How long to warm up tranny fluid in cold weather?

[GreenMtns]

runnig the oil out through a hose and back into the valve will have very little effect on the oil temp. the oil is already being pumped through the valve and then back to the transmission sump. the only time doing this would help is if it was on a JD or the like with closed centre hydraulics. unless you open a valve on these then the oil doesnt move at all.

According to the manual on my 3520, the hydraulic system is "open center"

Al

 

[john_bud]

One poster suggested using a dead end line on a remote to cause the pressure relief to open and the oil to warm. I would shy away from that approach. If it is real cold (like we get it here in Packer Land) and the fluid is extra thick you could cause permanent damage to the pump. The relief may not allow sufficent fluid to pass quickly enough. Your tractor and your money - you make the call

jb

Not a dead line but a loop line, coupler on each end, both plugged into tractor.[/QUOTE]


WT,

I don't get it. Must be slow today or something... how would that help warm the fluid?

jb

 

[whitetiger]

Not a dead line but a loop line, coupler on each end, both plugged into tractor.

WT,

I don't get it. Must be slow today or something... how would that help warm the fluid?

jb[/quote]
It warms the oil quicker by adding a slight restriction to the system but not enough to harm the system. With the hyd system in neutral, the oil is going through larger passages that allow the oil to flow freely with hardly no backpressure thus little or no heat is generated. You can do as another posted, curling the bucket back and forth. Restriction = heat.
It works on both closed center and open center systems. On a closed center system it creates a demand for oil and strokes the pump which sends oil through the valve which adds restriction and creates heat.
By using a loop line you can simply start your tractor, pull the hyd lever back and go back into the house while it warms up.

 

[ozzie tractor]

According to the manual on my 3520, the hydraulic system is "open center"

Al

thats right, most machines are. in this sort of system oil is circulating all the time.

 

[George2615]

I may be guilty of wasting fuel but I like a warm truck and a warm tractor before taking off. In cold weather, below 32 deg. F, I start my truck or tractor then go back in for a cup of coffee waiting about 10 minutes before taking off.

 

[Doc_Bob]

I may be guilty of wasting fuel but I like a warm truck and a warm tractor before taking off. In cold weather, below 32 deg. F, I start my truck or tractor then go back in for a cup of coffee waiting about 10 minutes before taking off.

I like to do very light load/duty work to warm up my car and tractor.
Bob

 

[john_bud]

WT,

I don't get it. Must be slow today or something... how would that help warm the fluid?

jb

It warms the oil quicker by adding a slight restriction to the system but not enough to harm the system. With the hyd system in neutral, the oil is going through larger passages that allow the oil to flow freely with hardly no backpressure thus little or no heat is generated. You can do as another posted, curling the bucket back and forth. Restriction = heat.
It works on both closed center and open center systems. On a closed center system it creates a demand for oil and strokes the pump which sends oil through the valve which adds restriction and creates heat.
By using a loop line you can simply start your tractor, pull the hyd lever back and go back into the house while it warms up.[/QUOTE]


WT,

Yeah, I know that passing fluid under pressure thru a restriction will cause heat. Just have never seen a straight thru loop being used for that purpose. Around here it gets cold and I am skeptical that the flow would gain much heat. Then again, I do try an learn something new everyday.

jb

 

[RobJ]

This is another interesting thread that shows how much we care for our "babies" that are priced up to 15-20k and never mention our cars and trucks that are worth, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50+ thousands of dollars. It hit me again when I jumped in my truck on a couple 30 degree mornings. Got in, cranked it up, no choke of course, the computer ensures the truck gets enough fuel to keep it running. Then drive off after 10 seconds. Maybe I warm the car up a bit for my son and wife(for their comfort), but I'm sure the tranny isn't building up much warmth after 5 minutes. After 5 minutes me and my truck are at freeway speeds.

And with gas prices, it's not likely I'll let my truck sit and idle for 20 minutes if it's 30 degrees. Heck one thing I like about my ford gasser is in about 1 mile of travel on a freezing day I've got warm air blowing out.

 

[Doc_Bob]

This is another interesting thread that shows how much we care for our "babies" that are priced up to 15-20k and never mention our cars and trucks that are worth, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50+ thousands of dollars.

I love my tractor, I only like my car.
Bob
PS Also, cars are much more sophisticated pieces, tractors are still "crude" in some way. Just consider an HST blowing the hydro filter on a subzero day. Not an issue with most modern cars.

 

[charlesw]

I love my tractor, I only like my car.

I only wish my tractor had the heated seat feature! Well, and the CD, A/C, power windows (well, any kind of windows!)... Ah! 4 wheel disc brakes!