I am in a Fire Apparatus training class right now. They reviewed this issue and concured with your statement. This is from IFSTA First Edition "Pumping Apparatus DRIVER/OPERATOR Manual", page 56:
ENGINE IDLING
Shut the engine down rather than leave it idling for long periods of time. Long idle periods can result in the use of addtional fuel(1/2 gal/hour on fire apparatus), buildup of carbon in injectors, valves, pistons, and valve seats; misfiring because of injector clogging; and damage to turbo shaft seals. When the engine MUST be idled because of extremely cold weather or floodlight operation, set the idle at 900-1100 rpm rather than at lower speeds."
Note the rpm they say; the engines in a fire apparatus run at different RPM than our small tractors. The book instructs the operator to review the department SOP's(Standard Operating Procedures) for each individual apparatus.
So, if we idle these tractors while doing tasks, ect, it is best to run the RPM up a bit. Otherwise they will run cold, and result in deposits in the fuel system and cylinders. There's also the possibility of junk getting in the oil too.
RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif