Proper Idle Time???

[KevT]

When I was a weee little lad on my Daddy's farm long, long, LONG time ago, he had a Farmall V tire tractor that he always let idle when he got off to do something. He claimed it was a diesel and it only got turned off when you were done with it.

FAST FORWARD to now

I have a new Kubota L3901 and at 20hrs had to do it's first "Regen". From things I have read here it has to do with letting it idle, and if the RPMs are up it won't happen as often.

So my question is... Have tractors changed that much? Was Dad full of it? Is it better to turn off my tractor and restart it every time I rest, other wise running at a higher RPM? Or get used to doing a regen every 20 hours:confused3:

 

[DennisFolsom]

My JD 4600 is old enough that it doesn't have the pollution control setup that KevT's has. Mine always starts easy and quick, no matter what the weather. However, I still leave mine running unless it's not going to be used for 15 minutes or more.

It's easy enough on fuel that I'm not worried about the fuel consumption. The engine temperature stays more constant. There is less wear and tear on the battery and starter.

 

[TripleR]

If you can find it, there is an old rather lengthy thread on this and I don't think it was ever settled. The added element of Tier IV has probably muddied the water even more and many of us have no experience with them, so our advice may be way off, sorry I couldn't be of help.

 

[Looking4new]

I am on your Dads' side on this one, whether I am right or not doesn't matter to me. If it is idling, then it is cooling down anyway but doing it slowly and coolant is still circulating.

 

[4570Man]

My tractor luckily doesn't have a regen. I let it idle for a few minutes any longer and I shut it off.

 

[skyhook]

As usual, your Dad was right.
As for these new "pollution fighters", I may be concerned about the heat build up.

 

[TripleR]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/316804-shut-down-continue-long-idle.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/122405-idle-not-idle-2.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/122405-idle-not-idle-2.html

 

[avc8130]

I wouldn't idle anything with a dpf. Do a search on pickup truck forums about the pre def generation of pickup diesels that just had dpf. Some wouldn't stay reliable just driving the trucks around empty let alone idling for hours. Dpf equipped duals like to work. They HATE being idle.

 

[FarmerAlex]

Well in my book for newer generation diesels i would let idle to cool down. Two reasons, One If you engine has a turbo and been working, it needs oil to continue to circulate through the bearings to cool and lubricate them. Two The heat built up in the engine block requires circulation to prevent it boiling or hot spots within the cooling jacket.

The other factor to consider is that plain lubricated bearings, such as those supporting the crankshaft, only wear when the engine is starting. The reason for this is while there is relative movement between the crankshaft and the bearing cups the oil will be drawn in and provide a thin lubricating film. So there is no metal to metal contact while the engine is turning over, once the engine stops, the oil leaks away leaving metal to metal contact ready for startup.

My 2c anyway

Cheers Alex

 

[avc8130]

Run a high quality synthetic oil and you probably will never have to worry about those issues.

Dpf on the other hand. ..

 

[FarmerAlex]

Here is an interesting link I found on synthetic vs mineral oils What are Synthetic Oils? | Types of Engine Oils a little off topic but still adds weight to your point AVC

 

[truckdiagnostics]

You do need to idle for some period of time to let tractor to cool off. Idling for extended periods of time like we used to do in the past is bad for anything with DPF or is after cooled. Can bring to 1,000 RPMs and leave all day and not issue. The fire trucks and ambulances with DPF that idle for extended periods have been having all kinds of issues. That is my experience on trucks anyway. Can't imagine tractors will be that different.

 

[avc8130]

You do need to idle for some period of time to let tractor to cool off. Idling for extended periods of time like we used to do in the past is bad for anything with DPF or is after cooled. Can bring to 1,000 RPMs and leave all day and not issue. The fire trucks and ambulances with DPF that idle for extended periods have been having all kinds of issues. That is my experience on trucks anyway. Can't imagine tractors will be that different.

I believe the ems vehicles got an exemption from dpf requirements because there were so many issues.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

I believe the ems vehicles got an exemption from dpf requirements because there were so many issues.

Not in the state of Illinois anyway.

 

[skyhook]

Sounds to me like all these issues are due to bad "software programing".
Whoever is setting up the parameters for this is way off base. I don't see why a machine would have to "Stop" for a regen if it's not done in time, sort of a hazard in itself.
There definitely should be a "bypass" for this included, and some sort of warning that a regen is needed but the sky isn't going to fall if its not done immediately.
These little tractors should be exempt from all of this, maybe a catalytic converter like our cars have,
when they plug up, a light comes on and "You" change it, thats it.

 

[KevT]

My first regen came at 20 hrs. I was burning a tree pile and the light came on, I ran the RPM up till one light went out (2500 rpm) and push a button. I didn't quit working, just keep the fire under control as I added to it, and 10 minutes later the rest of the lights went out. I now have 37 hours on the tractor and am anxious to see if it calls for it again at 40 or so hrs.

 

[avc8130]

Not in the state of Illinois anyway.

It was direct from the EPA:

http://www.epa.gov/oms/highway-diesel/regs/420f12025.pdf

ac

 

[MHarryE]

It was direct from the EPA: http://www.epa.gov/oms/highway-diesel/regs/420f12025.pdf ac

the item shown is a proposal. Was it enacted?

 

[RPW]

If you must get off the tractor for a period of time, say less than 5 minutes then set your throttle to about 1200rpms and do what you need to do. That will keep the the engine warm enough to keep your regens down. At idle the engine begins to cool off and more particulates pass to the exhaust. The computer reads this and will regen more.

 

[RalphVa]

I shut my tractor and my diesel car down if they have to idle more than about 20 seconds. Safer to get off your tractor with it shut off (brake on, etc.).

They'll soon have diesel hybrids that'll be shut down and restarted quite frequently, like a Prius is.

I've only ever had to replace ONE starter on any vehicle I've ever owned. Don't think you're likely to wear the starter out.

Ralph