Breaking in Tractor

[Blondie70]

I am breaking in my L3301. Book says not to go too fast ! Guess they mean in RPM's. I am staying around 2000 max RPM while bushhogging. My rpm is not optimal for cutting . Guess just going slow while hogging will get the grass cut better. Don't want to hurt the tractor during the breakin.
How did you guys do your breakins ?
Pete

 

[85Hokie]

I am breaking in my L3301. Book says not to go too fast ! Guess they mean in RPM's. I am staying around 2000 max RPM while bushhogging. My rpm is not optimal for cutting . Guess just going slow while hogging will get the grass cut better. Don't want to hurt the tractor during the breakin.
How did you guys do your breakins ?
Pete

Pete,

some say run it like you stole it - most do not! Run it at variable RPM's, not sure what your top RPM is, but I would not go balls to the walls just yet! If your machine has a max rpm is closer to 3000, them bump it up a bit from your 2k.
The machine is really designed to run from the get go - most take it easy at first - but whatever you do, DONT under run it!

If you are bushhoggin' and you need a little boost, run it up a bit and then back off. You really cannot hurt the machine. If tier IV - then it will run up the rpms for you!!!

 

[1970cs]

This is it above advice is the best run it hard! That's what I tell all my customers with DPF systems.

Some EGR systems are now programmed not to throttle up until the coolant hits a specified temp.

Pat

 

[TripleR]

Pretty much what Hoakie said, we've broken four or five Kubotas in from 22-85HP and just followed the manual, no full out RPM, but fast enough to do the work, alternate the throttle from time to time, maybe every thirty minutes or so and allow for cool down cycle. My BX 540 pto is 3000, so I ran it at 2700-2800 and got a good cut.

 

[Blondie70]

Thanks for the advice gents. I will do as you advised. Will vary the rpm's.
Pete

 

[Ike]

ll be one year old next month. I try tokeep the RPM's around 2000 and it does just fine. I was told to run it however I did the old one. Mine is the DT model and it was regenerating about every 20 to 25 hrs until it hit 75 hours. I then ran it almost 3/4 throttle whenever and my last regen was at 60 hours. One thing to keep watch of is your water seperator. On mine the dealer filled it full and after the first tank the seperator was half full of water. Since then the red rind hasn't moved but I will clean it before freezing weather gets here

 

[Cousin Eddie]

I am breaking in mine right now, only got 10 hours on it so far. I have been changing the RPM's every 20 minutes or so, but I try and keep it real close to the recommend range for the PTO while mowing. I don't want it to bog down and have to work very hard.

 

[Blondie70]

All good info. I am wondering what gear you guys running when bush hogging? I am using first gear in hi range. Seems to be a just fine speed for what I am cutting....

 

[Cousin Eddie]

I have kept my HST in low range while mowing. The stuff I was cutting was very tall (6') and very thick. I wanted to go super slow so that the engine never labored very much while still new. Now that I got it knocked down I'm sure I will be able to go faster next time. Slower speed makes for a better cut and smaller pieces of debris coming out.

 

[cerlawson]

I've seen this "breaking in" stuff as long as I can remember (age 88). I've yet to see anyone verify that any one "misuse" or failure to "follow the book" can be related to any problem later. The only thing I have heard is that chore tractors have more wear, or engine hours being short between overhauls, as compared to field tractors. The starting and stopping seems to have more effect than anything. Field tractors run all day long.