How Long is Sitting Without Running OK?

[gbw]

I have a JD 4320, 2006 model w/300 hrs. Used mainly for mowing and bush cutting, FEL stuff and other general tractor duty around the place. I don't really need it but it's a lot fun and I enjoy it. Enormous power, e-Hydro trans, a wonderful machine.

Anyhow. It's done for the winter, and very likely I won't have much excuse to use it for intervals lasting several weeks or more. Usually I can find a reason, however flimsy, to run it more often, but not always.

I've been reliable about starting it and running it warm at least once a week, and I've no problem continuing this.

My question, and perhaps it will help others as well, to those who know:

Is starting and driving it to full temp once / week enough, too often, or not often enough to keep everything lubricated and cleaned out (journals, etc.)?

Thanks,

gbw

 

[smstonypoint]

I've been reliable about starting it and running it warm at least once a week, and I've no problem continuing this.

My question, and perhaps it will help others as well, to those who know:

Is starting and driving it to full temp once / week enough, too often, or not often enough to keep everything lubricated and cleaned out (journals, etc.)?

IMO, your current practice is fine. What does your owner's manual say? The manual for my NH TN55 lists some procedures that should be followed if the tractor is to be left idle for more than a month.

 

[gbw]

Well, I'm a little chagrinned to admit I didn't think to look this up in the manual, but I will. Thanks!

But in general, I'm still interested in the question of sitting unused for a diesel engined, hydraulic drive tractor.

 

[yankeerider]

I think once per week is more often than necessary. Unfortunately, I can't tell you what the minimum is. My JD755 was bought new back in 1991 or so. It frequently sits for 3 weeks at a time. Last winter, I think it sat easily for 2-3 months in an unheated Shelter Logic shelter. It started up just fine in early March without so much as a battery tender on it. (I did give it 5-10 minutes of fluid circulating before gently starting it moving out of the shelter) I've never had any issues related to it just sitting.

I think the key is to make sure it is thoroughly warmed whenever it is started, to avoid condensation caused by "partial warming."

...Just my opinion, of course.

 

[ccsial]

My 1910 sometimes sits for two months in the winter. Does not seem to mind.

 

[TripleR]

Hate to admit it, but I have let them set for months at a time in our unheated barn or shed. We have tractors over fifty years old still running. I am not recommending this, just saying I have done it.

 

[brin]

Hate to admit it, but I have let them set for months at a time in our unheated barn or shed. We have tractors over fifty years old still running. I am not recommending this, just saying I have done it.

:thumbsup::thumbsup: Same here ..sometimes the tractors sit for 3 months or more in the winter..We are in the South and have no need in the winter..hopeful always for no snow or ice..

 

[knightrider955]

My Oliver 77 sat in the woods for 10 yrs after my wifes Dad died. Her Mom gave it to us. I had to use a chainsaw to cut down small trees to get to it. All I did was flush the gas tank, throw a battery in it and it fired right up. Never did anything to it sice. Still gets used from time to time but sits for several monthes in between with no issues. Ive never even changed the oil in it, oils probably 20 yrs old.

 

[TripleR]

:thumbsup::thumbsup: Same here ..sometimes the tractors sit for 3 months or more in the winter..We are in the South and have no need in the winter..hopeful always for no snow or ice..

I know what you mean, my dad lived in Jackson, MS for many years and got excited if it snowed; ice seemed to be kind of a novelty. He left our 55 Ford 600 out in the open year round. We have it in MO now and under cover, but it's still going strong with no significant problems.

 

[20 20]

I doubt letting it sit for a month or 2 will harm anything. If you are concerned just go out and fire it up once a month or so, just make sure to run it long enough to get everything up to operating temp. I know a guy that believed he needed to start his every day, he was probably doing more harm, then if he just let it sit.