Idle time vs wear and tear on starter

[fitter21]

Hi all,
Not to go all call in talk show on you guys but long time reader, first time poster.
First I want to thank all of you. With many hours of research and reading ( mostly on here) I am a proud owner of 2020 XR 4150h TLB 3rd function and grapple. Around 11 hours on it and I LOVE IT. Couldn稚 be happier.
My question is which practice is better letting it idle during implement changes and other tasks that may take a few minutes. Depending on what it was doing it has to idle down before shut down anyway so...This is my first tractor with the DPF and guess I知 worried about clogging with low engine speed, but also see off and on as extra wear on starter. I assume it would just regenerate earlier than the posted 50 hrs.
Just a few quick things I知 planning for it.
I have material to fabricate the stabilizer feet for the back hoe and also a skid plate for the valve block and lines that are just hanging right out in the open under the platform on right side. I can just picture a stick or something jamming up into that and bending or breaking a line. I will figure out how to post pictures of the projects in the appropriate forum when I do them. Again thank you all justin

 

[4570Man]

For implement changes I leave the tractor running because you’ll be moving it and using the hydraulics. For other task there’s a lot more consideration than starter wear. Being able to talk to your helper is a prime reason to cut it off.

 

[RickB]

Starters are cheaper than DPFs. And probably considerably more durable.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Idling is fine.

Enjoy the site... from wherever in the world you're from.

 

[Bluesteel]

Once I start mine I normally let it idle if I'm off of it doing something. It idles when I attach an implement except if I'm hooking up a PTO shaft. I shut it down when I hook them up. The way I look at it the PTO switch is a device that could potentially fail.

 

[Diggin It]

I do .... both. All about what and how long. As mentioned, changing implements often means moving hydraulics. While mounting or dismounting the 800 pound Preying Mantis (backhoe), I have to shut'er down to relieve pressure to connect hoses though.

I burned a few piles of brush a couple of weeks back. Found it was easier to leave the beast running while hopping off to do some things. Mine doesn't have EPA intrusion systems though.

 

[RoyJackson]

For the most part, I leave my 4520 idling for up to 10 minutes or so....in cold weather, I'll let it idle longer. However, I don't idle at minimum RPM...normally at 1500 RPM.
I do shut it down if I have to connect a PTO driveshaft. I might be paranoid, but I want no chance of an accidental PTO engagement.

 

[aczlan]

For the most part, I leave my 4520 idling for up to 10 minutes or so....in cold weather, I'll let it idle longer. However, I don't idle at minimum RPM...normally at 1500 RPM.
I do shut it down if I have to connect a PTO driveshaft. I might be paranoid, but I want no chance of an accidental PTO engagement.

Same here.

Aaron Z

 

[RalphVa]

Idle more in the winter just to get it warmed up more.

Otherwise, off the tractor and the tractor gets turned off.

Starter only takes about 1/2 turn of the crankshaft to restart. Not much wear.

Same for cars/pickup at long lights or long stop for something, more than about 10 seconds. Many car/pickups are designed now to auto shut off in such situations.

Ralph

 

[BrkMstr]

Talk with your service manager, DPF is a different animal - my Kubota (non DPF) I let idle except for PTO mount / dismount - no issues in ten years - the new Kioti when I idle it, it is at 1500+ - and only for a reasonable time / job requires - you will not hurt it at 1500 and a lot easier than replacing a DPF - anything under 1500 I would not let it stand, I agree that the starter is a lot stronger than the DPF and much easier and less costly to replace.....

 

[LouNY]

Once mine is started if I'm going to be off and on constantly the tractor stays running, usually 1200-1500 rpm just because it sounds and feels better at those rpm then idled down to minimum.
If I'm changing an implement that I need to depressure the hydraulics and I can't find a sweet spot by actuating them I will shut down to release the pressure then usually reach in and start it up again.
Or when I operating the tractor and need to take a phone call I may throttle way down, shut the pto off, and if I'm still having problems hearing then shut down the tractor.

 

[Thomas]

Around 10 mins idle time if not hooking on attachment or outside temp cold,than give it little extra RPM's in case any build up in exhaust.

 

[fried1765]

For implement changes I leave the tractor running because you値l be moving it and using the hydraulics. For other task there痴 a lot more consideration than starter wear. Being able to talk to your helper is a prime reason to cut it off.

" Helper" ???
She is usually in the house.

 

[Underdog57]

" Helper" ???
She is usually in the house.

I hear ya, I have the same problem!!!!! LOL. :drink:

 

[3Lfarms]

Idling isn’t that big of a deal as long as the engine is truly only idling. Where people get into trouble with a DPF tractor is when they run the engine at low rpm while using the tractor.
Every time engine RPM is increased, it creates more soot. Every time a load is put on the engine, it adds fuel and makes more soot.
My tractor spent it’s first 25 hours mostly idling while I learned to mount and dismount all the attachments I bought and or refurbed before I took it all down to the ranch. It still performed its first regen at exactly 50 hours.
Don’t move the tractor while the engine is cold and at a slow idle, especially if you have an HST trans.
If the tractor is warmed up, there is no problem dropping it to a slow idle for 10 or 15 minutes while changing an implement.

 

[shooterdon]

You are supposed to idle for 2 minutes before shutting off anyway...if it is the same as my 4140.

I let it idle unless it will be shut off for 10 minutes or so. I need it running to adjust the 3PH anyway...only shut down for PTO attachments.

 

[Peter 315]

I idle the L47 and L3800 five minutes before shutdown . And let them warm up until the oil filter is warm. I don't let the L47 idle that much I do on the L3800 because it has no DPF filter.....

 

[grsthegreat]

i dont mind idling mine as diesels can handle it. but i never hook up a pto implement with tractor running. never.

also my old tractor was 10 years old and on original starter. the newer kioti is now 10 years old and original starter. both had/have 1400 hours on them or more

 

[cford36]

For the most part, I leave my 4520 idling for up to 10 minutes or so....in cold weather, I'll let it idle longer. However, I don't idle at minimum RPM...normally at 1500 RPM.
I do shut it down if I have to connect a PTO driveshaft. I might be paranoid, but I want no chance of an accidental PTO engagement.

Same here, not below 1500 rpm unless idle prior to a shutdown.

You have a mix of people posting replies here. Those with and without DPF. There’s a difference.

 

[Avenger]

I pull mine down to an idle when its not under load and for very short time frames. An example: When I first start it up, I let it idle, at idle, for a bit before bumping it up to about 1500rpm. Another example is when I enguage the PTO, I pull it all the way down, turn the switch, once the violent motions about settled, rev 'er up to PTO speeds. I also idle, all the way down, when I just need to jump off for a few seconds to grab something, maybe go to the bathroom, etc. And when I shut it down, I let it idle for a bit to cool the turbo before shutting it down.

When hooking and unhooking implements, its running at 1500rpm. I pull it down to idle before shutdown when I am attaching or detaching the PTO shafts. I do not let the engine run when I am playing with those shafts. Even though I am (mostly) alone, no one is in the cab, its just habit, and a good one to have.

The reason I assume people have questions like these is because of this DPF, they have heard horror stories. Do the regen when the tractor requires it. Dont drive the tractor or otherwise put the engine under a load at absolute idle. 1500rpm is kinda like my new idle. I keep the hand throttle there and use the foot throttle for more RPM unless I am doing something (like brush hogging) that would require the engine to be at operating RPM's (around 2k-max). Hope this helps.