Go BottomWinter usage for a new Kubota
 | richard james allen
Join Date: Posts: 1 
|
2000-10-03 20275
Some advice please.Background: Kubota L3000 tractor with 10hrs of use and original oil in engine/trans. The tractor is housed in a closed barn in central NJ. Winter usage includes monthly horse manure dumping and removing snow from a 500 foot gravel drive way two or three times a year.Question: Should I use a block heater? If so, what kind? Freeze plug insert, radiator hose insert, or magnetic 'stick on'? Should I change the oil to a different weight? Should I stop being so anal and find more productive things to do with my time and energy?Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Rich....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoWinter usage for a new Kubota
| TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley 
|
2000-10-04 20291
You've probably got the official 'warranty proof' recommendations from the owner's manual and dealer. I worried through my first fall with a diesel, and as it turned out needlessly so. Cold starting really wasn't a problem. In fact, it may have started easier after several hours on a block heater than on cool summer days. Block heater does mean the freeze-plug type. They keep the cylinder walls warm, unlike oil pan heaters. Block heaters are sort of standard, I'd be surprised if a block heater isn't already there.
Use a block heater, and just be sure to crack the hand throttle 1/2 - 3/4 open on cold days, and warm up the engine at around 1500 rpm, which warms the engine and also the hydraulic oil, and you shouldn't have a problem. Diesels don't warm much at idle rpm. I do use a battery blanket and two magnetic heaters on the sump and transmission case, but maybe that's because I worried needlessly.
If you don't get the break-in oil change done before winter, you might check the type oil used. I don't know what's typically used. However, a straight 30 weight might give the engine cranking problems in severe cold. However, an oil pan heater should fix that OK. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoWinter usage for a new Kubota
| Rick Seymour
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 40
|
2000-10-04 20293
Richard, I would not worry about it. I have a TC29 D. Last winter I just put it in the barn. Did not use any heaters at all & had no starting problems. I just hit the glow plugs for about 10 seconds & it started right up every time. I'm in SE Michigan. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoWinter usage for a new Kubota
| Roger L.
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 0
|
2000-10-04 20294
You are probably worrying about nothing. Small diesels start up in just about any weather if the battery is strong. And if the extra wear by starting a cold engine as few times a year as you describe has ever resulted in noticeable engine wear then I've never heard of it.
On the other hand, it sure doesn't hurt to warm an engine up before starting, they do start easier and wear less....and you will find that some of us older tractor guys just naturally feel more comfortable doing it that way. I agree with TOMG and also like to use block heaters. Block heaters are real handy once they are installed. As Tom says, they are so common that if you live in a cold climate most tractors come with them installed. I notice that on my new tractor there was is a standard twenty dollar charge for adding a block heater.
On any machine, I like to get the first oil/filter change done pretty quickly and then change it several times in the first hundred hours or so. After that it is regular intervals.
No comment on anal vs productive work...except that it sometimes helps to get an opinion from ones wife or girlfriend. Ask them to be kind.... ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoWinter usage for a new Kubota
| Frank R Taylor
Join Date: Posts: 1
|
2000-10-04 20313
I've got to disagree with Roger. Not about any of the technical stuff, I think he's right on there, but NEVER, NEVER ask your wife or girlfriend if you are anal retentive. For a start, they will tell you the truth. Ask your best buddy instead. That's what friends are for. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoWinter usage for a new Kubota
| Roger L.
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 0
|
2000-10-04 20314
Aw shucks, Frank, I was trying to let Rich down easy. But now that you bring it up, I guess we had better tell him straight out....
Hey Rich!...Hate to tell you this buddy, but its true. You are. And it's O.K.... We understand.... The truth is that we're all a bit that way about our tractors. :-) ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoWinter usage for a new Kubota
| Rick Seymour
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 40
|
2000-10-05 20330
And...on top of that, ANY work you do to, or on your tractor is productive. No such thing as non-productive tractor work. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add Photo
Go Top
Share This