To let run or turn off?

rtvman · Apr 4, 2005

I have been meaning to post this question for a while but I kept forgetting. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

What is the consensus with everyone about leaving your RTV running at idle while loading it ?

I ran into a situation this last weekend where I was cutting up firewood and then loading my RTV. I let it run between loads as I was cutting up the wood. I would say about 10-12 minutes per load. In my mind anyway, I figured it was less wear and tear on the starter to just let it run. Most tractor guys with diesels like to let them run also. Does anyone else agree with that practice? Just curious as to what everyone else does.

Kevin

Av8r3400 · Apr 4, 2005

Extended idling is not good, but 10 minutes shouldn't hurt anything. In the winter extended idling will cause a problem with super cooling, but in warmer weather you should be fine.

(I don't own an RTV, but the motor in my BX is nearly the same, so forgive me if I am out of order.)

bczoom · Apr 4, 2005

Hmmm.

For 10-12 minutes, I shut it off but that's just me. Like Av8r said, it wouldn't hurt anything but I find myself rushing whatever it is I'm working on if I leave it running. Not a good thing when cutting firewood (rushing).

For firewood, I cut all the wood then just leaving it running for the short load times.

If I'm working at night, I do have more of a tendency to leave it running but only because of all the lights that are installed on the RTV.

FL_Cracker · Apr 4, 2005

My New Holland LS180 skid steer says right in the operator manual not to leave it idle for extended periods of time. But after using it hard for a while let it idle about 5 minutes to cool down the turbo.... then kill the engine.

Archdean · Apr 4, 2005

Let it run, It might even get to operating temperature that way!!
It's not going to hurt a thing!! And It feels useful that way!
Why put a damper on her "Self Esteem"

IMO you are doing more harm by going from to run to stop and back to start ad infinitum than you ever could do by letting the little girl purr!!

flyingn · Apr 5, 2005

my opinion is to shut it off. 10 minutes is pretty long. Unless it is the dead winter and you want to keep heat in the cab..

Frank

rtvman · Apr 5, 2005

I guess at this point I will probably turn it off from now on, especially now that diesel in my area went up to $2.54/gallon!/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Can't afford to be too wasteful /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Can you believe how expensive fuel in general is getting?! Where will it end?

Thanks for all the input!
Kevin

bczoom · Apr 5, 2005

( Can you believe how expensive fuel in general is getting?! Where will it end?)

When nobody buys fuel anymore and we revert to riding horses.

Wingnut · Apr 7, 2005

( I guess at this point I will probably turn it off from now on, especially now that diesel in my area went up to $2.54/gallon!/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Can't afford to be too wasteful /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif ...
Kevin )

Wow! $2.54 ... is that the full price or the tax out stuff .... I think the "farm use diesel" is almost $0.50/gal less than the onroad stuff here. Fortunately I haven't had to buy any in awhile ...

pete