Winter start.

[jeanmarq]

-30 startup...Hi, re Kioti CK 20 hst, during the 20-25 minutes idle warm-up, should the hydrostatic pump be engaged or wait till the engine reaches normal temperature before releasing the foot pedal? Thanks

 

[TBN Support]

Hi! I'm going to move this thread over to our Kioti section. Someone over there should know.

 

[nybirdman]

I have a HST Kubota,owned two and have the "clutch pedal"that you have to depress to start;should be similar.
I never(16 years of cold weather in northern NY) kept it depressed.
Battery Tender and block heater if really cold,let idle for a while.

 

[Robin Veerman]

I suggest a nice idle of about 1500 rpm and the clutch released, which circulates the HST oil, therefore puts a slight load on the engine for a quicker warmup of both the engine and HST oil. 5 minutes later I put her to work. It’s what I do…

 

[Thomas]

Good 15 mins warm then exercise loader slowly 3 or 4 times than slowly move until you feel tractor ready to work.

 

[jeanmarq]

Thank you all, just wanted to confirm I was doing this right.

 

[Buggs67]

FWIW I once saw someone recommend engaging the rear PTO (nothing attached) to help circulate more fluid and warm it up faster. I usually start the tractor when the glow plug light goes out and let it idle until it smoothes out (I can hear that).

We don't get those kinda temps here in South Central PA.

 

[CobyRupert]

Over the years, I’ve slowly moved into the camp that says diesels don’t really warm up at idle. In my mind, you’re just pumping cold air through it and adding very little fuel (heat).
I’m not saying I start it and go wide open throttle, but I give it a minute or two and then start creeping towards destination.

 

[Buggs67]

Over the years, I’ve slowly moved into the camp that says diesels don’t really warm up at idle. In my mind, you’re just pumping cold air through it and adding very little fuel (heat).
I’m not saying I start it and go wide open throttle, but I give it a minute or two and then start creeping towards destination.

I agree it doesn't really get warm. But I give it a chance to circulate oil and coolant at low rpm before I REV it up.

It definitely starts better if I warm up the glow plugs and I can her it smooth out after idling for a couple minutes.

Back when I worked 7p-7a I'd start my POV while unpacking the unit. The car would NOT warm up at idle (enough to blow heat or defroster).

 

[nknelsen]

I always plug mine in anytime the temperature is below 40 degrees. Even if it's only for 30 minutes before starting, I idle until it smooths out before driving and I only use 50 to 75% throttle until it reaches full operating temperature, at which time I go to full power.

Every engine is different but most diesels have a hard time warming much while idling.

 

[Bavarian]

Everytime I read those "I plug my tractor in at 40F or below" comments, it puts a smile on my face. But each to it's own.
I do fully agree, leaving an engine idling doesn't do much.
But putting an ice cold engine to work and possibly reving it up wide open, that hurts.

A teacher at mechanics school once explained it this way: imagine, you get woken up from deep sleep. A person kicks your rear end and wants you to run a marathon at -40. You might do it once or twice but then quit.

A 20 minute warm up time on the other hand is way overkill. You could be done with your job by then.

 

[nknelsen]

Everytime I read those "I plug my tractor in at 40F or below" comments, it puts a smile on my face. But each to it's own.
I do fully agree, leaving an engine idling doesn't do much.
But putting an ice cold engine to work and possibly reving it up wide open, that hurts.

A teacher at mechanics school once explained it this way: imagine, you get woken up from deep sleep. A person kicks your rear end and wants you to run a marathon at -40. You might do it once or twice but then quit.

A 20 minute warm up time on the other hand is way overkill. You could be done with your job by then.

I'm so glad to have put a smile on Your Face.