2305 in cold weather.

fitzisprint955 · Dec 18, 2005

Went to the farm today to do some work. Didn't call ahead to have the 2305 plugged in, but it started after the third try. Let it run while I put on the i-match and reconnected the 6' blade. It must have been a good 10 minutes, and that put me over the 17 hr mark. Anyway, once I got on, it seems that the hydrostatic likes to stick until completely warm. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed that, caught me off guard, but I wasnt near my mother-in-laws car so I'm okay! Fitz /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

beenthere · Dec 18, 2005

Are the glow plugs mechanically turned on, or automatically?
Did you wait until they glow plug light went off before attempting to start?

In the 6 years I've had my 4300, never have plugged it in (don't have a heater) and I have never had it not start on the first attempt. But when it's cold, I turn on the glow plugs for about 5-10 seconds.

fitzisprint955 · Dec 18, 2005

I think I was just a little anxious, I shouldn't treat it like the UPS trucks that I drive. I think that the last few times we plugged it in for 1/2 hr or so and then it starts right away. I think that my father-in-law is always impressed that it starts the way it does. He had the older farm versions 15-20 years ago...... Fitz /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif <font color="blue"> </font>

JDFANATIC · Dec 18, 2005

fiz,

The 2305 has a built-in preaheater, that, to my knowledge, still hasn't found it's way into the owners manual. Put it in gear (or pull out the pto) and turn the key as if you are starting it. After a second, the idiot lights will dim and you can hear a relay click. Wait from 1-20 seconds depending on how cold it is, put it in neutral (or disengage the pto) and the tractor will start right up.

JohnnyTractor · Dec 18, 2005

Yesterday I worked my 2305 in 10 degree weather. I usually give it the 3 seconds recommended by the dealer to warm the glowplugs, and it has always started right up. I have no plug in, and don't think I'll need one.

When the air temp is close to single digit temps, my hydraulics also stick until warmed up. And until the fluid has had a chance to work through the system, operating can be dangerous. Often when I remove my foot from the forward or reverse pedal, the transmission does not disengage, so I have to ride the brake pedal until the tractor to stop. It's not a big deal, more like a cold cruise control!

fitzisprint955 · Dec 18, 2005

JDFANATIC, thanks for the info. I will try that when I get down there, and will let my FIL David know to try that today or tomorrow. Another cold day here in Wisconsin. Fitz /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif