I have a new to me (300 hours) JD 6125R. It is -6°F (-21°C) this morning, which is cold for here, but not unusual. The 6125R didn't start. I called the dealer and was told John Deere's all need to be plugged in.
What is realistic temperature for a newer JD to start at without being plugged in? Kubota's, I have had in the past, start to -20°F (-29°C) without being plugged in.
It's not feasible to plug in every tractor at this farm without a large electricians bill to install some distant plugs.
Suggestions?
Posted 1/5/2016 07:14 (#5011981 - in reply to #5011906) Subject: RE: JD Cold Weather Starting
East-Central Ontario
My 6420 needs to be plugged in anywhere below about 2 Celsius to start, the old 6400 did too. The 7510 will start down to about -12 in a pinch but I don't make a habit of it
Posted 1/5/2016 07:14 (#5011984 - in reply to #5011906) Subject: RE: JD Cold Weather Starting
NW Iowa. / SW Arizona
I personally wouldn't even consider starting a Diesel engine without plugging it in for at least an hour or so. It's a lot easier on the engine if you do. I used to use a timer on my loader tractor or grinder tractor for years when I knew i was going to need to use it when the tempersture was cold outside.
Posted 1/5/2016 07:17 (#5011994 - in reply to #5011906) Subject: RE: JD Cold Weather Starting
Ohio
That's hard on the motor atarting it that cold. If it gets below 30 we plug our tractors on here. It's just that much easier on them. Electric is cheap. You could try changing to a thinner oil to help you out maybe.
Posted 1/5/2016 07:31 (#5012023 - in reply to #5011906) Subject: RE: JD Cold Weather Starting
Central MN
Our 7810 has started several times at -10 F without being plugged in sitting in a cold shed. It started the same as if it was 70. I try to plug it in if I know ahead of time that it will be needed but things don't always work out that way. I would guess you have a weak battery as most newer tractors should start at that temp without putting in a bunch of extra effort.
Posted 1/5/2016 07:40 (#5012051 - in reply to #5012023) Subject: RE: JD Cold Weather Starting
Shelburne Ontario Canada
Where i plow snow there is no way of pluggin in. Puma starts at -32c and i know most of the deers sure did too . Very few r series last yr an havent started up cold yet this season.
Posted 1/5/2016 07:38 (#5012046 - in reply to #5011906) Subject: RE: JD Cold Weather Starting
Manitoba, Canada
I have to agree that unless it is an emergency I would not start a Diesel engine at that temperature unless it is plugged in.
As far as why it didn't start using 0-40 oil helps a lot and you would definitely need your battery to be in top condition but I'm sure you already know that. Even if everything is perfect that temperature is definitely in the range where some engines simply won't start. There are engines that will start at almost any temperature but just because they can, doesn't mean they should.
If you need to start it daily I would pay an electrician and be done with it. If it is only occasionally another option is a small, cheap generator. I bought one on sale at TSC a few years ago for a couple hundred bucks. I use it in the late fall for distant fields where I am leaving the tractor in the field overnight. I just fill up the generator and leave it run all night. It can run all night on a little more than a gallon of gas.
Posted 1/5/2016 07:56 (#5012097 - in reply to #5011906) Subject: RE: JD Cold Weather Starting
Whitehouse
If the battery is up, it should have started this morning. If plugging in is not feasible, consider switching to 0-40 synthetic engine oil. It's well worth it and the price difference from 15-40 is not that bad. Hard to tell from your map dot but you must be in the Moncton area?
Posted 1/5/2016 08:11 (#5012136 - in reply to #5011906) Subject: RE: JD Cold Weather Starting
I usually plug the tractor in im going to use but I know they will start if I forget....they are fords and new hollands .we use to have deeres and they should all come new with a case of ether and 100 ft extension cord
Posted 1/5/2016 09:52 (#5012367 - in reply to #5011906) Subject: RE: JD Cold Weather Starting
New Brunswick
I've been told no glow plugs on this model, just air pre-heater. I'll load test the battery and look into 0-40 synthetic for this year. An electrician can be called in the spring.
Posted 1/5/2016 09:57 (#5012375 - in reply to #5011906) Subject: RE: JD Cold Weather Starting
South Western Ontario, Canada
Get a new battery.
MAKE sure to wait to start or even heatt it twice!
Check it out and make sure the plugs or block are actually working!
No reason it should NOT start without having issues.
Do what you have to! I have had to start many engines even colder! I don't like it BUT sometimes plugging in isn't an option or heater failed and had to start.