I have a set on my LX2610 and found there is no need to run the sides, even in single digit temps. Below zero, I'd probably run them. Stopping the air going through the radiator is what warms it faster I run just the front, the tractor warms quickly. When working it hard, for me, it's blowing snow, I keep an eye on the temp guage. When it hits 4 bars, I open just one side of the front, to allow air in through the front side grill opening. I have had it boil over when it hits 5 bars. After 2 Winter seasons, I now know what the tractor likes, so it's 2nd nature to keep the engine temp in it's happy place. When I transport the tractor to my next snow blowing job on a flatbed, I leave the tractor running and put the front cover over the front-side grill again. The tractor is also loaded baskwards. The front cover has never moved in transport.