Hydrostat warm up for winter

[Toolguy]

If I have to use my B3030 to plow snow before I go to work in the winter I will start it and let it idle for 2 to 5 minutes before slowly backing it out of the barn. I will idle it up to 1600 rpm and then go easy on the HST pedal for a few minutes giving it a chance to get up to operating temperature. The best way to warm up machinery is to put it to work. I don't worry about breaking anything that way. What I will never do is start it up in any temperature and immediately run it up to WOT and slam the HST pedal all the way down. Even that probably wouldn't hurt anything but I don't know of anyone who recommends doing that. Treat your tractor like you do your cars and trucks and you will be fine. They are designed to work so don't be afraid to work them no matter what the temperature is. Good luck.

 

[StrangeRanger]

Warm up time depends on temp.
If I have to clear snow etc on a really cold morning, -20For worse 'round these parts, I usually start my L3400 and after 45 secs or so when it stops banging I run it up to ~ 1500 rpm. Then I peel my frozen arse cheeks off the seat and run inside to put my warm gear on. Usually milk getting dressed for 10-15 min and then head out. Before moving out I move the FEL and 3pt very slowly over their full ranges. Then head out to work slowly.
You'll soon learn the sound(s) of your HST tractor. You'll be able to tell when it's warmed up by the sounds it makes or doesn't make.

 

[rScotty]

This will be my first winter with a HSD B3200. How long do I really need to let it warm up without damaging anything?

I can only tell you how I do it on mine. We have cold winters here and if it is very cold I try not to start ithe motor until it has been plugged in for an hour or longer. The Kubota only has an engine heater, but that at least takes some of the chill off the HST oil. The Yanmar also has a transmission oil heater. It's rare to need a tractor all of a sudden. There's usually time to plug it in for awhile.
rScotty