Minimum time to have tractor run?

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Hey everyone,

I have a 2005 4320 JD compact, my question is what should the minimum time of running the tractor?

I use the tractor mainly for the FEL, I use it to move round bales and cattle tubs a short distance, I hear it's not good to start a diesel up, run it for 10-15 mins and shut it back down.

Is there a minimal RPM or run time I should try to hit?

I usually start it up, run it around 1500RPM, haul what I need to haul and park it back in the barn, 15-45mins usually. Thanks

John

 

[tractordog]

Hey everyone,

I have a 2005 4320 JD compact, my question is what should the minimum time of running the tractor?

I use the tractor mainly for the FEL, I use it to move round bales and cattle tubs a short distance, I hear it's not good to start a diesel up, run it for 10-15 mins and shut it back down.

Is there a minimal RPM or run time I should try to hit?

I usually start it up, run it around 1500RPM, haul what I need to haul and park it back in the barn, 15-45mins usually. Thanks

John

Don't no what the minimum is but 15 sounds like enough. I worry about less than 5 and not planing on starting again for days or even weeks.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Currently I'm running it weekly to bi-weekly for feeding cattle at the min, some weeks more than others. I usually pull it out of the barn and let it idle while I prep the bales, load the bale up with the FEL, cut the net off, open the gate and drive it to the feeder, shut the gate and park the tractor. 15 mins is usually the min I would say, sometimes not even up to operating temp.

Also is there an RPM to stay away from when she's cold? I usually am in the 1100- 1500 range letting her idle.

 

[Industrial Toys]

It's not the ideal working life for a diesel, but it is what it is. You may want to use a block heater when it's cooler or maybe a rad shroud to get temperature sooner when it's colder.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

I have averaged 3h per month since I have owned the tractor. (4 months). So I may be running it a bit more than I thought.

 

[newbury]

I have averaged 3h per month since I have owned the tractor. (4 months). So I may be running it a bit more than I thought.

How does your tractor keep track of hours?
Mine are based on pto speed, if I'm not running at full pto speed (say 2,000 rpm) it measures time as a fraction. Thus if I run it at half pto speed for 2 hours it only registers one hour.
Some tractors keep track of time whenever the ignition switch is on.

 

[joeu235]

When I was in the Navy, the diesel engine on the submarine had to run 20 minutes minimum. I believe it was to reduce carbon buildup.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Since my military days I have always practiced operation long enough to get to full operating temperature +. That helps get rid of condensed moisture in the lube oil and keeps the battery(ies) topped up. Makes sense to me. We started equipment daily whether we used it or not to assure it would start when needed.

Ron

 

[user4211]

No more than you use it, you aren't going to hurt it no matter what you do. Hop on and use it. It won't know the difference.

 

[bspeedy]

Hard to hurt these new diesels. Due to my storage situation, my tractors get started, moved a few yards and shut off more often than I'd like. I'd rather not do that, but it is what it is. You aren't hurting your tractor with 15 minutes of run time. Use it wisely and maintain it properly and your grandchildren will be operating it.