JD99 Initial Startup

[sandtopia]

I just purchased a JD990 w/ 300CX Loader. It was delivered yesterday but the manual wasn't sent with the tractor. It is on order and will be here in a couple of weeks. I am new with tractors and am a little intimidated. What type of things do I need to know for the first 5 or so hours. It only has 1 hour on the machine so do I need to break in the engine or is it ready to go. I asked the delivery guy and he just looked at me as I was stupid. Any feedback will be helpful.

It is a great tractor with lots of power. I am excited.

 

[RoyJackson]

I just purchased a JD990 w/ 300CX Loader. It was delivered yesterday but the manual wasn't sent with the tractor. It is on order and will be here in a couple of weeks. I am new with tractors and am a little intimidated. What type of things do I need to know for the first 5 or so hours. It only has 1 hour on the machine so do I need to break in the engine or is it ready to go. I asked the delivery guy and he just looked at me as I was stupid. Any feedback will be helpful.

It is a great tractor with lots of power. I am excited.

Use this URL to access the on line manual: OMLVU16396_B4

Definitely read the manual!

Anyway, I'd check the oil, wheel bolt torque and grease all the fittings (shown in the manual), then run the tractor.
It is advisable to vary the RPM for the first 50 hours. This is to set the rings. When running a constant RPM operation such as mowing, just disconnect the PTO every 20-30 minutes and lower the RPM for a minute or two. That's a bit of a PITA, but it's only for the first 50 hours.

The 990 is a nice machine. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with it!

If you're new to tractors, go slow until you develop the feel for the machine. The most important aspect of owning a tractor is to be safe, so think before you act.

 

[brandon07]

My dealer didn't think mine had a manual either and ordered me one. The manual ended up being behind the front grille. Go up to the front and pull out on the grille and it should come towards you, it has two springs holding it to the tractor. Like I said my manual was right there and I ended up with two of them. May not be there but give it a try. Like Roy said check the engine oil, hydraulic/transmission oil and make sure the tractor/loader is greased up good. Also you didn't say if it was a MFWD if it is check your front axle oil because mine was low. After you run it a few hours maybe the next day before you get started check the oils again. Good luck and have fun!

 

[sandtopia]

I am not mechanically inclined so I need to ask a crazy question. What tool do I need to Tighten front wheel disk-to-flange bolts (A) to 155 N·m (114 lb-ft). This came straight out of the manual online. Can I just use a wrench or do I need to purchase something else? I really have no clue.

I was able to work on my property for about 30 minutes today. I had a blast. I am now up to 1.4 hours. Oh by the way, the manual was not in the from compartment. I called the dealer today and he said it should be arriving in about a week straight from John Deere. Plus the guy who sold me the tractor at John Deere told me I should not have to break in the tractor because the engine was made to rode. He said just check oil and go each time. Is this really true?

Thanks for your help. I am green at tractors. I am now up 45 minutes on driving a tractor.

 

[jdbower]

What tool do I need to Tighten front wheel disk-to-flange bolts (A) to 155 N·m (114 lb-ft).

If you're like me, you need a new tool for EVERY job!

In this case you can start out with a torque wrench like this one:
Northern Industrial Torque Wrench — 1/2in., | Wrenches | Northern Tool + Equipment

But of course you should get a full-fledged impact wrench with a decent air compressor - that would open you up to all sorts of air-powered tools! In reality that just means "make sure it's really snug". A torque wrench will click when the nut is tight enough, but 114 ft-lbs is hardly precision tightening.

 

[brandon07]

I checked my oil's for about the first 15 hours everytime I used it, and I did try and vary the rpm for the first 50 hours or so. BTW I didn't change my oil's on the 50 hour mark I think mine was closer to 75 hours maybe a few over. Also I didn't check my wheel bolt torque nor have I yet and I'm at 175 hours, thats one of the last things on my list to do. Don't know if you know but something I forgot is when you first start it up for the day your supposed to turn your key counter-clockwise and hold it for about 15-20 seconds to let the glow plugs warm up, that is something I do everytime I start it up reguardless of whether its cold outside or not. Any engine doesn't matter who made it or whether its a diesel or gas has some break-in period, the piston rings have to "wear" to some extent to fit the cylinder walls perfectly. Also the reason he told you to check the oil is because if its low that means your engine is using some which means its breaking in because your rings didn't fit your cylinder's perfectly and some blow-by is occuring. Imagine that... Have fun and if you have any more questions don't be afraid to ask.

 

[browns40]

"Broke in" or not, I'd still be sure to vary your RPM's routinely, anoid opening the throttle up all the way, and do some "loading" of the motor (demanding throttle increase to pull).

May be old-fashioned, but it's a lot of $$$ to "shoulda" if the rings somehow don't seat well.