shutdown vs leave running

[JOR_EL]

Hi Everybody,

I'd appreciate some opinions/practices on when-or-whether to shut down the tractor, during use.

Let's say you're going to be sorting thru some timbers to select some to move with the tractor. This will take only a short while (2-10 min.), ...but it would be nice to be able to talk to your helpers, without the noise/exhaust fumes/fuel-use of the running tractor. And you may be repeating this operation numerous times during the work session.

Do the drawbacks( engine/battery/starter-wise) outweigh the convenience/comfort aspects of frequent startups/shutdowns?

Just what ARE the drawbacks?

Thanks for your opinions,
/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Larry

 

[cowboydoc]

In the short run, less than 10 minutes, you're always better to keep running. Why do you think all the big rigs, big equipment operators etc. do this? It costs everytime you start the rig up. Multiple starts slowly kill the working components over time. It's much easier on the engine and system if it's kept running rather than shutting down. There are several reasons for this including; fluid drain and fill in the pumps and reservoirs- easier on the system and components to keep up the lubrication rather than lose it and have to maintain it again from starting, compression taxation on starting the motor, starting components, and general wear and tear from repeated starts and stops. In general you're going to get far less wear and tear on your tractor to just let it idle a few minutes compared to frequent stops and starts.

 

[cowboydoc]

Also forgot to mention the temperature differential. It's hard on components to heat them up and cool them and heat up and cool down again.

 

[npalomba]

I agree, in reading my owners manual for my 2001 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel, it states that it is not good for short runs and on/offs. It doesn't say what type of damage could be caused but Cummins doesn't recommend it for this engine. Well, if it's good for my big truck, it's good for my little tractor. My JD4300 will stay running while in use.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I agree with all of Richard's comments, plus...

When it is idling, keep the rpm's up around 1100-1300 rpm's, otherwise @ 700-900 rpm slow idle speeds, diesel's tend to carbon up for long periods of time...{and believe it or not you actually use less fuel @ the higher rpm's...

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I read a tech brief in a copy of Progressive Farmer and both Cat and Detroit both advised that idling longer than 5 minutes is not good. It lowers op temp and contributes to lubricant dilution. As to big rigs idling, most new engines with electronic controls will create a fast idle 1100 to 1400 rpms if long time idling is required.
Hope this helps
Greg H

 

[cowboydoc]

Greg,
Yes that is true and that is why John posted that you need to idle at higher speeds than idle. Easy to do on tractors and even on my Ford diesel pickup it has an idle controller that varies the idling speed so the things you mentioned don't happen. If you vary your idle or idle at the higher rpms you get none of the effects that you mentioned.

 

[dmccarty]

John,

You made the comment that a diesel uses less fuel at higher RPMS vs lower/idle RPMS. Does this still hold when running say 1500-1800 RPMs vs 2700 RPMs?

I'm curious since I seem to get about 1/3 of a gallon per hour when in the 1500-1800 RPM range. Kinda hard to tell since its hard to always fill the tank to the same point. I ran the MX6 the other day for 4-6 hours and I have been curious if my fuel consumption went up. But I'm not sure that 4-6 hours is going to make much of a difference when I calculate fuel usage.

Thanks...
Dan

 

[LazyK]

Aside from all the valid reasons for leaving 'r running, let's not overlook the non-mechanical benefits of keeping your engine in the running mode...ie: the auditory signal going out as expansions and rarefactions of the air picked up by listening wives, in-laws, neighbors, and others who will conclude that you are actually laboring to beat hell! "By golly, he never quits working! You always hear his tractor running ! He's so industrious!"
What's the harm in watching the Seattle Mariners game for an hour or so, but being considered by all as 'A guy who never quits working with his tractor...he needs to take a break from all that ass-busting!' Yea, how about a good recording of 3 or 4 really fast framing carpenters which could be played after you finally shut down Ol Betsy the tractor!? Just to qualify my lame sense of humor,
I am a past receipient of the Pacific Northwest Slug of the Year Award. (after all, my business is called Lazy K Stables, Inc.)

Lazy K - Chip

 

[JOR_EL]

Hi Chip,

Where you been, ...still in SoCal?

Thanks for pointing out the "extra credit" noise-factor /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif !!

Larry