With my B1700, I kept the rpm under 2200 for the first 50 hours, but varied the setting frequently so the motor didn't get "used" to one particular speed (maybe an old wives tale, but thats what my dad taught me about cars). I bought mine in March, so I made sure I had allowed the motor to warm up thoroughly , per the owners manual, when it was cold outside. I keep mine in the garage also. A good coat of wax on all painted surfaces is a little ****, but a good idea nonetheless. I also changed my oil and filters at 25 hours AND at the recommended 50 hours. Again, maybe overkill, but this is my first and last tractor, god willing. I also gave all the major nuts and bolts, especially the wheel mounting lugs, a good tightening after 20 or 30 hours, to see if vibration had loosened them at all (nope). At 100 hours I switched to Amsoil for the motor, and will do the same at 300 hours for the HST fluid.