Need ideas prepping for winter

fred.hayfarm · Jun 2, 2009

I am a new owner, new to tractors, new to hydraulics, and new to diesel. I have a New Holland TC29D with 400 hours. I would like to use it this winter for snow removal and I have two concerns: hydraulics and diesel (should I have others?)

How should I prepare for operating in temps from 0-30? Should I change the hydraulic oil. Is this a DIY or pro job? I had a full change at 350 hours, so I will be throwing away a lot of good oil.

When should I switch over diesel from #2 to #1? Do I have to drain the existing fuel, or can I blend it as the temp drops? I am getting summer fuel from my neighborhood gas station. Is this a good source for winter grade, or should I go to some other source? If so, what would that be?

Any advice beyond this would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Fred

Duffster · Jun 2, 2009

No need to change anything hydraulic wise

Just treat the normal #2 and you will be good to go

ccsial · Jun 2, 2009

You have about the same temp range as us in winter. (0-30f)

I run Delvac one synthetic. You want an oil that is thin when cold. Use a winter motor oil. The hydraulic oil is fine as mentioned above.

I add Howse diesel treat to keep from gelling. There are other additives for that purpose too.

I plug in the block heater for a few hours. It starts much happier that way. Then I let it warm for about five minutes.

1200 hours and around 25 years on the 1910 and still running great.

Tig · Jun 2, 2009

I treat my leftover summer fuel in the fall. Plug in the block heater before I start.
Welcome to TBN Fred.

Danno1 · Jun 3, 2009

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Fred,

Check the Oil/Fuel/Lube forum. There's a ton of info there.

>

LBrown59 · Jun 4, 2009

fred.hayfarm said:
I am a new owner, new to tractors, new to hydraulics, and new to diesel. I have a New Holland TC29D with 400 hours. I would like to use it this winter for snow removal and I have two concerns: hydraulics and diesel (should I have others?)

How should I prepare for operating in temps from 0-30? Should I change the hydraulic oil. Is this a DIY or pro job? I had a full change at 350 hours, so I will be throwing away a lot of good oil.

When should I switch over diesel from #2 to #1? Do I have to drain the existing fuel, or can I blend it as the temp drops? I am getting summer fuel from my neighborhood gas station. Is this a good source for winter grade, or should I go to some other source? If so, what would that be?

Any advice beyond this would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Fred

Read my Post on the fuel subject.