What did you do with your Power Trac today?

[MossRoad]

Yep. Dug down 18" deep and never drove into the hole. :thumbsup:

 

[ponytug]

Hey Peter, how does your 1445 do for mowing grass? Do you think it is a heavy machine for driving through a yard? Where is the accumulator on your 1445? Just curious. Also, I wouldn't think you would need glow plugs. You live in California, right? Lots of questions :laughing:

I have belted galloways to mow grass, :laughing:, so, I really can't comment on mowing abilities. I use the 1445 to brush cut weedy shrubs (poison oak, my nemesis, and coyote brush) as well as thistle out of the pasture. Brush cutting a 72" swath is a pleasure. I use chains when cutting thistle on steep slopes because the sap is so slick that the crabwise mowing was a little too nerve wracking for me. (25-30degree side slope, plus the odd gopher hole/mound adding 5 degrees suddenly.)

Compared to other tractors I think that there is negligible compaction, I think it is pretty light on the ground given the weight, 3,900lbs, and the 10:00x16.5 tires. I drive over cold garden hoses all the time with no ill effects.

The m930 charging valve and accumulator is on the tub wall, across from the fuel filter on the engine.

Yes, I am in Northern California, at about 2700', where we get 1-3" of snow three or four times a year. So, lots of winter mornings around 34-38F, rarely below 32F, because the cold air drains downslope from us (those nice steep slopes). So, no, I don't really need glow plugs. The Deutz starts as soon as it cranks over. (I think that it is a great engine.) It is just cranking cold oil that is hard on the starter and battery. I am on my second starter (@400hrs-ish) and upgraded the starter by 30-50% (I forget which) when I replaced it. I also changed the hydraulic oil to synthetic, but I don't notice much difference.

All the best,

Peter

 

[ernemats]

Like those belted galloways, wish I had some to do my mowing.

 

[SpringHollow]

I find the glow plugs even help in the 30ｰ - 50ｰ range. The engine starts cleaner and easier.

Ken

 

[BobRip]

I find the glow plugs even help in the 30ｰ - 50ｰ range. The engine starts cleaner and easier.

Ken

I wonder if they would extent starter life?

 

[SpringHollow]

The starter on my machine definitely works harder below 50 when the glow plugs are not used.

Ken

 

[ponytug]

I think that anything that helps reduce the time a starter runs extends the life of a starter.

So that means that I need to get moving.

Ok Ken, I will work to prioritize glow plugs for my Deutz. Do you have a good source? Did you add a timed relay?

All the best,

Peter

 

[m5040]

I think that anything that helps reduce the time a starter runs extends the life of a starter.

So that means that I need to get moving.

Ok Ken, I will work to prioritize glow plugs for my Deutz. Do you have a good source? Did you add a timed relay?

All the best,

Peter

Yes, do you have to count to a certain amount of seconds and/or are they self regulating (so the count wouldn't be so critical).

By my experience a timer wouldn't work that well unless it was temperature adjusted. I have found that for example at 30 deg, it might need a 30 second count where at -20 below zero you may need 1 min and 30 sec. of glow.

 

[SpringHollow]

I just use a momentary contact switch - i have found 15 seconds or so works for me even in the 20's.

Ken

 

[SpringHollow]

After my first pair, I have bought spares on Ebay. I use the true Deutz ones. There are other styles out there. Looking at them, I would not think they would heat as quickly but I could be wrong.

Ken