2520 Cold weather warm up?

[RaisedonDeere]

I was wondering what everyones practice is on how long they let there tractors warm up before heading out into the snow for cold weather work? How long should I let my 2520 run before I put her to work in the winter months? Take into concideration I have a heated garage thats kept at 50 degrees constantly.

Whats your thoughts?

Thanks

 

[kennyd]

My garage is about the same-50* or so. I start it up, open the GD and drive it outside then close the GD, I leave the tractor running for 3-5 minutes before I start really working it.

 

[RaisedonDeere]

My garage is about the same-50* or so. I start it up, open the GD and drive it outside then close the GD, I leave the tractor running for 3-5 minutes before I start really working it.

Perfect..

Just what I wanted to hear someone that has the same scenario I have for garage temp..

Thanks again Kenny.

 

[TNTractor1]

What about starting and shut down in general? Seems like the manual says start it at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. Do you let it idle that high for a couple of minutes or bring it all the way down to idle? Also I think it recommends letting it just idle for a minute prior to shutting the engine down. What do most of you guys do?

 

[RaisedonDeere]

What about starting and shut down in general? Seems like the manual says start it at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. Do you let it idle that high for a couple of minutes or bring it all the way down to idle? Also I think it recommends letting it just idle for a minute prior to shutting the engine down. What do most of you guys do?

Thats another good question. :thumbsup:

 

[Sharp Ranches]

Generally your JD operating manual will say to run engine at idle until temp gauge indicates "normal operating temp". For me it depends on the ambient temp of when I start it (not unusual here to see temps -25 degrees F). If below freezing, I generally will start the engine (after activating the diesel's glow plugs for 15 seconds or longer if near zero temps) and then let the engine idle for a few minutes until it runs smooth and startup exhaust smoke clears up. If I store it inside the warmer shop building the startup process is much faster. After putting the tractor in gear and moving away I also generally exercise the FEL cylinders (raise, lower, rollback, dump) to circulate the hydraulics. By the time I travel to my working area 5-10 minutes of engine running time have elapsed and the temp gauge is beginning to register engine warmup. If the tractor is stored outside I also generally plug in the engine block heater (the night before) if ambient temps are expected to go below 20 degrees to assist the starting and warmup process. Following the above procedures have worked for me and have provided typically 5 years of dependable tractor battery life.

 

[kennyd]

What about starting and shut down in general? Seems like the manual says start it at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. Do you let it idle that high for a couple of minutes or bring it all the way down to idle? Also I think it recommends letting it just idle for a minute prior to shutting the engine down. What do most of you guys do?

I never start at more than an idle-don't know why they recommend that. Cool down is also very important-especially after working it hard.

 

[Jriffe108]

On my 2320, i added an engine oil and water coolant temperature gauge since the factory dash did not have a gauge, only an overheat idiot light.

I store my unit in the garage and always start it at idle and allow it idle until the gauge indicates 100 degrees water temp. Only takes 3-5 minutes when ambient is 65 or higher. Takes about 10 minutes when freezing. After 100 degrees is reached, I idle up to about 2000 rpm and work hydraulics and drive the unit to work area. It usually warms up to 150 degrees for normal op temp as indicated on gauge. Highest I have seen so far was 170 while mowing at 2800 rpm for 2 hours at 85 degrees ambient. Will learn more this summer.

Interesting thing I observed is when I shut her down, I set it down to idle and the temp immediately rises 5-10 degrees as the water pump slows. After letting it idle for 2 minutes, you can watch the temp start dropping as the coolant sitting in the radiator starts to flow and carry the heat away. I wait until the temp hits about 130 at idle before shutoff. Usually takes about 2-3 minutes of idle. Would be curious to see how a Direct injected or turbocharged unit warms up and cools down.

 

[Rogator]

That guage looks real nice. Can you tell me what make it is and where you purchased it. Thanks

 

[RoyJackson]

Mine is also kept in a garage attached to the house. Not exactly heated, but warmer then the outside.
I let mine idle at 1500 RPM for about 5 minutes (long enough to smoke a cigaret and do a walk around the tractor).
Then I go to work, but no immediate heavy loads. This is at any temperature, BTW)