Shut it down or let it idle?

[tungularafishcamp]

That's what I always thought especially cold, so I have been leavin mine run as I am bolting pieces of building down, idling it slow but then running it up a bit every so often to run the carbon out, not sure if it is the best thing to do but starting it up cold,in freezing weather a dozen times a days doesnt seem like a good thing for it.:2cents:
Rick

 

[LostInTheWoods]

I had always been told that OTR truckers and bus drivers often leave their diesels running when they stop to eat because its a) easier on the engine, and b) uses less fuel than restarting.

Of course, I have never actually heard this from a truck or bus driver, I just kind of off-handedly accepted it when I heard it. Perhaps this is wrong? I have noticed that these machines are often left running in parking lots at restaurants, etc. Are there other reasons they would do this?

 

[RoyJackson]

I had always been told that OTR truckers and bus drivers often leave their diesels running when they stop to eat because its a) easier on the engine, and b) uses less fuel than restarting.

Of course, I have never actually heard this from a truck or bus driver, I just kind of off-handedly accepted it when I heard it. Perhaps this is wrong? I have noticed that these machines are often left running in parking lots at restaurants, etc. Are there other reasons they would do this?

That idling is prohibited in some states (NY state is one I know of).

I know big trucks do leave their engines running...never asked why, but I'd always assumed it was for the reasons you wrote.
Tour buses leave the engines on to keep the bus cool (in summer) or warm (winter, of course).
Don't know if this still applies, but diesel locomotives used to run continously unless maintenance was being performed on the engine. Continuously meant 24/7/365 days a year. Didn't use anti-freeze in their cooling systems either.

 

[kuboman]

Some how I doubt any of us will wear out the starter or the battery by just using some practical common sense. It makes no sense to shut it off and then restart to pick up a branch or rock, just as it makes no sense to leave it idle while you take 15-20 min to rake the grass for instance. :thumbsup: JMHO.

 

[chickenman]

True...so we have a dilemma...reduce start ups by leaving it idling, or use fuel and possibly coke up the engine.
Which shall it be?

For my choice, read post #17...but I don't stop too often. If I see something I want to pick up or move, etc; I'll finishing the first job (mowing or whatever) and go back.

BTW, you could install a pre-oiler.

tractor engines are made to run at high idle for extended periods of time

once warm the rpm's should be kept high, even when off the tractor

i keep my 4310 at 2000 or above

i used to run it lower but after i started running it at higher rpm's it perked up a bit and runs smother

by lowering the rpm's i was doing more harm than good

as i said the yanmar for the 4310 was originally meant for gensets and ran at 3600 all day

jd has derated it to 2850

my understanding is the 4310 uses about one gal per hour at rated power so idling at a good diesel speed will use just spoon fulls of fuel

 

[dex3361]

Something else to complecate the matter is wet stacking. That is when you idle a diesel and it has incomplete combustion and the fuel can wash the lubricant off of the cylinder walls. Low idle without a load will cause this. So if you are going to leave your machine idle for more than a few minutes set the RPMs up around 1100 or 1200 this will keep it warm enough.

 

[techwrtr2]

That idling is prohibited in some states (NY state is one I know of).

I know big trucks do leave their engines running...never asked why, but I'd always assumed it was for the reasons you wrote.
Tour buses leave the engines on to keep the bus cool (in summer) or warm (winter, of course).
Don't know if this still applies, but diesel locomotives used to run continously unless maintenance was being performed on the engine. Continuously meant 24/7/365 days a year. Didn't use anti-freeze in their cooling systems either.

Illegal in PA too. Every place I pass (and there are a lot of them in my work) where trucks are likely to park has a sign stating it's illegal for trucks over 10k GVWR to idle more than 5min.

 

[RoyJackson]

Illegal in PA too. Every place I pass (and there are a lot of them in my work) where trucks are likely to park has a sign stating it's illegal for trucks over 10k GVWR to idle more than 5min.

I live in south central PA and I can't say I've seen those signs...can't say I've looked for them either. I have seen them in the Buffalo area of NYS.
Some trucks do idle at Tom's in Shrewsbury...seen that. So, that "No Idling over 10K GVWR" might be a regional thing or just not being enforced too well.

 

[chickenman]

how many would leave their tractor running while going for lunch?

i think if you often stop for just a few minutes then the wear and tear would be more than leaving it run at a fast idle

if like me you run for extended periods of time like when i'm mowing several acres of pasture , it is not a problem

if you're loading trash in the bucket to move it and stop for a few minutes every few minutes then stopping and starting would take its tole

 

[ray66v]

At least 6 threads on this subject already. :confused2: