Surprised by how fast temp rises on MX

[Dalroo]

I mowed about 10 acres on Wednesday with my still new MX4800 - 23 hours. I was mowing a field that hasn't been worked in several years, so was in weeds and brush 3-4' tall. I was kicking up lots of dust and knew the filter would need to be cleaned at some point.

I started to notice the temp rising a bit, and thought I would finish the row before stopping, but the gauge was visibly moving, and when it got to 3/4 up the check engine light came on, so i went ahead and stopped, shut down, raised hood, and brushed off a very dirty screen.

I was expecting it, so the entire thing was a non-event, but I thought worth posting because there was really very little warning, and the temp came up quicker than I would've ever guessed.

Dalroo

 

[Tooljunkie]

Good you are paying attention to your machine.

No air flow means no heat exchange.

Just like no coolant flow from a plugged rad or failed water pump.

 

[Bulldog]

Using synthetic oil will help slow the heat rise but you'll always have to watch the gauges when you're in heavy brush.

 

[ShaunRH]

Yup, you can go from normal to overheat in less than 3 minutes. Don't ask how I know...

 

[Dalroo]

Yup, you can go from normal to overheat in less than 3 minutes. Don't ask how I know...

I hear you - as others have noted, I was watching the gauge because I knew I was kicking up lots of debris and dust, but like you, will say the temp went from normal to 3/4 of gauge within a minute or two, and then the light came on within another minute.

 

[Greenhead]

I'm just glad there is an easy to remove and clean screen. Just think, out in the back 40, overheat and no air or water hose to clean the radiator... I too have had this happen as we usually cut deer paths around the 4th of July and well, it's HOT.

 

[mickeyd]

After the first time I had my L heat up very fast, as L's are famous for, I carry a portable air compressor when I am bush hogging for just that reason.