Tractor Break in after an Overhaul ?

[Stocker Steve]

Planning to use it to haul manure. An tips on first oil change interval or rpms? Have 15W-40 in it now.

 

[SBMF 2015]

When we had a new reman engine put in our JD 4960. They recommend using "John Deere break in oil" and changing it at fifty hrs. Probably no hard pulling for the first 50hrs. Should be fine hauling manure.

 

[Rydero]

Vary the rpms. I would want it working some but not screeming.

 

[callmefence]

John Deere recommends the break in oil in new tractors and rebuilds. 100 hours minimum to 250 maximum. Not sure what the difference is except it's dyed green...

 

[Atimm693]

I'm not a big believer in break in. Run it like you normally would, don't idle too much, and do the first oil change sooner like you mentioned.

 

[chevytaHOE5674]

Break it in like your going to use it within reason. But vary the RPM and vary the load.

Spreading manure should be OK. I wouldn't go hook to the chisel plow and run her wide open for 10 hours though.

 

[jltrent]

Maybe the first few hours, but I would not baby. Also I would change the oil/filter sooner than recommended. I have one tractor bought new with 6500 hours approximate. After the first few hours a turning plow was put behind and plowed for several days. Till this day it has never needed oil added between changes and runs strong. Just my 2 cents.

 

[chevytaHOE5674]

Guess I will prefice my last post with don't hook an implement that maxes the tractor out for hours on hours continuous.

Ie: I wouldn't hook my 11 shank chisel behind my 115hp tractor and work it at 110% capacity rolling coal all day long during break in. But I would put that plow behind 180hp all day long.

Just my 2 cents as a small time mechanic that rebuilds a dozen or so motors a year for customers.

 

[Nesikep]

Opinions on this vary a lot, but from what I hear, you want a load on it, don't scream it, but work it
I know an old guy that rebuilt a lot of D6 cats, he said as soon as he verified the lube and cooling systems were tight, it was blade down and push dirt

 

[SBMF 2015]

John Deere recommends the break in oil in new tractors and rebuilds. 100 hours minimum to 250 maximum. Not sure what the difference is except it's dyed green...

And costs more!

 

[Nesikep]

One difference about the oil is it will contain more zinc, try finding a high zinc oil, or a zinc additive (usually called ZDDP)

 

[chevytaHOE5674]

Yes generally "break in" oil has more zinc in it for the bearings. As well as often times has less "friction modifiers" in it so it allows the rings to wear and seat faster.

 

[Nesikep]

Yes generally "break in" oil has more zinc in it for the bearings. As well as often times has less "friction modifiers" in it so it allows the rings to wear and seat faster.

from what I heard, the zinc particularly protect non-roller lifter camshafts