Tractor warm up

[bobsphotos]

I recently started doing volunteer work at an animal sanctuary and they have 2 tractors. A JD 2520 Hydro and an oldie but goodie JD 950. People will start these tractors and put them right to work with no warm up. For example, it is -6 F here this morning.
How long do you folks let your tractors warm up? I would wait for at least 15 minutes in winter.
Thanks,
Bob W

 

[Agvg]

This is a answer with many answers, the get warm much faster with a little load, suppose the use is very light.

 

[DLTTrekkers]

How far do you need to drive before you starts to work ?
Mybe thats enough time to warm-up the tractor ?

 

[Thomas]

Good 15 mins in cold temps than slowly raise fel roll bucket couple times and 3 point hitch before moving,no high speed until tractor gauge show warmth but that me.

 

[beenthere]

Don't say if the tractors set outside, or are housed in a cold shed.

Mine sets in an unheated shed, and it is 'start up' and go.. but usually only traveling a short distance to any 'work'.

I don't believe there is much difference between moving about vs. sitting still with engine running regards lubrication of parts.. just sayin...

 

[JerryK]

Your tractor will not build any heat in it idling at 800rpm. If you let it idle at the 800 for a minute then raise it up to around 1300, it will help some. I let mine sit at the 1300 for about 5 minutes [ moving it outside with the PTO spinning ], then raise it up to around 1900-2000 and slowly make it go to work. But to build real heat, you have to really work it. I have my radiator blocked down to a 9" circle so it will build enough heat even when I am working it. It is common for most diesel tractors to need some type of winter front during the winter. If you do block some of the air flow, you need to monitor your temp gauge to make sure you are getting up to your summer operating temp, but not above it.

 

[HillStreet]

During the winter I start in the unseated garage and let it run for 10 minutes or so while I put on my boots and outer great. Then drive around a bit to warm it up more. Cool down is same, park/idle/turn off.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I dont think you gain anything by warming for more than 5 minutes. Any idling diesel engine even at 1500 RPM doesn't generate much heat when it is below freezing.
I would start it up at not more than 1000 RPM, let it idle for about 5 minutes at most, then begin moving it around but not more than 1500 RPM. Use this time for travelling from the storage area to the work area. By the time you have got to the work area and another 3-5 minutes has past you should be ok to do more work.

The tractor isn't going to get any warmer when idling around until you start to put some load on it. You can fast idle it for an hour and it is going to be the same as it was after 5 minutes.

 

[PeterK]

Hi Bob,
I live in Maine too. My KubotaBX diesel stays in the garage unheated. Cold days I switch the glow plugs on with the key for 8-10 counts, start it, immediately slow out of the garage so the fumes are outside, then let it run at high idle (normal is 1450rpm so a little bit higher,) until the temp gauge is in the operating range, usually about 5-10 minutes before moving or using the tractor. No load until warm. And yes of course it will warm at idle, but quicker with a little more throttle, so that's what I do. I also use PowerService (silver or white depending on the season) in the tank and have since new (over 1000hours ago.) Mines does not soot like many, barely a puff of black even under load so I must be doing something right.

 

[bobsphotos]

Don't say if the tractors set outside, or are housed in a cold shed.

Mine sets in an unheated shed, and it is 'start up' and go.. but usually only traveling a short distance to any 'work'.

I don't believe there is much difference between moving about vs. sitting still with engine running regards lubrication of parts.. just sayin...

Sorry about the missing info:
The 2520 is in an unheated barn and the 950 sits outside 365.
Bob