Warm up

[Gl Dansk]

Over and over you see recommendations for warming up your tractor prior to use. While this was likely good advice in older tractors, with thicker non-synthetic oils and no emissions control systems, I’m just wondering if it’s really applicable today. I certainly think you need to get all fluids circulating, but an idling engine with no load is also not a good thing (according to what I have read).

Are there any actual newer mechanics - with significant modern diesel knowledge out there that can pitch in? Or anyone who has run many pieces of equipment operations with experience in the matter?

Thank you!

 

[JeepHead]

My Kubota manual says right in it that it can cause damage if not warmed up before using. That's enough for me...

 

[deserteagle71]

Screen shot directly from my Kubota's owner's manual. It's a 2016 so synthetic oils were available. I'd say their engineers know what they are talking about:

 

[RandyT]

Screen shot directly from my Kubota's owner's manual. It's a 2016 so synthetic oils were available. I'd say their engineers know what they are talking about:
View attachment 880240

But the catch is the "Do not operate the tractor at full load condition until it is sufficiently warmed up". Big difference between starting the engine and going to full load immediately and starting the engine and moving it around to retrieve attachments, or moving to the job site under low load.

 

[ericm979]

Just like a modern car or truck. You can drive it pretty much right away but don't work it hard until its warmed up.

I wait until the temp gauge on my Branson starts moving before engaging the PTO chipper or mower.

 

[RjCorazza]

But the catch is the "Do not operate the tractor at full load condition until it is sufficiently warmed up". Big difference between starting the engine and going to full load immediately and starting the engine and moving it around to retrieve attachments, or moving to the job site under low load.

This is my take on warm ups also. In the winter I generally idle for maybe a minute or two, then putz around or plow the downhill section of my driveway nice and easy.
In warmer months by the time my implement is hooked up and I'm ready to work, the tractor is warmed enough.

 

[Thomas]

Not letting the warm almost the same lugging the motor down.
Summer good 10 mins.,winter 15-20 mins but hat's me.

 

[number two]

If it's running it's burning fuel,and I hate to just do nothing!
Moderate/careful use until you get a little heat in her.
Good Luck!

 

[steve tym]

I let mine run long enough to get the fluids moving (not long), then it's on light duty until I think it's warmed up (I don't have a temp gauge, who builds a 65 hp tractor without a temp gauge?), but I rarely put much of a load on my tractor. Snow removal being the exception.

 

[DarkBlack]

View attachment 880240

That’s not a very useful chart at all.
Having no distinction above 14F?
That’s ridiculous. An engine started at 100F in Arizona needs no 10 minutes warm up, and is miles different than one on a cold 14F winter’s day.

Idling a diesel at -4F for 30 minutes is also counterproductive. Diesels draw in a full charge of cold air every cycle because there’s no throttle plate. They need a load to raise the fuel ratio in sub zero temperatures.
If it hasn’t warmed up in 10 minutes, it’s time to put a load on it.