Warm up time at 0°F?

[Elkins45]

How long do you warm up your diesel tractor before using it at 0°F? My practice has been to wait until the temperature needle begins to move off the bottom peg, but should I be waiting longer?

I’ve noticed that in this really cold temperature the needle only rises about 1/3 while in the summer it rises to the middle, but I have no idea if this has any significance.

 

[steve tym]

I usually start to move my tractor at 100 degrees. I don't start to really work it until it's at least 150. Operating temp is 180. Oh, and my stupid tractor didn't come with a temp gauge, I had to add an aftermarket one.

 

[Thomas]

I let our tractor warm for good 15mins. plus at lowest setting,than increase rpm slightly slowly operate attachments.

 

[Jstpssng]

I usually wait until spring.

Actually, in cold weather I go out, atart it up then wait about 10 minutes. That gives it a chance to warm up while I have a cup of coffee.

 

[SatchmoIsBack]

I think it depends a lot on what weight oil you're using. The whole idea of warming the engine is to get the oil moving. Well, most of it. Cold steel can break easier but common sense applies here.