In one word Paranoia. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I figure the second worse thing that could happen when I'm burning is that the fire gets away from me and the tractor won't start. So the tractor stays running until the fire has burned down. The 4n1 bucket and a box blade can tear up a fair amount of ground pretty quickly and slow/stop a spreading fire. At least that is the plan. :0

I only burn in the winter when it is wet and no wind is forcast. I have had a bit of dried grass burn out from the pile but it could not go anywhere so I just watched it burn out. I'm very scared of fire...

The WORST thing I worry about is using the tractor to push the fire into a smaller pile and the tractor stalling/stopping. That would be ugly but its what insurance is for I suppose.... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Later,
Dan

Gary_in_Indiana · Nov 7, 2004

I let my tractor warm up maybe a minute before I start moving it. I just lift the loader and 3PH and let it idle out the door. I should probably give it more time than that but I don't like filling the barn with diesel fumes.

I usually let it warm down after using it, too. I'll drive it up to the barn then set the throttle at idle and do my walk around, go turn on the compressor so I can blow off the dust, etc., from the radiator and fill up the fuel tank. THEN I pull it in, park it and shut it off.

With my little IH bulldozer I'll warm it up at least five minutes and try to do it close to ten. I'll do the same kind of cool down after I use it that I do with the Deere.

cisco · Nov 8, 2004

Sure would be nice if there were 1 or more controlled studies on this issue, for instance taking identical diesels and running some under load shortly after starting, and the others only after warming up - maybe a TBN'er can point out where we can find such in print. Baring real data, it's all opinion. Me, I turn on the tractor shortly after opening the garage door, and putter around getting other stuff together until the tractor temp gauge hits the lowest mark - which takes 3-5 minutes in my Southern winter, and 1-2 minutes on summer. My reason is long lost data from oil field pumps (318 motors) in the 1950's - probably has no relevance, but that's all I've got.

frank_f15 · Nov 8, 2004

i think a lot depends on the ambient temp and what you are going to do with the tractor, even in summer i give it a few min to warm up, and in the winter at least 10 before i start moving snow,after 5 min i usually cycle the hydraulics and let it warm up some more.

NIXON · Nov 8, 2004

I'm pretty much with Cisco . I open the garage door , start the tractor . When it stabilizes, I raise the FEL and 3ph.
I back the tractor out of the garage , drop everything and raise the idle to around 1200 rpm . I then raise and pin the Rops . By then The temp guage is starting to register . I cycle the 3ph and Fel a few times and I'm off to my chores at about 1500 rpm . I hold it there until fully warm , then use the rpm I need to do what is required .
For shut down I generally just let it idle (1000-1200 rpm) for a few minutes before shut down . John