new tractor "break in"

[Anonymous Poster]

new tractor \"break in\"

I have a new Mahindra 35 HP. Any tips on proper "break in" procedures would be appreciated.

 

[RanchMan]

Re: new tractor \"break in\"

What model do you have?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: new tractor

I have a model 3505 Mahibdra.

 

[RanchMan]

Re: new tractor

I recently purchased a 4110 myself. Regarding the break-in, based on a search of other posts, there seems to be two approaches.

1) Use it like you "normally" will, that way if something breaks, it will break in the beginning. I don't think folks are advocating abuse, but instead just saying not to "baby it".

- or -

2) "baby it" and don't put it under heavy loads, stresses, & the such. Vary RPMs a lot, etc. Basically, don't "use" it until it has some hours on the meter.

I kindof took an approach somewhere in between. I've tried not to lug the engine (has happened a couple of times inadvertently), I've kept the RPMs below 2000 (PTO 540 is @ a higher tach rating than that), but I haven't just drove around the property either. I've done BB & FEL work with it. Basically, I've taken things kindof "slow", but I have used it. I've also tried to make sure I stick to the "warm up" & "cool down" recommendations in the owners manual. Not sure if I'm doing things the "right" way or not, but since the manual didn't say anything specific, I figured its a reasonable approach.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: new tractor

Thanks for the information. My manual says for the first 25 hours run at "half load" in low gears; for the next 25 hours run at "medium load" in low gears; after 50 hours and first oil change, tractor can be put to normal use.

So far I have only used mine to move some round hayt bales with a spear on the 3 point hitch. Plan to do some medium duty bush hogging next.

 

[RanchMan]

Re: new tractor

Interesting.... I wonder what they mean when they say "half load" and "medium load"...? Do they give any examples?

I too have mostly used the low gears. Partly because I needed the power, partly because I didn't want to "mess up" since I'm new to this whole thing myself.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: new tractor

A little more info from the manual--half load-"with a trailer having gross weight of 2-3 metric tons on level road or for cultivative work in low gears." medium load--"pulling a trailer with gross weight of 4-5 metric tons on level road or harrowing/cultivation in low gears."