{"id":4186,"date":"2021-09-01T06:05:38","date_gmt":"2021-09-01T06:05:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandcreekfarm.net\/?p=4186"},"modified":"2023-01-07T05:28:34","modified_gmt":"2023-01-07T05:28:34","slug":"starting-tractor-in-cold-weather-problems-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandcreekfarm.net\/starting-tractor-in-cold-weather-problems-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting Tractor In Cold Weather: Problems & Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tractors usually don\u2019t get along well with the cold months of winter. So if you attempt to start your stubborn farm engine when the temperature is below freezing, I have collected some tips and tricks on starting tractor in cold weather<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Tractor Cold Start Problems<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tractors are easily affected when operating in bad weather conditions. Below are some common starting problems with tractors in cold weather.<\/p>\n

The Engine<\/h3>\n

The standard temperature range for a diesel engine to run is 80-85oC. Below this temperature, your tractor might find it challenging to warm up. This starting problem results in damages to the machinery or lowers your tractor\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n

\"Mahindra<\/p>\n

The Diesel<\/h3>\n

Unlike water or hydrocarbons, biodiesel or petrol diesel doesn\u2019t turn solid when it gets to its freezing point. Instead, it thickens and turns into a waxy substance when the outer temperature is below -12oC. This process is called \u2018gelling.\u2019<\/p>\n

A problem of winter diesel is that the fuel flow to the injectors becomes slower or difficult, thus resulting in cut out in tractors.<\/p>\n

Water Gets Into The Fuel<\/h3>\n

Winter diesel is another cold weather starting problem. Diesel becomes frozen at \u2013 8.1oC<\/a>, while the freezing temperature of the water is 0oC. So, water will turn into ices before diesel and get stuck in the water bowl, preventing diesel fuel from getting into the injectors.<\/p>\n

Thus, your tractor will fail to start or cut out in the middle of working.<\/p>\n

Read our related article<\/strong> on How to Clean a Tractor Gas Tank<\/a> for steps on how to effectively clean your tank of debris, condensation, and rust!<\/p>\n

The Batteries<\/h3>\n

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There are many issues with tractor batteries in cold weather. The battery capacity will drop in the cold and lessen your tractor\u2019s operation runtime. In the middle of your working day, you might have to stop for a few hours to get your batteries recharged.<\/p>\n

Some people purchase rechargeable power packs, but it\u2019s too expensive (around $350-470). Moreover, choosing the inappropriate battery power can lead to overpowering the engine\u2019s electrical system.<\/p>\n

Tips For Easy Starting A Tractor In Cold Weather<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When your tractor meets one of these above problems, it might not start, diminish its performance, or even get damaged while working.<\/p>\n

To prevent those annoyances, you should check these tips for a painless starting tractor in cold weather.<\/p>\n

Keep The Battery Charged<\/h3>\n

Almost all tractors, even a rugged John Deere tractor<\/a> with high-capacity batteries, can experience several problems with batteries in the cold. The golden key for safe and efficient working days during the wintertime is always to keep your tractor battery in good condition.<\/p>\n

But what\u2019s called \u201cgood condition\u201d?<\/p>\n

First, you should fully charge your tractor battery<\/a> before starting your lawn jobs. You can buy a secondary battery with the same amp hours as the original one for jump-starting or replacement.<\/p>\n

Second, remember to check the battery\u2019s health conditions before winter comes. Check if battery terminals are all clean and well-connected. Remove all fading batteries with new ones to prevent any possible breakdowns.<\/p>\n

Good Fuel<\/h3>\n

Besides batteries, a good diesel fuel supply makes your lawn tractor run smoothly under the cold with less hassle.<\/p>\n

When ordering fuel during the winter months (from October to March), make sure you choose a winter-grade diesel, like off-road fuel (the red fuel).<\/p>\n

Since the lack of winter-grade diesel additives corrupts your farm vehicle over time, you should add supplements to your tractor\u2019s fuel tank, like anti-waxing agents or Winter Power by Primrose. These supplements help prevent gelling, icing, disperse moisture or any common cold starting problems.<\/p>\n

You can get these supplements at any fuel supply store for an affordable price. A 235ml bottle of supplement only costs $7 and can treat 125 liters of diesel fuel.<\/p>\n

\"tractor\u2019s<\/p>\n

Read More:<\/strong> How Do You Start a Mahindra Tractor<\/a>? Follow these steps to start your Mahindra in different situations!<\/p>\n

Warm The Engine Up<\/h3>\n

Just like an athlete, your tractor\u2019s engine needs to warm up to maximize its performance and reduce possible damages. So always remember to spend around 5 minutes to warm up the engine, whether in winter or not.<\/p>\n

The preheating process will heat the tractor\u2019s internal combustion chamber, in which the fuel\/air mix is burned. Next, diesel fuel will ignite and start the combustion process. Almost all newest Kubota tractors have an automatic timer to indicate when the glow plugs are finishing heat-up.<\/p>\n

Not only in the initial starting point, but you also need to spare a few minutes to tick over before turning off the key, especially when it\u2019s turbo-charged. This cool-down period allows the whole engine to cool down. It also allows the turbocharger to slow down before shutdown.<\/p>\n

Notice:<\/strong> don\u2019t warm up by open flame<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For your safety, you should never put an open flame or a burning charcoal grill under the engine to warm up your tractors.<\/p>\n

Because your tractor contains flammable or combustible parts, this old method seems very dangerous and not recommended for any causes. It can lead to severe damages or burning for your tractor or your property.<\/p>\n

Let The Tractor\u2019s Engine Idle<\/h3>\n

After starting your tractor, you should let it idle for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. This idling time allows the heat to spread from the engine to the transmission, case, and gear drive of your tractor.<\/p>\n

Besides, make sure that the lubricating oil is heated up, less thick, and greases the gearbox and transmission well.<\/p>\n

Fit A Water Filter<\/h3>\n

You should prevent water from getting into your fuel tank by fitting it with a filter. You should also use sinking filters to absorb water from the bottom of the storage tank.<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget to regularly drain water from the water bowl of the fuel filter to prevent ice forming.<\/p>\n

On rainy or snowy days, you can keep the filter insulated from the air and the engine\u2019s cooling fan by covering it with cardboard or a piece of plastic. When the filter is frozen, use hot water to unfreeze it and pour diesel up to the injector pump. Keeping the storage tank as full as possible also can help to prevent the diesel gelling effect and water from forming inside.<\/p>\n

To lessen the discomforts of starting your tractors in cold weather due to fuel problems, you should choose a proper place for the fuel storage tank. The tank floor should be sloped and placed away from the main tap.<\/p>\n

Thus, dirt and small objects will be kept away from the main tap, where fuel is poured into your tractor\u2019s tank.<\/p>\n

Utilize The Engine Block Heater<\/h3>\n

\"Engine<\/p>\n

You can also use an engine block heater to make engine heating faster in cold weather. Electrical heaters vary in design. They can be placed on the oil pan or dipstick to warm up the oil.<\/p>\n

Almost all block heaters are easy to assemble and efficient, provided that you park your tractor near an electrical outlet.<\/p>\n

How To Start A Tractor In Cold Weather?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

After you have checked all the criteria for a smooth start, including free-flowing diesel fuel, heat at combustion point, free-flowing oil, and a strong battery, it\u2019s time to start your tractor as follows.<\/p>\n