New Tractor Prep/Setup

GntlmnFarmer · Aug 21, 2004

Ok friends, thanks to all your help I will be recieving my new 23 in two weeks. I will of course post pics as soon as I can. She's coming with a front blower, rear tiller, FEL and BH (of course), box scraper, and a 60"MMM with mulching kit.

So here's the question. What should I do when I first get her? I've heard people suggest filling all the zerks. I know when I get a new car I put 3-4 coats of wax on it. What else? Let it idle for break in? Run the RPM's up and down the scale? Check the fluids? What handy ideas are there out there?

Jeff

rbarker · Aug 21, 2004

( Let it idle for break in? Run the RPM's up and down the scale? )

DON'T let it idle for break in! This is not too good for it. Do vary the RPM some at operating speeds of half to 3/4 throttle. This can be accomplished while you work so have fun! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

DannyD · Aug 21, 2004

50% idle for the first 50 hours, then have the dealer do the service, since he SHOULD know what to look for in break in wear etc. Rbarker is right on the rpms, but dont over do it, that too is bad!

I still let mine sit a minute or so before giving it some fuel beyond idle (38 hrs), but that is a personal thing. Take time with the BH, it is fun and it will do lots of work, but you have to take time to learn how it works.

Shot or two of grease would not hurt, but that should have been done prior to delivery, check them either way, make sure you see fresh grease. While the delivery guy is there go over everything, hook up, operation, unhooking, 3 pt hitch setup (comes in a box on the BX, mine was missing). Make sure the balls in the arms are free and moving, first ones on mine were too tight to use. They should turn in all directions fairly easily. Go thru the FEL operation and on and off the machine. Check all fluid levels, and if he has it with him, have him leave a quart of each. MMM should have grease in the gear box. Make sure the dealer knows you are expecting the delivery to take a bit, as you want to go over these items. They may send out a tech for you.

BE SURE you get a hat (I did not), a thank you, and have fun, but be safe first.

OH pictures on here are a must!

ronjhall · Aug 21, 2004

What should I do when I first get her? 

I put 3-4 coats of wax on it. 

That's a good plan until you have read all the manuals. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Other than not idling for a long time and running at full throttle. Just use it. Keep it clean and greased for the first 50 hours.

jpr62902 · Aug 21, 2004

Measure the height of your garage door. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

GntlmnFarmer · Aug 21, 2004

Yeah that garage door thing, that's *really* what pushed me over the edge from the 2230 to the 23. Folding ROPS!

rcaretti · Aug 21, 2004

Measuring the garage door is a must. I learned the hard way what happens when you try to squeeze the tractor into the garage with the ROPS up - lets just say it's helpful to have a big hammer and someone ready to put up some new trim.

Running my ROPS into the trim really speaks about safety. I was hot and tired from mowing and didn't give it a second thought to pull into the garage. Surprisingly, the better half's only comment was that she was glad it wasn't her.

It won't happen again, that's for sure. Now I tap on the hinge on the ROPS to remind me to make sure it's down. I'm in the latter stages of having a barn built where I can leave the ROPS up all the time.

Besides the ROPS, check the fluids, and take it easy. I still don't do anything with the PTO when the tractor is running. I did find a slightly loose leaking radiator hose by making a habit of checking everything over after use. So I think it could pay off for you just by taking a minute to look around.