MapleLeafFarmer
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2011
- Messages
- 595
- Location
- Canada
- Tractor
- lots including Kubota B's, L's, cat, etc.. over many years
After 50+ years of using diesels I must say my new Kubota L series maybe the best I have ever had when very cold outside. Here is a short story on last weekends snow blowing adventure I made.
Wanted to blow about 6" of snow we had over the weekend and the wind rows the RM's graders leave at the top of our drives but temps were in the mid -30's C (full -30F). So into the pole barn I went to start the tractor. I grew up in Canada so even being retired cold weather is something that doesn't bother me as we get used to it.
I knew the diesel in the tank was "current" winter blend with a hint of winter Power Service in it so I plugged the block heater in for 2 1/2 hours, then cycled the glow plugs 2 times and hit the starter and she fired up FIRST go. Was very impressed.
I have always respected careful warm ups so after starting I let the engine idle at about 1300 rpm for a couple of minutes with HST in neutral till I could tell from the sound it was in a very comfortable place. Then like the manual says I let it run for 30 minutes at half throttle (1,500 rpm). I let this warm up happen with the HST in low gear. Water temp gauge after 30 minutes showed 1/4 temp after 30 minutes so I made a slow cycle of the front hydraulics and 3pt rear snow blower then hopped into the seat and was good to go.
A slow / easy 2 or 3 minute low gear run up and back the plowed gravel road in front of my place to let the tires etc.. get a little workout and I was good to go!
Spent 4 hours blowing my place, clearing snow wind rows left by the graders and blew out the drives of a couple of others in the local village. Whole adventure took about 1/3 tank of fuel.
Basically once the "L" was warmed up it ran flawlessly. No abnormal sounds, treadle peddle worked perfectly (although I do grease it every 50 hours or so with a low temp grease).... I still think I am tough enough to manage winter cold weather without a cab but DAM I am thinking a heated seat for the bum would sure be nice.
Cheers!
Wanted to blow about 6" of snow we had over the weekend and the wind rows the RM's graders leave at the top of our drives but temps were in the mid -30's C (full -30F). So into the pole barn I went to start the tractor. I grew up in Canada so even being retired cold weather is something that doesn't bother me as we get used to it.
I knew the diesel in the tank was "current" winter blend with a hint of winter Power Service in it so I plugged the block heater in for 2 1/2 hours, then cycled the glow plugs 2 times and hit the starter and she fired up FIRST go. Was very impressed.
I have always respected careful warm ups so after starting I let the engine idle at about 1300 rpm for a couple of minutes with HST in neutral till I could tell from the sound it was in a very comfortable place. Then like the manual says I let it run for 30 minutes at half throttle (1,500 rpm). I let this warm up happen with the HST in low gear. Water temp gauge after 30 minutes showed 1/4 temp after 30 minutes so I made a slow cycle of the front hydraulics and 3pt rear snow blower then hopped into the seat and was good to go.
A slow / easy 2 or 3 minute low gear run up and back the plowed gravel road in front of my place to let the tires etc.. get a little workout and I was good to go!
Spent 4 hours blowing my place, clearing snow wind rows left by the graders and blew out the drives of a couple of others in the local village. Whole adventure took about 1/3 tank of fuel.
Basically once the "L" was warmed up it ran flawlessly. No abnormal sounds, treadle peddle worked perfectly (although I do grease it every 50 hours or so with a low temp grease).... I still think I am tough enough to manage winter cold weather without a cab but DAM I am thinking a heated seat for the bum would sure be nice.
Cheers!