cold weather and tractors

johndeereman · Dec 18, 2008

im having a problem with starting my electric start tractors now that it has gotten colder its +25 farenheight not really cold at all but once it falls below freezing i have a hard time getting tractors to start ive been fighting with my jd 70 it has carb and distributor isues so didnt expect that one to start but my jd a which sits in an unheated garage took a few rolls to start and my dc case which is out in the weather wouldnt start with the battery i had to hand cranck it always starts first piston up had to cranck half a dozen times to start i know some of you have it colder than i do whats your hints to help out besides a block heater will that temp make a batteries charge worthless i dont know what im gonna do when winter actually gets here didnt try to start my handstart b but that starts first piston up even at 20 below so im not worried about that one thinkin i might need to put lighter oil in but 4 tractors at the smallest 8 quarts that will be pricey im runing sae30 in them now

buickanddeere · Dec 18, 2008

You answered your own questions.
Cold batteries have low output. Thick 30 weight oil makes the engine harder to crank.
If you are not using the pto and hydraulics. Are they disengaged?
If the battery is old or small, the cables too small or there are high resistance connections. It's not going to start when the starter drags the system voltage down to 4-5 volts and they isn't enough voltage to fire a spark.

plow hand · Dec 18, 2008

B&D is right, another thing make sure your generator belts are tight on your tractors.

james rumph · Dec 18, 2008

After long and painful restorations my 52 Super M and 55 Cub are kept in a heated garage.

I use the Cub to plow snow so it is used often in the winter. The Super M is for pulling so it stays covered and warm.

I have kept them in the cold and that is a bear when it comes to starting a 6 volt tractor.

If you have a torpedo heater throw it under the tractor for 20 mins before starting.

Maybe a block heater would help.

Anonymous-0 · Dec 18, 2008

We have a friend that puts a little diesel fuel in with his #30 oil in the fall. He says it saves a oil change. Tractor don't get any hard work in winter, seems to work for him.

IH Tractors · Dec 19, 2008

I used to have a IH 1066 turbo that started up in -20.

onefarmer · Dec 19, 2008

My uncle for as long as I can remember used 10W oil in his daily chore tractors (diesel) and the skidloader in the winter. The rest just didn't get used. They are still running well with no work done to them. I now use them and am doing the same thing.

Winter starting recipe 10W oil, a blast of ether, and a boost on the batteries, block heater if needed.

This is mid-Mich so no subzero temps like some of y'all

Jack a · Dec 19, 2008

Use non ethanol gas and it will start better when cold.

Jack a · Dec 19, 2008

1066 is the best starting older diesel I've ever been on.

buickanddeere · Dec 19, 2008

For less money spent in the long run. Trade that ether for the block heater.
Longer engine life, less fuel burned, less starter,alternator/generator and battery wear. Ether isn't cheap either.

Bob seND · Dec 20, 2008

Must be a bad battery.
My 70 gas has been starting outside at -10F
with no heater. My A will start at colder than
than that. It helps to have the hydraulic pump
off to start it and let it warm up.
Bob seND

cold weather and tractors

johndeereman

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buickanddeere

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plow hand

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james rumph

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Anonymous-0

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IH Tractors

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onefarmer

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Jack a

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Jack a

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buickanddeere

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Bob seND

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