how long should I warm up my tractor in the winter?

[AndyMA]

Have an engine block heater installed. Just for fun last winter when it was around 10 degrees, I tried starting my TN65 without the aid of the block heater. Forget it...wouldn't even turn over. Then...I plugged in the block heater and let it on for about an hour. It started like it was summertime. I did let it run with the clutch engaged for about 10 minutes; then slowly operated the hydraulics. Worked just fine.

Then engine block heater is a great investment if you're going to use the tractor during the cold weather.

Interesting, My TN75D and the TN75S before it didn't have block heaters. Never had the slightest problem starting. Until about 10 degrees I don't even use the ThermoAssist (which warms the fuel). I would say it starts on what seems liek the first revolution. Like immediately. My 2120 has never had a problem starting without block heater in it's 20 years even with 2 feet of snow on it. Below about 30 degrees I will use the glow plugs for about 15 seconds and crank up the throttle to start. As far as warming up, at least a few minutes until the hydraulics work close to normally.

Andy

 

[AndyMA]

Have an engine block heater installed. Just for fun last winter when it was around 10 degrees, I tried starting my TN65 without the aid of the block heater. Forget it...wouldn't even turn over. Then...I plugged in the block heater and let it on for about an hour. It started like it was summertime. I did let it run with the clutch engaged for about 10 minutes; then slowly operated the hydraulics. Worked just fine.

Then engine block heater is a great investment if you're going to use the tractor during the cold weather.

Actually Chuck, I think something isn't right the way yours starts. My just starts so easily.

Andy

 

[AndyMA]

Actually Chuck, I think something isn't right the way yours starts. My just starts so easily.

Andy

Another thought, maybe mine starts easier because of the turbo. I think your compression ratio is 17.5 and mine is 16.5 or something like that. I wonder if it makes that much of a difference?

Andy

 

[SPYDERLK]

Another thought, maybe mine starts easier because of the turbo. I think your compression ratio is 17.5 and mine is 16.5 or something like that. I wonder if it makes that much of a difference?

Andy

The higher C/R should compression ignite more readily. The turbo only helps when its spinning. Both those ratios seem a bit low tho. 16.5 probably wouldnt be enuf to ignite. Im guessing 19/18 resp
larry

 

[Cobra-R]

I see two seperate, but related issues being addressed here.


A block heater will aid in starting the engine in cold weather, but much more importantly, it helps warm the block, head, and most importantly the oil. Use the block heater regardless of whether the engine will start with or without it.

If you are going to use the tractor in cold weather (and you know it in advance), plug it in and run it for 5-10 minutes before loading it heavily. If it is unplanned, I would run it for 15-20 minutes minimum.

Brian

 

[AndyMA]

I
A block heater will aid in starting the engine in cold weather, but much more importantly, it helps warm the block, head, and most importantly the oil. Use the block heater regardless of whether the engine will start with or without it.

If you are going to use the tractor in cold weather (and you know it in advance), plug it in and run it for 5-10 minutes before loading it heavily. If it is unplanned, I would run it for 15-20 minutes minimum.

Brian

I would love to Brian and I understand that. Unfortunately my machines sit on a farm with no electricity.

Andy

 

[jinman]

Actually Chuck, I think something isn't right the way yours starts. My just starts so easily.

Andy

Forget it...wouldn't even turn over.

Andy, it sounds like you are right. I'm not in cold weather, but if the tractor won't turn over, I'd suspect a weak battery or starter.

 

[jimg]

Jimg, In a prior post of yours you said your avatar was your son in the military. I thank him for his service and pray for his safety.
Thanks for the reply to my post. But I hate to sound like an idjit, but I cannot find in my manual, guidelines or a direct statement as to how long to warm up the engine when cold out. It is the New Holland TC30 Operators Manual.
Thanks Rick T.

Sorry! I missed that part of your post and my old 24 book did have a section on cold start. I was in new england at the time so cold starts were common for what seemed like 6mos out of the yr. IIRC it suggested cycling the plugs on/off 2 or 3 times and once it started idle at 1000 or 1500rpm. Sorry I cant remember the exact rpm numbers but it was something higher than normal idle. I believe it also said to idle at the elevated rpm for 5 or 10 mins before putting it to work. HTH

 

[mahlers]

I believe a lot of the cold-start advice in the manual is related to lubrication issues. Typical 15w/40 dino oil will look like syrup at cold temps. A switch to synthetic does away with that problem completely. I run Rotella synthetic 5w/40 - even though it doesn't get much below freezing in the winter where I'm at. Even at freezing temps, my TN70S has never had any difficulties starting up - in fact, it starts up better than my gas powered cars. I've yet to use the pre-heater. That said, I do avoid running the tractor at full load until it's at operating temp so as to avoid any issues related to the thermal expansion of the parts. The operating clearances are all spec'd out for operating temperatures, so the engine is really only functioning as it's designed when it's fully warmed up.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I believe a lot of the cold-start advice in the manual is related to lubrication issues. Typical 15w/40 dino oil will look like syrup at cold temps. A switch to synthetic does away with that problem completely. I run Rotella synthetic 5w/40. That said, I do avoid running the tractor at full load until it's at operating temp so as to avoid any issues related to the thermal expansion of the parts. The operating clearances are all spec'd out for operating temperatures, so the engine is really only functioning as it's designed when it's fully warmed up.

Glad you posted this. I agree. It is good to know your oil is flowing well even tho the engine is still cold.
larry