JD 4310 HST: Start in gear? In neutral? Opinions?

[4310]

I got the 4310 a few months ago to replace the JD 850. In the 850 manual it said to idle the tractor with the High and Low range selector in neutral and the gear selector in 2nd gear. Presumably to circulate the fluid (but I really have no idea).

Anyway I don't recall seeing any such advice in the 4310 manual so I am asking you guys if there is a "correct" or preferred way of starting or idling for those of you with similar tractors. I have been starting it in whatever gear I parked it in.

Also I just read a post about cold weather starting on a 3032e HST and the manual for it said to start it in low range in cold temperatures. Just curious about the difference that it would make between starting or idling in A range vs B range vs C range vs neutral.

Thanks

 

[oldnslo]

Since none of these gears should be turning while sitting still I don't see where it would make any difference.

On both HST tractors I have owned I usually let mine sit and run in neutral so I don't have to worry about it creeping if the HST isn't 100% in neutral.

 

[rekees4300]

I have 4300 HST. There is nothing in owner's manual about starting in any preferred range. I do the same as you, just start in whatever range it is parked in.

 

[4310]

Okay I went and looked at the 3032e manual on Deere's site. It says to start it in neutral for cold weather starting and, I am assuming, they want you to start it in neutral in warm weather also but it does not specify. It just gives cold weather starting directions. http://manuals.deere.com/omview/OMLVU28546_19/?tM=FR

So I guess my question still stands. Does starting or idling while in gear on a HST tractor do anything different than if you were to start in neutral. Other than the possibility that it might someday creep forward or backwards if left in gear. Does leaving it in gear "stir the tanks" so to speak?

Thanks

 

[greg_g]

The only "neutral" on my 3720 is on the range selector lever. But I never use it. Using the parking brake only has proved entirely sufficient. Is it incorrect to assume that the 4300 too has a parking brake?

//greg//

 

[mfreund]

The only thing putting range in neutral would make it crank easier. There would be no load from thick hydro fluid.


I never put my 4310 in neutral because the brakes are hard to release sometimes. I have never had any trouble with cold weather starts.

 

[4310]

So is it safe to say that idling in A, B,or C range circulates the fluid whereas idling in neutral would not? That's what I am trying to find out.

 

[samhudson3]

I've got at 4300 HST, now I gotta worry about how to start the darn thing? :shocked:

 

[DennisFolsom]

The only "neutral" on my 3720 is on the range selector lever. But I never use it. Using the parking brake only has proved entirely sufficient.
//greg//

Same, here. I use the parking brake when on an incline, or in a situation where I'm particularly worried about creep. I always leave the range selector in gear when parking or starting. This has worked fine for the 300 hours that I've put on my JD 4600 HST.

 

[SSdoxie]

Makes no difference what range it is in for starting and warm up idle, with HST there is nothing turning beyond the HST except the PTO drive. The reference to starting out in low range when cold means when you start to drive. Use low range as this requires lower pump pressure with the cold oil. After it warms up then shift to whatever speed you need.