Infrequent Use

[headhoncho]

I plan on purchasing a M4800SU soon. I'm wondering what's the best way to maintain it because it will have to be stored for a month or two at a time. (Outdoors but covered). I'm not sure how a diesel engine will set for that long. If it were gas, I'd probably shut the gas off to the carburetor and run it until the it quits running. I understand this is a no no with diesel. Also is there anything else that needs to be done?

Thank you for you're help.

 

[Bird]

I'd check the owners manual and see what it says. Some tractors, including some Kubotas, come with a block or latch of some kind to keep the clutch disengaged when the tractor is not going to be used for quite some time. Otherwise, I don't think many of the farmers do anything else and it's not unusual for tractors to sit for months without being used.

 

[FL_Cracker]

Maybe just some fuel stabilizer.....

 

[btolle]

Fill the fuel tank before you park it. The less fuel in the tank the more room there will be for the tank to "breathe" and take in moisture.

I have let my old B7100 sit for 2 or 3 months at a time and it fired up like it had been run yesterday. The B7510 rarely gets a chance to rest for 30 days but when it has it is rarin' to go when I start it.

If you cover it with a vinyl tarp be sure it has air circulation around the bottom of the tarp or you will build up moisture under the tarp.

Yes, running out of fuel with a diesel is a big no-no. I only did that once. It isn't the end of the world or anything, but is is a pain in the neck to get it going again.

Bill Tolle

 

[DHD]

Over the winter I store my Ford 2000 outside under a tarp
I fill it with gas, make sure the antifreeze in the radiator is good and take out the battery to store in my basement.
The only problem I've had is bees and small rodents building nests in around the engine. Plus the rodents chewing the electrical wires.
For the rodents, I've dusted the engine with garlic and red pepper with some positive results, I guess our rodents up here in Maine don't like spicy wires, but may not work for Texas rodents though. I've also used Decon.
I've also heard that the anti static drier towels that are used in clothes dries, deters all kinds of pests including rodents and all kinds of insects.
I plan to try the anti-static towels next time.