I use a MX5100DT which is a turbo. Kubota recommends a short cool down period for proper turbo lubrication. Small measure to help ensure tractor operates for a long time, hopefully.
Tractor Cool Down Question
- Thread starter DustyRusty
- Start date
Turbos are propelled by HOT exhaust gases and the impeller and it’s bearings get hot also.
If it’s spinning-up when you shut-down the impeller coasts-down and the heat transfers to the bearings and as already mentioned…”cokes” the oil…turning it to black, sticky residue which then hardens…and does not lubricate the turbo when it is again started-up. The bearings seize and arfe scored/ruined and the turbo needs repair/replacement.
The best way to avoid all that is, after working the tractor, let it idle-down for a few minutes before shut-off. This allows the engine oil pump to continue to pump oil to the bearings carrying-away the heat and the impeller (no longer receiving a high rate of hot exhaust stream) also slows down and cools. All the parts come to ”normalize” in both size and temperature.… and less wear-tear and temp is better for longevity.
While not a tractor, the mfr’r of the turbocharged engines I used to operate mandated a 3-minute cool-down at idle before shut-down. I did that and never had any problems at all. Buddies that didn’t… had expensive repairs time and again.
If it’s spinning-up when you shut-down the impeller coasts-down and the heat transfers to the bearings and as already mentioned…”cokes” the oil…turning it to black, sticky residue which then hardens…and does not lubricate the turbo when it is again started-up. The bearings seize and arfe scored/ruined and the turbo needs repair/replacement.
The best way to avoid all that is, after working the tractor, let it idle-down for a few minutes before shut-off. This allows the engine oil pump to continue to pump oil to the bearings carrying-away the heat and the impeller (no longer receiving a high rate of hot exhaust stream) also slows down and cools. All the parts come to ”normalize” in both size and temperature.… and less wear-tear and temp is better for longevity.
While not a tractor, the mfr’r of the turbocharged engines I used to operate mandated a 3-minute cool-down at idle before shut-down. I did that and never had any problems at all. Buddies that didn’t… had expensive repairs time and again.
Responding just to say I like the leaf blower idea.
Also, all of my other tractors had nice analog guages, so I could tell when it had "cooled down". The Kubota has a little bar-graph LCD display, that will stay at 4 bars all day long, so you never know if it's "cooled down" or not. I'm liking going by time as so may here suggested (I do have a turbo, which none of the old tractors had)