Setting up a new implement and a diesel engine

[whitenorth]

This is the first diesel I have ever owned and I have always never started it unless I was going to be using it where it would get to working temperature.

I've read/heard that you really shouldn't start a diesel engine unless you plan getting it to working temperature. This is true for gas engines also but again, I've read/heard it is harder on a diesel engine than on a gas engine.

So, I just bought a quick hitch and would like to get it and the one implement (for now) setup. This is the first time where I'd want to start it but, wouldn't be using it enough to get it up to full running temperature. How much harm would it cause to start it up, let it warm up some so that the HST isn't starting out cold either, setup the quick hitch and implement and then shut it off? I'd think I'd be okay as long as I didn't make the short start stop cycles a frequent habit but, asking as I'm still learning the idiosyncrasies of a diesel engine. I really don't want to be setting this up at a time that I need/want to use it.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

You will be fine!

Depending on the ambient air up "north" (sounds chilly up there, wherever you are) yes, I'd let the engine run at a "high idle" about 500 rpm over the lowest it will idle for at least 5 minutes if under 32°F (0°C) ... If your only raising and lowering the three point to get it adjusted and hooked up that is more than fine, and just puttering around not under a load to pick up the attachment is also fine.

Depending on what your tractor is it can also vary on how important it is to really work it hot ... Most of the newer emissions diesel don't like a lot of idling or short sessions ...

 

[whitenorth]

Sorry, I knew I forgot something. This is a 1990 Ford 1520 with the HST.

They are talking rain/sleet/snow for the tonight and tomorrow. Probably not enough that I'd need to use it. I'd probably wait for some warmer weather to do it anyway.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

That's not as critical to get warmed up to "full temp" everytime ... In my opinion the getting hot, is to disapate any moisture that may have formed from condensation ... In both engine and transmission.

But your hydraulics will be happier once warmed up to 100°F+ ...

 

[scootr]

I am guilty of starting the tractor for small tasks over and over - for years...my bad I suppose but honestly I never had one quit. One perkins diesel survived this abuse weekly for 15 yrs.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

If it's 80°F+ out, I'll start and once oil pressure is up, I'll start moving, but don't really "work it" until the temp needle comes up a bit

 

[Runner]

I frequently will change attachments without starting the engine. For instance, right now I have my chipper mounted, but I might want to change over to the weight box. I keep most of my attachments on dollies so if I think I might want to change attachments, I will roll the dolly under the attachment when I park the machine and lower it onto the dolly. In fact, I pretty much ALWAYS put the dolly under the attachment before I lower the three-point when parking, just in case....

Now, lets say I want to remove the chipper for some reason (to change to the weight box, grease the drive shaft, etc.) I just put a floor jack under the quick hitch before I cut the attachment loose. Then, pull the levers and unhook the drive shaft. Then I can just lower the hitch with the floor jack enough to clear the hooks and roll the chipper away.

Then I roll the weight box in place and jack the quick hitch back up to engage the hooks. I do this all the time without starting the engine. I also do it with my rear finish mower when I grease the wheels/drive shaft - lower the mower to the floor, unhook, roll it back far enough to work on it, then roll it back into place, jack up the quick hitch to engage the hooks and done.

To answer your actual question though, I don't think start/stop once in a blue moon just to set up the equipment will hurt anything.

 

[dodge man]

It’s never a good thing to start any kind of engine, gas or diesel, big or small and not let it get warmed up all the way. Is it better to run it for no reason just to get it hot after a short use? I don’t think so that’s unnecessary waste of fuel and wear and tear. Start it up and use it the way you need to is my advice. It’s suppose to work for you not the other way around.

 

[RjCorazza]

It’s never a good thing to start any kind of engine, gas or diesel, big or small and not let it get warmed up all the way. Is it better to run it for no reason just to get it hot after a short use? I don’t think so that’s unnecessary waste of fuel and wear and tear. Start it up and use it the way you need to is my advice. It’s suppose to work for you not the other way around.

In a perfect world, it would be best if the work needed got the engine up to temperature. I keep a few small jobs available for my tractor if I can't avoid a short running cycle.

 

[ptsg]

Just run it when and for how long you need it and don't sweat about it. You don't even have emissions on that tractor which would be about the only factor worth worrying about.

My little Agria at home, during winter time when it's pretty much only used to haul firewood, only runs for maybe 10 minutes, about 3 to 4 times a month. And that's really 5 + 5 min since I don't keep it running when I'm loading the carry all box with firewood.